Myers Park / Providence Road

j. mcglaughlin

Located in a bungalow style house, you would never guess the store was based out of NYC, as each JM store tries to reflect the community they’re in. The JM brand features classic, stylish, preppy clothing for both men and women. Men’s attire ranges from casual shorts and polos to business sweaters and ties. For the women, the label offers beautiful silk blouses and skirts perfect for work or fun.

412 Providence Rd., 704-335-3194 Hours: Monday-Saturday:10am - 6pm.  Closed Sundays.

jmclaughlin.com (national website)

on a string

Winner of Charlotte magazine’s Best of the Best awards for beading stores.  Offering a large and unique selection of beads, findings, tools, jewelry and goodies. Plus the most fun bead girls in town, as they like to say:  ”From the moment you walk through our doors you will be showered with fabulosity and fierceness, and everything in between!”

416 Providence Road   704.334.1110
Website:  www.on-a-string.com

fresh

Convenient and contemporary are the keywords for this small but well-stocked Myers Park boutique.  Don’t be put off by the parking, you can always just pull down the driveway as there is plenty of parking in back.  You’ll find Juicy, Tibi, Ella Moss, Alice + Olivia, Eva Franco, along with Kooba, Susana Monaco, Velvet, Liquid, Theory, Envi and Michael Stars. And new in spring 2009, Milly.    Fresh has a well-stocked denim collection……..Citizens of Humanity (new) AG, Joe’s Jeans, Paige Premium Denim, Hudson.

813 Providence Rd., 704-343-9071

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am - 6pm.  Closed Sundays.

paul simon for women

The women’s store of Paul Simon is located on Providence Rd at Selwyn in the Myers Park shopping center.  The store divides its focus between women’s Executive, Casual and Evening attire.   The selection is upscale, classic and mature in all categories. This is where you’ll find a timeless piece which you will probably return to again & again….expensive but well worth it if their style suits you.   Brands include Zanella, Bernard Zins, Nina McLemore,  Maxmara,  Peserico,  Fabrizio Gianni,  Pink Tartan,  Nic & Zoe, CiCi Bianca, Cullen Sweaters, Cambio Jeans, WOMYN, Parameter, Tom and Linda Platt, Flores & Flores, Connie Roberson, Chetta B and Teri Jon.  Their custom made selection is almost never-ending, with over 100 colors of silk to create in a variety of styles.   This is a store that prides itself on personal customer service, almost like a fashion concierge.  Don’t be shy about availing yourself of this, it is the Paul Simon hallmark.

1033 Providence Rd.,  704.333.6139

Hours:   Mon-Fri  9 am - 6pm and Sat 9 am - 5 pm  Closed Sundays.

paulsimonco.com

the pink hanger

Inside the pink walls of this new-ish boutique you’ll find a well-edited selection of dresses, denim, tops, accessories and lingerie.  The Pink Hanger was recently recognized as “Best New Women’s Boutique” in Charlotte magazine’s 2008 BOB Awards and won the Reader’s Choice for “Best Women’s Boutique.”  There’s an assortment of brands you don’t find everywhere like Amanda Uprichard, French Connection, Yumi Kim, Jenny Han, Akiko, Joie, Denim of Virtue and Bishop of 7th.  Plus, starting this summer, they are adding the ever popular Splendid, Three Dots, MILLY and Trina Turk.  The Pink Hanger has a great list of unique shopping services, like personal delivery, a wish list register, private fit parties (kind of like trunk shows but for new, not-yet-carried designers) and private shopping parties.  And, it’s open ’til 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday for a quick stop on your way home from work.

2935 Providence Rd. #103        (704) 366-7272

pinkhangeronline.com

julie’s

Don’t be put off by the strip center exterior.     Julie’s has a nice range of low-priced, mid-style clothes that are easy to wear and easy on the wallet.  The selection seems to be divided within the store….in the front it’s younger and trendier.  To  the back, more “mature.”  There is a lot of practical, wearable style here, but you may have to look for it.  I saw several very cute raincoats for $38 (!!) and several “dresses” which would be too short and clingy for my regular wear but at $30 would make a perfect swim cover-up.  And keep your eye out, or ask inside.  Julie’s often has a great promotion going at the store.

