Tessa DeVilbiss

Staff Writer

Ever get bored of the same old stores?

These days it seems like everyone has a similar version of the clothes others are wearing. After all, there aren’t many options at Stoneridge Mall and Walnut Creek other than Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters or Forever 21.

In San Francisco, Pleasanton, and Danville, boutiques are popping up. Boutiques are individual stores that carry unique clothes with an individual style.

Looking for a store with cute ambiance that’s quirky but still adorable?  Boutiques are worthy destinations.

Sophomore Emilie Heisel is turning to boutiques for their original sense of style and their uniqueness apart from what she sees everyday.

“When you get something, you can put it together with what you like and not everyone has it,” said Emilie.

Ella J, located in San Ramon and Danville, is Emilie’s favorite boutique.

“(Boutiques) offer a unique experience that a department store doesn’t offer,” said senior Molly Walker.

Molly likes boutiques for the personal shopping experience and good customer service, but she likes more mainstream stores for their better prices.

It’s true that these places can be expensive, but if shoppers look hard enough they can find eclectic and affordable boutiques.

“I really like boutiques in downtown San Francisco,” said junior Vivian Li. “Their quality is better and their stuff is different.”

Finding boutiques can bedifficult, but in places like Danville, Pleasanton, and San Francisco, they’re easily accessible to shoppers.

1. Tootsies Boutique

Tootsies, located on East Prospect Avenue in downtown Danville, is a cute and fun shoe store. Owner Lisa Brown was inspired to open her own store after working in retail for 30 years.

When shoppers walk in they immediately see the beach setup for manicures and rows of shoes after shoes.

“We have affordable, adorable shoes and a friendly upbeat environment, and we have new inventory daily,” said Brown.

Senior Jillian Alexander is among the students who have already been to Tootsies and love the atmosphere and unique concept.

“Tootsies boots are so cute,” said Jillian. “I love their original things and it’s really cool how they do pedicures.”

This season’s trends at Tootsies include riding boots, wedge boots, platform shoes, and neutral shoes.

2. Prim

Love Anthropologie but hate their prices? Check out Prim. Here, shoppers can find an outerwear jacket for only $49.50.

With a fun vintage but still trendy concept, Prim carries jewelry, clothing, and furniture. Detailed garments at an affordable price are Prim’s goal.

Bright and fun textiles, quality clothing, and imaginative aesthetics are some of the elements the store offers. With two locations, one in Pleasanton and the other in Danville, Prim is easily accessible.

3. My Roommate’s Closet

Many teens love designer clothes, but they’re not always affordable. On Fillmore Street in San Francisco, My Roommate’s Closet is a boutique outlet, a store with designer garments that start at half off the retail price.

Walking into the store, shoppers are greeted by friendly sales people and a fresh, exclusive vibe.

Mirrors, mannequins, and a variety of designers’ garments are scattered throughout the store They show the many trendy styles on today’s runway.

The store sells merchandise by famous designers, such as Tory Burch, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Theory.  So go ahead and buy those Tory Burch flats, here they’re not a splurge.