Here's the 2014 edition of our annual Style Issue guide, which lists some of our favorite local indie retailers. Each year, a surprising number of shops open and close, so let us know in a comment below if we missed something. Also, good karma awaits if you shop local for your clothes, accessories, jewelry and shoes, and many stores feature coupons online, so be sure to check their websites. Thanks to David Warner, Kate Bradshaw and Leslie Joy Ickowitz for contributing to this report.
Agora Cheaper than a round-the-world plane ticket, this shop, with prime locations on either side of the bay, offers colorful accessories and home decor from across the globe. Think beaded bracelets, paper lanterns, delicate tableware and silk scarves. Plus, it’s dog-friendly. 232 Beach Drv., St. Petersburg; 151 E. 7th. Ave, Ybor City. shopagora.com.
Albisia’s Jewelry Stop here for a striking handmade bracelet, pair of earrings or necklace. Owner Ali Ipek and her team design and handcraft each piece of jewelry from raw materials. Their focus is to create “simple, timeless yet modern jewelry that can be playfully mixed together.” 1623 W. Snow Circle, Hyde Park. albisiasjewelry.com.
All Sewn Up Edgy, bohemian, hipster and hippie shoppers can find their favorite one-of-a-kind piece. Denim, dresses, custom shoes and more, and they have clothes for babies now, too. Plus, the store treats students and those in the hospitality industry to a 10 percent discount on Mondays and Tuesdays. 621 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-289-7034, allsewnupboutique.com.
Anarchist Closet It’s Tampa Bay’s haven for punks and goths and anyone who likes their wardrobe to rock. Browse gently used rockabilly, punk, and goth garb and plenty of “everyday” clothes, with an emphasis on full-figured ladies. Get your platform boots, corsets, and fetish gear here, too. 12830 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-280-9805; Rosetree Plaza, 7500 Ulmerton Road, Suite 11, Largo, 727-530-1327, anarchistcloset.com.
ArtPool It’s a megastore of coolness. Browse vintage fashion, handmade jewelry and collectibles as well as a full-service home décor shop and vinyl record store. A café serves treats and craft brews, and there’s an outdoor patio, too. The shop also features evening art parties with a wide array of art, fashion, performance and music. Coming up just in time for holiday shopping: the Crafty Holiday Fest Market, Dec. 20-21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-324-3878, artpoolrules.com.
Black & Denim Tampa-based fashion brand Black & Denim aims to create apparel that embraces a bold, cool and most of all timeless image. The menswear line features stylish crew T-shirts, V-necks, woven shirts, and denim jeans with classic Americana appeal. Hoffman Porges Gallery, 1901 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-421-0129. blackanddenim.com.
Bijou’s Boutique Browse a balanced selection of sleek clothing and accessories at this Crislip Arcade shop. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 645 Central Ave., Unit 8, St. Petersburg. 727-209-6506, facebook.com/BijousBoutique.
Bone Valley Vintage Venture inside Seminole Heights Antiques at Osbourne and Florida to find these funky dealers of dresses, boots, bags, used leather goods, vintage threads, jackets and more. 4713 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. instagram.com/bonevalley.
Bo Tiki Funky art, fashions and locally made and Pandora jewelry make this cute and colorful shop a Gulfport favorite. Attend a Christmas Wish Party at the shop Thurs., Dec. 11, 6-9 p.m. 3015 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-498-8757. bo-tiki.com.
The Chameleon Located south of the Skyway, this shop offers an array of tops, dresses and more made of natural fibers, plus unique jewelry and accessories. 2801 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton, 941-747-4477, thechameleonboutique.com.
Cozette’s Boutique With a tagline that boasts “eclectic elegant fashions with street sense,” Cozette’s carries a mix of local and emerging Parisian/European designers as well as vibrant pieces from India. 645 Central Ave., Unit 1, St. Petersburg, 813-317-1241, cozettesboutique.com.
Disco Dolls Studio Whimsy, fun and function epitomize the Dolls’ designs. Sisters Kristine Bush and Leigh Anne Balzekas and stylist Nikki Rice create new looks in the studio, an artistic space equipped with hair, styling and tailoring services. Made entirely of vintage and recycled fabrics, their new collection marries style and sustainability. Whether you’re looking for vintage cocktail dresses, colorful tees or gypsy skirts, the Disco Dolls have you covered. 408 N. Howard Ave., Studio A, 813-641-4367, thediscodolls.com.
