To read “It’s not just about shoes anymore” click here.

If you’re interested in unique and vintage clothing, then Cuffs Urban Apparel is the store for you. They feature small and independent designers for a rare look. Cuffs carries clothing for both men and women.

Prices range from $8 to $100 for new and recycled clothing. The style is young and contemporary, so the average customers are 15 to 35 years old.

Some of the more popular items are the jeans, men’s vintage shirts, t-shirts and women’s dresses.

This boutique is family owned and operated. Lacadia Olsen, one of the owners said she she’s the creative director, mainly handling purchasing and merchandising. Olsen’s mother, Becky Starr manages the shop’s finances and Olsen’s brother handles the advertising.

Lacadia Olsen attended U.C. Santa Barbara for college. Here she found a similar boutique where she loved to shop. After she graduated, she moved to Sacramento to be closer to her mother. Together, they decided to open a vintage-type clothing store, inspired by the boutique in Santa Barbara.

Instead of selling major mainstream brands, Cuffs focuses on independent brands, usually from New York, Brooklyn or San Francisco. Olsen also purchases from vintage wholesalers and travels to find items for the boutique.

She said she doesn’t usually purchase clothing from people off the street. “Sometimes people bring in stuff that is weird and gross. Sometimes they’re good,” Olsen said. About two weeks ago, a woman contacted Olsen and said she had several bags of vintage clothing. “She actually had real genuine vintage stuff in great condition. You just never know.”

In addition to clothes, Cuffs also sells accessories such as hats, purses and jewelry. Grace Hats are one of the more popular brands of hats sold at Cuffs. Included in their jewelry and purse selection are items made from local designers.

Olsen has also designed a few items. She designed a few t-shirts, which sold well, however she hasn’t had the chance to design or make more clothing. “If I do end up designing more, I would sell my own line outside of the store as well,” Olsen said.

Cuffs also offers another unique element for their customers. Every second Saturday Cuffs will feature a different artist and DJ.

The DJs spin music that range from indie rock to hip hop. The artists are local and usually specialize in urban art. The art pieces range from digital photography to paintings.

In the beginning Olsen had to seek out artists, however, the artists are now coming to Cuffs to offer displays. She said Cuffs never charges the artists and all art sales are at the artist’s discretion.

“Mid-town Sacramento is an art crowd and this is a good business draw,” Olsen said. “It’s worth staying open the extra hours.”

If you are looking for something a little different from the usual mainstream chain stores, Cuffs offers exactly that – a unique fashion flare with a vintage theme and art displays. This is a whole new shopping experience.

Cuffs Urban Apparel is located at 2523 J Street. 916-443-2881Hours: Mon ?” Thurs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri ?” Sat 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Linda Le can be reached at [email protected].