Best Shopping 2008 -- JEZEBEL >> Atlanta Luxury Living

JEZEBEL's Best Shopping 2008

We shopped ’til we dropped and listened to you, our readers, through your online votes to come up with our “best of shopping” awards.

Best Bargain Boutique:
K-la 1380 Atlantic Drive, Suite 14110 404.815.7993	Atlantic Station initially positioned itself as a place for boutique shopping, but after behemoth retailers like Old Navy moved in, independent stores mostly shied away from the Midtown retail district. But not K-La. The small boutique is staying strong with a wide array of trendy, cute, and unique dresses and tops from lines you’d see at Bill Hallman but for much lower prices.
Best Dress Selection:
Tootsies 3400 Around Lenox Drive 404.842.9990 tootsies.com	This is the place to find the hottest dresses from elite American and European designers like Alexander McQueen, Pucci, Zac Posen and Missoni. The store, in the plaza near Lenox Square, regularly hosts trunk shows. Recent vendors: Lela Rose, Rachel Roy, Elaine Turner and Alice+Olivia.
Best Men’s Styling:
Sebastian’s Closet 3222 Peachtree Road NW 404.365.9033 sebastianscloset.com	You won’t find stonewashed shorts or a pleated pair of Dockers in this joint. Sebastian’s is renowned for a finer kind of fashion, including Italian suits, butter-soft leather shoes and finely tailored shirts. Adding to the pleasure of the shopping experience here is a back-of-store bar, with wine, beer and coffee.
BEST DEPARTMENT STORE FOR TRENDY FINDS:
NEIMAN MARCUS 3393 Peachtree Road NE (Lenox Square) 404.266.8200 neimanmarcus.com	Although a number of luxury retailers have sprung up around this department store in Lenox Square, Neiman Marcus–fresher from a renovation and expansion–remains a favorite target for trend-hunters in Atlanta. Mini-stores showcase the runway’s hottest looks from names such as Akiko, Rebecca Taylor and Robert Rodriguez. Neiman also took home the prized gold medals for Best Men’s Department and Best Department Store for Premier Designer Shoes.
Best Department Store for Special Occasions:
Saks Fifth Avenue 3440 Peachtree Road NE 404.261.7234 saksfifthavenue.com	A fur salon and a noted bridal salon make Saks Fifth Avenue in Phipps Plaza a must-visit for the special-occasion shopper. The store’s bridal trunk shows are among the best around–featuring favorites like Carolina Herrera, Amsale and Melissa Sweet–and fans say Saks’ customer service can’t be beat. Saks also took home the prized gold medal for Best Department Store for Premier Designer Bags.
Best Shoe Boutique:
Jeffrey Atlanta 3500 Peachtree Road NE, Suite A-3 404.237.9000 jeffreyatlanta.com	Owner Jeffrey Kalinsky is revered for his sharp eye and impeccable editing, likening his store–which now has Bob Ellis shoes and Jil Sander under its roof–to “the perfect closet for any man or woman.” How true: Who wouldn’t want a black suede retro platform with an open toe from Prada ($650) or a Nicholas Kirkwood black architectural platform shoe with a blue python heel ($775)?
Best Swimwear Boutique:
Atlanta Beach 3145 Peachtree Road NE 404.239.0612 atlantabeach.com	For the woman whose bathing suit is more about fashion than lap swimming, this Buckhead boutique carries the best brands for detail and fit. There’s the Luli Fama bikini in red with a ruffled bottom, Ed Hardy’s skimpy string top with a tattoo-inspired print, and the mix-and-match leopard and floral two-piece from Diva. All are housed in an upscale, sophisticated boutique that takes the usual dread out of bathing suit shopping.
Best Boutique Outside the Perimeter:
T. Clothing 9700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 17 678.957.1292 tclothing.com	Who says you can’t find great fashion in the ’burbs? Only someone who hasn’t been to T. Clothing, a sweet boutique that some call a hidden treasure and most know as a place with a carefully selected collection of pieces from well-known and rising designers. Get to know owner Teresa Hebert and her sales associates, and you just might get a call when something new and fabulous comes in.
BEST BASICS BOUTIQUE:
AMERICAN APPAREL 1133 Euclid Avenue NE 404.880.8611 americanapparel.net	Don’t let the neon green bodysuit, pink fanny pack or purple iridescent stretch pants in the window display scare you off. This chain, based in California and heralded for selling only U.S.-made goods, is ground zero for simple cotton basics. You’ll find Tshirts and tanks in every possible solid color, along with old-school knee socks, shiny bikinis and easy sundresses. The layout is clean-lined and easy to navigate, and the young staff is helpful but not overeager.
Best Denim Boutique:
Blue Genes 3400 Around Lenox Drive NE, Suite 214 404.231.3400 shopbluegenes.com	There’s no finer denim emporium in Atlanta than Blue Genes, a 7,000-square-foot mecca for devotees of every wash. Founded by the Arrendale sisters–Jennifer, Jane and Julie–this modern, chic shop carries fashion favorites like Citizens of Humanity, 7 For All Mankind, Joe’s Jeans and True Religion. Don’t know what label, style or size fits you best? The salespeople here will make suggestions based on your preferences and body type, creating a personalized experience that makes the jeans’ high prices well worth it. The adjacent Blue Genes Kids also took home the prized gold medal for Best Place to Spoil Your Child.
