Danielle Burke, owner of Atlanta Activewear in Virginia-Highland, wants every client who walks out of her store to feel comfortable and confident. With her background in fashion and merchandising, and her attentiveness to her customers, she strives to turn each customer into a friend.
Your store caters to the lifestyle and fashion needs of the everyday woman. Did you always have a vision of a store that sold active apparel and everyday clothes?
Yes. I wanted to combine comfort, quality and classic styling into one place. We all live very busy lives, and we need wardrobes that can go from work to carpool to workout without sacrificing style — and without having to make an expensive trip to the dry cleaner. Everything we bring into Atlanta Activewear is wash, dry, wear.
You worked for Under Armour and Chanel — very different worlds. Did they have any similarities?
Both companies taught me a lot about quality, no matter the price point. This helped immensely when opening the store, because I was able to tailor our collections to be high quality, but also attainable for anyone. Having worked for both companies, I was able to take the active side of Under Armour and the luxury side of Chanel and fuse them into one.
You interned for couture fashion designers in New York. Do you have any crazy stories?
My intern experience was really wonderful. The woman I worked for was probably the first person to mix sporty and chic together, which influenced my style and my store. I used to spend hours searching for the perfect button, but she helped me learn a lot about styling and construction of products, which has been amazing when I’m buying inventory for the store.
What is trending in workout gear for Spring 2014?
This spring we’re seeing the trend shift from colorful bottoms back to basics — black, grey, navy. We’re also seeing more of the classic fitness styling coming back, versus the oversized cotton tanks that have been gracing the streets. It’s time to cover those bras back up, ladies!
What do you find yourself wearing over and over?
SPANX leggings. Thank God for Sara Blakely and her fabulous new active collection. A good wedge is the perfect shoe year-round in the South, and I’m pretty short so I need the extra lift! I love a great-fitting jacket, as well. My RESE jacket in black is probably my favorite.
If a woman came in for a workout clothes makeover, what pieces would be must-haves?
Every woman MUST invest in a great bra and a few pairs of fantastic bottoms that flatter her shape.
What is your favorite thing about your store’s location?
Virginia-Highland is still the only neighborhood in town. We have the city vibe, we can walk to the best restaurants and shops, and we have the “neighborhoody” feel, where everyone knows their neighbors and says hello.
How do you spend your time away from the store?
I spend a lot of my time outside the store with family and friends. We have a large family, so we try to do dinners at someone’s house at least once a week to stay in touch.
What is your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
Everything. Atlanta has the best of big city and small town, and there’s nothing better than spring weather here.
How do you begin your day?
A cup of coffee and Live with Kelly & Michael.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere on Florida’s State Road 30A.
What is your favorite restaurant for date night?
La Tavola in Virginia-Highland.
What are your favorite ways to stay active in Atlanta?
I love the power classes at Atlanta Hot Yoga and barre classes at some of the local studios, like SVELTE in Brookhaven and Pure Barre Virginia-Highland.
What are three things you cannot live without, excluding faith, family and friends?
- My Louis Vuitton wallet. It has so many pockets and cardholders; it’s great for organization.
- iPhone. I have to be connected to the store at all times, so when I’m on the go I can post what I’m wearing, where I’m working out and any great street style I see.
- Tom Ford sunglasses. I have a huge collection of them and love the dimension they can add to a look.
Visit www.atlantaactivewear.com for more information on Danielle and Atlanta Activewear.
Thank you to our fabulous FACES photographer, Cat Maxwell!
