The guide below lists some of our favorite local indie boutiques, shops, co-ops, holes in the wall and other whatnots. These are places that lower your carbon footprint, offering one-of-a-kind looks and a more pleasurable shopping experience than the big-box stores. Check out our recommendations here — and if we left any out, please let us know. Some shops post coupons online, so be sure to check their websites and Facebook/Twitter pages, too. If you want to know more about keeping your fashion buys local, visit LocalShops1.com. A fab site in St. Pete — keepsaintpetersburglocal.org — outlines the many cool shops in the Burg.
A & A Boutique Allie and Amber Malott, twin-sister proprietors of A & A Boutique, bring class to the sticks with a high-end couture consignment shop for men and women. Browse items with labels by everything from Versace and Burberry to Ferragamo and Vuitton. Customers can expect to pay 50 to 75 percent less than what’s being sold on retail shelves, and consigners can get 50 to 80 percent return on items consigned and sold. The shop hosts a holiday party featuring Gucci and Hermes handbags on Sat., Dec. 15. 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 108, Wesley Chapel. 81e- 528-8765. facebook.com/AABoutiqueLLC. —Julie Garisto
All Sewn Up “I love your dress, where’d ya get it?” That’s what you’ll hear when you shop at All Sewn Up on Central Avenue. Edgy, bohemian, hipster, hippie shoppers can find their favorite one-of-a-kind piece. Denim, dresses, custom shoes, and brands like Motel Rocks, Upper Playground, Kill City and more. The purchasers shop smart — they only buy one size in each item — so you can have the satisfaction of knowing you’re one of the few who owns the piece. 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. —Arielle Stevenson
Anarchist Closet Sheena is a punk-rocker now, and that means she’ll need some punk-rock threads. If you’re less punk and more goth, Anarchist Closet has something for you too. Gently used rockabilly, punk, and goth garb for the devil in all of us. Even if you’re only wading into the shallow waters of the alternative lifestyle, there are plenty of “everyday” clothes, with an emphasis on full-figured ladies. Get your platform books, corsets, and fetish gear here, too. Prices are extremely fair and they have a great selection of accessories too. 12830 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-280-9805, anarchistcloset.com. —AS
Artpool Local art and fashion maven Marina Williams knows how to make a statement. Just meander through her carefully curated selection of vintage fashion for guys and dolls. Not to mention oodles and oodles of handmade jewelry from local crafters, and collectibles. Since expanding less than a year ago, Artpool has extended into a full service home décor shop, vinyl record store, and café serving delicious treats and craft brews (there’s an outdoor patio, too). And the Best of the Bay-winning Marina (and her mom) are still hosting evening art parties with a wide array of art, fashion, performance and music — lately once or twice a month. 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-324-3878, artpoolrules.com. —AS
Bella Moda Pick up some trendy new threads from Brazil’s top four designers: Morena Rosa, Zinco, Moikana and Maria Valentina. Right in the heart of upscale Beach Drive, the boutique has handmade jewelry, accessories and that itsy bitsy tiny weenie bikini. 30 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-623-9981, lovebellamoda.com. —AS
Bentley’s Boutique A comforting, chic boutique named for owner Torrie Tiernan’s beloved malti-poo. Buy or sell. A unique collection, ranging from local jewelry designers Sid Tori and Feather to trendy threads from Betsey Johnson and Diane von Furstenberg. 6 Sixth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-403-7280, facebook.com/bentleysboutique. —Chloe Lykes
Babybird Vintage Amber Drees and Illene Sofranko’s vintage shop on Etsy offers unique and stylish vintage clothing, shoes, purses and accessories. Most pieces under $20. etsy.com/shop/babybirdvintage. —JG
Brooksie’s Market One of the newest kids on the Seminole Heights-Florida Avenue strip, proprietor Michelle Brooks sells unique handmade jewelry and fashion accessiories, in adddition to teas, bath salts (no, not that kind!), socks, ornaments, birdhouses and fresh herbs and pasta from the Ravioli Co. in South Tampa. Brooks began her endeavor in creative retail entrepreneurship by making cards for military parents. With her son serving in the United States Marine Corps, it became a passion. She told the Seminole Heights Patch in a recent interview that she did the corporate thing for 12 years and had plenty of money to play with. “Now I have no money, but I get to play everyday I come to work.” 5805 N. Florida Ave., 813-446-2187. —JG
Buffalo Gal Vintage Giddy on up for distinctive, snazzy all-Mad-Men-up-in-yo-face couture, decor, accessories — and even pinup-style photography. The newly relocated shop is a paradise for shoppers who love to sift through antique and repro goods. On Facebook, BGV posts a contest for pinup of the month, based on wall posts with the most “likes.” And their Pinups and Pooches event deserves awesome props, having raised a crate of cash for the Humane Society of Pinellas. 911 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-290-8468, buffalogalvintage.com. —JG
