Last year, we were quick to swap our suits and skirts for athletic wear and comfy pants, and we completely forgot about jewelry, ties, and other accessories. Although we may miss waking up every morning and deciding between sweatpants and leggings, as the world reopens, it’s time to start updating our closet with “real” clothes and accessories found at some amazing Durham shopping boutiques.
I connected with Discover Durham to help create a local shopping guide featuring the newest trends, accessories, and classic pieces. Here’s a list of places to shop in Durham to help you reemerge on the scene looking fabulous from head to toe. See the full post that first appeared on Discover Durham here.
Durham Shopping: Top 11 Best Fashion Boutiques to visit After a Year of Quarantine
BANO Italian Boutique
Follow BANO Italian Boutique on Instagram here.
This Italian boutique has been in Durham for 20 years and is known for its unique designer pieces, alterations, tailoring services, and outstanding customer service. Owner Sima Rafizadeh makes quarterly trips to Europe and New York to bring back one-of-a-kind pieces. To quote one of Sima’s customers – “BANO has designer clothes you can’t find anywhere else in the area.” Their clothes have bright, bold colors that are especially fun for spring and summer. Pair one of their skirts with a lightweight jacket or style it with a white tank.
BANO Italian Boutique is located at 2699 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Durham, NC 27707.
Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel
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Fifi’s is a great store for beautiful, upscale resale pieces, and purchasing resale is a great way to help the environment. Whether you’re looking to update your clothing, your accessories, or your shoes, you can always find treasures here. Head over soon though, because their items move fast!
Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel is located at 1000 W. Main St. Durham, NC 27701.
Hometown Apparel
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This woman-owned business is the place to shop for all Bull City-themed items that highlight the experiences, culture, and stories that make Durham unique. You will turn heads in these shirts, sweatshirts, and tanks while showing your support for Durham.
Hometown Apparel is located at 738 9th St. Durham, NC 27705.
Gibson Girl Vintage
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If you love a vintage find, head over to Gibson Girl Vintage! You can easily spend hours sifting through their items and searching for unique, one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. They have a little of everything and all of their items are in excellent condition.
Gibson Girl Vintage is located at 1001 W. Chapel Hill St. Durham, NC 27701.
Smitten Boutique
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This boutique offers stylish clothes and accessories for women, and they do it with a sense of humor and sass! Need some fashion tips? They kindly offer style options to help you visualize outfits and suggestions on what to pair them with.
Smitten Boutique is located at 2702 Hillsborough Road Durham, NC 27705.
Vert & Vogue
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Nadira and Ryan Hurley have created a beautiful business in downtown Durham featuring mindfully made designs and personal styling. Their shop offers a carefully curated collection of clothing, accessories, shoes, and home goods in a bright, welcoming environment. Check out their floral dresses that are completely swoon-worthy for this season.
Vert & Vogue is located at 353 W. Main St. Durham, NC 27701.
The Artisan Market at 305
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Your search for stunning pieces of handmade jewelry and other accessories stops here! The Artisan Market at 305 features the work of over 45 local artists from North Carolina and offers custom work in a reasonable amount of time. You will love looking at all their items especially their jewelry collection full of both traditional pieces and bright and funky pieces.
The Artisan Market at 305 is located at 305 E. Chapel Hill St. #3301, Durham, NC 27701.
Atelier N Fine Jewelry
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Atelier N Fine Jewelry offers a variety of fine jewelry, including rare gems and original commissioned pieces. They bring fresh, sophisticated interpretations to classic designs with their personal touch. The gold bar necklace pictured is a perfect layering piece that would be a staple for years to come.
Atelier N Fine Jewelry is located at 1914 Perry St. Durham, NC 27705.
Cecy’s Gallery & Studios
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Whether you love to rock bright patterns or neutral colors, tight or loose fit, funky or classic touches, they’ve got something in your style! Swing on over for clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more. Inside Cecy’s Gallery, you’ll see a beautiful selection of bow ties, cufflinks, hats, and custom-designed clothing by Jada’s Men’s Accessories. Their neck and bow ties are showstoppers with such vibrant colors and prints.
Cecy’s Gallery & Studios is located at 417 Foster St. Durham, NC 27701.
Jewelsmith
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If you’re in the market for innovative, hand-crafted fine jewelry, look no further! Jewelsmith’s goal is to combine world-class jewelry design with hometown approachability. They create innovative custom jewelry work and provide a fun and unique shopping experience.
Jewelsmith is located at 2200 W. Main St. A, Durham, NC 27705.
Hamilton Hill Jewelry
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Located in Brightleaf Square, Hamilton Hill is the perfect shop for custom-made jewelry and staple pieces that will last for years to come. Work one-on-one with their in-store goldsmith to create the jewelry you have been dreaming of. Make sure to give Billie, the shop pup, a pet when you visit.
Hamilton Hill Jewelry is located at 905 W. Main St. Brightleaf Square Courtyard, Durham, NC 27701.
For more of my favorite places in Durham, check out this post featuring the perfect date night itinerary and this one featuring the best way to explore downtown Durham businesses.
Which of these Durham shopping boutiques would you like to visit? Let me know in a comment below!
