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All Black Everything: Jet Black owner gives insight on fall trends, running store

Allen Chiu | Staff Photographer

Amanda Gold stands in Jet Black, a boutique specializing in women's clothing. Gold had always loved to shop, but only found out she wanted to turn fashion into a career while working for Joel Shapiro, the boutique's previous owner.

As the owner of four fashion boutiques, Amanda Gold is no stranger to fashion and popular trends. One of her boutiques, Jet Black, is located in the heart of Armory Square and features women’s clothing and accessories. The Daily Orange sat down with Gold to talk about Jet Black, her own personal style and this season’s most popular trends.

The Daily Orange: When did Jet Black open, and when did you start managing the store?

Amanda Gold: Jet Black has been open for upwards of 15 years, but I have worked for the company since April of 2009 and have owned the company since March of 2012.

The D.O.: Does the name ‘Jet Black’ have any significance?

A.G.: When Jet Black first opened everything in the store was actually black if you could believe that.



The D.O.: How did you know you wanted to work in fashion?

A.G.: I have always loved to shop — I don’t know many girls who don’t — but never really knew how I could turn that into a career. When I started working for Joel Shapiro, the previous owner of Jet Black and owner of Mr. Shop, it was a perfect fit and the rest is history.

The D.O.: Do you have a favorite designer? Do your clothes resemble any of his or her pieces?

A.G.: Depends on the day and my mood. Sometimes I feel a little edgy and in an Alexander McQueen-kind-of-mood. Other times super girly and more Oscar de la Renta. Just depends how I’m feeling.

The D.O.: What trends have you seen this fall?

A.G.: There’s a lot of inspiration from menswear this season. We have some jackets, sweaters, blazers and shirts that reflect this trend, plus the super popular boyfriend-style jeans.

The D.O.: Have you noticed any changes recently regarding patterns and trends?

A.G.: The only thing that I have really noticed is that denim is heading back in the direction of being more traditional, and there are less colored and patterned styles out there this season.

The D.O.: What does the typical Jet Black customer look like?

A.G.: One thing about retail is that there is no typical customer. One of the first things I learned is not to judge a book by its cover because you just never know. We obviously see more females than males, but that is because we are a women’s clothing store. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t see males, especially around the holidays, shopping for gifts for the women in their lives.

The D.O.: What are Jet Black’s most popular items right now?

A.G.: We just picked up a new line called Rebecca Taylor, and her clothing is doing very well for us. But in a more general sense, with school starting and fall and winter just around the corner, we have been selling a lot of denim, coats, sweaters and boots.

The D.O.: What would you say is the overall style of Jet Black?

A.G.: The style of Jet Black changes season to season. We have to keep up with the trends while still having casual and easy-to-wear styles.

The D.O.: Is there anything specific you are trying to feature through your boutique?

A.G.: Jet Black is one of the very few stores in the Syracuse area that features name brands and high-end denim. We have styles to fit every lifestyle and need, and we have great accessories as well.

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