House of Cramel

Hello Boutique Freaks! I was invited (more like invited myself and they graciously accepted) to come out and visit one of Atlanta's newest shopping spots: Spice Boutique. Spice Boutique is located near the historic Sweet Auburn district in Atlanta. The Sweet Auburn area is known for its booming social and economic success for and by African Americans between the 1880s and 1960s. Sweet Auburn now has a budding fashion district and Spice Boutique is growing with it.

These are the fabulous ladies that planted to the seed, Portia and Jennifer. Portia, a professional model, and Jennifer, creator of Candy Girlz Shoes, came together to form Spice Boutique. The haute new boutique has been up and running for about 8 months now and they have so much to offer. You can get a little of everything from Spice, from exclusive vintage pieces, modern pieces by up and coming designers, haute lingerie, even "haut"er shoes, and banging accessories.

One of the things that really caught my eye when I walked in was the presentation of the shoes and once I got a little closer, the merchandise did NOT let me down. These beautiful shoes are adorned with Candy Girlz Shoes. The great thing about Jennifer's Candy Girlz Shoes is that not only do the designs and styles rival the likes of Louboutain but they're also affordable. My picutre does the shoe display no justice at all but heres a look at it.

While chatting with one of the store owners, Portia I got a little "tea" too. As she told me about all the different lines they carry in the store she mentioned that they carried J. Loren. I told her that I had been to his boutique La Bella Vie in Castleberry Hills (check out my previous posts here ~~>La Bella Vie and La Bella Vie 2). Unfortunately clicking the links to my post is the only way you'll be able to visit La Bella Vie because the owner closed his doors, but on a much higher note you can find all his creations in Spice Boutique. Heres one dress I thought was really nice.

Some other brands you can find here are Cupcake Mafia Tees, Pretty Posh Linlingerie, and Jewelry and Accessories by artist like Renitta Clements, Miss B, and Aja. You can visit Spice Boutique at 49 Boulevard SE Atlanta, GA 30312. Their website is coming soon, but in the meantime you can stay updated on the latest news with Spice Boutique via their twitter @spice_boutique for @spice_girlz , find them under Spice Boutique on facebook, or just stop in the store and join their mailing/text list! Be sure to tell them Boutique Freak sent you!

elry and Accessories by various artists like Eyewear by Carlos Wayne. I had the pleasure of meeting him in

the store as well.



So make sure you guys go out and visit Spice Boutique at 49 Boulevard SE Atlanta, GA 30312, you can also visit their facebook page. Their

 

 

Sherane's Vintage Closet commercial from Sam Frank Productions on Vimeo.

I did a previous post on Sherane's Vintage Closet (<~~Click the words to see the previous post!). Well here's a haute commercial I found for her boutique, check it out!

Hello Boutique Freakers! Well it October and I know alot of you guys are starting to look for one of a kind pieces for upcoming costume parties, events..so of you just love finding new places to hunt for one of a kind pieces. Well all know Vintage is the way to go when your looking for price savy exclusivity! Well, my sister and I were on our way to grab dinner at Little Azio on Moreland (try the Tortellini entree, its awesome!), and I saw a new store in the same plaza.

Its called the Lucky Exchange. There are two locations, theres the new location I visited at 749 Moreland Ave Atlanta, GA 30316, and theres the original

location at 212 Ponce De Leon Ave Atlanta, GA 30308. The Lucky Exchange reminds me of a smaller version of The Clothing Warehouse. It is very

organized and easy to shop vintage and modern clothing and accessories. They have some cute accessories, I questioned the quality of some of the

pieces but there were some cute things there.

There is something else that makes the Lucky Exchange different and its all in the name. They specialize in the resale of Men's and Women's clothing and accessories. They offer cash and store credit for unique or name brand apparel and accessories. Lucky Exchange asked that the clothing is clean, free of stains, and needs no repair. For any other details give them a call. So if your interested in shopping for something new and different pieces, try the Lucky Exchange. Or if you interested in transitioning your wardrobe, bring your fabulous fashions in to Lucky Exchange and get something new!

