Its often been said that for all the many great things that Charlotte has to offer, style is not one of them. If you are of that opinion, we respectfully disagree. Granted, Charlotte is not on the same scale as some of the bigger cities that are considered fashion hubs like New York, Los Angeles, or even Atlanta, but we think youll be pleasantly surprised when you step into some of these shops and are able to find the same brands and lines that are typically only found in larger markets. We urge you to take the time to read through this years list of the best mens and womens haberdasheries and boutiques in the Queen City, stop in and meet the people that are doing there part to change that perception, and we think that youll be forced to re-evaluate.
Amina Rubinacci
Amina Rubinacci the queen of wool is undeniably one of Italys most important fashion houses and Amina Rubinacci Charlotte is one of only four US Flag Ship Boutiques. Long admiring the lines ease of wear and understated elegance, owner Jeannie DeMarco selected Specialty Shops On The Park as the perfect home for the full Amina line of stunning Italian clothing, shoes, handbags, clutches, wallets, belts, outerwear, scarves, eyewear, perfume, candles, jeans, basics, and jewelry.
www.aminarunbinaccinc.com
Pink Hanger
The pink walls within this adorably, classy boutique set the scene for a trend setting well-edited collection of dresses, denim, tops, accessories and jewelry. Their knowledgeable, attentive salespeople can help you find the perfect look for your next weekend adventure, day at the office, date night, or special event.
www.pinkhangeronline.com
Doll. (a boutique)
Doll. (a boutique) owner Trish Bennetts mantra? If people arent talking about your outfit, you need to go home and change! Located on Selwyn Avenue, Doll is bringing the hottest and latest celebrity fashions seen in New York, LA and Miami to Charlotte.
www.dollaboutique.com
TRC-W
Housing exceptional collections such as Brunello Cucinelli, Hugo Boss, Walter Voulaz, Peserico and Inhabit, among others, TRC-W is a modern shop for women. Working with both European and American designers and New York showrooms, every item is meticulously judged on its quality, style and functionality. The remarkable results are collections not readily found at other local shops.
www.trcstyle.com
Coral
Coral owner Sormeh Hafezi has meticulously curated a remarkable selection of emerging brands with established ones creating an unmatched shopping experience in Dilworth. Housing womens clothing and accessories, plus fine and fashion jewelry, theres always a new layer to uncover at Coral.
www.shopcoral.com
Capitol
Charlottean Laura Vinroot Poole (daughter or former Charlotte mayor Richard Vinroot) founded Capitol in 1997 and it has continually garnered attention for bringing one-of-a-kind designs and international fashion to North Carolina. In addition to Capitol, Vinroot Poole houses yet another luxury boutique upstairs. Poole Shop helps solidify the owners desire that Charlotte women never lack interesting retail options and customers travel hundreds of miles for the privilege.
www.capitolcharlotte.com
Lotus
Effie Loukas envisioned the Lotus concept during an inspirational buying trip. She realized that great fashion was not about cost, but more about a unique look. The lotus is a beautiful ancient flower known for thriving and blossoming, regardless of its surroundings. Thus, Lotus Boutique was born … a store where style is not based on a price tag, but rather on looking and feeling fabulous! The experience is not just about finding a chic outfit, its about sipping champagne, laughing with friends and letting your beauty blossom. Now partnering with fashion-lover Jackie Rodney, Lotus has been consistently voted as one of Charlottes best boutiques.
www.lotuslook.com
Leah & Co
For nearly a decade, Leah & Cos owner Kathy Rallis has lovingly brought womens jewelry and clothing from around the world to South Charlotte. Featuring designers from all across Europe, the Middle East, South America, Canada, the United States and more, Leah & Co is known for fun, edgy clothing and jewelry mixed with classic styles that become wardrobe staples.
704.845.5466
Revolve
Revolve upscale mens consignment, the brainchild of owner Amy Pickard, offers savvy fashion forward men a new way to shop. Located in a historic home in Dilworth, shoppers find high-end designer labels at a fraction of the price anything from t-shirts to tuxedos and Brooks Brothers to Prada. This mix of brand new and gently worn items would normally set you back thousands of dollars, but not here!
www.revolvecharlotte.com
The Sporting Gent
The name tells you everything you need to know about what you will find inside. Owner, Marc Williams has created a gentlemans clothier and outfitter that carries one of the best selections of specialty gifts, locally made, and outdoor and casual brands in Charlotte including Southern Tide, Duck Head, Beretta, Southern Marsh, High Cotton Ties, State Traditions, Drake Waterfowl, Filson, Rodd & Gunn, Hardy Fly Fishing, Yeti Coolers, Sebago Footwear, Williams Knife Co. and much more.
www.thesportinggent.com
Ike Behar
With its brand new location recently opening in Phillips Place, the men of Charlotte are about to get a lot more stylish. Founder, Ike Behar got his big break into the mens fashion scene in 1970 when he began designing and making dress shirts for fellow upstart, Ralph Lauren. The rest is history. Today, Ike Behar is recognized as one of Americas premiere menswear brands and are known for their unrivaled craftsmanship and tasteful use of vibrant colors and patterns. Ike Behar screams class as well as individual style and youll see that first hand when you meet Store Manager, Frederick Jabber.
www.ikebehar.com
Paul Simon
A menswear fashion staple in Charlotte since 1975, Paul Simon is still one of the best places for men of discerning taste and style to find everything they need from business to casual, and sportswear to formal wear. Here you can find some of the best names in mens fashion like Hugo Boss, Peter Millar, Eton, and more, and if you need a little help putting it all together, Jon Simon and his professional staff are always nearby to lend a hand.
paulsimonco.com
Revolution
Revolution is the go to spot for those that appreciate eclectic and trendy style. They carry everything from mens and womens apparel and accessories to home decor and kiche. Previously located in the Epicentre, they have now relocated to East Boulevard in the Dilworth neighborhood.
shoprevolution.com
Silverfly
Silverfly offers a new take on classic style for modern men, and owners Fidel Montoya and Keith Alyea are personifications of this philosophy. They have a selection of lines and styles that you just wont find anywhere else. With everything from casual wear and shoes, to unique messenger bags, bow ties, and sunglasses, this is a great place to check out if you are looking to incorporate some edginess and personalty to your wardrobe.
silverflybrands.com
Taylor Richards & Conger
Top notch personal service and staff, hand curated mens and womens styles, attention to detail and superb quality are what you can expect from TRC. Their selection of designers like Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Billy Reid, and Ermenegildo Zegna are regarded as the finest in the fashion world and considering that TRC is a consistent winner of the Esquire Magazines Gold Standard award of excellence in mens clothing, so are they.
www.trcstyle.com
Abbeydale
Modernism with a dash of nostalgia is Abbeydales montra, and fit and personal service is their mission. Owner, David Watkins is single-handedly trying to bring back the forgotten era of the gentlemen with his offerings of bespoke and ready to wear menswear, shoes and accessories. We could very well see the next great American heritage fashion label come from right here in Charlotte.
www.houseofabbeydale.com
