CopyStrands

Boutique Crush: Bloom

2012-02-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

My sister is a fashionista. Last year she told me about this blog. I'm sure glad she did. As that adorable blogger just opened a new store and web shop based in Texas. It's called Bloom.

Photos: Bloom

Boutique Crush: Brook Farm

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

If I could live in a store I would live in this one. The Brook Farm General Store on the south side of Williamsburg in Brooklyn is packed with traditional and earth-friendly finds in a modern atmosphere. They even have their own line called Tourne. And I'm a big fan of their cute wooden toys for kids.

More New York

Photos: Brook Farm

Boutique Crush: Zara

2011-10-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across Zara several years ago on my travels to Spain (before they opened their first U.S. store in Manhattan). The Spanish-based company is one I visit when I travel around the world. But now, you can shop at Zara from the comfort of your couch. They just launched their online store for men, women and kids. Yay! Now they need to put a store in Seattle.

And while on a recent trip to San Francisco I popped in the local Zara store and snagged these rad pants! (shown above)

Photos: Zara

Boutique Crush: KIND Boutique

2011-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Eco-friendly shop Kind Boutique features sustainable style and design and vintage clothing. They have adorable housewares too. Their designers range from Bodkin to Hansel From Basel. A lovely little Be Green shop.

Photo: KIND Boutique

Boutique Crush: Beklina

2011-07-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

An eco-boutique doing its part to Be Green. These little enamal French lockets with a mirrored-sheen are just lovely. And they are made in Paris! Their women's fashions are edgy too. And the best part is, it's a family run business. Bravo!

Photo: Beklina

Boutique Crush: Penelope's

2011-07-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

On our way home from Scandinavia we stopped over in Chicago where we discovered this awesome brand of men's shoes: Zuriick (they are based in Utah). The hubs ended up buying this sweet pair of shoes by Zuriick at Penelope's in Chicago's Wicker Park where we told co-owner, Joe Lauer, about Shoe the Bear and he was excited for the tip. He co-owns the store with his wife Jena Frey. They have a killer men's section of clothes and shoes; the women's section is eclectic and they have lots and lots of dresses. A must see if you are ever in Chicago! From downtown just take the Blue Line subway to Damen, their store is a short walk from the station.

Photo: CopyStrands

Boutique Crush: SPUN Collective

2011-03-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

Photo: SPUN Collective and Out of Line

If you haven't been to Sara Seumae's boutique: SPUN Collective on Seattle's Capitol Hill you are missing out on top local designs. The friendly owner offers her own line of eco-friendly clothing called SPUN. I own a couple of her designs and adore them (1 super comfy, 2 has pockets!).

She shares her boutique space with local designers including: Out of Line, Nico Paper Goods, Lekkerlife, Cameron Levin and Dotty Speck (loved and bought this round silver necklace).

Visit her store to chat with Sara, she is a fashionable, friendly and knowledgeable woman who is quick to highlight other people's designs before her own.

Boutique Crush: Andersen and Lauth

2011-03-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

Photo: Andersen and Lauth

While in Iceland I fell in love with this Anthropologie-inspired store: Andersen and Lauth. Right in the heart of City Centre, the vintage-inspired designs have been around Reykjavik, Iceland since 1934.

The designs range from organic cotton (called Baumwolle) and polyester to smooth silk with whimsical ruffles and beaded detailing. The sizes are quite roomy and range from XS-XL and European sizes 34 (US 4) - 44 (US 14).

I bought two lovely dresses from them (the sales lady was super helpful letting me try on over 14 dresses) and I sifted through their new 2011 line. It was a gorgeous store (the prices are more affordable on the sale racks). A must visit if you are ever in Iceland. The designs are truly little pieces of art.

Boutique Crush: Frock

2010-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Photo: Field of Roses

If you ever visit Portland, OR be sure to stop by Frock Boutique in the Arts District. Co-owner Angie Heiney is extremely friendly and gracious and the clothing and accessories they carry are sassy and fun. It's worth a trip there just to enjoy Angie's friendly and welcoming energy. Walking into any other store in the Arts District after hers was a muted let down. Angie sure knows how to engage with her customers.

Frock supports local designers too, which I adore. I snagged a pair of adorable leggings and a winter-weight dress with pockets and a super cute owl wallet by Field of Roses (another local, OR designer). Another great opportunity to support local.

