As someone who is passionate about local small businesses (hence this blog!), it’s times like this (#COVID19) that continue to push me to do this and how I live my life to support them at all times, in as many ways as possible.
So, in honor of supporting small businesses when they need it most, I wanted to share some of my favorite women’s boutiques. All are women-owned, small businesses that are unique in their own way. Each one powers me differently. All are online, but some have store fronts to check out locally in Chicago.
Bliss & Belle Boutique
Bliss & Belle is forever my number one. A local shop in Lincoln Park, Chicago, I’ve supported them since their doors first opened (summer of 2018, I believe). I return to them time and time again.
The inventory is typically more feminine with lots of fun, bright and light pieces. Tons of florals, dresses and the term “girly” comes to mind. I think I have exclusively jumpsuits and rompers from them. It’s not intentional, they just curate really great ones and I love them all.
Nearly every time I step foot inside I find something perfect for me. This is a HUGE deal for me. I always struggle finding someplace that is a “reliable” source to get an outfit (which has been something difficult to deal with internally).
The staff is always so nice and helpful, the store is always clean + cute and they always have great music playing. I always ask for help finding something I saw on their Instagram and they never mind. They give me helpful, honest opinions about my try-ons when I ask, too.
It’s also been fun to watch them grow as a business. I found them on Instagram and was shopping in-store, as that was the only way at first. But since they first opened two years ago, they now have a website you can shop online, as well as a somewhat new loyalty program, which is awesome (I love my birthday month discount!).
I can’t recommend them enough. Oh, and their price point is pretty great. The quality is nice and everything seems appropriately priced for what it is. A+ in my book.
Alice & Wonder
Head three blocks north of Bliss & Belle and you’ll find Alice & Wonder. A staple local business to the Lincoln Park community that’s been around for a few years. I discovered them on Instagram as well, but many women I’ve talked to in the city are familiar with them.
Alice & Wonder boasts carrying #prettyfunthings and features a wide range of items, similar to Bliss & Belle. Filled with a mix of feminine and casual pieces, they carry items that have different cuts or styles to them and a different overall “vibe.” Alice & Wonder tends to have a larger comfy selection, too (I particularly love the Sweet Home Chicago collection). The prices are a tad higher than the two previously mentioned shops, but it’s still affordable! They carry their entire inventory online as well, so you can support them no matter where you live.
Their storefront is also great and they’re always hosting fun events with other local businesses or artists. My favorite collab was when Vichcraft popped up shop to do chain-stitching on denim!
As an aside, I also love watching their Instagram for their “Sunday Scroll” series. They post about trending internet things and Chicago happenings. Odd spot to get some pop culture + events, but it works and I like it. 🙂
I don’t have many pieces from them, mostly tops, but I always find myself loving what they have to offer.
Aubrey’s Attic Co.
Aubrey’s Attic Co. (AAC) is a fun one because Aubrey (owner + runner of all) is actually a college student. I was pretty ambitious and organized in college (in between my nightly outings), but not to this level! Huge props to her for all of this.
Local to Kansas City, this online-only boutique is not to be missed. AAC has casual, yet versatile pieces that are affordable. There’s a mix of comfy and kicked-up looks Aubrey curates. Each Friday on Instagram she launches a new mini collection, around 5-10 pieces give or take. I always look forward to seeing what she’s come up with.
Most of the items from AAC in my closet are pants, plus a jumpsuit or two (I have a thing for jumpsuits…). I love the pants selection at AAC because they’re great for dressing up or down. I can wear these items to the office and make them casual, or a bit nicer for client meetings. The best part is they are all comfy as hell.
Many tops from AAC have looser silhouette or structure to them. They’re all cute, just not my go-to look or preferred style. If it’s your thing, then you definitely need to peruse her items!
Dressed in LALA
Dressed in LALA (LALA) is another online-only shop, this time haling from Utah. Filled with super bold and edgy pieces, LALA’s looks are sure to make a statement. The range of items is all over; from shoes, blazers, hats and jackets to tops, bottoms, jumpsuits and bags. They’re all threaded together with a sense of sharpness and coolness to them.
This one is kind of cheating because I only own one thing from here, but I’m still obsessed with them and they’re a recent discovery for me. I have my eye on some basic and statement pieces currently, so there’s more to come. 😉 Nevertheless, if you’re seeking kicked-up pieces with some edge or flair, you need to know about LALA.
Although it’s not entirely relevant to liking their products, I love the photography and styling. As a former photographer and aspirational fashion editorial junkie, their Instagram is fun to enjoy and tickles that part of my brain still.
roziejune Accessories
Do you enjoy positivity, all things fun, funky and real? What about those people that are just so authentic you want to hug and high five them every time they speak? That’s how roziejune rolls. With an emphasis on earrings, this online accessory boutique (coincidentally also from Utah) is top-notch.
I never had a huge love for earrings, nor have I really missed them since having stretched / gauged ears, until now. roziejune carries the most unique and fun earrings of all time.
Although I get a tinge jealous I can’t rock the earrings, luckily she also carries necklaces, sunglasses, scarves, exclusive tees and other fun items (like my sunglass chain!) to satisfy me.
While her items are great, the meaning and passion behind what she does is even better. roziejune makes her tees all about women empowerment and endorses body positivity throughout her Instagram. Something so near and dear to me. A balance of fun and meaningful collections, she continues to push the boundaries of what loving yourself means.
Although I may not own much of her work, nor can I truly appreciate the earrings, the way she operates her business and shares realness online is enough to make you fall in love — which is exactly what happened to me! Even if roziejune carried exclusively earrings, I would still support her no matter what (great gifts, anyone?).
Oh, and her approach to launching new things on Mondays to make them less “Monday” is another win. I hate the stigma around Mondays, so I love this approach.
