When I was a junior in college, I began paying close attention to local boutiques here in Billings because I wanted to start building my professional wardrobe so that when I graduated, I had classic staple items in my closet. My mom always told me “dress for the job you want” and to me that meant chic, classic and timeless outfits. So, as a college student I was paying close attention to the Instagram accounts of local boutiques so that I knew when they were having a big sale, because I knew that I would always be able to find something and I was always looking for good, high quality brands because I wanted to INVEST in the staples, but of course, I was going when there was a sale because I got these quality items for prices like $30, $20, and $10, really great things for CHEAP! As a college student finding great items for a great deal was very exciting for me. Supporting local was also big for me, so finding local boutiques that I could find affordable items at was exciting, especially as I was in the early stages of transitioning from college to the business world.
Now as a young professional, I don’t closely monitor the sales like I did in college, but I have a few go-to boutiques here in Billings that I know I will always find what I’m looking for. Whether I need to replace a staple item in my closet, or I’m looking for a specific item for a work event, maybe a cute concert outfit, or just looking to add a few fresh timeless items to my closet, these boutiques are my go-to stores, not just for the clothing, but for the customer service. When shopping in a brick-and-mortar store I want to have a positive shopping experience, I want to feel like I belong in these stores and that all starts with great customer service. So, here they are, not in any particular order!
SOMETHINGchic | Downtown boutique | https://somethingchicclothing.com/pages/about-us
Being greeted by my first name, with an excited tone of voice, followed by a few catch-up questions, that is SOMETHINGchic, a personable shopping experience, where you are more than just a shopper in the store, you are a client. Linda, the owner is so personable. She has helped me find many items and even helped me put together an outfit, head to toe from her store for my engagement photos. SOMETHINGchic is modern, chic, effortless.
“SOMETHINGchic is a stylish, contemporary, and wallet-friendly women’s retail clothing store. Customer service, quality, and relationships are important to SOMETHINGchic. We believe in our customers, and making them feel stunning no matter what they are doing. We believe in quality pieces at all price points, to fit any budget. We believe that building relationships with loyal customers, vendors, and the community is vital to our company’s health and success. At SOMETHINGchic you’ll find a shopping experience and ambience like no other.” - SOMETHINGchic
Normally, you’d think the shopping experience ends when you check-out online or in the store, but that isn’t the case with this downtown gem. One of my favorite things is the blog Linda curates, from tips on cleaning out your closet to staple items to add to your wardrobe, she has you covered. SOMETHINGchic also hosts chic events for you and the girls throughout the year from sales events to movie & shopping nights, to custom bracelet classes, and so much more, there is always an event you want to add to your calendar!
Apricot Lane Billings | Mid-town boutique | https://apricotlaneboutique.com/store/billings/
ENERGY, from the moment you walk in the door you are greeted with energy and women that want to help YOU find what YOU are looking for! Apricot Lane is located in the westpark plaza in mid-town Billings. They have wardrobe staples in your classic blacks and whites, but they also have the pop of color that you can’t help but add to your closet. Their team makes your shopping experience so enjoyable and they are there to help you as much as you want, which I recommend. I know some of you reading this are like “no, I don’t want to be talked to during my shopping”, but trust me when I say they will bring things to you to try on and those will be the items you take home with you. They are fashion experts!
“From the moment you walk in our door, you’ll enjoy a unique and fun shopping experience, complete with a diverse selection of fashionable apparel, stylish accessories, and friendly customer service. Each store is an independently owned and operated franchise that offers a wide variety of apparel for women of all ages, whether you’re a trendsetter or lover of classic all-American style. Stop by Apricot Lane Boutique today and step out in style tomorrow!” – Apricot Lane Billings
As I have gotten more into my career and building my professional wardrobe, I have also found it equally important to have my casual closet items that can be mixed and matched for any occasion. And their selection of jeans, graphic t-shirts, and tank tops is vast. They also have a special pig sticker day at least once a month. You may be wondering, what’s a pig sticker? If you are a shopper like me and plan to shop here or have shopped here, you need to buy a pig sticker from them! These cute little pigs get you special discounts each month on pig sticker day. To be notified of these great sales sign up for their texts or follow them on Instagram!
Roc House | Shiloh Crossing boutique | https://rochouse.mybigcommerce.com/
When I think of a boutique that does a SALE, I think of Roc House. A higher end boutique located in Shiloh Crossing on the westend of Billings, this store is professional, edgy, and high-quality items. Roc House is the high-end boutique of Billings, but don’t let the high-end steer you away. They have many items, to add to your closet staples, that are at an affordable price, especially for the longevity that these items will offer you. From classic black items to bright pink, this store will inspire you to add a few strong pops of color into your daily work outfits. When I am in need of a new dress or blouse, I’m headed here first. They have unique options that will elevate my classic style.
“RocHouse offers the most sought-after styles from brands fashion-forward shoppers have come to love! The store is a popular destination and best known for bang-on-trend womenswear and personalized service.
The name RocHouse was inspired by the brand’s deep connection with its Rocky Mountain community, and the “Right Off Catwalk” styles of a classic fashion house.
We have an incredible selection of hand-selected apparel, shoes and accessories from some of the industry’s foremost, contemporary designer labels. Our long standing reputation says it all!” – Roc House
When a store says sale, they sometimes mean 15-25% off, not Roc House. When they have their sales, they mean 50-75% off. How do you know when they have these amazing sales? Follow them on Instagram! You may also be inspired to mix and match some colors into an outfit that you normally wouldn’t think to, just by following their active social accounts.