Park Road Shopping Center 4145 Park Road  (704)525-9552

www.juliesclothing.com

Dilworth

sloan

Tucked into the back of The Shops at Twin Oaks on East Blvd. is a GO-TO store for fashion at a reasonable price.   Think InStyle, Lucky, Elle. Sloan has the latest and the cutest from popular designers like Ali Ro, Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Theory, BCBG, Nicole Miller,  Splendid, Tracy Reese, Liquid, Fashionista, Velvet, Maria Bianco Nero, Robert Rodriquez, Cynthia Steffe, Rory Beca, Hale Bob, Pink Tartan, Byron Lars…..it goes on.   And there’s a nice collection of designer denim on their wall of jeans: rich& skinny, current elliott, AG, paige, jbrand. Sloan also has hands-down best selection of unique fashion jewerly (it’s costume jewelry, but somehow that sounds so granny).  Dozens of shelves brimming with jewelry in every shape, size, and style, mostly arranged by color so it’s easy to shop.  The prices of pieces by designers including Chan Luu, Jose Barrera, Jill Jacobson, and Charlotte locals Kym Motley, Kristin Morris, Sally Payne, and Nancy Day run from $20 to $500.  Finally, Sloan is really trying to establish an affordable cocktail, special occasion and prom business upstairs in their store.  Prices range from $300 to $500 and best of all, they have a dress registry so you don’t see your great dress on someone else at the same party.  Genius!

Shops at Twin Oaks, 1419-B East Blvd., 704-338-1400

Hours:  Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm.  Closed Sundays.

shopatsloan.com (mostly a blog)

step by sloan

Upstairs from Sloan is STEP, the shoe store owned by the Sloan sisters.  The range here is perfect….the range of styles, the range of prices, the range of options, whether you prefer classic or trendy.  OK, if you want Ferragamo, head to Nordstroms.  Manolo, try Neimans.  For great style across the board, don’t skip a trip to Step by Sloan and a visit with Dan the Shoe Man.  Brands include BCBG, Tapeet, Vicini, Cordani, Bettye Muller, Boem, Kors, Jean Michel Cazabat, Guiseppe Zanotti.

Shops at Twin Oaks, 1419 East Blvd., 704-376-1275

Hours:  Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm.  Closed Sundays.

stepbysloan.com

i.c. london

This Dilworth staple understands the dilemma of finding just the right brassiere. To help with this tricky process, ICL offers high end bra brands along with bra-fitting services. (If you have never been fitted, or at least counseled on your bra fit, head straight here.  It can change your life.)  There’s also a wide selection of FleurT nightgowns (starting at $85), Hanky Panky panties ($18-$34), Huit bra-sized bathing suits (starting at $54 per piece), and Jacques Levine slippers (starting at $34).

1419-F East Blvd., 704-377-7955

Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm.  Closed Sundays.

iclondon.com

lotus

Lotus in Dilworth carries the privately, locally owned & designed Lotus Collection.  (There are 4 locations in the area.)  The style is young, colorful, and graphic.  The Lotus brand 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.

1247 East Blvd., 704-332-2047

Hours:  Mo - Thu: 11am - 8pm / Fri & Sat: 10am - 9pm / Sunday: Noon - 6pm

www.ladyinlotus.com

petal

Featuring designer jeans and trendy day wear for moms and for kids, Petal gives us one more reason to brave East Blvd.  Actually, thanks to the free parking garage in the building, getting in and out of Petal is a breeze. Owner Jammie Dean lines racks with feminine pieces by Amanda Uprichard, Rachel Pally, Alice & Trixie, Splendid, Vince, MINT by jodi arnold and jeans by  j brand and citizens of humanity.  Also, coming for the holiday season 09, the ever popular Milly.  Petal also has a nice selection of low-priced dainty fashion jewelry to complete your outfit.  PLUS a section of items $100 and under, for the budget conscious fashionista.   When you’re finished at Petal, go out the back of the garage and turn left to swing by Handpicked, or to catch a light to get back on East Blvd.