The Chameleon South of the Skyway, this shop offers an array of tops, dresses and other pieces made of natural fibers, plus unique jewelry and accessories. 2801 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton, 941-747-4477, thechameleonboutique.com. —JG
Couture Shoez The dress broke your budget, but you still need new shoes. Shop at a Tampa boutique specializing in new and gently worn, high-end designer shoes. Owners claim a savings of up to 75 percent on Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Guesippi Zanotti, Diane Von Furstenberg, and many more. The recently opened boutique is approximately 600 square feet and decorated in highly contrasting colors with crystal chandeliers to rival the shopping experience of high-end department stores. 4025 Henderson Blvd. (intersection of Henderson and Neptune), Tampa. Shop page on Facebook; 813-398-8080; Coutureshoez.com.
Disco Dolls Whimsy, fun and function epitomize the Dolls’ designs. Sisters Kristine Bush and Leigh Anne Balzekas, and hairstylist Maxwell Maisano, run the Disco Dolls 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. —Melanie Wiesen
Fresh Threads Dip into a unique, designer label contemporary consignment boutique that offers subtle elegance and kicky style. 4230 S. MacDill Ave. Suite F, Tampa, 813-449-3578. shopfreshthreads.com. —JG
Georgette’s With multiple awards under its belt, this 30-year 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. Summer Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m. —Meeghan Gilchrist
Illume Eco Boutique The Indian Rocks Beach/Largo area is not the retirement haven it used to be. As this shop's name suggests, it stocks mostly eco-friendly new clothing and some vintage but should be best known for its outstanding selection of vintage jewelry. “Hands-down the best collection I’ve ever seen,” said fellow Belleair Bluffs business owner Carol Cortright. “It’s like crack to those of us with a vintage bling fixation.” 784 Indian Rocks Road N, Belleair Bluffs, 727-422-3630, ecolunatic.com, Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Sun. —JG
k.hendrix studio and showroom Because k.hendrix designs emphasize recycling, reusing and renewing materials, every piece in the collection is one of a kind, and most items are made year-round and do not follow the trends or seasons. Dresses, cover-ups and skirts are among the main pieces in the collection, which also includes pants and bikinis — all with lots of sequins, dyed leathers, knits and color-washed silks. Items on sale include a silk bed jacket featured in Maxim magazine. Hendrix also does custom work updating wedding gowns and prom dresses for re-use. Grand opening party this Saturday. 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 646-316-4814. —JG
Kina Kouture Head to this stylish li’l haven for vintage savoir faire, classic lines and edgy trendiness. Owners Bert and Jeanne Halle bring back the fab figure-flattering looks of the ’50s and ’60s with repros by Lucky 13, Bernie Dexter, Stop Staring and Bettie Page brands — in addition to formalwear and choice accessories. The shop in Pinellas’ quaint Valhalla of retail, downtown Dunedin, has been featured in DFAC’s Wearable Art and offers something for any woman who likes some swagger in her style. 447 Main St., Dunedin, 813-734-2900, kinakouture.com. —JG
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. —Leilani Polk
Love That Here’s a sweet retreat with unpredictable goodies. Blousy blouses, snazzy dresses, denim, distinctive jewelry and nifty accessories round out a selection that lives up to the shop’s name: It’s truly lovable. 4109-B S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-902-0500, lovethatonline.com. —JG
McB’s The place for fashionable men, and we won’t call you out on being metro. Just smart. Owner Kevin McBride knows men's style and is a pleasure to deal with. CL sales exec and clothes horse Anthony Carbone purchased a brown plaid Hugo Boss sport coat (original value estimated at around $600); the ticket was marked $39 but he got 20 percent off to cover alterations. Total investment: $44. 1045 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-258-4932. —JG
MISRED Outfitters Unlike what many “vintage” clothing stores have to offer, MISRED’s racks hold more than the regurgitated remains of your granny’s closet. With options to buy, sell or trade in-store, you have plenty of opportunities to snag some slammin’, one-of-a-kind duds without compromising your wallet. Owner Sara Stonecipher is an expert at reconstructing threads from thrift finds into new fashionable items. 615 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-827-8310, bemisred.com. —MB
Monstrousite by Dolley 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. Limited edition luxury T-shirts are available through the online shop and through select boutiques. monstruosite.com/shop.
