vBoutique

For Us By Us

by: Katie Hintz | Apr. 26, 2007

 

You're browsing through a local boutique armed with your tax refund and cute shopping flats when you see it — the freshest tee with the hottest graphics you’ve seen this season.

You desperately flip through the rack looking for your size only to find a handful of knee-grazing fits for the fellas.

We feel your pain, ladies! And so does Lanie Albanza aka Misslawn, who founded the unisex, streetwear label Hellz Bellz with her hubby Bam Barcena in 2006. A sinister-looking Minnie Mouse packing heat with a bandana 'round her neck. A stiletto perched on a bullet-riddled floor. Chains wrapped around a freshly manicured fist. All in your size. Pinch yourself and wince, because it's true.

And it's not just Hellz Bellz that's catering to our underserved market. Married to the MOB (est. 2004) is another Vixen favorite, coming to you from the streets of NYC with its signature smooch print emblazoned on candy-colored tees and silk bomber jackets. And of course, no streetwear chick worth her Dunks can be without accessories. Crip-walk over to the West coast to scoop up New Era caps inscribed with hearts and wrapped in lace. Don’t forget to grab nostalgia-inducing broken heart, BFF necklace by LA-based label Mama.

Cop the girly-but-gritty designs for yourself at: