Around The Block In Savannah
Written by Ava Bonsall. Photos by Ava Bonsall.
Savannah is bursting with history, flora, and amazing iced coffees. There is so much going on, from the city market’s mini outlets to the Starland Bazaar’s flea market, that it can be difficult to find a boutique just for you.
Amidst the popular spots like E. Shaver’s Bookstore and Urban Outfitters, there is an entire world of small boutiques scattered all over Savannah, sequestered away in spots that are sometimes hard to find. Here are some standout boutiques to try the next time the shopping bug gets you.
The Cottage Shop:
From custom stationary, tableware, and invitations, the Cottage Shop is a popular stop for soon-to-be wed couples, debutantes, and new mothers. Violin music plays throughout the renovated farm house as you walk through rooms filled with pillows, greeting cards, and Christmas ornaments. Reserved plates are set up on tables besides silverware and fireplaces, waiting to be picked up by their commissioners. Stationary is made in-house upstairs.
They are currently in their 80th year of operation and recently held a block party to celebrate. If you love Savannah wildlife printed on paper, plates, bags, and handkerchiefs, stop by this place to get a taste of the artistic glamour. The Cottage Shop only asks one thing of you. Make sure to ring the doorbell on your way in.
Vintage Vortex:
It’s clear that Vintage Vortex has a history with SCAD students. An open notebook sits on a scuffed pedestal by the door, open for anyone to draw in. Beside it is a well-aged candy dispenser, full of gumballs, skittles, and bouncy balls. Inside is like taking a step back into the decades these items came from. 1940s music plays throughout the store as you browse through decade-organized vintage clothing, all marked with price stickers attached to cut-up playing cards.
All their vintage is authentic, found through garage sales, storage unit bids, and giveaways. If the items they acquire are damaged, Vintage Vortex fixes them before selling. You can find clothing, jewelry, scarves, handbags, shoes, and even old photos from different eras in their retail. Their prices vary around $20 to $100, but it’s well worth the authenticity of each piece.
Delaney Rose Boutique:
If you’ve ever been to Arnold Hall, you might have noticed a small shop right across the street. If you’ve ever walked inside, you’ve probably been greeted by either a tiny brown Dachshund or a tail-wagging Golden Retriever. Browse through floral-like clothing such as dresses, skirts, shorts, and coats, all priced around $40 to $80. You can try on a few in their dressing room, where a wall of photos covers one wall, as you listen to Taylor Swift’s newest album.
If you’re not in the mood for clothing, a table of local artist work fills the space by the window. You can get earrings, postcards, magnets, and stickers printed in Savannah inspired design. Perfumes, glasses, candles and socks also fill the various tables. When you check out, make sure to compliment them on their wall of Savannah Boutique awards just under their bright pink “Hello Gorgeous” sign.
Red Clover:
When I first stepped into this boutique, it was overflowing with other women browsing through racks of clothing, admiring tables of jewelry, and discussing fashion advice with the employees. Their designs’ color schemes circulate around earthy browns, warm whites, and the occasional deep faded blue.
Red Clover balances styles for both young and older women, with prices ranging from $20 to $70. There are also shoes, bandanas, purses, claw clips, and jewelry for any of your style needs. Since this business sits a little off Broughton, keep an eye out for the red door or the occasional husband waiting on a bench by the window. Or, you can explore their sister location, Harper Boutique, right next to the Wright Square.
Morgan Rae:
There are a lot of interesting stores on Broughton, but not all of them are on the first floor. A mannequin sits outside the Vineyard Vines, bringing attention to the stairs leading up to a small in-the-wall store full of chic pink clothing and bracelets. Prices average around $80 to $100 for well-kept, sequined dresses, pants, hats, and boots. Attentive employees can help you find the perfect-sized jeans or point you to the best charms.
Having been open for seven years, Morgan Rae has recently opened another location in the City Market. New winter clothing fills the upstairs space, as the owner releases new seasonal items about four times a year. If you’re interested in some gingerbread sweaters or want to take a shot at the make-your-own bracelet bar, make sure to look up the next time you’re walking on Broughton or City Market.