You can contact dolly at dolly@monstruosite.com or call to make an appointment at 212.470.6954. —JG
Nicole Boutique According to Internet retail site Bundle.com, Nicole Boutique is rated 79/100, making it No. 5 for clothing in Largo, where there’s more fashion than you’d think. 2892 W. Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs. 727-585-1544. —JG
Nook’s Apparel Browse, buy and trade some badass hand-crafted goods, boots, outerwear, vintage inspired clothing, jewelry and novelites. 345 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-331-4642.
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, Penelope T targets creative women with a distinctive style. The merch veers away from shopping-mall monotony, yet it won’t break the bank — price points are reasonable and sales are plenty. Choosing from pieces by renowned designers and rotating new talent, owners Nickie and Manne will help you put together a chic, contemporary look. 1413 S. Howard Ave., Suite 104, Tampa, 813-254-5740, penelopetboutique.com, facebook.com/penelopetboutique. —MW
Plato’s Closet With seven locations in the greater Tampa Bay area alone, Plato’s Closet is quickly becoming the go-to stop for secondhand fashion. The franchise specializes in stylish, gently-used clothing and accessories by top-name brands and designers, and is frequented by teens, 20-somethings, and those of us who avoid the mall and its prices like the plague. A buying club gives you the chance to earn points for your purchases to apply toward future shopping sprees. Plato’s Closet also takes trade-ins and offers cash or store credit based on style, condition, brand and its current inventory. With locations in Carrollwood, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Brandon, Largo, Palm Harbor, and Wesley Chapel; hours vary. platoscloset.com. —LP
Ramblin’ Rose The local merchandisers’ and artists’ co-op known for funky events and enviro-friendly repurpose-ification has moved into its own digs on Central Avenue — a spacious, artsy but aesthetically pleasing environment. Visit, if just to see the vibrant mural by Felici Asteinza and Joey Fillastre. Once you’re there, you might just fall in love with the conscious retailers for their “great clothes, knickknacks and energy.” 683 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-557-5812, ramblinroseupcycle.wordpress.com. —JG
Rande James Spa Flower Mineral Eye Shadow. Red Tea Moisturizing Serum. Sound tantalizing? If you’re looking for organic, natural, and vegan makeup options, the newly opened Rande James Spa at the Hollander Hotel carries a complete original line. 400 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg; 727-498-8811; open Mon.-Sat. 10 am-7 pm; randejamesspa.com. —Kent Roberts
Revolve Clothing Exchange A funky treasure trove of vintage threads, new fashions and accessories, with locations on both sides of the bay. Items in stock vary on any given day, but you’ll always find a wide variety of stuff, ranging from pink cowboy boots to that guayabera your dad used to wear. The selection of staff picks is always worth a once-over. Don’t have spending money? You can trade your gently used secondhand clothes for store credit. Both stores offer a frequent shopper rewards program and stamp card. 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. —JG
Roadside Attraction Curiosity Shop and Gypsy Craft Lounge Buy cute fashion accessories and handmade jewelry and occasionally make items of your own at this cute, funky-fun new outpost owned by writer/former library maven Carol Cortright, who has parlayed her Big Easy love, irreverent Goth leanings and an appreciation of all things Old Florida and vintage into a sweet place of her own. Look out for fun cocktail crafty events at the shop. 596 Indian Rocks Road. N, #1, Belleair Bluffs, facebook.com/ShopRoadsideAttraction. —JG
Sherry’s YesterDaze Contributing to Seminole Heights’ ever-growing coolness is Sherry’s YesterDaze Vintage Clothing and Antiques. For the past 13 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? Or that 1980s terry jumpsuit? Look no further than YesterDaze. 5207 N. Florida Ave., 813-231-2020, yesterdazevintage.com. —MW
