Sister Act
Although Andy Warhol predicted everyone would have fifteen minutes of fame, the Minagorri sisters are working to ensure young designers get far more. Their boutique, Mina, features affordable local lines such as TAudrey, Karlee Feed Your Head and Tricia Fix. Everything in the store is one of a kind and under $100.
The twenty-something sisters, Michelle, Marianne and Monica, view their store as an extension of their closet. Monica, the youngest, proclaims, “I’m a girl. I know what I love.” And there’s a lot to love at Mina from swimwear to club wear. Their clientele ranges from high schoolers to hot moms who crowd the stores on Tuesdays when the new shipments go on sale at 2 pm. The sisters only order one of each design in small, medium and large, insuring each customer flaunts a unique style.
© MinaWhile none of the sisters has formal training in fashion, Monica formerly owned a boutique off 123rd Street in Bal Harbor. Her sisters then decided they needed to get in on the action. Their love of fashion grew from the fun they had dressing each other and their friends. Now their customers are part of that extended family, hanging out in the store on the comfy leather couch, lounging in the silver club chair, and trying on sexy, South Beach- inspired Gaia halter bikinis in florals and stripes, and backless one-piece suits with metal rings at the sides. “Gaia suits’ fit is amazing,” Monica says.
After the beach Mina-ites can slip into a sensuous floor-length dress by Indah, a Balinese designer. Shoppers can choose from tie-dyed strapless in purple with green starbursts or a spaghetti-strap black perfect for Miami winters. The ideal accessory would be a sixties-inspired Karlee Feed your Head headband, which Karlee Velasquez, the line’s creator, calls “pieces of jewelry made with leather, beads and love.” Another option is TAudrey’s whimsical yet sophisticated jewelry such as the “Make your Mark” necklace, a gold chain with a stylized letter. Monica herself sports a “Z” worked in texture stones.
© Diane Mooney / MFbOther eye-catching wear includes Caribbean Queens backless chiffon mini dress with an attached silver and gold beaded belt and Tricia Fix’s vintage-inspired halter dress with pink flamingoes on the bodice and the floor length hem. For a more causal looks shoppers snap up Jimi Vee’s unisex T’s with a big-haired rock star sketch , and for dressing up or down, Dan W’s slouch handbags made from recycled leather.
The sisters love working with their designers to create custom pieces, everything from an under $100 linen wedding dress for a beach bride to bridal party hair accessories. And least one sister is always at the store to greet customers. “Fashions changes and so should your wardrobe” is their mantra. And while Andy Warhol claims, “The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting" there’s no need to forgo trendy, affordable fashion at Mina.
Originally published August 27, 2010.
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