The Most Beautiful Indie Boutiques in North America
Not to brag, but scouting beautiful boutiques is kind of our forte. We take pride in our amazing community of indie boutiques, many of which happen to operate out of jaw-dropping spaces. In celebration of that, we’ve rounded up seven of the most eye-catching, unique boutiques in North America. These are the boutiques you walk in and never want to leave, the ones you quietly take photos of so you can steal their interior style ideas for your own home (or post on Instagram) because, yes, they are that dazzling. From Brooklyn, New York to Austin, Texas, we highly suggest you make the rounds and go on our North American boutique tour – virtually, below, and in person, one day.
Sincerely, Tommy
Sincerely, Tommy is a Brooklyn based concept store focusing on emerging womenswear and lifestyle brands. The space mirrors the unique nature of the surrounding neighborhood of Bed-Stuy by mixing the best local brands with rare finds from around the world. We regularly find a ton of our favorite designers here such as Giu Giu, LoQ and CF. Goldman. With brick walls, perfectly placed rolling racks, chairs of all kinds, and just the right amount of plants, this space will have you in awe. To top things off, and make your visit even cooler, the space also houses a coffee counter serving local fair trade coffee and seasonal offerings. It is the perfect place to relax, shop and socialize.
Photos by Kat Harris
Wilder
As artists, performers, parents and dreamers, boutique owners Ivy and Josh Elrod bring a unique vision to creating provocative spaces. Their experiences living in New York for two decades and performing around the globe have cultivated an appreciation for eclecticism which is expressed in every facet of their Nashville-based shops. The curated selection of products includes abstract lighting, unique artwork, the perfect his and hers gifts, and more. The eye-catching pieces sit in an eye-catching space. Seriously, we’re talking sunset-inspired ombre wallpaper, geometric mirrors, striking tile not used for flooring and hanging plants. Wilder and its sister location Etudes Wilder (pictured above), are much more than just lifestyle boutiques, they’re design shops and art spaces for your home and life.
Esby
This bright, open space is the flagship store of the USA-made label, Esby Apparel. Founded in 2014 by Stephanie Beard, the collection has a menswear mentality with silhouettes that are fit to flatter the female form. Think: neutral, airy and beyond comfortable. Alongside the in-house collection, the boutique features a selection of accessories, jewelry, apothecary and home goods. The coolest part? All of this sits in a converted auto body shop. Esby opens up like a garage (because it once was one), creating a relaxed, sun-soaked shopping experience. The clothing racks are placed along the walls, accessories are positioned on cinder blocks, palm trees are spread around and the most inviting seating area with not only chairs but a couch rests in the centre-right of the space. Take a seat, read a magazine, try on clothes, admire the space, do it all and do it all more than once.
Idun
Situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota and spanning two floors of gorgeousness, IDUN (pronounced Eden and named after the Norse goddess of youth) was opened in 2014 by Dahlia Brue. With the desire to introduce the public to emerging labels, she carefully selects under-the-radar designers with a timeless appeal and unique POV. Her curated collection of clothing and accessories is displayed throughout the store on ceiling-hung pipe racks, structural boxes and a variety of shelves. The floor to ceiling entrance windows shines the kind of natural light you hope for in every Instagram selfie, illuminating the space and making all the store plants happy. Idun is a go-to destination for luxurious pieces and unusual wares from new and established designers, so don’t be surprised when you catch yourself wanting to go back again and again.
Oroboro
This beautiful boutique could double as an art gallery. Located in New York's Nolita neighborhood, it’s stocked with handcrafted goods from around the world, unique found objects, and luxe one-of-a-kind textiles. Owner April Hughes is also a stylist which is clearly reflected throughout the shop’s perfect edit and mix of rich colors and textures. Art deco-inspired painting covers the dressing room, natural wooden features such as benches, hanging racks and shelves are used to display clothing, accessories, apothecary and more, and of course, a range of plants are scattered throughout. If you have an appreciation for unusual pieces that have a story behind them then you will fall in love with Oroboro just like we did. Plus, it’s just so pretty you’ll want to go back by the time you’ve turned the corner.
Stand Up Comedy
This Portland boutique describes itself this way: “when a shop is not a shop.” We'd have to agree — Stand Up Comedy is more like a dream closet and it’s no laughing matter. Owner Diana Kim eschews traditional retail rules for a unique approach that enables a non-consumerist experience. The boutique is one part retail space and one part haphazard gallery. An assortment of garments, books and jewelry fill the space, which was an old jewelry store converted but left with the blue carpet and glass case detailing. Pieces of art are placed sporadically in odd places – the closet, the floor, the electrical box. Don’t be intimidated but this non-boutique, boutique because we guarantee you will find your favorite Mansur Gavriel clutch, stand-out pieces from Eckhaus Latta, plus endless new discoveries.
One of a Few
More of a lifestyle than a boutique, One of a Few is a lot like realizing your dream could be a reality. Since opening their doors in 2005 in Vancouver’s Gastown neighborhood, it's been a must on every city shopping tour. And for all the right seasons. This cozy, intimate space is filled with emerging and established designers such as Rachel Comey, Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Creatures of Comfort. With two entrances, you’re bound to walk in and find something you love –– whether it was from their thoughtfully curated shoe collection or from the perfectly styled outfit adorned on the wall –– at first glance. Next time you catch yourself in Vancouver, skip the tacky tourist stops and head straight to One of a Few.