Okay, don't be alarmed! I know some of you are like "Where are you taking us??" But have no fear, there is fabulosity here! I do have preferences but I also have an open mind. If you want to find one of a kind pieces you have to visit one of a kind places! Junkman's Daughter is definitely one of a kind. Self proclaimed as "Atlanta's Alternative Superstore", Junkman's Daughter definitely stands up to its name. You'll find all kinds of things here, everything from costumes, gag gifts, and some rather interesting home decor items. Aside from all that, there are also clothes, shoes, and accessories. And believe it or not, styled the right way, a lot of it is very cute! Look at these items I spotted.

Not convinced? Well let me show you the real treasure at the Junkman's Daughter. Right after you pass this:

You go up the stairs and you will find yourself in somewhat of a shoe heaven (literally because its at the top of the store). If you want a unique, one of a kind shoe visit Junkman's Daughter. Be brave enough to walk in and you'll be glad you did because your probably walking out with something no one in your circle has. They also have a great selection of what I like to call "stripper" shoes, military boots, and other interesting footwear.

Junkman's Daughter was actually started by a real junkman's daughter. Her name is Pam Majors. Believe it or not she started this store back in 1982 with an accumulation of her own parents "junk". Majors store has attracted the likes of celebrities like Bono, Betsy Johnson, Usher, Lenny Kravitz, OutKast, Cee Lo Green and more! So dare yourself, in the name of FASHION, to visit the Junkman's Daughter! It located in Little Five Points of Atlanta. Exact address is 464 Moreland Ave Atlanta, GA 30307. There is also another store in Athen, GA affectionately named the Junkman's Daughter's Brother. You may also visit the website for more info at www.thejunkmansdaughter.com .

(I forgot to mention I discovered after I got upstairs that I wasn't suppose to take pictures for fear of negative press on the internet. So Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but I do this for my BOUTIQUE FREAKS!! Enjoy! XOXO!)

Alright BFs (Boutique Freaks) I've got to admit I was a little off my "picture taking" game ( it's not photography because I'm HARDLY a photographer!). But I'm going to post the pictures I did take anyway. I was actually very distracted by 1) the chandelier 2) the clothes and 3) the young lady that helped my friend and I. The picture of this beautiful chandelier is in Bill Hallman Flaunt at Little Five Points in Atlanta. Chandeliers and boutiques just go together, but I digress! Bill Hallman has three boutiques in Atlanta that sell Women's and Men's Apparel and Accessories. However this particular location only sold items for women. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there. The sales associate greeted my friend and I when we walked in. The minute she heard us gawking over some of the dresses she offered us a fitting room to began trying on the clothes. So it was only natural that I tried on a couple things :-) I like Bill Hallman because the merchandise flows with today's trends, but at the same time they've chosen pieces that can still be worn from one year to the next. They seem to focus on not just what hot for today, but rather just on what's hot! Period! You can find some of the latest designer collections here as well as Bill Hallman's own collection. Here's a quick shot I took of some necklaces I liked. I really like the woven chains on the right!

As we were about to leave my friend was suddenly "shoe struck" by a pair of some of the hottest wedges we'd seen this summer! Needless to say she snatched them right off the mannequin! Aren't they cute?

Like I stated earlier, Bill Hallman has three locations. There's, of course, Bill Hallman Flaunt in Little Five Points, Bill Hallman Original in Virginia Highland,and Bill Hallman Studio in Buckhead. For specific addresses to these locations you can visit http://www.billhallman.com , you can also shop there! But I recommend you go in the store!  You can look forward to great clothes(in design and quality), pretty reasonable prices, and great service (you know I love great service!). So stop by Bill Hallman, tell them Boutique Freak sent you!

