Best Boutiques in Columbus
Shopping in Columbus, Ohio? Here's the skinny on the best Columbus boutiques.
-Kristy Eckert, @kristyeckert
Leal: It's the grand dame of the Columbus boutique scene, and no Columbus boutique does sophistication better than Leal. Situated in quiet pocket of Upper Arlington, the elegant shop has been in business an admirable 20 years. Owner Connie Leal carries classic, timeless pieces from designers like Malene Birger, Dennis Merotto and Diane Von Furstenberg, along with fresh pieces from lines like Alex + Olivia and Haute Hippie. Several of the city's female power players are loyal for a reason.
Info: LealBoutique.com
Rowe: Owner Maren Roth can be credited for helping spark the rebirth of the popular Short North arts district several years back with Rowe boutique, which offers trendy, upscale women's clothing and accessories in a chic, airy space on the High Street strip. Think bohemian vibe with a downtown edge. Need a cocktail dress? Stop here. Its selection of jackets is always killer, too, as is its array of scarves. You'll find lines like Cynthia Vincent, Iro, Smythe, Rails, LnA, June, Cleobella, Foley & Corinna and more.
Info: RoweBoutique.com
Ladybird: Ladybird, a boutique thoughtfully curated by owner Allison Jayjack, offers a small-but-mighty selection of women's clothing and accessories with a vibe that is equal parts East Coast prep and West Coast chill. You'll find staples like Paige denim and Equipment blouses; more affordable pieces from lines like BB Dakota; and goodies by local designers like Pansy Thatcher (midi skirt, anyone?) and River City Leather (hello, amazing bags!). It's a go-to for fresh, artsy lines and the best selection of clutches in the city.
Info: LadybirdFashion.com
Thread: In just a couple of years, Thread has established itself as one of the city's hottest fashion spots-times two. Its first location in Grandview did so well that it quickly opened a second in Dublin. (And then it moved its flagship across the street in Grandview, doubling its size.) You'll find a large selection of splurge-worthy women's and men's clothing and accessories that are trendy but mature enough for shoppers beyond their 20s. Think Vince, Rag & Bone and Tibi-and an awesome selection of high-end denim.
Info: ShopThreadOnline.com
Godfrys: It's been the go-to suiting shop for successful Columbus businessmen for 30 years, offering upscale suits, on-site tailoring and a smart (plus smartly dressed) staff. But over the past several years, Godfrys has upped its game, with owners Heinz and Martha Ellrod moving it into a big, beautiful space at Polaris, adding women's to the mix, and offering on-point casual wear for men, too. It oozes sophistication with lines from St. Croix to Annette Gortz.
Info: Godfrys.com
Cheesecake Boutique: Owner and corporate retail veteran Betsy Johnston offers a fun selection of cute, reasonably priced clothing in a great spot on Upper Arlington's bustling strip. The shop sells lines from the colorful, preppy Hatley to popular BB Dakota to classicly fun Donna Morgan.
Info: CheesecakeBoutique.net
Le Flair: Former Express executive Jill Richey caters to a loyal clientele in her friendly, relaxed Dublin boutique with a mature selection of women's clothing and accessories that are classic with an occasional twist of funk. You'll find lines like Joseph Ribkoff and Karen Kane, and pieces from office-appropriate dresses to fun furs.
Info: LeFlairBoutique.com
Happy Go Lucky Her: Happy Go Lucky Her is the new kid on the local boutique block, but owner Debbie Neimeth is no stranger to retail, and it shows. The longtime owner of popular décor and gift shop Happy Go Lucky Home, Neimeth saw a void in the market for a boutique offering European-inspired clothing lines with a little hippie, a little funk and a lot of comfort to women of varying ages and sizes. You'll find designers like Porto, Deca, Comfy and Johnny Was.
Info: HappyGoLuckyHer.com