Andrea Schaefer adds flair to Rapid City with new alternative fashion offerings
Andrea Schaefer has always been a creative free spirit who loves to make a statement, and that is exactly what she envisioned when opening Blissed Alternative Fashion.
The former professional dancer and studio owner recently opened a new clothing store at 412 Oshkosh St. Suite 4. Friday, June 21 from 11 – 6 p.m. is the grand opening. It includes sales, prizes, and lots of fun.
“I have always wanted a boutique,” said Schaefer adding that she and her friend, Lacee Wick, thought it would be a good retirement gig. But the 47-year-old’s dream came sooner.
After owning Barefoot Dance Studios for 16 years, the former professional dancer, who performed on stages in New Mexico, Germany, Mexico, Austria, and on glaciers in the Alps, needed a change. “That job was just a lot of weight on my shoulders. I cared deeply for almost 300 kids and their families.”
She also wanted to bring some pizazz to Rapid City’s fashion scene. “Retail therapy is a real thing for me – that little hit of dopamine. I love getting dressed in the morning and making my outfit match my mood or alter my mood,” Schaefer said. “But I have always struggled in this town to find bold choices.”
Schaefer calls her pieces uniquely curated, bold, and fun. “I keep saying this is Rapid City ‘city’ clothing. I went to college in Albuquerque, and everybody dressed in a lot of black with bold colors, and I adopted that style.” She also grew to love some of the European styles while dancing in Germany and Austria.
In addition to her current variety, Schaefer also has thrifted and vintage clothing which all fall into her goal of being a sustainable boutique. Over 90 percent of her merchandise is from companies that are either women-owned, eco-friendly, made in America, or give back to their communities. “I am trying to do that hard work for the women in this town so they can come in and know they are not part of that fast fashion industry.”
Schaefer will also add her own talents to the boutique.
She plans to have her sewing machine available for instant alterations and will eventually incorporate her own fashion line to add to the offerings. Aside from years of creating costumes and merchandise for Barefoot, Schaefer spent three years making her own clothes. “My parents died when I was in high school, so I took off, lived in a school bus, traveled around the country and made my own clothes.”
Aside from the wide variety of unique clothes, Blissed offers accessories including earrings, hats, and bags, as well as gifts.
Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 6 pm.
Check out the newest arrivals and keep up to date on the Grand Opening event on their Instagram @blissedrcsd, Facebook, or website.
