Finding the perfect dress for the holidays can be exhausting
It seems like all the dresses at big chains look the same and you can never find your size, and the fittings rooms are just a mess and when you finally find a dress you can live with now you have to track down someone to ring you out and that becomes a process.
Well in Rochester we are lucky to boast three boutiques that may be holding just what you are looking for. The great thing about Boutiques is the one on one care that they provide. The smaller atmosphere allows you to really soak in and meander to your hears content. With Boutiques you find one that fits your style and tone and then from there you pretty much have a go to place that houses your taste in clothing. Boutiques enable you to have a much more catered experience and you are not having to traverse an entire store to find someone to help you. Become a reoccurring customer and they begin to take note of what pieces you gravitate towards and will keep that in mind when ordering products.
Lucky for us, Rochester is home to some amazing boutiques, and this holiday season you should shop local and support your local small business owners. This holiday season I will be sure to stop by these local Rochester Boutiques; Style, Peppermint and Statement and you should swing by them too if you are in need of gifts or for the perfect holiday season outfit.
Located on Park Ave, Salty is definitely a fan favorite of mind for one specific reason, I love black and white clothing, more so black clothing. The great thing about black clothing is that it looks fantastic on everybody, it’s slimming, it can be paired with anything and it is a very easy color to dress up or down with the right accessories. This shop may have been made for me, Salty offers highly curated pieces in black and white with random pops of colors and patterns, what’s not to love.
This is the second store of Tanvi Asher, a fellow RIT Alumni. She states on the Salty website,
“Returning to Park Avenue feels like a homecoming. I believe the reported demise of brick-and-mortar retail is grossly overstated and our stores and our staff can be a vehicle to truly engage with Rochester customers in a way that large retailers are not doing.”
You’re sure to find something in their selection, one of my favorites is this wrap dress called the knit beauty dress for $56, available in two colors black and mustard. This would be an amazing addition to your wardrobe and can be used all year round.
Peppermint is one of my go to stops anytime I am in the Culver Armory Area, which if you have not walked around there and stopped by the various stores I highly recommend that you add that to your Spring / Summer to do list. I brought one of their initial necklaces and it is my everyday piece and I get so many compliments and questions about where I picked it up. They have an amazing collection of jewelry and accessories, but my favorite part is their upstairs where you will find a shrine to Rochester. Some of the cutest Rochester themed pieces can be found there. One of my favorites is the “But First Weggies” T-shirt.
The great thing about Peppermint is not only are their prices fantastic, but you can find statement pieces there as well as dainty simple pieces. They carry a line of bracelets with various uses of the F word which I find hysterical and be sure not to miss their collection of pins by the cash wrap.
Remember how I mentioned that Salty was Tanvi Asher’s second store, well this was her first store, now there is no need for me to wonder why I like both so much. Peppermint opened on Park Ave in 2011 when Ms. Asher was only 25! Now you can find Peppermint in it’s new home at the Culver Armory, while you are at it stop by the Village Bakery next door for some amazing macarons!
Statement Boutique does not lie in its name. The owner Courtney Smith aims to curate pieces that make a statement. The beautiful Rochester boutique showcases one of a kind statement making clothing, jewelry, housewares and accessories. They offer women’s, mens and unisex pieces. I would definitely recommend checking out their instagram for a glimpse of the styles they carry.
While they carry bold pieces they also carry everyday minimalistic looks so do not be scared away if you prefer more neutral pieces.
One of my faves from browsing their instagram page is this leopard and floral blouse with the deep green background. This is a great piece to pair casually with a pair of leggings and flats, or upgrade the look with well fitting dress pants and high heeled ankle boots. This is a much needed staple in your wardrobe.
Located on Park Avenue, you should plan on swinging by this holiday season to browse their highly curated selection. Make a statement this holiday season.
I highly recommend you visit these Rochester boutiques and support your local small businesses! Make it a date and swing by all three to view what they have to offer!
Looking for gift ideas? Check out our top Sephora picks here.