When I was younger I remember my mother taking me along on all of her shopping excursions. As she scanned the racks for deals at places like The Limited (RIP) I was somewhere in the store creating scenarios of being chased and having to hide in dressing rooms from monsters. It was my way of passing the time and staying out of mommys way while creating adventure. I think my experience of shopping with my mother eventually informed how I shop today as an adult; no, I don’t play elaborate games and hide away in dressing rooms (well if something looks horrendous on me I may do a little hiding), but I do see shopping as an adventure.
Recently my Aunt wrote about how much she hates shopping and I wondered how many other women feel this way? Did they grow up like me, having to be dragged out shopping, but just didn’t see the adventure in it? Or maybe it has nothing to do with the ways we’re raised and it’s societies way of creating gender norms where they shouldn’t exist. I mean how many time have we been fed the storyline that women are supposed to be predisposed shopping, and that by the very act of being a woman, you should find enjoyment in the task? Whatever the cause is, I saw it as an opportunity to make shopping easier for my sisters who hate it.
This list of clothing stores I enjoy frequenting have a no fuss vibe. No snooty sales associates ignoring you or too eager to make a sale associates hovering over you. You won’t spend hours combing the cluttered racks for that perfect outfit, or rummaging through clothes stuffed onto racks so tight you can’t even find your size! The environments of these stores are welcoming, airy and light, their associates feel like personal shoppers and the whole endeavor feels more like an experience and less like chore. Plus all the clothes are TO DIE!
Twig & Willow is a Long Beach favorite I walked into while waiting for a table at a local breakfast joint. It’s the place I take all of my out of the area friends to shop when I want to impress them with how chic and cool Long Beach boutiques can be. The racks are clean, the store smells divine and the service is impeccable. I also like that you can buy everything from a cute sun dress to a coffee table book. I come here for one of a kind pieces that you won’t see on anyone else. I always get a ton of compliments anytime I wear their stuff.
Another Long Beach shop, Sister has this vintage/current vibe to their clothing, they’ve expanded the store to include the shop next door and sell products by local artisans. They even host workshops and hold private events at their space outside of their normal business hours.
Make Collectives
I love that Make Collectives sells ALL THE THINGS! I’m talking everything from potted plants to both men and women’s clothing in vintage and current styles at affordable prices. They also have really cute one of a kind jewelry that won’t break the bank. You can even create your own succulent and buy vinyl records.
This spot has the variety game on lock, there is something for everyone – one of kind rompers, swim and bodysuit’s, scarves, socks, hats, hair accessories, if you need it you will find it at Prism. What’s also pretty cool is that you can buy their stuff online and pick it up in store.
When I think of vintage shopping I immediately think about rummaging through bins of clothing for hours only to find one cute piece and that immediately gives me shoppers anxiety. Well vintage store “3 Women” feels like the total opposite of that, their clothe’s feel accessible, current and the shops open airy vibe will put you at ease.
I just realized after almost 40 years on this earth I have been wearing the wrong bra and had NO clue until I got a bra fitting at Lucy’s. I’d driven by Lucy’s so many times and had heard that shop owner Crystal makes the perfect fitting bra for any bra type, but I dismissed it because I thought I’d be paying an arm and a leg and bra shopping is an arduous task so when I had free time it was the last thing I wanted to do. If it wasn’t for LaJon creating artwork for the store I don’t think I’d have ever mustered up the strength…well I’m happy to report that my bra fitting was the most thorough I’ve ever had (be prepared to show your girls though ladies) and the associate knew instantly what bras would work for my body type and brought me so many it was hard to settle on just 2 ( I now own 3 because they’re so amazing). I loved my experience at Lucy’s so much, when Crystal asked me to be a model for some of her garments the only question I had was, when can I start! That’s not even it though, the bras are reasonably priced and beautifully made so no grandma grenades over here! You can even throw a bra fitting party for you and your closest girlfriends and make the experience special for all the women in your life!
So there you have it! Some of my favorite places to shop. I’d love to know yours in the comments below, let’s get a list started!