Boutique Crush: Huset

2010-10-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Huset

Readers of my blog know that I love my apple green bike basket. And I purchased it at Huset. I love this Scandinavian online store and they are now offering cute dress styles from Odd Molly (pictured above).

And InStyle (the great magazine I worked for early in my career) recently named Huset the best online shopping site and to celebrate Huset is offering 15% OFF most items on their site until October 31st. Use the code: InStyle during checkout to receive the discount.

Happy shopping!

Boutique Crush: Nadinoo

2010-10-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

The clothing at British label Nadinoo is so whimsical and fun! The word "enchanting" comes to mind. Adore the mix of vintage inspiration.

Boutique Crush: Golden Rule

2010-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Clever Nettle

Another reason to love Portland, Oregon. The Golden Rule is a concept store on Portland's Burnside Street and mixes creativity with commerce. It features furniture, fashion, art and more. A creative communtiy works together to change the space each month with a different vintage theme. Love it! The concept reminds me of Merci in Paris.

Boutique Crush: Rittenhouse

2010-09-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Photo: Rittenhouse

It's officially fall. Fall is my favorite season and when I saw this wonderful pumpkin-colored cord skirt at Rittenhouse it evoked everything that is perfect about the fall season. Love! There are also goodies for men and children on their site as well. Happy fall!

Boutique Crush: Nouvelle Nouvelle

2010-09-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Nouvelle Nouvelle

Love the simple lines of this silk dress by Hidden Spectrum sold at Nouvelle, Nouvelle in Vancouer, BC.

Boutique Crush: frei designs

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photos: frei designs

Boasting 80 percent organic designs, shipping with recycled materials and fair living wages for workers. I heart frei designs for their simple yet elegant looks plus sustainable and fair practices.

Boutique Crushes: Where to Shop in Paris

2010-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: The Factualist

I heart small boutique shops with rare finds. So when I travel to foreign places I make a list of the boutiques I must see. These Parisian stores are on my list:

Merci (pictured above) is a new concept store with vintage clothing, homewares, furniture and books in Paris by the former owners of Bonpoint (for children).

Dehillerin is a well-known affordable kitchen supply store.

Repetto is all about shoes especially ballet shoes.

Sessùn I've blogged about them before.

Alexandra Sojfer has gorgeous umbrellas.

Maison Fey offers leather book covers.

Le Petit Atelier de Paris is a home décor store.

Gaelle Barre has beautiful handmade dresses for women.

The Collection is a home décor store with unique designers.

Boutique Crush: Cabbages and Roses

2010-06-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Cabbages and Roses

Stumbled upon this lovely store. I love dresses and this one caught my eye. Cabbages and Roses also sells home decor, textiles and more.

Boutique Crush: Three Potato Four

2010-06-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Vintage collectibles at Three Potato Four are a green do. Love the nostalgic feeling I get sifting through the pages.

Boutique Crush: a.b.k Custom Leather Craft

2010-05-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: a.b.k

I've been on the hunt for the perfect leather bag for over ten years now and then I finally found it online at a.b.k in Brooklyn, NYC. The owner also makes lovely historic-inspired shoes. I'm saving up my pennies to buy a bag! Wish they were more affordable.

Boutique Crush: Tine K Home

2010-05-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Tine K Home

This Denmark home store is so beautiful.

Boutique Crush: Minna

2010-05-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Minna

I heart the pretty Scottish lace designs at Minna.

Boutique Crush: Lia Molly

2010-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Lia Molly

Love the colors and charm of Lia Molly's line. Based in New Orleans the Mardi Gras colors are vibrant and fun.

Boutique Crush: Orla Kiely

2010-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

The new Orla Kiely spring line makes my heart smile. Check out the Lookbook. I can't wait to visit the store in London this summer.

Photos: Orla Kiely

Boutique Crush: Spool No. 72

2010-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Spool

There's a lot to love about this company. First the company salvages textiles for using in their designs blending new with old. Plus the clothing is flirty and affordable. And you'll be supporting a local Washington-based company as the owners of this awesome online shop (Heather and Travis) live in Eastern Washington. Look inside their awesome home.

Boutique Crush: The Field House

2010-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Blackbird

The old general store is back in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood and the goods inside The Field House range from American heritage to farm goods for the country in all of us. Owned by Nicole Miller of Blackbird it's just another store worth exploring in Ballard.