Sonya Freeman is one to keep an eye on. At just 5’3 she’s, she has broken into the modeling industry and made some pretty bold moves. She’s graced the pages of Essence, Glamour, and Nylon magazines and has worked as an extra in both Sex In the City films, starring Sarah Jessica Parker. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, adorable and opinionated, Sonya tells The Creative Cookie “I'm in New York City to get away from the normal life of getting married, graduating college, and having a baby.” This past April, Sonya launched 16 Stone Vintage, an online boutique that merges her love for vintage, business, and fashion. With affordable options to choose from, 16 Stone is a great site for vintage enthusiasts to find unique pieces to sprinkle into their closets. I had a moment to catch up with the Sonya, who was nice enough to share her earliest vintage experience, what she likes to wear when she blogs, and more.
CC: Congrats on the launch of 16 Stone Vintage! Tell me how you came up with the name 16 Stone Vintage.
16 Stone: Thanks Lesley! 16 Stone is the name of my favorite album by a band called Bush. They were so popular in the 90's but now they feel like old school, lol. The album is very important to me and helped me get through a tough time as a teen. I'm known as 16 as a nickname to some people. 16 Stone has become me essentially.
CC: How old were you when you started shopping vintage?
16 Stone: My earliest memories of being in resale stores was about 4 years old. I have a specific memory of being 9 years old and my dad giving me $20 and sending me off to find anything with the label Yves Saint Laurent. I think I was shopping for vintage before I even knew it.
CC: What do you love the most about vintage clothing?
16 Stone: Each vintage find is like a treasure for me. I think the thing I love the most is actually "the hunt." Nothing is more satisfying for me than to dig and dig through junk and come out with a fabulous intact vintage piece. Each one is so unique because vintage pieces are often one of a kind after many years. I think it's like digging for gold and coming up with diamonds.
CC: What are the essentials to pulling together the perfect vintage look?
16 Stone: I think what's really important is to remember that it's still 2010. You don't want to look like you are wearing a costume period piece. So I say it's essential to always mix a few modern pieces along with your vintage look. I think that contrast makes the vintage piece stand out even more. Jewelry is very important and I'm a fan of adding a cute hat.
CC: What can shoppers expect to find at 16 Stone Vintage?
16 Stone: Shoppers can expect to find quality and unique vintage items. There were a lot of clothes in the past, but not all of them were exactly fashionable. I hand pick all the items and I only select the very best. Garments have to have silhouettes that are still relevant or style that can transition all periods. I sometimes find quirky antique items like vanity sets or picnic baskets to compliment the clothing.
CC: You have so many amazing dresses, would you say that's your specialty?
16 Stone: I definitely would say dresses are my thing at 16 Stone Vintage. When I shop, there might be a scenario where I have 5 great blouses but I find one amazing dress. I would put all the blouses back for the dress, lol. A dress for me is the essence of a woman. It's something men can't wear, so it's defined by us. Each one is special, fun, and flirty.
model: Sonya f. photos: © Lesley W, 2010
CC: How can we keep up with what's new at 16 Stone Vintage?
16 Stone: You can keep us with us by becoming a fan on facebook and following our blog featured on our website. We also have a news section on our website.
CC: Thanks so much for letting us interview you, Sonya! Before we wrap up, The Creative Cookie just finished a special series on fashion bloggers, last month called dress for impressions. Tell us, about your blog and what you like to wear when you blog.
16 Stone: The 16 Stone Vintage blog features adventures of my life and how it relates to vintage fashion. I write articles about events I attend, vintage finds I spot on other sites, vintage trends, etc... Hmmm, what do I wear while blogging??? I have to say my vintage housecoat. It's stylish and flirty with a frilly collar. Think 1950's tasteful lingerie jacket. I usually write late at night in the bed and I like to be comfortable. :)