Most Unique Boutique:
Victoria’s Red Carpet 3277 Roswell Road NE, Suite D 404.816.0444 victoriasredcarpet.com	If you see something here that you like, you’d better snap it up–owner Victoria Paton Pascual brings in limited quantities of high-end, unique shoes and accessories from her home country of Spain. Sometimes that means she’ll only have one pair of pretty, polka-dot stilettos or delicately pink d’orsay pumps. As of August, the shop was open only by appointment while Pascual cared for a friend’s baby. Expect to see some exciting inventory after regular hours resume in September.
Best New Department Store:
Belk 3500 Peachtree Road NE 404.814.3200 belk.com	For shoppers who mourned the passing of the Parisian department store at Phipps Plaza, Belk has proved to be a surprisingly strong substitute. Here you’ll find many of the same lines carried by the former tenant–including Free People, BCBG and Lilly Pulitzer–and an extensive shoe department. Be on the lookout for sales; some shoppers have reported finding 80-percent markdowns on name-brand merchandise.
Best Department Store for Sales:
Macy’s 3393 Peachtree Road NE 404.231.2800 macys.com	Oh, those red and white coupons that herald the arrival of 20-percent off one item, or 15-percent off the entire store or 25-percent off clearance–nobody does a sale like Macy’s. The best deals may sometimes be hidden on tucked-away sales racks, but the effort of investigating is worth it; shoppers can regularly find steals on housewares, clothing, jewelry, linens and cosmetics.
Best Vintage:
Stefan’s Vintage Clothing 1160 Euclid Avenue NE 404.688.4929 stefansvintage.com	Since 1977 this gem in funky Little Five Points has maintained a collection of top-notch vintage shirts, dresses, pants, hats and the occasional shoe. Think evening gowns from the 1920s, men’s suits from the 1940s, beaded sweaters from the 1950s and fashions that would have appealed to as varied a crowd as James Dean, Cary Grant, young Elvis Presley and Twiggy. The staff is warm and welcoming, and even will recommend a lunch spot and call you a cab if you need it.
Best Boutique for Men’s Suits:
Guffey’s Atlanta 3340 Peachtree Road 404.231.0044 guffeys.com	With a motto of, “If you can imagine it, we can make it,” this spot specializes in custom and made-to-measure clothing and shirts from a wide array of fine fabrics. It’s rumored that the dapper Andre 3000 buys suits here, as do Buckhead dads and the man in search of the perfect cummerbund. Devotees also praise the store’s gift selection as perfect for corporate clients.
Best Lingerie Boutique:
Intimacy 3500 Peachtree Road NE 404.261.9333 myintimacy.com	“You are wearing the wrong size”–that’s undoubtedly what you’ll hear the first time you visit this legendary landmark for lingerie, and undergo the shop’s precise bra fitting. Who knew that the right bra could make such a difference in the way a woman looks? The exceptionally knowledgeable ladies at Intimacy, of course.
Best Made to Measure Boutique:
Lui-B 1116 W. Peachtree Street NW 404.810.0031 lui-b.com	Founded by Melinda Chandler and Pietro Mazzotti, this shop opened in 2003 and quickly became known for its firm grasp on the tradition of expert Italian tailoring. They say every shirt is fashioned in the company’s special sewing house in Italy. Molto bene!
Best Bridal Boutique:
Bridals by Lori 6021 Sandy Springs Circle 404.252.8767 bridalsbylori.com	Shopping for a bridal gown in a big store can be an overwhelming experience; the racks and racks of taffeta, chiffon and satin can turn into a big blur. But not at Bridals by Lori. Though the selection here is wide and the store encompasses 25,000 square feet, the staff here makes dress-shopping feel like a more personalized, calm and intimate experience. It’s like Kleinfeld Bridal in New York, but with a slightly softer edge and a sense of Southern hospitality.
Best Boutique for Chic Resort Wear:
Tory Burch 3500 Peachtree Road NE 404.816.3261 toryburch.com	You’ve seen her soft tunics on all the stars; Tory Burch’s threads seem to be as crucial to a jet-setter’s vacation as a passport and gladiator sandals. Graphic prints and batik-y designs make this designer’s tops–along with sequined sheaths, sailor pants and light cardigans–a must for vacation apparel. Fans feel lucky to have a shop here in Atlanta.
Trendiest Boutique:
Thread House 950 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 245 404.781.0555 thread-house.com	This store is the brainchild of Scott Cannon, a former DJ who spun tunes at hot clubs in Miami, Los Angeles and Atlanta. That musical, party-life atmosphere is apparent at this Midtown shop, where you’ll find sexy, edgy, street-inspired pieces from designers like Black Halo, Rich & Skinny, and Diesel.
