by Quin Woodward-Pu
Tobi
Known for their “1 to 1 shopping experience,” this strictly online boutique is an innovative addition to the online shopping world. Tobi was started by a duo of women, Cathy and Corina, who were tired of the crowds, lines, and general irritations of in-store shopping. So, they created this website, which offers all the benefits of personal shopping without any of the hassle of hordes of people scouring your sale rack. Tobi’s 1 to 1 relationship is based on personal attention, so that the customer feels like he or she is revisitng a favorite boutique. This experience is created by live chat rooms, so that salespeople can offer candid opinions and expertise for people looking for the right clothing. Tobi carries all the standard mid- to high-end designers and lines, and with a free shipping feature on every single order, shopping at Tobi might just be the best of both worlds for in-store and online shopping. With departments for both men and women, not to mention specialized categories like eco-friendly clothing, season items, and a virtual sale rack, this is definitely a great place to look if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy luxurious, stylish clothing.
Smak Parlour
This boutique may have an adorable, kitschy little store located in Philadelphia, but its online shopping store is available to people everywhere, and with its extensive selection of up-and-coming designers and established labels, it’s a great place for people from all over the world to find cute clothes. Founded by two best friends Abby Kessler and Katie Loftus, this retro-punk-glam store is based on the collection choices and editions by the two supergirly founding designers. Smak Parlour also carries a house line of designs, making its collection unique to the store and even more of a must-see shopping destination. Clothing is vintage inspired, while the original Barbie doll is also another fashion muse for the colorful and whimsical clothing. Carrying everything from zebra leggings to cocktail dresses to baby clothes to housewarming gifts and intricate jewelry, Smak Parlour is an all-around interesting and unique online super-boutique.
Lael Boutique
“Any true Fashionista knows that Hi – Fashion is risky” says the owner of this boutique, Lael Marshall. The urban chic store, which has plenty of funky, eclectic, yet super fashionable items, was borne out of the designer’s fatigue with stores like Banana Republic and other prepster hangouts lining her Ive League hometown’s shopping community. Lael offers accessories and clothing that mix hip-hop with sophistication, like sequined berets paired with Chanel-inspired blazers. Lael Boutique is unapologetic about its swanky clientele; the target consumer “has a taste for Dom P with Moet Chandon money.” The Lael woman is sexy and on the cutting edge of fashion, likely forgoing expensive rents, dinners, or nights out in order to afford high fashion. Check out its online store and fashion blog for a different and unique perspective on the world of style. Go to Lael’s online boutique for items that won’t be found at your local department store.
Tags: Lael Boutique, Online Boutiques, Philadelphia Boutiques, Smak Parlour, Tobi
