Women’s Boutique Shopping in Seattle
I love boutique stores. There is something free thinking and fun about shopping from tiny stores that carry items not found at Nordstrom or Macy’s. And I also feel a little less guilty spending my money when I know that I’m supporting local business. Seattle has some great boutiques for hip women. Check some of these out next time you have money burning a hole in your handbag:
Les Amis- Located in the lovable Fremont Art community, this chic boutique boasts designer jeans, coats, skirts, sweaters, and more. The shabby chic atmosphere makes shopping an enjoyable, not hectic experience. You’ll see some truly unique pieces not available at the department stores, and for once, be able to wear something that you probably won’t see on everyone else. Be prepared to pay the price of standing out, however: it’s not like shopping at Chanel, but Les Amis carries designer names, and they have designer prices. (3420 Evanston Ave., Seattle, WA, 98103; (206) 632-2877.)
Dream- Also located in Fremont, Dream (and its sister store, Bliss, located almost directly across the street) carries some Seattle’s most hip shopping. The store is a very cool, one room boutique that carries up-to-date fashion, a great handbag selection, jewelry, and a wide selections of aromatic goods: candles, body lotion, and fragrant body balm. Many of the clothes are one of kind designs, and the prices range from fairly reasonable to somewhat expensive: you likely won’t find anything out of the three hundred range, but you won’t find twelve dollar Gap tanks, either. The sale rack provides some serious scores, however: I bought a one hundred dollar silk skirt for less than thirty bucks, and I have never seen anyone else with it on. Dream carries more dressy clothes; Bliss is better for jeans, and super trendy looks of the moment. (3427 Fremont Place N., Seattle, WA, 98103; (206)547-1211.)
Synapse 206- Pioneer Square is Seattle’s artistic epicenter. So where better for a boutique featuring up and coming designers to be located? Everything here looks one of a kind, and you won’t find another store like this in the city. You get the pleasure of finding creative pieces, and knowing you’re supporting some up and coming fashion artist. As with any art form, some of the clothing concepts might seem unusual (they had inside out jeans featured while I was there,) but everything is cool and funky. This is not a store for those on a serious budget- this is art, people. (206 1st Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98104; (206)447-7731.)
The Powder Room- This little corner boutique down by Pike’s Place Market is a great place to go find cheap, hip, and unique looks. Although most of the clothes cater to the young and slender, you’ll find lots of great shirts, dresses, cheap jackets, and one of the most inexpensive shoe collections in Seattle. Most of the shoes are well under forty dollars, range from adorable to sexy. The costume jewelry selection is vast and sparkly; the sunglasses are designer knock offs, and available in every color from black to day glo. Come here for a knock off designer handbag, or if you want a seasonal accessory, but don’t want to pay a lot for it. (101 Stewart St., Seattle, WA 98101; (206) 374-0060.)
Shoefly- Located right off of North green lake, this is the store to go to for Seattle shoe shopping, especially if you can’t handle the mayhem or the crowds at Nordstrom Rack. You’ll find all the trendy shoes of the season here, and also styles that cater to the individual. There is a huge selection, and prices are quite reasonable. (7900 E. Greenlake Dr. N., Seattle, WA, 98103; (206) 729-7463.)
