Uptown

Revolution @ Epicentre

This store is a great resource for alternative fashion, and by that we mean some fresh alternatives to what you will find in most other Charlotte boutiques.  Edgy, to be sure, but women’s brands include diesel, voom, LNA t-shirts, blue notch, mike & chris, Karlie and a wide selection of jeans from rich n skinny, hudson, paige, true religion, 1921, brown label.  Lots of brands out of Los Angeles, including the cult favorite TOM’S shoes which are always a find.  So for a change of pace, head down to Revolution and bring your teens on the only shopping trip they’ll ever enjoy with you.  The rock is loud,  there’s a skate boutique and there is piercing available.   Go on, take a walk on the wild side.

EpiCentre
210 E. Trade St. 2nd Floor, #280 (704)971-1990
www.revolutionshop.net

belleville

One of three locations in greater Charlotte area (also in Epicenter uptown and Birkdale Village in Huntersville) with affordable and fashionable designs from the likes of Miss Me, Glam, s-12, Poppy Garden and Plastic Jeans.  This store is known for it’s friendly, warm vibe and service.

Epicentre
210 Trade Street, Suite E 182    (704) 971-7413

Store Hours:  9-6, Monday through Friday.  www.lovemybelleville.com

Julie’s Too

The uptown outpost of this inexpensive store for colorful, mostly conservative clothing, shoes and accessories.  Julie’s offers great prices and casual, practical style, nothing too trendy.  And there is almost always an in-store sale going on.

Founders Hall 130, Bank of America Corporate Center
100 North Tryon St  (704)331-0012

epiphany shoes

6 Brevard Court     704.332.7463
Store Hours:  Monday-Wednesday: 11:00AM - 5:30PM Thursday-Friday: 11:00AM - 7:00PM Saturday: Noon - 5:00PM Sunday: Closed.

bijouxbellagio

Every item in this little accessories store is priced at $10.  Some of it looks it, and some of it doesn’t so it’s worth a stop if you are uptown traversing the corridors between buildings.  There are bijoubellagio stores in several airports if it looks familiar to you.

Omni Hotel 101 S. Tryon St. (704)333-3322
www.bijouxbellagio.com

Plaza Midwood

beadlush

A favorite among beaders and jewelry lovers, Beadlush offers a growing selection of Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, delicas and other seed beads. As well as high-quality natural stones and pearls, and a large selection of glass rods and lampworking supplies. The store also carries an extensive selection of sterling silver, gold-filled, plated and base-metal findings, chain, beads, and wire. As an added benefit, Beadlush offers classes throughout each month and even custom/individual instruction for specific projects.

1217 The Plaza (704)376-3331

Hours: Mon 11-5, Tues-Fri 11-7, Sat 11-6, Sun 1-5.

www.beadllush.com

century vintage

This 6,000-square-foot store is a shopping mecca for anyone with a penchant for 1950s style. However, the store is called Century for a reason, and you can expect vintage fashion and furniture from anytime in the last 100 years.

1508 Central Ave., 704-344-1005

green with envy & plume

“Charlotte’s Most Unique Gift Store,” Green with Envy carries an eclectic mix of candles and home luxuries, jewelry, paper goods and gifts. And its “store within a store” PLUME offers fun, fashionable and affordable ladies clothing.

1111 Central Ave. Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 344-8774      www.greenwithenvycharlotte.com

lotus

Another outpost of this popular store (also in Dilworth and Birkdale Village plus sister store Civilian in Phillips Place).  The style is young, colorful, and graphic and the stores all carry only the house brand.  Lotus will often offer you an affordable way to add something zing-y and trendy to your wardrobe and if the styles don’t suit you (and they certainly aren’t for every-shopper), try one of their extremely affordable accessories.

1500 Central Avenue.  704-333-5078
Mon-Thur 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-9pm, Sun noon-6pm
www.ladyinlotus.com

Boris + Natasha

Looking for lots of choice from Anna Sui, Tibi, French Connection?  Look no further.  Boris + Natasha (the men’s stuff is on the Boris side of the store) offers these designers plus a range of more moderately priced options like b.b. dakota, penguin, glam and double zero.  You can shop for a dresses here priced from $40 to $600 and it won’t be something you’ve seen in every store.  B + N also features a wide selection of jewelry, including a case of pieces by local crafters and designers.    And a very relaxed Phoebe the dog.  Plus, The Penguin across the street.

214 Thomas Ave., 704-375-0079

Hong Kong Vintage

From 1960s bohemian hippie to 1980s working woman, there’s no role you can’t dress for with clothes from this small vintage shop. Organized by color and articles of clothing, the store features a remarkably diverse selection of dresses, coats, jewelry, and shoes.   For a new twist on an old look, check out the redesigned vintage clothing selection.

1514 Central Ave., (new location! as of 08/09)   704-334-0538
www.hongkongvintage.com

NoDa

Boulevard at NoDa

There are many galleries, restaurants and shops worth a visit in Charlotte’s version of an art / warehouse district on North Davidson.  The best shopping for women’s fashion is found in the collaborative of merchants in the purple building at the corner of 36th & North Davidson that is the Boulevard at NoDa.  Most “stalls” or “stores” are no more than a rack or some shelves, some of the almost 20 merchants can only be found when you check the tags.  But Blvdatnoda is a wonderful collection of unique, mostly hand-crafted and local offerings in jewelry, clothing, beauty, gifts, pottery & art, furniture, home,  even pet gifts and care. The prices are great, the atmosphere is friendly & casual and the merchandise is uniquely personal to it’s creator or proprietor.  Read about each vendor here to get a taste of what you’re in for when you visit this refreshing alternative to mall-shopping.  (and speaking of refreshing, treat yourself to a Tasty-yo or Amelie’s Bakery on the way home - you’ll thank me for it).

453 E. 36th Street (@ North Davidson)     704-332-0142
Tues - Fri 11am-7pm, Sat noon- 7pm, Sun noon-4pm
www.blvdnoda.com