ATLANTA
FROM WHERE TO WEAR
The key to uncovering Atlanta`s Fashion Hotspots
BY CINDY KLINGER • PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN SULLIVAN
IN A GAME of word association, “Atlanta” would likely yield dozens of phrases, like “Coca-Cola,” “hip-hop” or “Peachtree,” but it’s safe to assume “boutique shopping” wouldn’t be among them. The city might not be world renowned for its high style, but its boutiques are coming into their own, offering both trendy, edgy wares and stand-the-test-of-time styles. Head to these four less-frequented, up-and-coming areas for designer threads that compete with some of the best offerings from New York or Paris. The shops are as varied as the personalities in this cosmopolitan city.
LITTLE FIVE POINTS
RENÉ RENÉ
1142 Euclid Ave NE • 404-522-7363
Owner and clothing designer René Sanning creates every piece of old-Hollywood-inspired clothing that hangs in this smart and sophisticated boutique, which looks like a modern version of Audrey Hepburn’s dressing room. Sanning only creates between one and six pieces of each simple, classic, curve-hugging design. And, many customers who bought clothes some 15 years ago are still sporting the same durable pieces, which still haven’t gone out of style.
ENVY CLOTHING & SHOES
1143 Euclid Ave NE • 404-525-3689
“Go big or go home” could easily be Envy’s motto, as virtually everything in the store is oversized, sparkly or bright. The glamorous appeal is mixed with a faintly vintage leaning, and handwritten signs around the store encourage female shoppers to not only accept themselves, but also to get a little crazy. Thanks to the shop’s array of eye-catching clothes, it’s easy to let loose.
CHERRY BOMB
1129 Euclid Ave NE • 404-522-2662
Cherry Bomb is a veritable one-stop shop for all your unconventional couture needs. With plenty of designer clothing and accessories, a separate room reserved just for shoes, and 15 brands of men’s and women’s jeans, it’s easy to deck yourself out from head to toe. Prices range drastically: It’s just as easy to spot a $30 top as it is to pick up a pair of $250 shoes. The diverse crowd that the boutique draws matches its uninhibited interior.
BLU PRINT
1146 Euclid Ave NE • 404-223-6000
Blu Print is the kind of store that is hard to walk past; its cute tops and have-to-have-them pants inexorably draw you in. Before you know it, you’ve been in there for an hour and a half, chatting with the friendly salesperson and trying on nearly everything in your size. Luckily, the prices are reasonable and the designers, like Tulle, Rock Revolution and Tamaraus, create cute pieces that won’t go stale by month’s end.
EAST ATLANTA
PIECES OF ADRENE
493 Flat Shoals Ave
• 404-525-5222
Billing itself as “fun funky fashion,” the boutique offers designer clothes at discount prices in a quirky, yellow-and-pink-colored space that encourages women’s empowerment. Brands like Debut, Scarlett and Marineblu hang below painted inspirational messages on the wall, like “She knows beauty comes from within and loves finding it in the mirror.” Pieces range from vintage and casual to romantic and frilly. Even if you don’t find something to purchase, you’ll no doubt leave in a better mood.
SUGAR BRITCHES
491 Flat Shoals Ave • 404-522-9098
Sugar Britches stocks a variety of clothes, accessories and shoes that could take you from your desk to a happy-hour drink without skipping a beat. The modern and flirty clothes cater to Atlanta’s unique and sassy East Siders, who tend to set their own trends rather than follow established ones. On the racks at this fun, hip boutique, you’ll find both recognized designers and up-and-coming talents like Betsey Johnson, Nelli, JustSweet and Yoki Sport.
DECATUR
KALEIDOSCOPE
252 W Ponce de Leon Ave •
404-378-1214
The Greek definition of “kaleidoscope” inspired the name of this enlivening boutique: to look at beauty through form. You’ll rarely find the same clothes in the same arrangement twice, but you will find a unique international sprinkling of accessories and garments, including the “Blues Bar,” a large section devoted solely to jeans. Owner Camille Wright is so passionate about clothes that she and her husband “mortgaged [their] lives” to make her dream of owning a European-style boutique a reality.
SQUASH BLOSSOM
113 E Court Sq • 404-373-1864
This cozy store is as inviting as wrapping yourself in a big, warm afghan. Its speakeasy-like, pressed-tin ceiling is anything but cookie-cutter, and the clothes are equally unique. Oversized sweaters, scarves and velvet pieces create a virtual rainbow of fabrics, and inspiration abounds, from the kid’s coloring corner to some of the tags’ messages: “I expect wonderful things to happen” and “I am the creator of my life.”
BOOGALOOS
246 W Ponce de Leon Ave
404-373-3237
Boogaloos’ soothing atmosphere lends itself well to an all-female boutique. Although the shop doesn’t carry many basic staples to build your wardrobe, it does offer an abundance of up-tothe-minute clothes. Think cute dresses, prints, belts, and Mary Janes and oxfords for a librarian-chic look. You’ll find local jewelers like LEM Designs and Jamie Diane, brands like French Connection, Liquid and Trinity, and finds for your feet from the shoe boutique next door, Eviva.
FABUTIQUE
335 W Ponce de Leon Ave
404-377-6363
This small spot opened as an offshoot of next door’s Fabu Face Spa, which offers massages, facials and the like.
So, naturally, you’ll find items like bath and body products, and comfortable yoga pants, robes and pajamas. But you can also peruse an earthy, shabby-chic collection of trendy threads. In addition to tops, dresses and slacks, there’s a selection of baby items, mugs, vintage-looking cards, hats and handbags. A massage and a fabulous new pair of jeans? Now that’s a successful day.
VININGS/SMYRNA
SANDPIPER
4300 Paces Ferry Rd • 770-433-2989
Sometimes, a girl’s just got to splurge. With the encouragement of Sandpiper’s helpful salesgirls, known as “pipettes,” it’s easy to indulge in a striking outfit. This eclectic boutique, which harnesses a touch of feminine glamour, carries a range of stylish attire, from $64 tees to $600 coats. Lines like Anlo jeans, Tibi and J Brand are some of the quickest to go.
PASHMERE
4600 West Village Pl, Ste 3001
• 770-319-1900
Its mission, “to make you smashingly stylish,” is an effortless feat given its broad selection of fashionable finds. The boutique’s mostly black-and-white, French minimalist décor houses designs for the pickiest of fashionistas, including lines like 10 Feet, Nu Collective and Parameter. The shop also supports its neighbors, carrying items from talented local designers like Black/Black Label and Kim Quinn Jewelry.
HAND IN POCKET
1675 Cumberland Pkwy Ste 405 • 678-309-9550
This boutique’s goal is to offer everything shoppers need to maintain and build a casual-chic, everyday wardrobe. It’s denim-heavy, but also carries belts, tops, jewelry and handbags to complete a pulled-together yet effortless look. Moroccan-style hanging lamps and a rococo influence create an inviting, hip ambiance, and brands like Free People, Michael Stars, Topin, Paige Premium Denim, Citizens of Humanity and AG help seal the deal.
TRACY NICOLE
1675 Cumberland Pkwy, Ste 406 • 678-309-5885
Although the boutique looks somewhat sparse, it’s easy to find hidden treasures among the racks. Check out monthly events, including spirited fashion shows that showcase Tracy Nicole’s newest garments from brands like Francine, Tart, Stella & Jamie, and Liquid, along with beaded jewelry and tailored handbags.
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