We Speak Fashion

Embracing Barrel Jeans: Popular Philly Boutique’s Secret Tips!

Published

2 months ago

December 4, 2024

Barrel jeans have taken the fashion world by storm, offering a unique silhouette that tapers at the top and bottom, while being widest near the knees. This design creates a distinctive look that has sparked debate across the internet. While some love the bold, fashion-forward statement, others are hesitant due to their bow-legged appearance. However, when stylerrd correctly, barrel jeans can be a high-fashion choice that elevates any winter wardrobe.

We had the pleasure of catching up with Tykeia “Keia” Chesson, the owner of the well-loved TC Unlimited Boutique located in the Chestnut Hill area of Philadelphia, PA to get her expert take on styling barrel jeans. “While barrel jeans might not be everyone’s cup of tea, that’s perfectly okay,” Keia shares with a knowing smile. She emphasizes that fashion is all about personal style and confidence, encouraging fashion enthusiasts to embrace what makes them feel fabulous.

Keia’s Top Tips for Styling Barrel Jeans

Highlight the Top Taper
- To truly appreciate the unique silhouette of barrel jeans, it’s essential to expose the top taper. Whether you opt for a slightly cropped sweater or tuck in your top, these jeans shine when their shape is visible. While oversized clothing remains trendy, showing off the jeans’ silhouette adds a touch of sophistication to the look.
Choose Shapes that Flatter
- Fashion is all about personal preference, so choose shapes that flatter your body and style. If you’re inclined towards more form-fitting tops to balance the voluminous jeans, go for it. However, Keia loves an approach that plays with texture and shapes. A top that adds contrast and complements the jeans can truly make the outfit stand out.
Embrace the Relaxed Look
- Barrel jeans offer a relaxed vibe that can be dressed up or down. The key is not to overthink it. Wear them in a way that feels authentic to you. Fashion is about expressing individuality, so find a style that suits your personality and wear it with confidence.

About TC Unlimited Boutique:

Established in 2005, TC Unlimited Boutique is the brainchild of Tykeia “Keia” Chesson, whose lifelong dream was to own a fashion haven. After years of operating as a mobile and online merchant, Keia opened her boutique in Chestnut Hill, PA in 2016. Since then, TC Unlimited has been a beacon of style and elegance in the community, offering personalized styling services that cater to each client’s unique fashion needs.

TC Unlimited Boutique cherishes their fabulous customers and attribute their success to continued support and love they have received over the years. They’ve had the privilege of connecting, styling, and sharing countless special moments with their clients over the years — even through the pandemic over Facebook Live which is still popular today.

For personalized styling services or to explore our latest collections, reach out to Keia and the team at [email protected] or call 215-247-1456. They can’t wait to help you discover your unique style!

We Speak Events

“Pop Couture” Redefines Fashion during NYFW: A Bold Fusion of Anime, Pop Culture, and High Fashion

Published

2 weeks ago

January 22, 2025

Adavie Gutierrez

Jan. 22, 2025 (New York)— Pop Couture is set to redefine the runway during New York Fashion Week with a runway show and post runway show event on Friday, February 7, 2025, presented by Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment. This groundbreaking show spotlights the transformative influence of anime, Japanese craftsmanship, and pop culture on modern fashion, featuring visionary designers who are reshaping the industry with bold, innovative designs.

Pop Couture is a fashion revolution, blending pop culture’s bold artistry with high-fashion craftsmanship to redefine the runway. With Millennials and Gen-Z leading the charge, this event celebrates the storytelling and individuality shaping the future of media, retail, and style. More than a show, Pop Couture is a cultural and economic statement unveiling what’s next in fashion and beyond.

Meet the Designers Who Are Changing the Game

Frank Huynh | Lê Tâm (He/Him): Frank is the mastermind behind Lê Tâm, where heritage meets avant-garde fashion. Drawing deeply from his Vietnamese roots, Frank’s designs are a stunning collision of tradition and modernity, exuding elegance and artistry. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and storytelling through fabric, Frank’s creations have captivated audiences in prestigious arenas such as the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building and DC Fashion Week, making him one of the most exciting designers to watch this year.

