Featured Photo
-
Local up-and-coming designer gives neighbors first dibs
Rachel Markowitz | July 11, 2007
On a recent Saturday afternoon, as I walked down Douglass Street, I felt magnetically drawn towards what appeared to be a better-than-average stoop sale. Pretty, boutique-quality dresses hung from a rack, and it was obvious from just a quick glance that these were not someone’s second-hand toss-aways. And the prices were actually within my budget.
I returned a bit later, freshly showered. I brought along a friend, and together we gushed over the array of dresses, ranging from the work-appropriate, the elegant, to the sexy-casual summer variety. Each garment is designed by Melissa Bell, Douglass Street resident and up-and-coming designer. She designs and sews all her garments in her home, and began doing sample sales last summer. Aside from women’s dresses and tops, Ms. Bell also designs and sells dresses for girls and babies. She says the response so far has been great, with many repeat clients. She hopes to begin selling her garments to boutiques soon.
I was able to try on dresses right in Ms. Bell’s vestibule, where she has conveniently placed garment hooks. There are full-length mirrors outside, and Ms. Bell is more than willing to help find a dress that is flattering on you. In the end, I decided on a brown and black strapless that looks adorable. As soon as my roommate saw it, she ran out and bought one for herself. With most garments under $50 (some as low as $15!), it’s hard to walk away empty-handed.
Melissa Bell will be having her designer sample sales throughout the summer into October. Her sale is on the stoop of 33 Douglas St., between Smith and Court. Look for signs around the neighborhood for upcoming dates.
Comments
7 Comments so far
Just a quick question..besides signs posted around the neighborhood for upcoming events. Is there a designer sample sales website for Ms. Bell where I can view dates of upcoming events? This sounds like a great deal…
The website is not up as of yet, however she can be reached via email, melissabellnyc@yahoo.com.
Update: Melissa Bell will have another sample sale this Saturday, July 14th, 11 am - 5 pm at 33 Douglass St.
I have seen much of Ms. Bell’s collection and she is a phenomenal designer. Her dresses are intuitively designed to suit the curves of a woman’s body, without sacrificing comfort and NY style.
I own several of Ms. Bell’s pieces and I am always anxious to see her next line. Her designs WILL make it to the catwalk someday.
Melissa’s STYLE is OFF THE HOOK!!!!!!!!!Fo’ REALZ….;)…She can dress my ass any day!!! I’m lookin HIGH CLASS in the Bronx!!! I can tell my Girlz that Melissa can do a Double “D”, and some FIIIIINE ASS BOOTY some DAMAGE!!!!! Luve me some MUMS!!!! My red Senorita dress has ALLLLLLLLLLL the Caballeros jumpin’!!!!!!!!!!!Lookin’ forward to your spring line, Chica!!!! Muchos Besos…xoxoxoxoxo
I have been coming to New York for years to do my shopping. I could spend hours wandering around Manhattan looking for something different then I can find in Tampa, Fl. Then I found Brooklyn. I love finding independent designers before they make it big. When I found Melissa Bell, I felt like I found the next best thing. I can’t go anywhere without someone commenting how much they like my dress. I own 5 dresses. I go everywhere in the Jeffery ( a well thought out very cute tube dress). I’m not a skinny girl and I definately don’t like every dress I put on. I don’t know how she does it, but I think her dresses would look good on just about any body type.
I am simply thrilled with my finds at this particular sale. I holiday in this area several times a year to visit my sister from th UK, and I am always chomping at the bit to get to Manhattan. However, on a leisurely stroll thru the neighborhood in which she lives, I could not BELIEVE the boutique quality of the garments found @ Ms. Bell’s!!! Such smart designs as well as an onhand keen eye of Melissa really aided in my purchase of THREE dresses…all for under 100 American dollars!!! KUDOS Ms. Bell! I’ll DEFINITELY be back on my next visit. (Do you have a website?!?) CAIO! P.A.