Classy Cleveland

March 16, 2009 6:59 PM

Cleveland Style Filter: I need a unique, funky, cocktail-esque dress for a formal (but funky) event. Help me find a fabulous boutique in Cleveland!

Ok, actually, it's two different events, the dress code for one of which was described as "rock and roll chic" and the other as black tie. I'm 30 and not about to wear a ball gown, but I could use something cute, different from the average dress (I tend toward more unique styles) and in a cocktail dress. At any rate, I found a few things online, but I'm just not convinced. I'd rather patronize a local boutique and spend the cash here in poor lil Cleveland than online. At any rate, my budget is around $120, give or take, and if you have any suggestions, that'd be great. I live on the west side, but I'm willing to go east (especially because I suspect that there might be more over there). I like this (a little too informal, I think, unless I pair it with a killer top) and this (maybe a little too predicable?). At any rate, I'll take whatever suggestions you have! I'm rambling now! Oh, and it does NOT have to be a black dress. I love color, too! Thanks in advance!

posted by cachondeo45 to clothing, beauty, & fashion (6 comments total)

This may not be what you're looking for, but if you're into vintage frocks, Chelsea's Vintage Clothing on W 116th is pretty amazing.

If you're up for some digging (though not much, it is very organized) you will definitely find something unique for dirt cheap. I've gotten almost all of my formal dresses from vintage stores, including Chelsea's, that definitely did not entail throwbacks to the 80s.
posted by DeltaForce at 8:11 PM on March 16

I haven't lived in Cleveland for a while, so some of the places I remember are gone, but Adina and Company and Audrey's Sweet Threads at Eton on the east side look promising.
posted by leotrotsky at 8:28 PM on March 16

There used to be a boutique called Lush at Shaker Square on the East side that had really cute stuff. I haven't live there since 2002 so I don't know if it is still there. I'm pretty sure it was called Lush Boutique.
posted by rglass at 8:51 PM on March 16

I love that you want to support a local store! I wish more people were like you. Unfortunately most of the non-vintage local stores I know of are fairly expensive. For vintage, Chelsea's is a great suggestion, and I would also check out Suite Lorain. I would start with both of those if you haven't already; you stand a pretty good chance of finding something great and way under budget.

For non-vintage, I think there's way more rock-and-roll chic on the west side than on the east side. Mission Boutique in Lakewood might have a few dressier things that could work for the more casual of the two events. Or that Brigade store in the Warehouse district - I've never been there and they may be too casual, but it might be worth a shot. And Banyan Tree in Tremont has a small but good selection, and they usually have a few dresses at any given time.

As for the east side, Lush Boutique would have been perfect, but unfortunately it's recently closed. Audrey's might be a good second choice though. While you're at Eton, check out the boutiques lining the interior corridors - there will most likely be a lot of studded and shiny clothes (and not in the rock and roll sense), but you might stumble upon something that works.

I'll ask around today and see if anyone can come up with more suggestions for you. What are the events, if you don't mind my asking? Even a vague description might help me make better recommendations.
posted by boomchicka at 6:06 AM on March 17

The more I think about it, I think I would definitely go second-hand for the ball gown if you can. I don't know that one dress will work for both events, and I think you should be able to get two dresses within your budget if you go vintage for at least one of them (if not both).

Also, here are a few more ideas:

Cleveland Handmade is the Cleveland Etsy group. It looks like they mostly make accessories but there might be some dresses in there somewhere.

Shoparooni is a very fun shop in Collinwood, a few stores up from the Beachland Ballroom. They sell mostly kitsch and toys (sort of like a funkier Big Fun), but there is a small selection of women's accessories. You might find a cute purse or jewelry to go with your rock-and-roll chic dress there.

This Way Out is the vintage store in the basement of the Beachland Ballroom. They don't have a ton of clothing, and the dress selection is really hit-or-or miss, but it might be worth a look if you're ever there for a show.

Here are a few suggestions from coworkers. I can't vouch for any of these personally but they might be worth a shot:

Revive Fair Trade in Cleveland Heights

Sanity and Nola True in Chagrin Falls

Francesca's Collections in Rocky River

Jupe at Crocker Park.

Powter Puff Boutique in Tremont

Have fun shopping!
posted by boomchicka at 8:34 AM on March 17

Y'all are amazing! Great suggestions! I've wandered into Chelsea's briefly, but I need to plan for that, so maybe this coming Saturday. In the meantime, I'll also check out these great boutiques! I'm sure I'll find something rad. For the new girl in town (I'm a recent transplant from Austin, Texas), this is the kind of stuff that I should know about. Thanks a million!
posted by cachondeo45 at 2:13 PM on March 17