Don Me Now This is where you’ll find staples every woman should own — black trouser pants, fitted blazers, women’s shapewear, gold hoops, etc. Personal shopping guides, private parties and other services are offered. 1627 W. Snow Ave, Tampa. donmenow.com.
Evander Preston Contemporary Jewelry Design From sterling silver pop-top bracelets to a golden ring adorned with a glass eye, ZZ Top lookalike Preston has cornered the market on elegantly quirky jewelry design. And if you’ve never visited his gloriously eccentric headquarters in Pass-A-Grille, complete with Great Danes and a 1930 Russian motorcycle, you’re missing out on a key Tampa Bay experience. 106 8th Ave., St. Pete Beach, 727-367-7894, evanderpreston.com.
FAB Fiber Arts Fashion becomes an earthy, interactive and tactile experience at FAB Fiber. Browse hand-spun yarns; one-of-a-kind knitted, crocheted and woven clothing; accessories and leather craft supplies, or participate in classes, workshops and more. 5401 Gulfport Blvd., Gulfport. fabfibergulfport.com.
Florida Jean Company Sure, you’ll find denim offerings from the likes of Lucky Brand and True Religion, but there’s much more to scope out, including cute tees and sundresses, an array of flip-flops and a bevy of boho-inspired jewelry. 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach; 727-365-8440; 1714 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-374-9151. fljean.com.
Fresh Threads Warehouse Browse unique, designer-label contemporary consignment merchandise that offers subtle elegance and kicky style. 615 Pinellas St., Unit 3, Clearwater. shopfreshthreads.com.
Freshly Squeezed Roll into Freshly Squeezed for a cool, curated selection of men’s skater gear. They’ve got you covered from top to bottom with killer hats and shoes plus cool clothing to suit everything from a casual date to a ride at the Bro Bowl. 900 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, 727-823-2197, freshlysqueezedfl.com
Georgette’s The three-decade-strong family-owned boutique uses one-on-one service and multiple collections to give every buyer a unique look. Specializing in black-tie events, pageants and proms, this store can make anyone feel like a celebrity. 141 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-254-1141; georgettesfashions.com.
Gioffrè There’s an interesting influx of upscale Italians in downtown Clearwater; Gioffrè is among this stylish posse. The swanky boutique combines trendy fashions with a classic 1950s sensibility — and even has a sister boutique in Milan. 8 Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 727-442-4172. gioffrefashion.com.
Graphi-ko Gallery Wilmer Vergara is a serial artist and he’s got an art gallery/jewelry shop on The 600 Block to prove it. Find Wilmer’s original paintings and jewelry designs alongside pieces imported from exotic places. Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Sunday. 669 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, graphi-ko.com.
Great American Natural Products This central St. Pete shop is a treat for the senses. You’ll find supplements like spirulina, but the main draw is the clothing and accessories. Think tagua nut bracelets, peacock feather headbands and jellyfish wristlets. You’ll also find a cache of creative home accessories, like Titanic-and-glacier mold ice cube trays and clever cocktail shakers. They’re closed on Sundays. 4121 16th St. N. St. Petersburg, 727-521-4372. greatamerican.biz.
gypsyjunQue bus We’d love this boutique-on-wheels even if it weren’t run by CL staffer Elke Lockert, whose Cameron-Diaz-meets-Burning-Man style informs every detail. The vibrantly painted bus is a world unto its own, a funky mix of jewelry, clothing and accessories, much of which has been “recycled or ripped apart and repurposed to make something uniquely beautiful.” Look for the bus at craft fests and follow its exploits at facebook.com/gypsyjunQue.
A. Haley Located in the plaza with Starbucks and Panera, the shop offers a nice mix of big-night-out duds and everyday staples. Also, they host different events for women such as babysitter swaps and wine tastings. 128B S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa. 813-207-0400. ahaleyboutique.com.
