Say Yes to Local Boutiques

Some of my favorite stores are found off the beaten path. Locally owned boutiques are often the best! Not only do they offer something different from your typical off the rack items found in every day department stores, but often times you get to connect with whoever actually owns the store making for a much more personable shopping experience. Why would you want to go somewhere to buy something that everyone else is going to have? I'd rather not if I can help it. If you're in Portland, OR or NYC or LOVE to shop online, you should check out the below two stores!

1. Breighela James Boutique

They describe themselves as an eclectic boutique, and I would expect nothing less considering they're based in Portland. When I walked into this store after a stressful day of working, all my problems instantly melted away. The number of quirky, fun, fashion forward pieces this boutique offers is amazing! And what's even better is that they carry local Portland designers as well. I felt like I got the full "hipster" experience when I walked into the store. And the customer service can't be beat, nothing like the feeling of shopping with an old friend. AND I liked that they carried XS, being a petite female finding things in my size can often times be a problem!
Shop them on instagram @brieghelajamesboutique

Photograph: One of Breighela James Boutique's Carried Items, Rogue:Minx - Anne Velvet Suspender Shorts in Copper. (T-Shirt not from BJB)

2. Brooklyn Bleu
Coined Fierce. Fabulous. Fun. Brooklyn Bleu is everything you would want from your vintage shopping experience. Located in the famed Artists and Fleas shopping community in Chelsea and Soho, Brooklyn Bleu knows how to compete with trends. But funny enough, they aren't competing at all because they're in a league of their own. With pieces from collections they've named re.fresh, dainty, gatsby, and statement, you're sure to find something that fits your style without the clutter of some other vintage stores. They truly offer something for everyone and in a wide range of prices too. From jewelry to clothing to purses whatever piece you choose will be truly unique and help you take a step back through time in whatever moment you choose to be fierce, fabulous, or fun.
Shop them on instagram @brooklynbleuny

Photograph: Earrings are from the Dainty Collection (1970s). Necklace is from the Gatsby Collection (1940s-1960s).​