Selma and Syd
220 East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022
212.486.1992

Owner:Alli Abrahamson

Shop Birthdate: November 15, 2004


The 411: The ultimate girly girl's boutique, it's owner Alli Abrahmson's eye for detail that sets Selma and Syd apart from the throngs of other stores in Manhattan. The charming Upper East Side shop carries one-of-a-kind and trendy skirts, tanks, bags and gifts from designers Abrahamson has found from traveling the world, minus the Upper East Side snoot. Like a mini Henri Bendel, but far more selective, Selma and Syd is the perfect place to head to find a unique gift for your best friend, your mom, your sister, or your wife. The shabby chic decor and Abrahamson's warm and friendly personality add to the charm. Afterwards, head right across the street for a pick-me-up at Serendipity 3. It doesn't get much sweeter... Listen in as we talk shop!

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

Selma and Syd are my darling, spirited grandparents, who, although no longer with us, had a great influence on my life. I was trying to think of a name that represented the whimsy and charm of the boutique I was creating, and nothing that I came up with felt right. I had been trying to incorporate the name Selma, and I suppose that as soon as I thought of Selma and Syd together, it just felt and sounded like the right fit (just like the couple)! They both had warm and infectious personalities, which fit well with the tone and inviting feel I wanted to create in the boutique.

Which designers do you carry and how do you go about finding them?

One of my primary motivations for opening a boutique on the Upper East Side was to be able to help emerging designers reach a broader clientele. I find many of my designers abroad - I particularly am attracted to small studio designers in London, Paris and Australia - and I currently stock young designers from across the states. I tend to look for designers that are not featured at other high-end boutiques on the Upper East Side of NYC, and I edit collections of more established designers to feature the styles that were not picked up by the well-known stores. Often the pieces that I respond to are different than those that are more commercial and therefore won't be readily found elsewhere. I carry collections that are inspiring, impeccably tailored and detailed, that tell a unique story and help the woman wearing them feel beautiful and confident. It's important that everything I feature in the boutique encourages my customers to explore their individual style and creativity and feel comfortable and satisfied doing so. I felt that the larger specialty stores and many boutiques left customers feeling dissatisfied with the shopping experience. I wanted to bring some lighthearted charm and frivolity back to boutique shopping. I try to put together a full collection of treasures that make people say, "This is exactly the kind of shop that fits my personality". I offer personalized service that is generally reserved for customers who work with personal shoppers.

What are some of the most popular items so far?

Handbags by Glenda Gies, Kiki Pearl, Mara Lubelle, Leslie Hsu and Margaret Nicole. Feminine frocks by Alicia Bell and Shelby Hansen, tanks by My Tee and Rabbi's Daughters, and embroidered tees by Coco Kliks. Earrings by Christine Hunt, B. Litucci and Julie Sandlau. Silk headbands by Rachel Weissman.

What's the price range of items in your shop?

$15 - $700.

Please describe your clientele!

My clients span a vast range from teens to fabulous grandmothers. She's timeless, chic, sophisticated, educated and worldly, and loves to enjoy herself. She indulges herself and others when she can. She reads about the latest fashions, but styles what she purchases to meet her needs and taste. She gravitates to what is special and what will set her apart.

What's your background and what lead to you opening Selma and Syd?

I studied a host of subjects such as ancient roman civilization in college at the University of Michigan, but wound up on the business track in marketing. I have worked in creative services at a fashion publication and in advertising, but found that I most enjoyed working in start-up situations when I co-founded a brand experience company. I recently graduated from Columbia Business School and knew that I was going to do something entrepreneurial in retail, though I didn't have a store in mind. I evolved a business plan that I had written in b-school into a store concept, with private label collections to follow in the near future. I have always enjoyed styling and designing my own clothing and accessories, so this venture is a natural progression of those pursuits.

Does your shop have a website or plans for one and/or selling online?

I am in the process of building my website, but because I change my merchandise so frequently, I don't have plans to sell online at this time. I do many custom special orders and ship anywhere in the world.

What's your vision for the shop?

I feel a strong sense of cause in helping women feel beautiful, confident, and empowered - feelings that are influenced by a woman's expression of her individual style. At an early age I recognized that style comes from within. It is an energy that flows with and is an expression of a person's desires, reflections, and moods. It is defining, yet evolving. Selma and Syd caters to this intimate facet of a person's character by tuning in to the unique needs of our customers and by offering an environment in which women can explore and share their creativity, passion and sense of style. I hope to be able to share this intimate shopping experience and cause with more people through additional Selma and Syd boutiques in the future.

We can't wait -- thanks, Alli!