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Photography by Jessica Rapp
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Courtesy of Ardently
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Courtesy of Ardently
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Courtesy of Ardently
The latest womenswear boutique to open on Cherokee Antique Row focuses on quality over quantity. Ardently, located at 2001 Cherokee, blends new labels with carefully curated secondhand, with 85 percent of the merchandise made using natural or recycled fibers.
Shop owner Theresa Mucelli studied textile design at the University of Kansas before discovering she wanted to pursue a fashion career that prioritized sustainability and less waste. “A lot of my inspiration comes from the European model of clothing—well-made pieces that can be easily worn with other things and layered together,” she says.
Shoppers will find timeless staples that can be seamlessly paired with a cardigan or under a jacket so that they can be worn again and again as the seasons transition. Most items stay within a neutral color palette—perfect for capsule wardrobes—with splashes of floral and pops of brighter hues. Prices are accessible in relation to what shoppers would typically find in the eco-conscious category, ranging from $25 for a secondhand blouse to $65 for a dress. Sizes range from XS to L, but Mucelli says she's searching for the “perfect supplier” that can help her expand the range to include more sizes.
Courtesy of Ardently
Ardently owner Theresa Mucelli
Mucelli's mission is to move consumers away from fast fashion, offering them garments that are versatile enough to wear to an event, the office, or around the house. Cropped, breezy patterned button-downs are perfect for that Zoom meeting from the waist up, while soft, airy pull-on pants are an ideal match for feeling both relaxed and put together.
“I try to buy not only fashionable and well-made clothes but comfortable clothes you can run errands in,” she says. “You're dressing for yourself and being comfortable at the same time.”
Ardently is open two days a week, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and customers are welcome to message Ardently on Instagram if they prefer to shop via curbside pickup. Otherwise, customers are welcome to use the fitting room, which is cleaned after each customer. Mucelli is always on hand to aid shoppers and help find the perfect fit.
