Window Shopping - April 2017

The Thrill of the Hunt:
Part 3 - Boutique Shopping

This 101 guide to savvy boutique shopping will help you develop a wardrobe that's the envy of your friends, while discovering the benefits of customer appreciation. 
- story by Greg Matusoff, photos by Ellis Anderson 

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Bay-tique on Main Street is a local favorite.

In the last few months we covered how and why to shop thrift, vintage, resale shops and discount stores.  This month, we're stepping up to boutiques.

One could argue that big department stores and multi-store retailers such as J Crew and Banana Republic carry so much inventory that their end-of-the-season sales make this the go-to shopping default.
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I, however, disagree, and would prefer to go boutique shopping any day of the week. With boutiques, you're enjoying locally owned shops that in most cases are specializing in certain genres or styles that are currently in fashion and not found everywhere else. And to top it off, the customer service is amazing.

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When you walk into a boutique, you're greeted by someone friendly, knowledgeable, and often ready to help. You might be the only customer at that time and you get a level of service that you won't find anywhere else. You can take your time trying on items, and often if something is the wrong size, someone is there to get the right size for you. For the short amount of time you're in the boutique, you're special, and it's a great feeling.

Over time, frequenting the same boutiques, you build a rapport that you wouldn't find elsewhere. They'll come to know you and the brands you favor, and what might fit best. It's not uncommon to get a phone call or email when something they think you'll love comes in the store. And when it does, you can rest assured that you won't see the same item worn by 15 of your closest friends, as might be the case with something from the Gap. 

Bay-tique Boutique

While prices may be higher, the excellent service more than makes up for it. And they are perfect places to go for gifts! Often you'll walk out with a crisp bag and fresh tissue paper wrapping your items with care. And from what we've experienced in the Bay, the shop owners are accommodating beyond expectation.

We've even had one shop owner send us home with a pair of boots to try on and make sure they fit right with the understanding that we'd come back to pay or return the next day. Where else does that happen?

And keep in mind that most of these shops are locally owned. Shopping boutiques is a great way to support your friends and neighbors while keeping money in our community. 
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If you haven't tried some of our boutiques, I encourage you to do so. You'll find some unique pieces and get to know your neighbors in the process. And in the end, we should all feel good about our own personal expression and live an inspired life.

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Local Boutiques

There aren't many men’s-only local shops, but S.F. Alman, Ltd. in Gulfport and Anthony's in the Bay (501 Main Street) are excellent and if you're heading to NOLA, Magazine Street has a number of shops just for men.

For women:  Anthony's (501 Main Street) and California Drawstrings (216 Main Street, which has a small men's section).  Bay-Tique (125 Main Street), Splash (833 Highway 90) and Bella Mar (998 Hwy 90) stand out locally.  ​

Jane Alford, owner of Bay-tique, has a reputation for going the extra mile for customers.

California Drawstrings