So as you guys know I just did the post of La Bella Vie. I was actually gutsy enough to share the post with the owner Jason Scott via twitter. Well when I went back into my page and clicked on my mentions I found this:

I actually teared up! (Yes I am very sensitive) Like I said in my earlier post, I really do value great guest service and this small gesture of a reply on twitter speaks volumes. Also, as I stated in the earlier post about La Bella Vie, I will be revisiting the store. I'm sure I'll have great news for all my Boutique Freaks and as well as a haute new fashion find, stay tuned :-)

I really wish this was a more positive post...but its not. A friend and I were shopping in the growing art district of the Castleberry Hills area of Atlanta. We decided to go into La Bella Vie Boutique. Upon entering this establishment, I saw the Sales Associate seated behind the checkout counter. I don't know what he was doing behind the counter but whatever it was must have been important because he didn't take a second to greet me or my friend when we came in. We were the only customers in the store. So my friend and I looked around on our own. The clothes were actually very very beautiful, and the visual merchandising was on point as well. I can alway appreciate great visual merchandising. But I was so underwhelmed by the "customer service " I was receiving that it put a damper on my entire experience. The sad part is the store is so nice, they had an awesome shoe display wall, there is even a table of custom made accessories by the owner, Jason Loren Scott.

I am very critical of customer service, or what I like to refer to as "guest service", especially in specialized establishments. In my opinion, in a boutique great guest service should be a given. Your level of service could be the difference in you making not just a sale, but in converting a guest or customer into YOUR CLIENT! Let me step off my soap box, as I continued to look through the racks I found a damaged piece I called the associate over to let him know. It wasn't until then that I knew he could talk! He happily took the merchandise of the floor, but sadly thats the only interaction we had. A couple minutes later a group of people came in. They must have been friends with the associate because he spoke to them and one of them sat comfortably in a seat near the accessories table. This actually made me uncomfortable because I was looking at the accessories and I felt the person in the chair looking at me.....I sincerely hope this isn't the case all the time at La Bella Vie, they've been open since 2010 so they have to be doing something right over there. La Bella Vie Boutique does have a website, you can visit them at www.labellavieboutique.net . They also have tumbler, facebook fan page, and twitter accounts. If you'd like to visit, you can find them at 309 Peters Street  SW Atlanta, GA 30313. Hopefully you'll have a better experience than I did. I do plan to visit again and hopefully get a better guest experience. And when I do, I will happily post again with better news. Until then, go down to La Bella Vie Boutique and see for yourselves! Let me know how your experience was. Jason Scott, I know you have to be fabulous because your store is beautiful, but talk to whoever is running your store when your not there!

If you ever visiting Little Five Points, you can't help but see a bright RED building in the center of everything. You can't help but walk past and say to yourself or someone else "What's that red building?". Well I went in. Its called the Clothing Warehouse. The Clothing Warehouse is a vintage shop, but that's not the first thing I noticed when I walked into the store. I couldn't help but notice how open, organized, and thoughtfully merchandised this place was. In previous experiences in vintage stores I've always gotten what I like to describe as a homey or "really big closet" type feel. This isn't a negative thing, most of the time this is the fun in shopping at vintage or consignment shops. Searching through the racks, waiting to uncover a lost treasure. However this is not the case at the Clothing Warehouse.

The merchandise in the Clothing Warehouse is all organized by style and color blocked. In my opinion this is a nice change for a store that specializes in vintage. Don't get me wrong, I still love the setting and ambiance of vintage shops like Poor Little Rich Girl, thats what makes it unique. The experience is part of what makes shops like those special. But the exact opposite is part of what makes the Clothing Warehouse great. You'd never know that this business was started by a "a skinny farm kid from Ohio" named Jim Buckley. There are still hints of decoration throughout the shop that remind you that you are shopping classic vintage. There are the styled mannequinns over head around the store and the aged art that decorates the concrete walls.

Aside from their approach to merchandising, there is another thing I love about the Clothing Warehouse. The ACCESSORIES! Above is an example of a funky approach they've taken to show off the accessories. But in the middle of the store there is an island full of bangles, necklaces, and sunglasses that would make any accessory queen freak! Below is a picture of the piece I purchased, it was love at first sight. This necklace and I are now in an exclusive relationship as it was the only ONE in the store (Ahhh, the beauty of shopping boutiques!)

The Clothing Warehouse has locations in four other states. For more information about the store visit www.theclothingwarehouse.com or visit their facebook page. The location I visited is at 420 Moreland Ave Atlanta, GA in the popular part of town called Little Five Points. Go see it for yourself, tell them Boutique Freak sent you!

