What the Country’s Coolest Boutiques Are Most Excited to Stock This Spring
Hilary George-Parkin
Once upon a time, you’d have to take a very long road trip if you wanted to scour the racks at the best boutiques in California, Texas, Virginia, and Miami to find exactly the right piece. But today, thanks to the wonders of the Internet, shopping the coasts, the Midwest, and the Heartland all at once is as easy as opening a few tabs.
And while I like chains like Zara as much as the next person, the great thing about perusing independent stores online is you get a sense of the local flavor through their careful curation—and have the chance to discover hometown designers that may not have their name out there yet nationally. (Plus, the next time you do find yourself traveling around the States, you’ll know exactly where to go to find the best shopping.)
So, in the interest of finding out what the most fashionable girls across America will be wearing this season, we asked seven stores from Denver, Colorado, to Charleston, South Carolina, to let us in on what they think their customers will be clamoring for this spring. Read on for a cheat sheet to cross-country style:
Need Supply (Richmond, Virginia)
“We’re all really excited about Jesse Kamm. Her Sailor Pants have a uniquely flattering fit that seems to work on every woman and every body type. The wide-leg silhouette is generally very in right now, but Jesse’s version is just so classic. Even as the trends come and go, the super-flattering and traditional silhouette she uses will always be a go-to fit.” —Krystle Kemp, fashion director
Hampden Clothing (Charleston, South Carolina)
“This beautiful dress from JW Anderson represents all the femininity of the spring season. I wanted to select one piece that represents the Hampden customer, and in the South dresses are a go-to staple due to our warm summers. The ruffled Victorian details make it one of the best dresses this season, and the nude color makes it simple yet chic. I love carrying unique brands such as JW Anderson and continually offering our customers a selection of forward pieces that are hard to find anywhere else. Fashion should be an expression of yourself, and this dress says stylish yet classic.” —Stacy Smallwood, owner/founder
Kick Pleat (Austin, Texas)
“I am excited about the clean, modern late-’80s/early-’90s influence that’s happening right now. It’s reminiscent of early Calvin Klein. There is an earthy vibe, a worldly vibe, and the silhouettes are closer to the body. I like to mix that with some volume as well.” —Wendi Koletar, owner/founder
Goldyn, (Denver, Colorado)
“We picked up the label Black Crane this sprin, and have been eagerly anticipating its arrival. We love its (very Goldyn-esque) minimalist, avant-garde aesthetic, which is crafted from the most wonderfully luxurious Japanese fabrics and yet is shockingly affordable. My personal favorite piece is the Pleated Jumper, which perfectly captures the season’s wide-leg trend and can be worn both as a jumper and as a high-waisted pant.” —Vanessa Barcus, owner/founder
The Dreslyn (Los Angeles, California)
“This spring I’m excited to welcome jewelry designer Saskia Diez to the Dreslyn edit. Her pieces are quintessentially modern, delicate, and sculptural. Both natural and otherworldly, her statement sling rings, bracelets, and hair accessories carry serious weight, while fine pearl and gold necklaces, fringe silver lariats, and rose quartz stones add feminine charm.” —Brooke Taylor Corcia, founder and CEO
Sincerely, Tommy (Brooklyn, New York)
“This spring we’re definitely excited for our variety of new arrivals. We’ve always featured our own in-house designs in the store, but this time around Sincerely, Tommy will be offering more pieces, for example our Amel Glow Top and our furry Moroccan slides in camel and dark brown. We will also be carrying a new line, Nehera. It’s based out of Prague and we were drawn in by its well-designed structured aesthetic that fits seamlessly with our store. Outside of the store, I’m excited to see a reemergence of the ’90s silhouettes and more of that grungy feel, which I personally like.” —Christine Pierre
Frankie (Miami, Florida)
“I’m most excited about the off-the-shoulder trend—from tops to dresses, this look is huge this spring, and I’m embracing it in full force with our exclusive off-shoulder top with a gingham pattern, ruffled detail, and elastic top hem.”—Cheryl Herger, co-owner
