Shop Local: Yellowcake Shop Takes An Artisan Approach To Stylish Women's Clothing

There’s an artisanal, grassroots feel to Yellowcake Shop when you walk inside. The back of the 1,200-square-foot space houses two pressing stations, four industrial sewing machines and a 14-foot-by-8-foot pattern table. Up front in the showroom, the results of the owner Valerie Mayen’s creative efforts can be seen and felt in her chic and functional women’s clothing.

“My biggest inspiration is how can it benefit my clients best,” explains Mayen, a Project Runway alum. “[Everything has to be] easy to maintain, comfortable, look polished but not restrictive, can be worn on weekends, has at least two pockets, is flattering, timeless, durable and long-lasting.” Yep, that’s a tall order, but Mayen’s pieces are good for it.

You’ll find modern, decidedly versatile tops, coats, jumpsuits, pants and more in (mostly solid) color palettes, with interesting extras like an asymmetrical hem here, an unexpected collar or neckline there. And what’s not sewn in the Gordon Square space is sewn inside the homes of Clevelanders on brand-new professional equipment that Yellowcake buys for them. “I employ my neighbors,” Mayen explains, “with a priority to hire Black and Brown, LGBTQ, even the elderly who might otherwise be overlooked for a job.”

An Item We Love: The Weekender Jumper ($156) is a do-it-all jumpsuit: a square neckline, thin, cardigan-inviting straps, and a flattering self-tie belt at the waist.

1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, 216-236-4073, yellowcakeshop.com

Click here to explore more than 30 local shops and boutiques as part of this month’s “Shop Local” package.