Posts Tagged "spree"

Fly Boutique- the second stop on my Southern Living shopping spree

Posted by Meredith on Jul 11, 2012 in Fashion | 0 comments

The July 2012 Southern Living magazine featured 7 Miami boutiques in a retail therapy article in their travel section.

As part of my exploration of my new home, and to give myself a little dose of therapy, I decided to follow their advice and go on a little Southern Living Shopping spree.

My second stop of the day was the Fly Boutique.

Since Fly Boutique owner Jean Marie opened her first boutique Jean Marie Vintage in November 1995 on South Beach, the resale store has been thriving. Jean Marie since moved her store to Lincoln Road, changed the name to Fly Boutique, and now resides at 1634 Euclid Avenue (at Lincoln Road).

Unlike other second-hand store that I’ve visited, there is no moth ball stench in this charming, cozy store. According to the Etsy profile, “the style the owners have created comes in part from Jean Marie’s background in fashion. For three years in the early 90′s she worked for Luca Orlandi of Luca Luca. This background in fashion has been very important in setting the vibe for Fly Boutique. Even though it is mainly a a consignment and vintage boutique, it still has the feeling of a true retail boutique. Most important in the criteria of the search for inventory is quality. Every item is handpicked and carefully inspected. Taken into consideration is its style, age, condition and how well it is made. Most items are or appear to be unworn. If any item is not perfect, it is only chosen because it is amazing.”

As I dug through this small store I could see this would be a GREAT place to go for an awesome 70′s costume, or the next Great Gatsby event. I’ve been in the market for a new pair of boots, but decided these jet black Cowboy boots would be better for the November 2012 Lakewood Boots and Bling party, rather than the perfect accompaniment to my favorite sun dress.

I also found designer threads that looked like they came straight from my favorite store, never worn. I love this Calypso dress- I think leopard, especially the small print, works great as a neutral! What an easy dress to throw-on and run around town. It was $75 and I would have probably paid $300 for it in my favorite Calypso store in Preston Center in Dallas (they are also on line if you want to check them out, GREAT DRESSES- www.calypso.com).

Jean Marie, the owner also has her own label, Puglia. If clothes come into the shop that aren’t just perfect and she is inspired to work with them, she remakes them and sells the new look in the Fly Boutique. I tried on this fun dress with the original “Gillians” label AND the new Puglia label.

I had a great time shopping at the Fly Booutique! I love “the thrill of the hunt” but sometimes I just don’t find enough time for that game and prefer boutique shopping with less inventory… so as soon as I enter a store I can zero in on exactly what is there that interests me. However, the small size of this store made hunting manageable. In half an hour I felt like I had enough time to uncover many hidden gems and didn’t leave feeling like I had missed out on everything the shop had to offer.

I do think it is important to note that Fly Boutique is known for their shops, belts and designer bags. I heard a shopper talking to the sales associate explaining that she came in as often as she could to see the latest bags that had come into the store.

I loved Fly Boutique! I will always stop in whenever I pass by just to see what great find Jean Marie has uncovered. When I have a specific look I am trying to create, I know this shop will be my first stop because you never know what will be hanging on the Fly’s racks.

If you would like a small taste of this fabulous shop check out their new etsy online boutique, that just opened for business:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyboutiquevintage

OR stop in their new second boutique in the hip Miami MIMO district, located at 7235 Biscayne Blvd. Here the idea is to have a larger more creative space where you can find furniture, art and collectibles as well as the beautiful clothing and accessories that the boutique has always carried (I can’t wait to check it out!).