Heavenly Heels The women’s online shoe retailer and St. Pete boutique specializes in designer shoes, Badgley Mischka, Bernardo, Diana Kelly, Sasha London, Poetic License, Bacio 61 and hard-to-find designers such as Morena Rosa, Luz da Lua and more. Parkshore Plaza Shops, 300 Beach Drive N.E. (corner of Third Avenue North and First Street North), St. Petersburg. 727-498-8871. heavenlyheels.com.
I & M Classy Hats and More The place to shop for your Derby chapeau — but don’t wait until then to check out this store’s eclectic selection. 424 West Bay Drive, Largo, 727-586-4287. imclassyhats.com.
Illume Eco Boutique “Organic does not need to be ‘hippie or crunchy granola,’” their website says. Here you’ll find hip, eco-friendly new clothing and some vintage, but it also has a great selection of jewelry. 784 Indian Rocks Road N, Belleair Bluffs, 727-422-3630, ecolunatik.com.
Junque from the Trunque The “little shoppe of treasures old and new” has furniture, collectibles with clothing, jewelry and accessories thrown into the mix. Deep in the heart of Pasco County. 2334 Seven Springs Blvd., Trinity. junquefromthetrunque.wix.com/home.
Kina Kouture The stylish downtown Dunedin haven for vintage-inspired haute couture has relocated. Head a little west, near Douglas Avenue, to find the shop for that perfect Mad Men party dress amid a sweet selection of figure-flattering looks of the ’50s and ’60s — plus formalwear and accessories. Kina has been featured in DFAC’s Wearable Art and offers something for any woman who craves a little distinction. 428 Virginia Lane, Dunedin, 813-734-2900, kinakouture.com.
La France The Tampa Bay area’s most popular and well-established vintage shop has won multiple Best of the Bay awards for its wide-ranging selection, which includes rack upon rack of vintage and retro clothing — from ball gowns to Hawaiian print shirts to pencil skirts — as well as hats, shoes, belts and other accessories, several cases’ worth of jewelry, and various retro-fied odds and ends such as postcards, magnets and coasters. The staff is perfectly willing to style you for your special event. 1612 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-1381.
Love That! Peruse blousy blouses, snazzy dresses, denim, distinctive jewelry and nifty accessories. This Thursday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shop will host its Holiday Trunk Show featuring designers Genia Silver Jewelry, Dana Rudolph Jewelry, Filomena Fernandez Fashion, Cashmere Wrappings, and Virgins Saints & Angels Jewelry. Champagne will be served and shopping specials will be offered all day. 310 S. Dale Mabry., Tampa, 813-872-7085, lovethatonline.com.
Loving Shoes & Things The new Clearwater shop offers personalized service and affordable prices on casual blouses, tees, nightlife wear and more. If you’re in a bind and the store is closed, call LS&T’s after-hours service at 727-418-0100. Ten percent off Wednesdays if you copy the coupon from their FB page. 1462 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 727-462-2600.
McB’s It’s the place for fashionable men in the ’Burg. Designer labels at deep discounts and more. Unloading duds? McB’s accepts consignments and buy-outrights every Wednesday. No appointment is required. Clothing needs to be freshly laundered or professionally dry cleaned. Items do not need to be on hangers. 1045 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-258-4932. mcbmen.com.
MISRED Outfitters Out with the old and in the with new. Misred Outfitters has evolved to feature 95 percent new fashion, rather than vintage. Colorful prints popping, statement jewelry sparkling and purse-friendly pricing continually make Misred shine as a bright spot on the local fashion scene. 615 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-827-8310, bemisred.com.
Monstruosite by Dolly Donshey Designer/creative director Dolly Donshey designs four collections, including seasonal designer ready-to-wear items, corsets and custom-made couture millinery (hats and headpieces). Donshey works with clients on custom-made orders by appointment only. A standout is her stunning corsets, which can also be made to order. 540 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, monstruosite.com.
Necessories Gallery & Boutique The globally minded boutique with items made by women artisans specializes in “Bohemian femme funk.” Its merch includes art, accessories, gifts, home furnishings, and both women’s and men’s apparel. This Sunday, Dec. 14, 1-4 p.m., the shop will host a holiday party with food, socializing and proceeds going to the Second Chance Closet. 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. facebook.com/NecessoriesBohemianFemeFunk, necessories-bff.com.
