Gainesville’s Best Boutiques

Tuesday, 12 April 2011 18:30

Before you head to a big-box retailer, an out-of-town outlet or surf online, stop in to one of these intimate local boutiques to update your spring wardrobe. The best part—other than the personalized service and one-of-a-kind finds? They often host cocktail hours and special discounts for Gainesville’s most stylish. Just like you.

By Julianna Spence

Henri Girl
3224 SW 35th Blvd.
352-375-1198

Although sorority women make up a large portion of Henri Girl’s sales, the Butler Plaza boutique is ideal for any shopper looking for fun and affordable separates and accessories, including jewelry, bags and shoes. Owner Cassie Gordon lives in California, where she orders all of the clothes for both her Gainesville and Tallahassee stores; she orders six of each piece and never orders the same merchandise twice.

Editor’s Tip: Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for gift certificate raffles and seasonal liquidation sales with $3 bins.

Mesh
201 SE 2nd Ave., Ste. 111
352-505-3199

Mesh owner Muna Shadeed’s downtown store is aimed at young adults, with a range of cocktail dresses and office attire to swim suits, orange and blue game day dresses, and accessories—and it’s the only place in town for Rachel Lym swimwear. Shop for spring clothing until mid-May, when it will switch to summer wear.

Editor’s Tip: Check out their Facebook page for info on impromptu discounts and cocktail parties. The store occasionally closes to provide a group or organization with wine and food, and everyone in the party gets 20 percent off.

Three Thirty Couture
 3227 SW 35th Blvd.
352-275-5165

Owner Nicole Snodgrass modeled her new Butler Plaza store to feel like the customer was in a huge walk-in closet—especially those who range from high school students to 30-year-olds. The flirty and feminine options are for those looking to stick to the under-$100 price range, and consist of floral prints this spring. It has dresses in a variety of styles and bathing suits.

Editor’s Tip: Look for Three Thirty on the Gainesville Fashion Week runway.

Photo by Kathleen Bly

Calzatura
201 SE 2nd Ave
352-336-7463

Calzatura owner Elizabeth Schmidt, a University of Florida grad, prides herself in knowing what college students want. She only order three sizes (small, medium and large), she never reorders the same item—and everything in the store is less than $100. Visit the downtown boutique this season for white pants, sheer clothing and jewel-toned separates for a range of body types.

Editor’s Tip: Follow Calzatura on Facebook for surprise specials and cocktail parties, or check out the blog for styling tips and Elizabeth’s favorite looks for the season.

The Colorful Gator
2441 NW 43rd St., Suite 7
352-225-3595

As the only place in Gainesville that sells Lilly Pulitzer, Thornebrooke Village’s The Colorful Gator sells to a lot of Gainesville residents, many of whom are sorority women, in addition to phone and online orders. Owner Susan Hines stocks everything from dresses to shoes and accessories; look out now for spring collections.

Editor’s Tip: Keep an eye out now for fall sales at up to 70 percent off.

Allure
3832 Newberry Rd. #2B
352-271-4400

Allure is the place to go for everything from professional looks to pageant or prom dresses. Owner Chelsee Atkins provides an intimate shopping experience in Gainesville’s Plaza Royale so locals don’t have to go all the way to Orlando for dresses. Allure is also good for Fraternity and Sorority formals as well as accessories and the popular Natalie Kim game day dresses.

Editor’s Tip: Have a major event? Allure won’t let you buy the same dress as anyone else going to the same place.

Dahlia
2441 NW 43rd St.
352-381-0061

Dahlia attracts a devoted college population to its Thornebrooke Village location, but owner Christy Morgan’s versatile selections attract women in their 40s and 50s as well. Dahlia sells brand name clothes that you cannot get within a 90-mile radius. This spring, look for tribal prints, graphic prints with bold designs and colors, coral and tones and a range of versatile pants. Sean Kelly

Editor’s Tip: Dahlia sends deals and specials to those on its e-mail list and also offers impromptu specials on its Facebook page.

Photo by Sean Kelly

Wolfgang
1127 W. University Ave.
352-505-8123

Wolfgang’s University Avenue hotspot serves a unique college-based population that likes to break away from “mall attire.” Owner Matthew Turner looks for a wide variety of brands for both men and women that push boundaries in the fashion world. Wolfgang also boasts fun accessories and locally made jewelry.

Editor’s Tip: “Like” the Facebook page for 15 percent off coupons. Wolfgang also does semi-regular sales and cocktail parties, so be sure to get on the mailing list.

Photo by Sean Kelly

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