Shop Crawl: Boutique hopping on the Bayview strip

Leaside’s local merchants pair top-quality clothing with a personal touch

A closet full of clothes
Butter Studio stocks accessories and clothing that are fashion forward, artistic and whimsical. A walk-in closet of sorts, Butter is a place to play dress-up and experiment with different styles as if you were in the comfort of your own home. Although the store is only 300 square feet, owner Lorri Shewchuk has managed to fill it from floor to ceiling with an assortment of goods ranging from a $2 meditation pebble to a $975 locally made luxurious wool coat. “My clients appreciate that they can come in for either the fun, fanciful affordable item or the investment cashmere foundation sweater they’ll enjoy for the next 10 years,” says Shewchuk. With each and every visit to the boutique, regardless of outcome, there is a genuine connection and appreciation between Shewchuk and her clients. Butter Studio, 1693 Bayview Ave. 

A fun and friendly way to shop
Your Clothes Friend has been making women feel beautiful for more than 25 years on Bayview, and owner Wendy Goldman attributes her success to the way she treats  her customers — as though they are her friends. Her stories of whom she has helped — from 20-year-olds looking for something edgy and fun to 80-year-old women searching for casual or work-oriented clothing — are endless. Whether by walk-in or personal appointment, Your Clothes Friend takes the time to get to know you as a person before suggesting something that will work with your body type. “We look for something that fits your personality,” says Goldman. Your Clothes Friend, 1573 Bayview Ave. 

Casual Parisian style
Ever wonder what’s trending in Europe’s fashion scene? Must Boutique is the place to find out. Their buyers travel to Europe every month to bring back the latest casual wear from Italy, France and Denmark to refresh their collection. The wares are sourced and hand-picked from small manufacturers, stocking many blouses, dresses, skirts and sweaters in luxe materials like linen, silk and cashmere. Each piece is also affordable and under $100. The spring collection is composed of tunic sweaters and matching cashmere leggings. If you pick up a skirt or two here and travel to Paris, don’t be surprised if you fit right in with the locals. Must Boutique, 1575 Bayview Ave.

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