Independent Online Boutiques I’ve Visited Around the World
Here we are, several months into initial COVID stay-home orders with a scary winter season on the way. While it has no doubt been difficult, the world has pivoted in many inspiring ways. One of the latter cases can be found in how I continue to see a regular outpouring of love for local businesses near and far. I find myself struck by the local #locallove mentality, but I’m also aching with wanderlust. I’ve been revisiting albums and folders of images during this time. I realize that many of my trips always feature discoveries of small independent fashion boutiques. These shops also have an online presence. It’s important to support independent online boutiques this holiday season and beyond.
A few notes and tips about shopping small
As you know, I own a small business myself. During some nerdy marketing research, I learned that consumers still plan to spend an average of $1,000 on gifts, decorations, and other purchases this holiday season. “Many are forgoing their traditional travel plans and using that money to treat themselves and others instead,” writes the author. “It’s all in an effort to spread some cheer in an otherwise bah humbug year.” Independent online boutiques are here to help. So are apps like ReRunner (for returns) and Lokii (for local delivery) that can help make shopping small even easier.
While some things will need to be bought online at Amazon or larger stores, independent online boutiques will have most of what you’re looking for: the perfect outfit, gift, skincare, or one-of-a-kind home decor. The holiday shopping season makes up a significant portion of these boutiques’ annual revenues. Social distancing guidelines will hinder in-store shopping, but fortunately, the Internet can bring them to you.
My Favorite Independent Online Boutiques
I put together my favorites from around the country. I have personally visited their brick and mortar stores or clicked “add to cart” online and therefore own products from all of them. This list is good! I stand by all of these independent online boutiques and will continue to curate and update their information.
Bittersweet (Charlottesville, Richmond)
I always stopped into Bittersweet when I visited my best friend during college. They carried a blend of girly vintage and new items. It’s curated yet creative. A lot of my cousins have gifts I found for them here. I’m excited they have a new storefront in Richmond!
Captain’s Helm (Oceanside, CA)
I had a lot of fun during my trip to Oceanside, CA. This was for my partnership with Jazzercize. I stopped at Captain’s Helm to look through all the vintage and secondhand clothes. I got a mesh top for one of my Coachella outfits. I’m glad to see they have an online boutique. I can keep shopping. This DVF dress is calling my name.
You know I’m a big fan of secondhand shopping, especially in my hometown. Clementine always takes the cake for elevated shopping here in Richmond. The shop is on my RVA Thrift Guide. They now offer their secondhand finds online! I’m so pumped.
During my trips to Boston, I did a little shopping by myself. Crush was one of my discoveries. The boutique carries a large collection of feminine staples and statement pieces from brands like Citizens of Humanity. I noticed they have a cute little curated gift guide. These Elli Parr Ramona Hoops are calling my name.
Who knows how many pieces I have from Darling by now. A favorite boss babe of mine, Linnea White, runs the colorful second-hand boutique. She also stocks locally sourced beauty and decor items. You can order curated gift boxes or shop weekly fashion arrivals via Facebook.
I’ve styled a few pieces from this newer independent online boutique. They really hit the mark when it comes to chic loungewear and cute activewear. Upgrade your WFH game shopping here.
I spent ALOT of time in Philly. One of my favorite white dresses is from here. See it on Instagram. The boutique’s collection is chic, affordable, and designed by Lyn Rymar. She knows how to create pieces you can wear again and again. I’d go to this independent online fashion boutique to get elevated work-from-home tops and holiday dresses.
The newly launcehd style concept is made for women who want no-fuss fashion. The adorable sisters behind Erma Jean create collections of clothing that all go together, so you don’t have to think to hard about what to style with what. As a personal stylist, this is such a huge help to those who are taking steps to elevate their wardrobes. You’ll find everyday classics and special occassion pieces. See my collab with the brand here.
I haven’t been to Fiore, but I found them all by myself online before collaborating with the brand this fall. Thanks, Instagram! Fiore carries a fun, flirty collection of pretty much anything you need in your polished yet comfy wardrobe. The brand began as a gift shop so that you can work on your “nice list” here, too!
Um, hi, I’m Megan. I go to the Outer Banks a lot. I’ve learned my way around the island’s shops, too. This is the first one you’ll see on this list. I have a cardigan I wear from here over and over. The small women’s boutique carries adorable sweaters and dresses as well as gifts and jewelry.
You saw me wear this adorable outfit on Instagram here. The flares and layered bodysuit top are both from the online boutique based in Richmond, VA. I’m looking at this adorable sweater dress for Thanksgiving, possibly? The accessories would make great gifts for your girlfriends, too.
More Boston love! Walking into this shop was an experience in itself. The brand does a great job showcasing their personality and aesthetic online, though. They have closed the Boston location now, actually. You’ll find colorful new, vintage, and custom pieces at Holiday online for the foreseeable future!
I started following Islands before I ever went in. I stayed in Duck during my birthday this year and finally treated myself to a visit. Islands carries a high-quality ocean-inspired collection of basics and statement pieces. I’m checking out wide-brim felt hats online as we speak.
I couldn’t create this list without Mod & Soul. Owned by a dear friend with impeccable taste, the independent fashion boutique is coveted by women all over Richmond and beyond. You’ll find regular new arrivals that are easy to wear to work, to a party, or to your living room. Stalk Mod & Soul on Instagram to see the latest.
Mom’s Sweet Shop (Outer Banks)
Another Outer Banks find! Shop a well-curated collection of vintage and new home goods and clothing here. If you are in the area, you have to go in. There’s also a smoothie and coffee shop that makes the best bites. As I surf the website, I’m amazed at how much they offer, including skateboards and vintage jewelry.
I stumbled into Molly Green during my Nashville adventures last year. I never did get around to making a travel guide! This adorable women’s fashion shop created their own line of clothing and carries items from other brands. Find everyday denim and unique weekend looks. Let’s talk about this sexy little backless turtleneck.
I have a few pieces from this Richmond-based boutique. You can shop for unique outfits, jewelry, and skincare from hand-picked brands. The vintage collection is always fresh. They really know how to pick items people will love. I just added two pairs of jeans to my cart. Woooops.
My little brother is the coolest kid I know. He introduced me to the Secret Spot during a trip to the Outer Banks last year. He gets most of his clothes from there, actually. He saves up and splurges here. I have a Billabong dress I love and a cropped Secret Spot sweater that is the softest I own.
Another Richmond staple, Sweetest Stitch, is loved by my friends near and far. You can find adorable sweaters, skirts, dresses, shoes, and jewelry for any day. I spy a new gift section on the website, as well. Find perfume, candles, and more
I wrote about the Wild heart in this blog post. Owner Lauren has put together a very boho collection of daily wardrobe staples and elevated home goods like candles, notebooks, and crystals. She also carries her sister’s Blue Begonia Jewelry line in addition to other new and vintage jewelry. Maybe I just added two shirts to my cart. Maybe I didn’t. The black crop I’m wearing in this post is from Wild Heart via the Lokii app.
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