Every once in a while you come across something that just blows the competition away, something that takes what you thought was "on the level" and totally ELEVATES it. Let me explain. The picture above you see is of Wish, an urban shopping experience located in Little Five Points of Atlanta. The building use to be a Public Library which is historically noted on a concrete slab on the side of the building (Sorry Rae, it wasn't a bank but you were close). If you have any ounce of appreciation for art of any form, be prepared for those emotions to be provoked when you walk through the doors of Wish. The architecture is amazing, and the interior design is just as incredible, yet it manages to be understated enough to bring the focus to the merchandise. I read that the mission of owner, Lauren Amos, was not just to create another retail space, but an iconic destination. I'd say, mission accomplished.

One of things I found to be the coolest at Wish were the glass display cubes in the floor. My picture doesn't show them very well because photography and a vertically challenged person don't alway mix, but I did get a great picture of the standing display case. You'll find that Wish carries a selection of fashions by both reputable and emerging designers. Popular brands like Cheap Monday and Married to the Mob sit along side rising and unique brands like Cult of Individuality and Hellz Bellz. Wish also carries their own line of apparel and accessories. Wish appears to pride itself on exclusivity and originality. But, in my opinion, there is something a little more special about this place. Let me show you.

Downstairs in the belly of Wish is a sneaker head's paradise. Nestled in the walls of what looks like a tribute to the former public library is a selection of men's and women's shoes that would excite even the most judicious sneaker head. Displayed on lighted counter tops and shelves are brands such as Nike QS, Adidas Consortium, Android Homme, Vans Vault, Supra, and Jordan.

So if your looking for shoes that seem to be just short of an urban legend, you'll probably find it at Wish, unless your just too late. True exclusivity means its LIMITED! My suggestions? If your taking "sneaker-head 101", like myself, start by visiting Wish's website, there is a blog dedicated to products they will be and are currently carrying in the store and online. You can also follow on twitter @WishATL.  But if you want to dive right in, go for a visit and see what lies beneath the surface of this store. Wish Atlanta Boutique is located at 447 Moreland Ave Atlanta, GA 30307.

For those of you who take your shoe game so serious that you find yourself waiting for Footlocker to open a the strike of midnight for those Jordan's or scouring internet pages to find those kicks that everybody's already talking about, take your shoe game to the next level and try Wish. Your friend's aren't talking about some of these shoes because they're just not up on it. SHOW THEM WHAT THEIR MISSING! Then you decide whether or not to tell them where you got them :-) I've got to admit, I've had a few memorable impressions when visiting new stores. But by far, Wish is probably one of the most fashionably stimulating experiences I've had. I have to start making sure there isn't more than one level to any other place I visit!

Ahhh! House of Adrene. Its great to see some one evolve from one place thats already amazing to something even more amazing. I told you guys about House of Adrene in an earlier post (http://boutiquefreak.onsugar.com/House-Adrene-12725468). So you already know I've been shopping with her since her original boutique Pieces of Adrene. Here stands Adrene's evolution, literally from "pieces" to a full blown "house", House of Adrene. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by a white runway that displays folded merchandise, and there are racks on either side of the runway are adorned with Men's and Women's fashions. On this particular trip I snagged these long peacock feather earrings.

Ladies AND gentleman if you want to experience a great boutique with a great selection of popular brand as well as unique brands from local designers, stop in. You can also look forward to some great service. It always flatters me when she remembers me and affectionately refers to me as one of her "piece customers". House of Adrene is located at 264 Peters Street Atlanta, GA 30313 in the Castleberry Hills area. Also when you stop in remember to put yourself on the mailing list. The boutique hosts some great events, which is fitting because her space is so amazing. Don't miss out!

Sometimes accidents are the best things! Here's what I mean. One of my best girlfriends and I met to go to lunch at Yeah! Burger. As we were walking the strap on my shoe broke! As you can imagine I was horrified! I loved that shoe and further more, how was I going to walk to Yeah! Burger with one shoe?? I told my friend "I need to find a store! I need a shoe! There has to be a boutique or something around here!" She said "There's a boutique right up here" She was referencing a store in her building. This is how I found Demure Boutique of West Midtown. I walked in to this beautiful store and the sales girls was ready to help. I informed her of my shoes crisis and told her what I needed. She led me to the CUTEST flip flops.