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, shop owner Vickey Blair helped pioneer St. Pete’s prolific local-friendly shopping movement. 3440 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-6905, enjoytheshop.com. —JG
Simple Graces Artisan Jewelry Boutique If your dresser is an island of broken misfits — clasps broken off, unstrung beads and lonely earrings — bring them in for repair or a new custom design. Owner Daphne McDowell is très helpful and creative. She opened the shop in 2002 to help her church move out of its storefront location and build its own place of worship. At McDowell’s shop you’ll find handmade pieces made with semi-precious gem stones, Swarovski crystals, fire-polished glass, sterling silver, copper, fresh water pearls and other natural elements. 3642 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-503-9863, simplegracesjewelry.com. —JG
Singing Stone Gallery We’re not including too many non-clothing jewelry shops in this guide, but Singing Stone gets recognition for its distinction and outreach in promoting the arts in Ybor. Owner/artisan Daniel Balk recognizes a unique beauty in the balance of nature; his studies of the natural world, anatomy, psychology, philosophy and anthropology inform his designs. 1903 N. 19th St., Tampa, 813-247-2787, singingstoneart.com. Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday. —JG
Skatepark of Tampa/The Bricks of Ybor The skatepark is one of Tampa Bay’s most inspiring success stories, a world-renowned skateboard facility. Locally, it’s a veritable counter-culture dynasty with two great retail shops. 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. —JG
Surf or City This is not your grandma’s floral-print Florida-friendly boutique. The stylish St. Pete shop offers a combo of urban sophistication, trendy looks and cute beachwear. Owner Caroline Saunders has lived in Hawaii and traveled all over. Her experiences inspired her to sell fashions that “snuggle up harmoniously in your suitcase.” 1000 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-490-7799, surforcity.com. Mon., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. —JG
Squaresville If you’re searching for some of the grooviest fashions of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, Squaresville is a goldmine of retro fashions for both men and women, plus funky mid-century home furnishings. With wigs, hats and sunglasses as well, you’ve got all the trappings for a carefree decade-themed party! 508 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-259-9944, squaresvilletampa.com. —MG
Tampa Upcycle Good for the soul with super-cool style and fun events galore, the shop at the Roosevelt 2.0 collects and offers used (and some new) art, fashion and craft supplies with pay-as-you-can-afford prices Indie artists, designers and crafters can find materials that can be repurposed and made into something new. Everything from partially used paints to vintage sheets to cereal boxes are used and sold. 1812 N. 15th St., Ybor City. facebook.com/tampaupcycle, tampaupcycle.com. —JG
The Trunk Stylists Since 2010, Neesa Shakur and Marianne Shaffer have brought their mobile boutique to your home for image consultations and closet revamping. Now with a storefront in Downtown St. Pete, The Trunk is filled with the trendiest of threads, accessories, novelty items, shoes and more. 651 Central Ave., St Petersburg, email shop@thetrunkonline.com. —JG
Urban Body A mainstay for men since opening in SoHo 11 years ago, Scott Moore’s 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 his men’s collection. Now that the shop occupies a more visible space on Howard (in the former home of Kabloom), there’s more room to browse the smartly constructed, fashion-forward looks favored by the unfailingly affable Moore and staff. 711 S. Howard Ave. #100, Tampa, 813-251-5522, urbanbody.com. —David Warner
432 Westside Boutique The small eclectic boutique offers personal service, product knowledge and creativity. 100 Indian Rocks Road N, Belleair Bluffs. 432westside.com. —JG
This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2012.