Take a look around. You’ll notice lots of artisan shops, restaurants, galleries, world-class museums, an event center to rival all the best clubs in the world, and…what’s this?...cool vintage-to-contemporary women’s boutiques.

Who needs a mall when you have Edmonds?

It’s all right here in Washington’s first Certified Creative District.

Whatever your style, Edmonds probably has a suitable boutique filled with the latest fashions: custom apparel, bags, jewelry, hats, shoes, and a little art for good measure.

Check it out:

Saetia in Edmonds, 120 5th Ave. S., features limited-edition, Pacific-NW-designed/socially-responsible, Thailand-produced, wearable pieces that go well with your existing wardrobe. An oversized, yet flattering Pima cotton waffle cowl sweater to go with a pencil skirt or your favorite, well-worn blue jeans. A boho-chic number in creperie earth tones. Distinctive, ruffled summer dresses the color of afternoon sherbet. 

Designer/textile and apparel buyer Noy Saetia opened her independent boutique in September 2010 “with an eye to quality, beauty and style."

"Our ever-changing selection reflects our love of a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, influenced by international design and culture. At Saetia, we invite you to celebrate the rich tapestry of life with lovely, affordable and unusual things to wear and to love [website].”

Jewelry, home furnishings, and other gifts.

Opened in 2004 as a consignment store, Rebekah’s Boutique, Beeson Building, 404 Main St., has the kind of contemporary and classic clothes every woman can get into. As unique as a flower in the desert. 

Anne K. of Seattle wrote a nice Trip Advisor review that sums up this boutique in a nutshell: “…They had lots of interesting clothes, often with the ‘forgiving’ fit that I like, but with great colors and designs. And the clothes are not only very reasonably priced, but, equally important, I find I wear them very often. Now it's a destination store for me.”

Soft, glowing pastels that hint at nature around us, abstracts and visions that reminds you of Picasso and Van Gogh cashmere, you’re guaranteed to walk in and fall in love with the way the tops, wraps, and dresses make you feel. Customers flock to the boutique for owner Rebecca Peck and her personal shoppers’ care and attention.

The kind-hearted fashionista behind 37-year-old Sound Styles, 100 5th Ave. N., happens to be a concert pianist. Come inside, where owner Jenny Murphy might play a gentle serenade, while you browse the racks. She can also guide you to her best fashions. She’s up on her Sound Styles Soundings newsletter to talk about those latest fashions and how to wear and pair them in charming, conversational vlogs. 

Sound Styles carries the latest lines in clothing, jewelry, and more. Like the aesthetically refreshing look of CINO button-down tops, great for a walk on the beach, paperbag stripe Jag Jeans, or a plaid linen dress by Foil to lounge out in the garden. Casual lifestyle clothes for women and men.

You can tell artists dwell at MaJe Gallery, 409 Main St., open since 2000. Manya and Jeff bring wearable art, made in America c/o over 100 artisans, to Edmonds in a gallery setting. MaJe is where style meets substance meets originality (Manya designs her own jewelry and Jeff does illustrations, featuring bosatsu, his thrashing philosopher). Here, you can find reversible vegan leather totes from Liz Soto Handbags, an echinacea bud dipped in 18k gold, fashioned into a 24-k necklace, and a Zeraffa tropical breeze kimono.

Rogue Boutique, 112 5th Ave. S., is special, offering specially designed outerwear to match a woman’s inner glow. Owner Kimberly Koenig moved Rogue into the Savvy Traveler space in Nov. 2020, after having enjoyed a thriving business operating out of a historic home at 524 Main St. since March 2014. Rogue caters to young women seeking something just a little different from what else is out there: a bit of Olina in knit, a seafoam Surplice romper, that little black dress with an oh-so modest plunge on top. 

“When it comes to fashion, I love being unique, interesting and a bit unexpected. My goal, like many women, is to look like I paid way more than I did. I call it ‘Affordable Luxe’ and that’s just what Rogue will offer [‘Business brief…’ My Edmonds News].”

Anchor Chic Consignment, 529 Dayton St., accepts gently used, clean women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes, and handbags, heavy on stylish, vintage, and responsibly re-sourced. 

Personal stylist/buyer Liz Le puts her own personal spin on the well-curated finds at Anchor Chic, opened in 2016. Whether you crave smart, natty workout gear, sunny beachwear for boating, “Mad Men”-inspired sundresses, or darling market bags with hand-stitched flowers on the netting, you can probably find it here. 

Nothing goes to waste, either. If they don’t sell it, they’ll donate it to a worthy organization.

Owner Christine Poirier opened Pear Tree Consignment, 315 5th Ave. S., Suite D, in 2019 to “help women love the clothes in their closet, so they can walk out the door each day feeling comfortable, confident and fabulous [website].”

To that end, Poirier curates an incredible selection of seasonal, fine apparel and accessories that look new and cost 50-80 percent below retail. A wardrobe for every size, from plus to petites. 

“…My customers have become my friends. But I also love the clothes. Every day we receive fabulous new consignments, and it’s a win-win for people cleaning out their closets and getting a return on their investments, while shoppers are able to find new treasures at a great price [‘Business Spotlight…’ Edmonds Downtown Alliance].”

Giftland dresses women with fashion and comfort in mind, in hues of pinks, creams, navys, plaids, and tasteful prints. The ladies’ boutique is tucked in Boo Han Plaza’s bustling Asian strip mall in the heart of Edmonds’ International District — 22618 Hwy. 99. 

Besides the latest in Korean-inspired ready-to-wear, Giftland also sells affordable shoes, socks with little bunnies and bears on them, chiffon scarves, wigs, cosmetics, costume jewelry, and handbags. Phone: 425-672-2636.

Feature photo from Pear Tree Consignment Facebook.