Nikki’s Glitz and Glam Boutique The 3-year-old shop is showing off a new glamorous look for the coming year. The have added new designers in addition to existing brands. “Shop like a queen at the new and improved Nikki’s,” the owners say. Celebration is Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.; includes food, drinks, music, special savings all night, giveaways and more. 34246 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor, 727-785-3399. nikkisglitzandglamboutique.com.
Patina Retro & Modern The new kids on the block (where Kina Kouture used to be) offer a sweet selection of vintage and resale clothing, shoes and handbags. On sale now is a ice bucket hand-painted with a Dunedin orange crate-style sign by Steven Spathelf. 457 Main St., Dunedin. 727-204-5515. Click here for Facebook page.
Peaches and Pearls Boutique and Gallery Select from a color-coded mix of contemporary clothing with a touch of vintage fashion. Much of the merch comes in from Cory’s customers dating back to her 12-year stint at Neiman Marcus. 5897 Memorial Hwy., Tampa, 813-886-7029. Search for their page on Facebook.
Penelope T The SoHo spot combines urban sensibility and bohemian aesthetics. With one-of-a-kind finds in clothing, jewelry, shoes, swimwear, handbags and lingerie. 3310 S. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-254-5740, penelopetboutique.com.
Pink Petticoat The place to shop for pretty underthings in Hyde Park Village. 1540 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-253-2244. thepinkpetticoat.com.
Pippa Pelure Contemporary and sophisticated women’s apparel. 50 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, pippapelure.com, 727-623-0926.
Poppy Boutique It started out as a little Hyde Park Village boutique and is now among other shops in a mass exodus to South Tampa. Expect a wider selection of trendy looks, everyday wear and other women’s clothing, as well as accessories, jewelry, furniture and more. 3415 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-374-9270. facebook.com/ThePoppyBoutique.
Ramblin’ Rose The local merchandisers’ and artists’ co-op known for funky events and enviro-friendly repurpose-ification has become an online and market-only traveling pop-up shop sold from a super-cool vintage trailer. Once you find it, you might just fall in love with Ramblin’ Rose’s “great clothes, knickknacks and energy.” At St. Pete Indie Market, first Saturday of the month, noon-6 p.m., 600 Block, St. Petersburg, 727-557-5812, ramblinroseupcycle.wordpress.com.
Ravens and Rockers Going to the Castle for industrial night? This shop has a wide variety of gothic, cyber, metal, punk, vampire, industrial, rockabilly, hardcore, steampunk, fetish, pin-up and rocker styles. Name brands include Lip Service, Hell Bunny/Spin Dr, Tripp NYC, Demonia and Shrine. 14815 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-443-0826. ravensandrockers.com.
Rehab and Rehab Exchange Rehabilitate from the overpriced and humdrum at this South Tampa favorite, which offers trendy and luxury brands with indie, vintage flair. 4525 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-830-1811, checkoutrehab.com.
Revolve Clothing Exchange A funky treasure trove of vintage threads, new fashions and accessories, with locations on both sides of the bay. Three locations: Ybor, 1620 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-242-5970; South Tampa, 4023 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-406-7788; 2000 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-399-7788; revolve.cx.
Roadside Attraction Curiosity Shop and Gypsy Craft Lounge This is more than the place for vintage threads and geegaws, and unique handmade jewelry; you can also occasionally make items of your own at this cute, funky-fun outpost, owned by writer/cocktail party maven Carol Cortright. The shop is relocating from Belleair Bluffs to 13836 Walsingham Road, Largo, in January. For updates, visit facebook.com/ShopRoadsideAttraction.
Roma-N.Y.C. If you’re looking for smart, tailored and trendy Italian imports (or clothes that meet Italian fashionista standards) — at prices lower than the Armani store on Fifth Avenue — this is your best bet. 410 Cleveland St., Clearwater. clevelandstreetdistrict.com.
Sherry’s YesterDaze For the past 15 years, YesterDaze has been serving up a wide variety of vintage clothing and accessories for ladies and gents alike. Can’t seem to find that perfect pair of 1960s tapestry hot pants? Look no further than YesterDaze. 5207 N. Florida Ave., 813-231-2020, clevelandstreetdistrict.com.
