By: Guest writer, Sarah Scales

Sometimes you just want a break from your big chain fashion retailers. If you’re the type of person who likes to support local businesses, maybe add these to your list. These five fashion boutiques each have something different to offer to everyone all depending on your budget and personal style.  

UAL
Multiple Locations
Called by The New York Times, “The Best Kept Secret In Fashion” this is hands down the spot if you like designer items. While I wouldn’t classify it as bargain hunting, it’s certainly good savings on designer items from labels like Saint Laurent, Givenchy or Gucci. Still, famous brand names are sprinkled amongst other lesser-known designers, so it can be a little bit of a hunt. It’s like high-end thrifting except the clothes haven’t been owned before. UAL has multiple locations, retail on their website and a popular Instagram feed where they highlight new arrivals to keep their followers updated on fresh inventory.

Alexis + Bolt
Germantown
Tucked away in Germantown, this little boutique carries clothing and accessory items for both men and women. The quaint house-turned store is adorable and was designed well with fun touches like a tile bathroom floor reading, “Be Bold”. Not to mention, the staff was friendly, and when I went, they were handing out complimentary mimosas. This is the kind of place you don’t just stumble across in Nashville- you probably were looking for it. It’s a little off the regular beaten path for shopping, but it’s worth checking out for its consistently good rotation of pieces.

Photo: @shopmollygreen

Molly Green
Multiple Locations
In a not-so-typical local mom & pop fashion, Molly Green’s storefronts in Nashville are in shopping malls. If you hid the business name from the front, I think most would guess it’s a larger chain. The store has a mostly white aesthetic with metallic accents like gold clothing hangers and clean displays, selling the latest trends for women’s fashion. It’s been said that the owners purchase from the same companies that Urban, Inc. (Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie) do, but the prices are a bit cheaper, albeit not that much cheaper. The store has a small to medium selection of items, but it seems to cut the fluff – only the best items hit the racks.

Photo: @draperjames

Draper James 
12 South
Probably most famous for its owner, Reese Witherspoon, Draper James has a selection of upscale, southern clothes. With its preppy cuts and nautical prints, it’s reminiscent of a brightly colored J Crew catalog. Draper James is located on 12 South and is filled with tourists on the weekends who stop in after taking their selfies at the seersucker-looking striped wall outside. You might have showed up for the Instagram, but you’ll stay for the classic pieces. If you’re looking for something to wear to a garden party or wedding shower, this is your place.

Photo: @blush_boutiques

Blush
Multiple Locations
Blush is probably the most affordable on this list, with a little bit for every type of style. They have day pieces, night pieces and some items for in-between. As the name might suggest, their merchandise leans a bit on the feminine side. There are several locations around town and one store in Louisville, KY. The overall sense of the store reminds me of a typical southern boutique that you might find in a small southern town.

It seems like there’s a cute boutique on every corner of Nashville, but this can hopefully be a good place to start. Other honorable mentions include Imogene & Willie, Two Old Hippies and Posh.

What are some of your favorite local boutiques in Nashville? Let us know!

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Sarah Scales is a Nashville-based digital marketing and PR strategist. She is passionate about helping brands find their voice and communicating that to their audience. Sarah came to Nashville for the music business and stayed for the people that have turned it into home. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys traveling, listening to podcasts and attending every concert in Nashville possible. Find her on Instagram at @sarahannscales.