By Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer
You know when you find that one unique piece that you fall in love with and it’s one-of-a-kind? Well thank your local shopping boutiques for giving us those special treasures!
Whether you are shopping for a gift or for yourself, local boutiques are the way to go.
They have some of the most creative and unique pieces, and it’s a fun trip while grabbing a cup of coffee.
Also, going to a boutique is a great way to escape from campus and go on a new adventure.
Believe it or not, it’s easy for college students to shop at boutiques and sometimes they can score great deals. I know I have found one-of-a-kind pieces that have become my favorites.
Below you will find some of the hottest stops that are right in UMass Dartmouth’s neck of the woods or in the surrounding area – they are all a bus or car stop away.
Francesca’s in Dartmouth is a close trip to the mall that has all your favorite trends and trinkets.
Francesca’s….$$
(142 Dartmouth Mall, Dartmouth, MA)
Francesca’s offers the cutest dresses for any occasion, while still having those essential pieces with a vintage glam flare. They also have many gift-giving items from coffee cups, wall art, books, and jewelry.
If you are looking for a unique saying to capture that feeling, they have those too, whether it is embedded on a cup or wall art for your room.
Their price range can run a bit pricy for certain items, but you can always score a good deal when scoping the clearance racks or by attending one of their promotional events.
Shifting gears and heading to the shores of Westport, MA you will find a beautiful little shop cornered in the heart of the town center, and they do not call it Beautiful Things for nothing.
Beautiful Things….$–$$
(772 Main Rd, Westport, MA)
Beautiful Things has something for everyone and the store owner Madeline Whitney always brings in the best of the best. They have the perfect spices, cheesecake mixes, holiday finds, baby and bridal gifts, home decor, candles, stationery/cards, jewelry, statement clothes, and more. This shop has it all! Whether it is a scarf or a poncho, both make the perfect gift.
The next one is perfect for a day trip away from college, as you’ll probably get lost in the strip of stores on South Main St. in Providence. Shoppe Pioneer features all those must-have fashion finds!
Shoppe Pioneer….$$–$$$
(253 South Main St. Providence, RI)
Shoppe Pioneer has the cutest clothes and accessories with a very fresh appeal. You will always be able to find a new and exotic treasure from detailed jewelry, to dress-to-impress outfits. Whether you like to dress down, or have an extravagant evening out, they can capture both picture-perfect looks.
The boutique offers you the taste of Rhode Island that every UMass Dartmouth student needs. As soon as you walk through the door, you already have that custom feeling where everything is displayed just right.
All that is left to be done: fill up your gas tank, grab your best friends, take some extra cash for a latte from your nearest coffee shop, and get ready to go on a local shopping spree!
It’s just what you need for that perfect easy-to-get Spring Break adventure when you can’t go away for an expensive sunny beach trip.
Happy shopping!