Boutique Shopping: Why You Will LOVE It and Where to Shop

A Guide to Boutique Shopping in Tampa

A few years ago I was introduced the boutique shopping scene in Tampa and I fell in love!  I saw a cute little boutique one day while I was out running errands on my lunch break.  I was curious, but reluctant to step inside.  I had a few misconceptions about what I would find behind those fashionably dressed windows.  I was worried it would be expensive, that the store associates would not be approachable or down-to-earth and that the clothes would be too “young” or trendy for a 30-something mom who wears basically black everything.  I was completely wrong.

Boutique shopping is affordable.  I was surprised to learn that items at boutique shops are actually much more affordable that most chain stores.  Once, I found myself being only a few months postpartum with nothing to wear {you understand, right?}  and desperately searching for a new dress to wear to a wedding.  I went to probably every single mall in town and could not find anything that made me good.   I decided to head back to that boutique I had been eyeing as a last resort.  I walked in prepared to spend a fortune and walked out with an adorable dress that was at least 50% less than anything I had tried at the mall.  It was a win-win.

The clothes and accessories are unique.  Boutiques keep only a limited stock of hand selected items – 1 or 2 of each piece in each size.  What that means to you is that everything is unique and the inventory is always changing.  You never have to worry about showing up somewhere wearing the same, or similar, outfit as everyone else.  Because the inventory changes often, you can always find something at a boutique that you love.

It’s fun and perfect for moms.  Every single boutique I have shopped in Tampa is run by the most friendly and helpful women.  The exact opposite of what I was expecting.  You can expect to be warmly greeted by associates that are willing to help you find the perfect piece or even help style you head-to-toe.  It’s friendly, affordable, and fashionable – perfect for busy moms.

Here are a few of my favorite local boutiques:

{a} Haley Boutique

128B S. Westshore Boulevard

Tampa, FL 33609

Tel: (813) 207-0400

Apricot Lane Boutique
250 Westshore Plaza C44

Tampa, FL 33609

Tel: (813) 288-1862

The Pink Petticoat

1540 South Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, FL 33629

Tel: (813) 253-2244

The Poppy Boutique

704 S. Village Circle

Tampa, FL

Tel: (813) 74-9270

Why Not Boutique

3423 W. Bay to Bay

Tampa, FL 33629

Tel: (813) 374-2394

Did I miss your favorite boutique?  Let us know about it in the comments below.

Happy shopping, ladies! 

Michelle
Michelle P. is a full-time working mom who stays busy chasing after her 2 year old son, Kyran, with the help of her wonderful husband, Sam. She's a not-so-extreme couponer and an avid DIYer. Michelle is a graduate from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!) and a Sigma Delta Tau alumni. You can keep up with her family's monthly challenges to simplify, organize, and stay on a budget at http://www.mskhappylife.blogspot.com/.

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