KingKitsu (He/Him): KingKitsu is rewriting the rules of fashion with their transformative, statement-making designs. Known for their daring blend of regal and rebellious styles, KingKitsu creates bold looks that embrace individuality and celebrate self-expression. Their work is a perfect balance of theatrical artistry and wearable luxury, captivating audiences with every collection.

Dykemint (They/Them/He/Her): Dykemint is redefining couture with a bold mission: to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind fashion that’s equal parts chaos and beauty. Fi Black’s anime-inspired, maximalist designs break the mold of fast fashion, delivering handcrafted pieces that are as thought-provoking as they are jaw-dropping. With a commitment to size-inclusivity and sustainability, Dykemint is a rebellious force in the industry, proving that creativity knows no limits.

Aya Sakai | SAI Japan Vintage (She/Her): Aya, founder of SAI Japan Vintage, brings Japanese heritage to the forefront of modern fashion. Her designs reimagine centuries-old kimono fabrics as contemporary masterpieces, each piece telling a story of history, culture, and innovation. Aya’s work is a love letter to traditional craftsmanship and a bold statement about sustainability, earning her a place as one of fashion’s most visionary upcyclers.

Plus Ultra Entertainment (They/Them) is making its fashion debut with an anime-inspired capsule collection set to premiere at the Pop Couture runway show during New York Fashion Week. This limited-edition collection draws on the vivid energy and imaginative worlds of anime, translating them into sleek, wearable art pieces designed to captivate both pop culture and high-fashion enthusiasts.

Featured Makeup Partner

Elevating the runway looks is Yva Expressions, the featured makeup partner for Pop Couture. Renowned for its vibrant eyeshadow palettes, luxurious lip glosses, and stunning use of color, this cruelty-free and vegan brand seamlessly blends pop culture with high-quality cosmetics. With products that cater to both bold and subtle aesthetics, Yva Expressions will craft the unforgettable beauty looks that complement and elevate the fashion on the runway, embodying the show’s dedication to ethical and inclusive artistry.

Featured Jewelry Designer

TruFacebyGrace is a celebration of African heritage and Afrofuturistic vision, crafting bold, culturally inspired jewelry and fashion that bridge tradition and modernity. Drawing on the rich tapestry of African customs and craftsmanship, each piece tells a story—honoring the intricate artistry of diverse regions while embracing a forward-thinking aesthetic. This blend of heritage and innovation has captured the attention of global icons like Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, Zozi Tunzi and more. TruFacebyGrace has also been featured in Coming 2 America and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. From the Oscars to the Golden Globes and Essence red carpets, the brand stands as a testament to cultural pride and its powerful connection to pop culture, redefining what it means to wear your story.

Press & Media Invitations Now Open

Members of the press/media are invited to request credentials via [email protected]. Seating and capacity are extremely limited.

Stay Connected
Follow Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes looks at Pop Couture.

Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment, the event’s award winning, visionary producers, have created a platform that blends impeccable event production with a passion for highlighting emerging talent. From small to large experiences, media features and impact, their expertise ensures Pop Couture delivers an experience that rivals the biggest shows of the season.

About Studio|Couture

Studio|Couture is a premier creative agency specializing in fashion, art, and luxury event production. Renowned for its innovative approach and dedication to elevating emerging talent, Studio|Couture blends high-end aesthetics with cutting-edge storytelling to craft unforgettable experiences. From conceptual design to flawless execution, the agency is committed to pushing boundaries and redefining modern couture.

About Plus Ultra Entertainment

Plus Ultra Entertainment is an award-winning entity and inclusive nerd space dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the diverse voices within nerd, anime, cosplay, and pop culture. With a mission to creatively build community and culture, Plus Ultra Entertainment bridges the gap between fandom and artistry, crafting experiences that unite and inspire. Through its innovative productions and dedication to inclusivity, the company has become a trailblazer in highlighting the transformative power of nerd and pop culture.