1315 East Blvd. 704-817-8871

Hours:  Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.  Closed Sunday except for appointments.

www.shoppetal.com (you can buy on their site)

handpicked

Handpicked is Charlotte’s great resource for inexpensive jewelry and accessories, for yourself and for gifts.  They almost always have something perfect for a present, and it’s almost never over $50.  Lots under $30 and an ever updated line of purses and bags along with jewelry.  Even a monogram section ideal for grad gifts.  If you happen to be employed in the medical industry (as many of their customers in this area are) don’t forget to sign up for the special appreciation deals the Dilworth Handpicked offers as thanks for these hard-working folks.

1721 Kenilworth Ave.   (704)334-2037

Hours:  Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm .  Open Sunday 12-5 pm.

handpicked.net              (you can purchase on this site)

cottage chic

The name says it all and yet not nearly enough.  This cottage store on East Blvd. (park around back, use either driveway) truly is the chic find for just about everything a Charlotte shopper could want.  Clothes (think modern preppy reminiscent of Tory Burch or Michael Kors), Joes Jeans, pj’s by BedHead, adorable bags and accessories, jewelry, baby clothes, home decor, candles, (Cottage Chic won the BOB award for best candles) and gift ideas GALORE.  Cottage Chic calls itself a “lifestyle store” and if your style is crisp, clean and colorful, you could do every bit of your Christmas, Graduation, Birthday and Mother’s Day shopping here and grab a little something for yourself or your house while there.  Check out Cottage Chic with Julie, co-owner with her mom, here in this youtube video.

1232 East Blvd.  (704)375-1888

Mon-Sat 9:30 - 5:30.  Open late ’til 7 pm on Thursdays.  Closed Sundays.

Southend

bella bridesmaid

This shop for the bridesmaid -to-be offers 12 designer lines for bridesmaid dresses, including Lela Rose, Vera Wang, Jenny Yoo, Dessy, Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard Collection, Coreen Moore and Melissa Sweet.  Plus the newest line from Chloe and Reese, “Ardour” which like a few other lines at the store could work for the non-bridal formal occasion as well.  Every dress they carry can be made in different colors, fabrics and often lengths.  Prices range from $250 to about $400,  and since the dresses are basically made-to-order, it takes at least 4 months and preferably 6 months leadtime.    The store is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and like many bridal salons, it is a specific kind of shopping experience.  No food or drink, no kids or strollers, a personal consultation for you and just a couple of your trusted advisors.  Bella Bridesmaid is a national retailer, with over 30 locations, including one in Raleigh.  Their website is full of information on the process of working with Bella Bridesmaid to make your big day perfect.  There is even a picture of the owner of the Charlotte store, Cecily, as a brand new bride with all of her Bella Bridesmaids.

2133 Southend Dr. Suite 104          (704) 817-7547

by appointment only Tues - Sat  11am-7pm.  Call or email charlotte@bellabridesmaid.com for appt.

www.bellabridesmaid.com

niche

Southend is industrial, eclectic and edgy and you’ll find Niche at the end of a row of shops on Camden between Park Rd. and S. Tryon.  Niche is street clothes and shoes, mostly sneakers, t-shirts, jeans.  Women’s wear includes stussy, covet and quicksilver, with jeans by earnest sewn and APC.

1510 Camden Rd., 704-379-1811     Hours: Mon-Sat. 11am-7pm.    Sun 1-6pm.

www.thenichemarket.com

American Apparel

American Apparel is out of Los Angeles, and has the distinction of offering only merchandise designed, manufactured and marketed in the USA.  The brand is young and trendy, lots of jersey for the tiny or the teens or those who like clothes with s-t-r-e-t-c-h.  A wide selection of basics:  t-shirts, tops, bandeaus and leggings,  in every color of the rainbow.    The men’s styles are perfect for the skater-boi in your world.     However, please note, this is a company that truly believes sex sells, so you may want to check out the store and website yourself before you send your teen in. 1504 - 300 Camden Road  704-342-6040