These are the shoes that saved my life on Howell Mill Road, cute huh? I know! Demure is a trendy boutique that sells unique women's clothes, shoes, and accessories. Honestly I haven't seen my shoes anywhere else yet and they were a pretty comfortable price. Two things that stood out to me about Demure during the short time I was there were 1) The accessories: The bags they have in there are "haute"! 2) The graphic tees: Snappy phrases, quality shirts. They also have a nice collection of sundresses right now. Based on the short time I was there I received some great service, saw some great items, and bought some great shoes. To top if off the place is set up really nice, they have a chandelier that gives the store ambiance something special.

Demure Boutique has two locations, these the location at 1016 Howell Mill Rd Suite B Atlanta, GA and there's also a location at 1230 Caroline Street Suite 110 Atlanta GA (This location is in the shopping center on Moreland Ave, just before you get to Little Five Points). You can also visit Demure at www.demureclothing.com , not online shopping available but it does showcase some of the clothes. Demure also has a facebook and follow them on twitter @DemureAtlanta.

On the eve of Easter I was so graciously accepted by my hair stylist for a much needed hair appointment at Keka's Hair Boutique ( follow her on twitter @KekaHairMUA I love her!!) During a conversation about my desire to open my own boutique, she told me her sister had a boutique right upstairs. So you know I had to check it out for all my boutique freaks!! Sherane's Vintage Closet sells, you guessed it, vintage fashions for males and females but mostly females. Sherane Heron is the owner, she was onsite the day of my visit. She was very sweet and hospitable. She offered me a snack and beverage as I shopped (food always warms my heart!).

Sherane's reminds me of a big lofty closet, well that is pretty much what it is. But its pretty great, there are about five racks of one of kind vintage clothing, a corner of hot vintage hats and purses, and this wonderful vanity that I was drawn too full of beautifully handmade hair accessories.

Top Three things that differentiates Sherane's Vintage Closet from not just other vintage boutiques but other boutiques period: 1) She has an in house seamstress that does custom alterations on site! 2) Sherane's only sells one of each item 3) A portion of all proceeds from Sherane's Vintage Closet goes to the To Be Free Campaign, an anti-human trafficking campaign

Sherane's Vintage Closet is located at 1016 Howell Mill Road Suite 3207 (10th street entrance) Atlanta, GA 30318, while your there make sure you book an appointment with Keka at Keka's Hair Boutique! You can also visit Sherane's online at www.sheranesvintagecloset.com 
for online shopping and updates on the boutique. Oh yea, they feed you on Saturdays!!! So if your looking for that one of kind piece, check out Sherane's Vintage Closet. Tell them Boutique Freak sent you!

The definition of Bou-tique: (boo-teek) any small business offering customized service. So you see, it doesn't always have to be clothes, shoes, and such. As long as the business specializes in something and does it FABULOUSLY, its a boutique to Boutique Freak. So now I bring you Camicakes, a little piece of heaven or a small corner of paradise you might say. I found this place tucked in a shopping center in Buckhead. Camicakes is a boutique bakery that specializes in gourmet cupcakes. CamiCakes is the brainchild of Andra Hall and named her business after her daughter Camille. There are a variety of cupcakes but pictured below are you main players.

I had the pleasure of having the Classic Cami, the Lemon Drop, and the Sweet Potato Cupcakes! And all I can say is YUM! LOL!

When I walked in the place was so cute and the cupcake presentation was great. The line was full of women, women with one thought on there mind. And then it happened, one woman started talking about the cupcakes she came to get after thinking it was out of stock and conversation started. To hear all these women talking about the flavors they loved and the excuses they used to come and buy these little guilty pleasures just made me excited. I'm so glad I wasn't let down.

Camicakes has three exclusive location: Tinseltown, FL - Orange Park, FL - and Buckhead, GA. Camicakes gets 5 pumps up from me :-) I love the shop, I love the cakes, and I actually really enjoyed the experience of buying my cupcakes. They were definately worth $2.50 each. Visit www.camicakes.com for more info or find their facebook and twitter pages.Now I have been told by one of my Facebook friends there is some "CupCake Competition" out there so look foward for more on cupcakes!