{New (to Me) Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique

{New (to Me) Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique

This is a blog post I have been meaning to write for months!

Almost a year ago, I got a great email in my inbox from a local reader:
"Hi there,

I enjoy reading your blog - you're such a great resource for what's going on around Raleigh. Have you been to Gigi's Boutique? I saw an ad in the independent but I haven't heard anything about it so thought I would ask you. It's in Stonehenge Market on Creedmoor Road and they offer "the latest fashions with prices under $100". Thought it might be worth checking out.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Christine"
The BF and I ended up out that direction one day a few months ago. I had just finished up with a laser appointment and it was about lunch time. We decided to venture more into North Raleigh and try something different. I'm really glad we did!

We pulled into Stonehenge Market - a shopping center we had not been to since going to the Crowley's of Stonehenge Cinco de Mayo bash back in '07 with the rest of the Buckhead sales team - and had lunch at Buffalo's (see my Buffalo's review here).

You can imagine my excitement when we were walking around the shopping center and I saw this cute little boutique called "GiGi's"... obviously, I had to stop in!

I was being good on my budget during that trip, but boy was it tough to have such restraint! Their selection was fantastic - carrying brands and pieces I have not seen or overdone locally - and the store really was very well merchandised and had great <$100.00 price points! Do be sure to check out their website (you can do some shopping online!), their email list, and now... their blog. I was really excited to see this addition as it came very shortly after my conversation with the boutique owner about how I'd heard about her store from a reader of my blog! (I always like to share good retailing secrets with independent owners who are a joy to shop with.)

I think the thing I liked most about the boutique was not their realistic approach to fashion that doesn't break the bank (although it is quite awesome), but the fact that the store was so well merchandised. Nothing was overly trendy (ie: not going to be worn next year) and everything was super appropriate for multiple uses - casual, work, going out, etc. It really does a wardrobe budget wonders to buy pieces that are good fits for anytime wear!

I can't wait until my next laser appointment (in about 6 weeks) so I'll have a good excuse to make the cross-town trip again.

Gigi's Boutique

Address: 7428 Creedmoor Road
Raleigh, NC 27613

Phone: 919-846-0014
Website: http://www.shopgigisboutique.com
Email: info@shopgigisboutique.com

Be sure to check them out sometime. I'd love to hear from you if you do. I'd also love any other local recommendations any of you'd like to send my way!


{Image: GiGi's Boutique website}

New eBoutique on the Block: Dixie Patches

I usually keep the "New Boutique on the Block" title for new local brick-and-mortar boutiques, but you really can't blame any entrepreneur(s) for going online instead of battling the extraordinary cost of commercial/retail rent!

DixiePatches has a sunny color scheme and website that's easy on the eyes and most of their photography is chock full of Southern charm. The logo is a little hard to decipher at first, but after first look you can pick out the outline of our fair Southern states. Even going two color would probably make it easier to read.

There are only a few merchandise options in each category (Southern Charms, Southern Belles, Southern Gentlemen, Dixie Dogs, and Fishin'/Huntin'/Tailgatin'), but one would guess there is a lot more to come in their future. I also don't know any guy who hunts in a button down and bow tie, but I really like where they're going with that. One should always "dress for success", right? ;-)

Overall, I think this site is a best bet for Southern Gentlemen: Friendly price points for hats and bow ties. I also see the camo cooler in the boyfriend's future.

Full disclaimer: I automatically love any company that sends a free koozie your way for signing up for their email list. Other than the fact that I love the premise of this whole site too, I'll still tried to this review as objective as possible. I'm crossing my fingers that the emails are no more often than once a month and might include a sale or coupon or two!

Big thanks to Hula Girl for posting about it today... what fabulous things to share: Southern favorites and tailgatin' goods!

Heartbroken

One of my favorite local boutiques is closing up shop :-(

This will be Tough Love's last week in business, so stop in and wish them well in their future endeavors!

Also, Ashley is having a sale to clear out the store... so be sure to check out what they have and help make their move a little easier.

A few specials they're doing include:
Everyone that buys something gets a free Tough Love Support Local Tee, all clothing is half off, and already marked down items are an additional 50% OFF, denim $20, t-shirts $5, accessories $5-$12. See all the details on facebook.

Hopefully we'll see Ashley and her great, independent style in another new local venture, soon!


{Image: Tough love facebook page, via SarahDear}