All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
During the pandemic, there’s been an interesting tug of war between feelings of isolation and interconnectedness. On one hand, we’ve never been more on our own. On the other, there’s a heightened awareness of how our personal decisions affect those around us. In the last year, we’ve learned that wearing a mask, for example, can save the lives of people with whom we share space. We’ve also realized how we can harness our spending power to support those small, minority-owned, and ethical businesses that might be grappling with the challenges of our changing economy and retail environment. A little goes a long way and shopping small, even virtually, has an impact. Your purchases help to strengthen the health of a store but also, to shop small businesses is to get a personal touch—your local shop owner and store associate can help you find just the thing you’re looking for.
We recently released an extensive retail roadmap featuring over 50 small businesses to support across America, and in our February issue, we spotlighted four additional boutiques. Each has a strong point of view and–lucky for us–a well-appointed online store. Though the element of discovery sparked when sifting through a thoughtfully-curated store is hard to replicate, there’s still magic to be found online. Here, four boutiques across America to shop online now, and in person later.
McMullen, California
Located in the heart of Oakland’s uptown district (on a block that’s wonderfully populated with several black female-owned businesses), is McMullen, a concept shop founded by Sherri McMullen. Since opening in 2007, it’s become well-known for its assortment of homewares, books, beauty wares, and need-it-now fashions. Sherri’s knowing eye has brought global designers to Oakland—from emerging brands like Khiry to cult-favorites like Khaite. Even if you can’t pop into the store anytime soon, the curation is just as enticing online.
Desert Vintage, Arizona
Tucson’s Desert Vintage is a trove filled with one-of-a-kind, elegant vintage pieces and a selection of luxury items, like jewelry from Prounis. In 2012, Salima Boufelfel and Roberto Cowan took over the shop that was originally founded in 1974 on 4th Avenue and transformed it into a highly curated mix of vintage. The selection goes as far back as the turn of the century and well into the 1970s (think YSL designed by Monsieur Saint Laurent himself). Each piece is as genius and inspiring as the editorials the store puts out with each new product drop on site.
Hampden, South Carolina
Hampden, founded by Stacy Smallwood, is located in a historic building on Charleston’s famous King Street. The shop is filled with wonderful pieces for every occasion handpicked by Smallwood. With brands like Rachel Comey, Proenza Schouler, and Ulla Johnson, Hampden’s selection is as wearable as it is pushing the envelope on discovery. The boutique has even earned Hampden a well-deserved reputation for redefining traditional Southern style.
Ylang23, Texas
Fine jewelry store Ylang23, based in Dallas, was founded in the mid-1980s by Joanne and Charles Teichman. Together, with their daughter Alysa, the couple has grown Ylang23 into a go-to jewelry Mecca for locals and those from afar—their online shop is like an ever-evolving treasure chest. Look to Ylang23 for a curation of future family heirlooms, like one-of-a-kind pieces from the likes of Irene Neuwirth, and timeless pendants from Foundrae.
