By: Cori Sue
I fell in love with Charleston years ago, on my first visit while in college. A mere four-hour drive from Chapel Hill, Charleston was the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway– lovely southern charm, beaches, fun bars, delicious seafood restaurants, and, most importantly, great shopping. So, when I was there this weekend I decided to put together a shopping guide for you, lovely readers, should you choose to head South to the land of croakies, boat shoes, palmettos, and Lily Pulitzer.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Downtown Charleston centers around King and Market Streets. King Street has all your typical shopping– Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Anne Taylor, Victoria’s Secret, BCBG Max Azria, JCrew– along with a few high end options– Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton and BCBG Max Azria. But, in the days of free-overnight-shipping -is-a-mouse-click-away, I seek not a mall brand but instead a unique boutique where I can pick up something special.
Jewelry
Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
In the way of boutiques, Charleston, a true southern belle, does shoes and jewelry best. There are a variety of boutiques that sell all, or mostly, costume jewelry at afforable prices. Granted, some of it can be kitchy and tacky, but there are plenty of very cute, very affordable baubles to complement, or accent any outfit in your closet. And, of course, we are in Charleston, so each store has a section dedicated solely to pearls.
Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
My three favorites are: Hand Picked, 333 King Street; Vanity Accessory Boutique, 370 King Street; and Willy Jay’s, 300 King Street. (Willy Jay’s also sells clothing but I strongly suggest you avoidit. But! Their statement earring selection is wonderful!)
Vanity. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
All three stores have dozens-nay-hundreds of jewels– statement necklaces, bracelets, earrings of all shapes, colors, sizes, and forms. They also offer great gifts and stocking stuffers that Southern boutiques do so well– hostess napkins, purse hooks, sunglass cases, and such.
Shoes
Bob Ellis Shoes. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
In the way of shoes, Bob Ellis Shoes is a Charleston shopping institution (in business for more than 55 years) and a shoe lover’s dream. The boutique, located at 332 King Street, carries men’s and women’s shoes as well as handbags and has a serious selection of the big three— Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo. Their selection is vast– with all types of heel heights, sizes, styles, and widths (for those with narrow or fat feet)– and they have plenty of cute shoes that we writers/”normal people” can afford.
Shooz. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Down the road, Shooz, 317 King Street, caters more to the twenty-something, trendier shoe shopper. The precious boutique’s carries predominantly cute heels and flats by Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Sam Edelman, Butter– along with a wide selection of Jack Rogers and cowboy boots (necessities for the Southern collegiate). Their selection is well thought-out, well laid-out and well-priced.
Clothing
As far as clothing boutiques, Luna is my happy place. A great boutique with a few locations on the Southeast — Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and (yay!) Bethesda– the store is the perfect place to pick up a cocktail dress, sundress, great pair of designer jeans or a new set of gold statement earrings. Brands include– Trina Turk, Milly, Hype, Hudson, William Raste, Paige, and much, much more. Down the road, Biton, at 275 King Street, is a little daunting with its hard-core metro mannequins in Ed Hardy-esque “going out” attire. Despite this intimidation, upon entering, I was suprised to find a great selection of designer jeans, Missoni dresses, Marc Jacobs bags, and Bond No. 9 perfume. However, everything else in the store was ghastly.
Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Lastly, no shopping trip would be complete without a trip to Palm Avenue, a Lily Pulitzer signature boutique. Yes, Lily Pulitzer. (When in Rome…) While most of their prints (such as this one) make many fashionista turn and run in horror (see below), I find a select few of their sundresses, such as this pink shift with gold embroidery, to be great “brunch dresses.”
Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
However, I head to Palm Avenue not for the Lily but for the selection of Trina Turk, Calypso, Matty M, and occassionally Milly dresses located near the back of the store. (I lusted after many). The store is also great for gifts– a dress for my new baby niece or a pair of brightly colored reading glasses for my aunt in South Florida.
Gifts and Decor
Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Also in the way of gifts, it’s not a bad idea to bring some chocolates from Christophe Chocolatier, , located at 363 1/2 King Street, home with you to those you left behind. Owned by a French chocolatier and his wife, Christophe’s artisan chocolates are as lovely as they are delicious.
Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Chocolate high heels, Eiffel towers and bunnies give way to truffles and a wide selection of hand-painted chocolates whose bold flavors include Earl Grey Tea, Strawberry Marshmellow, Mango Rum, and many more.We sampled were caramel-sea salt, 72% dark chocolate, coffee, and praline (divine).
Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
The loveliest interior decor shop is Pierre Deux, located at 279 King Street. The store is decidedly “French country” with lots and lots of toile. I loved the vanities, arm chairs and footed, striped couches. Even if toile couches aren’t your cup of tea, Pierre Deux is a great store just for browsing.
Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
