Support your local boutiques!

Sorry this is posting late. I started it yesterday, but I didn't have time to finish. I'll still get a music monday post up later today.

We all know you can find anything online, and much of the time it is quite cheap. However, in addition to not having to pay shipping costs, there're definite advantages to shopping at your local boutiques.

1) The owners/sales clerks will get to know you.

After this, they can let you know if they're getting something in that you'll like. They'll also be right there to tell you that something runs small or big.

2) Sales!

Lots of local boutiques have sales that are more regular and better. Most of these boutiques have clearance rooms or shelves, and these tend to be more well-stocked than online boutique's sales because fewer customers frequent the location.

3) Customer service

This is probably the most important, but often overlooked aspect. With your small boutique, you can get assistance that goes far beyond your normal online shopping. Even if you don't live in the area of the boutique anymore (or maybe never did), most of these boutiques are willing to ship and offer tons of assistance online or over the phone.

Now that you're all geared up to go shopping, here're a few of my favorites around Georgia:

Head over Heels Shoe Boutique - http://www.headoverheelsmacon.com/

Meg & Lily Shoe Boutique -http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meg-Lily-Shoe-Boutique/137635559591857

The Blue Door Boutique - http://www.thebluedoorboutique.com/

Happy Shopping & Cheers!

These are a few of my favorite things!

Well, not things in general. It's Friday, and I'm busy working on a paper, but I did want to close the list out with a list of some of my favorite brands. More specifically, shopping I've been obsessed with lately. These are in no particular order, as my obsession splits between them equally.

5 - Zara

great, affordable, trendy, one problem--can only buy in the store.

4 - Land's End Canvas

great for basics, and SO wallet-friendly.

3 - Boden

caters to an older demographic, but great for cute, work friendly dresses and skirts.

2 - Madewell

casual elegance a la Lauren Conrad

1 - Lulus.com

online boutique, has a bit of everything, but I love their affordable trendy accessories.

What are your favorite places? Any new websites/shops that I should know about?

Cheers to shopping!