Saturday Downtown Indie Market Designers, artists, horticulturists, crafters and nonprofit groups take over the sidewalks of the 600 block in a younger, cooler DIY outdoor bazaar than what’s typically offered in the Bay area. Noon-6 p.m., first Saturday of every month. Between Sixth and Seventh avenues Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. sixhundredblock.com.
Schoolyard Skatepark and Skateshop In St Pete for 3 years, adjacent to its indoor skatepark and now with a new store on the 600 block in St Pete right between the State Theatre and Star Booty. They carry Adidas, Vans, New Balance, Brixton, Stance, RipNDip, The Quiet Life and more. Many of their brands are exclusive to them for the St Pete "territory." … "We are the only core skate retailer for Vans and Adidas for all of St. Pete," says owner Tim Simmons. 685 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. schoolyardskatepark.com.
The Shop This simply named shop in Northeast St. Pete gets kudos for “unbelievable prices” (actual quote) and stylish West Coast-inspired looks. Balancing timeless classics and trendy sass. 3440 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-6905, theshopstpete.com.
Simple Graces Artisan Jewelry Boutique If your dresser is an island of broken misfits, bring them in for repair or a new custom design. Owner Daphne McDowell is très helpful and creative. At McDowell’s shop you’ll find handmade pieces made with semi-precious gems, Swarovski crystals, and more. 3642 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-503-9863, simplegracesjewelry.com.
Singing Stone Gallery Owner/artisan Daniel Balk incorporates the natural world, anatomy, psychology, philosophy and anthropology into his designs. 1903 N. 19th St., Tampa, 813-247-2787, singingstoneart.com.
So Chic Consignment A snazzy reseller that teams up with downtown St. Pete venues for local events, shopping and otherwise. 3625 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-543-5387
Star Booty Salon It’s a wicked-cool rock ‘n’ roll boutique and hair salon all in one — a St. Pete favorite. 681 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-895-STAR (7827), starbootysalon.com.
Suzette’s on Central Located next door to Trunk Stylists, the pretty new shop offers contemporary mix-and-match fashions for all sizes and artsy accessories, designer jewelry and more. Quite a nice mix of function and style. 649 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. suzettesoncentral.wix.com/boutiquestpete.
Skatepark of Tampa/The Bricks of Ybor Browse a slew of quality brands online or at the SPoT’s two locations: The SPoT Bricks of Ybor Skate Shop, 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, and the main skatepark location at 4215 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa 813-621-6793, skateparkoftampa.com.
Strands of Sunshine So much personality is packed into this itsy-bitsy shop on The 600 Block. Find colorful, handcrafted, dainty jewelry and local soy candles to brighten up your life. #4 6th St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-823-2878, strandsofsunshine.com.
Squaresville A goldmine of retro fashions for both men and women, plus funky mid-century home furnishings. 3224 W. Bay-to-Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-259-9944, squaresvilletampa.com.
The Trunk Stylists Pop into a boutique that packs a whole lot of fun, flirty fashion for girls and guys into The 600 Block. From jumpsuits to jackets and everything in between, you’ll find an array of lovable fashion for day to evening. Accessories top everything off with hats, soft, seasonal scarves, amusing novelty accessories and a great selection of sunnies. Proceeds from the Panda shades go to a charitable cause, and the gang throws its festive Brunch & Shop the first Sunday of the month, offering tasty nibbles (we know; we tried them) and mimosas from noon to 4 p.m. 651 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, thetrunkonline.com.
Urban Body A mainstay for men since opening in SoHo 13 years ago, the boutique is now making women happy, too, with a carefully edited selection of separates and dresses that share the same body-conscious, casual flair of the men’s collection. 711 S. Howard Ave. #100, Tampa, 813-251-5522, urbanbody.com.
1 of 1 Customs Is that T-shirt or belt too plain? Let “Rasta” Geary Taylor and Jesse Kiebzak zazz it up. The artists specialize in hand-painted footwear, shirts, hats, purses, belts and more at this one-of-a-kind mall venue. Westfield Countryside Mall, 27001 U.S. 19, Suite 1066A, Clearwater. 1of1customs.com.
432 Westside Boutique The small, eclectic boutique offers personal service, product knowledge and creativity. 100 Indian Rocks Road N., Belleair Bluffs. 432westside.com.
This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2014.