Best Salespeople:
Calvin Klein 3393 Peachtree Road NE 404.846.1530 calvinklein.com	This sleek store features sales associates who aren’t pushy and know how to strike the right balance between honesty, flattery and persuasion. There’s no pressure as you peruse the racks of modern essentials like denim, undergarments and outerwear.
Best Variety Boutique:
Festivity 1039 N. Highland Avenue 404.724.4883 festivityonline.com	Many a boutique in Atlanta fancies itself a contemporary catchall, offering a mish-mash of everything from babydoll dresses and naughty birthday cards to stationery and salad tongs. Festivity manages to carry a wide assortment without seeming so disorganized and scatterbrained. The jewelry is the main draw here, featuring unique beaded pieces–often organized by color–from mostly local designers.
Best Consignment Shop:
Finders Keepers Consignment Boutique 2130 N. Decatur Road 404.634.6995	You might find a boring pair of Chico’s black pants with a stretch waistband in this store, but you also may find a Chanel jacket–it all depends on where, and when, you look at Finders Keepers. This 900-square-foot shop in Decatur is the third in the local chain and offers a slightly more edited assortment than the original shop, which is located in Avondale Estates.
Best Athletic-Wear Boutique:
Deka Athletics 375 Pharr Road, Suite 501 Atlanta, 30305 404.869.9680 dekaathletics.com	Between reps with the kettlebells during a grueling morning Boot Camp, a fitness instructor recently reminded us that Deka is the place to shop for the cutest of workout wear. And since fitness is good for you, it somehow feels a little less overindulgent to blow a paycheck on the store’s bike shorts from Pearl Izumi, warm-up jacket from Y-3 and yoga pants from Stella McCartney.
Best Eyewear Boutique:
The Eye Gallery 3330 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta, 30305 404.231.3772 theeyegallery.com	Boys do make passes at girls who wear glasses, especially if the specs come from this shop’s wide inventory of shades and prescription eyewear. You’ll want to be seen in The Eye Gallery’s stuff, from Chanel, Prada and Badgley Mischka. Licensed optometrists are on hand for eye exams.
Best Sneaker Boutique:
Standard 1841 Peachtree Road Atlanta, 30309 404.355.1410	A sneaker fiend’s paradise, this place reportedly has outfitted stars like Elton John, Usher, Naomi Campbell and Dallas Austin with cool kicks. But this shop’s not just for celebs: Standard’s sleek design and almost artful layout of shoes help to take away the intimidation factor.
Best Fine Jewelry Boutique:
Brown & Co. 674 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, 30076 770.993.1080 brownjewelers.com	If what you’re looking for is the finest in gems and a place that oozes elegance, Brown & Co. is the place to be, with collections from top jewelers like David Yurman and Cartier. Fans praise the store’s customer service as well as its service department.
Best Pet Boutique:
The Pet Set 2480 Briarcliff Road Atlanta, 30329 404.633.8755 thepetset.com	You won’t find a hamster, fish or chatty bird in this pet-supply store: the Pet Set focuses entirely on dogs and cats. Founded in 1982 and family-owned, this shop also offers pet boarding, grooming services in a “spa” and doggie day care.
Best Maternity Boutique:
Due Maternity 4300 Paces Ferry Road, SE Atlanta, 30339 770.384.0009 atlanta.duematernity.com	No longer are pregnant women required to wear muumuus and ill-fitting sacks; these days, stores like Due Maternity are selling adorable dresses, tops and jeans for the expectant mom. This is an inviting shop, and if you bring a non-pregnant friend she’ll definitely be tempted to try on the comfy, cute, on-trend merchandise stuff herself.
Most Unique Boutique:
Envy 1143 Euclid Avenue NE Atlanta, 30307 404.525.3689 atlanta.duematernity.com	Jilene Coggins is the mastermind behind this eclectically cool boutique in Little Five Points, with trendy clothes and accessories. You know she’s the real deal, because she’s styled rap stars like Sleepy Brown and even hosts her own television show, “The Envy Life,” for the Black Family Channel. Parking can be tricky, so consider going during off-peak hours so you can grab a street spot.
Best Black Tie Wear:
Savvi Formalwear 3393 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, 30326 404.266.2115 besavvi.com	Flashbacks to prom preparation are unavoidable when you step into a tuxedo-rental shop, and Savvi is no exception. But once you’ve successfully blocked your memories of bad hair and poufy taffeta, you’ll be pleased with the selection and service at Savvi. You’ll find penguin suits from Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis and Oscar de la Renta. And with Savvi’s convenient location at Lenox Square Mall, you can easily pick up the right shoes and attire.
Best Accessories:
HoneyButter 1037 N. Highland Avenue Atlanta, 30306 404.815.1077	OK, so it’s 4 p.m. and you’ve just learned you’ve been invited to a hot fashion show. You have a dress that will pass, but what about some jewelry or a bag that won’t break the bank? HoneyButter to the rescue! This little shop in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood features metal-smithed cuffs, gold-coin necklaces and a wide but well selected collection of earrings. You won’t find diamonds or pearls here. But this place is perfect for the fashionista on the go, who needs just a little something to spark up her outfit.