Shops for the Socialite

Sure, department store sales are great. Who doesn’t love getting a few great outfits for just a few bucks? But when it comes down to it, sometimes you need a little TLC. Sometimes having someone to help you out by taking your measurements or suggesting a new trend you hadn’t considered before is just what you need!

Beyond great customer service, boutiques offer other perks as well. You can get everything from help cleaning out your closet to filling it back up again. And sometimes you can even tell them what you’re looking for and they’ll find it for you! You can find a select group of merchandise that you typically can’t find anywhere else, boutiques can offer better service for their customers, special events, shopping parties, fashion shows and exclusive deals you can’t find anywhere else!

Juniper
If you’re looking for some chic summer fashion, check out Juniper In Oxford, Ohio or West Layfayette, Ind. This shop offers private shopping parties for you and your girlfriends. You can even submit a photo of yourself modeling their fashions to be posted on their Web site.

 The Mustard Seed Boutique
Do you need help cleaning out your closet? Are you looking for someone to help you re-vamp your wardrobe? Do you just want to update your look? This Clifton-based consignment shop can help! They offer a wide range of clothing and accessories from vintage styles to local designs. This boutique even offers a “Wish List” where you can submit an item you are looking for and they will notify you if they get one!

And because they’re in Clifton, it’s the perfect place to bring your girlfriends for a walkable night of shopping, a glass of wine at the new Olives across the street and a movie at the Esquire Theater. Learn more about The Mustard Seed’s owner Christie Reinshagen-Wallace in this week’s spotlight story.

Elizabeth’s Closet
Located above Daveed’s restaurant on Hatch Street in Mt. Adams, this shop offers an exclusive shopping experience. Elizabeth’s Closet is bursting with handbags, jewelry and accessories. You can even plan a Girl’s Night Out party without having to plan anything at all! Elizabeth’s Closet will coordinate your party and even give you and your guests 10 percent off your purchase or donate that amount to the charity of your choosing. As the host, you also get $25 off your purchase. Elizabeth’s Closet teamed up with Daveed’s to offer “Sips and Shopping” events (dinner at Daveeds and shopping at Elizabeth’s Closet) or cooking lessons with Chef David Cook and shopping.

4th Street Boutique
Get some guilt-free shopping by splurging on designer clothes. Yes, you read that right. You can get designer clothes and not feel guilty about it for two reasons: one, you are helping women find jobs and two, you are getting a serious discount.

The 4th Street Boutique accepts donations of gently worn clothes. On their racks, you can find anything from Banana Republic to Ralph Lauren to Christian Dior at consignment shop prices. The money raised from the Boutique benefits Dress for Success, an organization that helps women find gainful employment by supplying them with a suit to help them with their interview and more clothing after they are hired.

They’re always getting in new donations, and always need help sorting and organizing. So, get your gal-pals together and volunteer! Click here to learn more about their donation and volunteer opportunities.

 Park + Vine
This vegan, eco-friendly general store is celebrating its one-year anniversary all month long! For details about all the events planned, click here. This sustainable living-based business in Over-the-Rhine offers everything, including vegan fashion and footwear. Bring your friends along to attend their Park + Vine sponsored events, such as the Queen City Bike + Dine on June 7.