Shopping Local is Close to my Heart

I love shopping local, and have been doing this even before it was a cool thing to do. So many friends message me for suggestions of where to find that picture worthy top or wow gift. When I started my Fashion Blog, I promised myself I wouldn’t only suggest chains and stores that offer commissions to bloggers. So here it is, Emily’s 2021 Shop Local Favorites of the greater Kalamazoo area, we are lucky to have so many adorable locally owned shops in our area. Don’t live close to Kalamazoo, MI? Many have online sites and ship.

Did I not mention one you love? Be sure to message me with your favorites. Here is to loving life, looking cute doing it and if we can support a local business even better. Emily

H2Design & Co, 148 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI. From the minute you walk in, your senses will be on overload. Holly the owner makes all her own candles (you will see them at other shops all over the country) best part is you can take them back to be refilled for a small charge (what a genius and environmentally great idea). Especially love all of the snarky gift items, think that coffee mug your girlfriend will laugh at every morning. The selection of clothing (pictures above are from my latest try on) is affordable and cute for every day. 

So Fetch Boutique, 6206 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI. My absolute favorite holiday sweater from last winter was from here, a cozy gray cardigan with gorgeous pearl and sparkle details. Kimberly, the owner, is genuine, fun and always pulling suggestions (love when they find you something amazing you totally missed). This is the place to stop in for fashion forward finds and holiday party looks. 

Colors & Cocktails, 240 S Kalamazoo, MI. This may be my daughter Caroline’s favorite store ever, we even hosted her birthday party here. They offer art classes, parties and more. But their gift selection is AMAZING!!  They carry Candy Club, Lush Drink Mixes, fun art supplies (scented pencils, erasable markers) and an impressive selection of Pop Culture gifts. Fans of Schitt’s Creek, Golden Girls, etc, you will be in shopping gift heaven. Totally a must stop if you are downtown Kalamazoo, tell Lauren I sent you. 

Carte Blanche Boutique, 4502 West Main, Kalamazoo, MI. This is a hidden gem and different every time I stop in. Think eclectic home finds (we have a gorgeous gold lamp in our bedroom from here), cute gifts (love the jewelry cache trays for gifts), plus fashions. Their prices are very reasonable and they are alway offering fun promos and events, you will want to follow them on social media. 

Initial Attraction, 3021 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI. So I don’t collect things but I have quite an assortment of their Nora Fleming Minis. What are these? The cutest little adornment to a platter, bowl or tray. These are great gifts for the hard to buy for that has everything (my mom). They also carry a wide variety of baby gift items, Cherry Republic Treats (we are obsessed with the salsa) and Thymes Frasier Fur candles. 

Other Local Favorite Shops:

Olive Branch Boutique, 210 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI

Vintage Inspired, 52530 N. Main St, Mattawan, MI 

Shades of Lavender, 47222 24th St, Mattawan, MI

Therapy Boutique & Marketplace, 7630 S. Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 

Pink Lemonade, 7039 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo

Lee & Birch, &047 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 

Tulips Little Pop Up Shop, 2036 Parkview Ave, Kalamazoo, MI

This is a Bookstore & Bookbug, 3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 

Lemons~N~Lavender Boutique, 406 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 

Snappy Girl (locally owned, online and pop-up shop only)