Summer Series: Boutique Buzz

One question that I have seen in more groups, message boards, etc. that I can count is "Where can I go to purchase plus size clothing outside of the major retailers (i.e. Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, etc.). Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or are just someone who doesn't want everyone to know where you got your outfit, one great place to grab some fashion finds are boutiques.

There are numerous online only boutiques. However, as I am sure most ladies can attest, knowing your size in a new designer/brand is difficult. As much as we might not want to shop at the major retailers, we go because we can try clothing on and figure out what size we are in what looks. A size 16 can vary not only from retailer to retailer, but more often than not, from clothing item to clothing item.

Therefore, Belle-Noir is on a quest to promote some of the great brick-and-mortar boutiques across the U.S. and abroad in our new column appropriately called "Boutique Buzz". The column will be a mix of shopping reviews (for the boutiques that we can visit) and Q&A sessions with boutique owners. What we hope is that you, our readers, will check some of these boutiques out and let us know what you think.

Are you a boutique owner looking for some press? Do you have a favorite brick-and-mortar boutique that you adore? Leave a comment & let us know who is out there! Especially if you are in the following cities:

• Atlanta
• Washington D.C.
• Boston
• Philadelphia

Look for our first Boutique Buzz review coming soon as part of Features Friday during our Summer Series!