Who doesn’t love to shop? Here in Orlando, we have a multitude of unique and exhilarating shops, each with their very own “it factors.” Let’s take a deeper look into five of these fashion-forward small businesses that you will only find in Orlando.
THE HOUSE ON LANG ($$)
Affectionately nicknamed “The House” by Orlando natives, The House on Lang is a true hidden gem where many different worlds collide. Located between Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village Main Street, this bungalow-turned-store promises something fresh and new around each and every corner. From their in-house clothing collection, “Laundry on Lang,” to artistic workshops to local live music in the backyard, there is no shortage of happy surprises when it comes to this House.
Co-owners Julie and Christie are driven by their passions for building community and fostering creativity. Whether it’s a jewelry-making workshop, a private House party, or some good ol’ fashioned retail therapy, The House on Lang awaits your visit.
TUNI ($$$$)
Promising “all things trendy & chic,” and operated by a mother-daughter duo, this Park Avenue-based boutique in Winter Park has been a staple of the community since 1986. Boasting an impressive array of items such as tops, bottoms, shoes, dresses and jumpsuits, and jewelry and accessories, Tuni also has unique services that separate it from other fashion avenues.
“Come get styled by Tuni!” This is the invitation on their website, accompanied by the hashtag #StyledbyTuni. By simply placing a call to the Tuni store, you can request a closet consult, personal stylist, and/or private shopping party.
ETOILE BOUTIQUE ($$)
Found in The Milk District just east of downtown Orlando, the self-titled “Original Style Hub” has been operating since 2006. A staple shop for many, Etoile sells a variety of fashion-forward items: handmade jewelry, hand-picked vintage pieces and modern accessories, as well as featuring local brands. They even have wardrobe rentals available to any artists who may be interested in creative collaborations.
While Etoile is locally considered a “jack-of-all-trades,” it’s their vintage pieces that really generate buzz. These items are hand-selected, date to the 1950s – 1990s, and are sourced from a private buyer. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind fashion, then Etoile Boutique may just be the shop for you.
CHIC BOUTIQUE ($$$)
Deemed an “Upscale Resale Shop,” Chic Boutique in the Audubon Park Garden District has provided Orlando with reasonably priced, designer pieces since 2010. All said pieces are either gently used or completely new with tags. Some notable brands often available for resale include Gucci, Chanel, Saint Laurent and Prada.
But that’s not all, folks! Chic Boutique also doubles as a buyer of gently used, luxury fashion. Ranging from Louis Vuitton to Alice and Olivia, they accept a wide variety of pieces. For a more in-depth breakdown of the brands they keep an eye out for, head on over to their website.
SULTRE ($$$$)
Nestled in the quaint, yet mighty strip of Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park, this upscale boutique has new arrivals coming in on the daily. Yep, that’s right! New day, new clothes. Now that is a world we want to live in.
Established in 2005, Sultre offers a myriad of pieces: denim, activewear/loungewear, swim, dresses/rompers, shoes and much more. With over 50 brands represented at Sultre, such as Dolce Vita, For Love and Lemons, Nonchalant Label, and Reina Olga (just to name a few!), there is something for everyone.
THRIFT ON 46 ($$)
Looking for a coffee shop, warehouse and thrift boutique all in one place? Look no further! Thrift on 46 is so not your average thrift store. Founded by Harvest Time International (a non-profit aimed at providing a “hand up” to children and families), Thrift on 46 is truly your one-stop-shop for all things cozy. All proceeds go directly to their parent, non-profit organization.
There are two sides to the store: The Shoppe and The Warehouse. The Shoppe consists of mostly new items (including brand-new, discounted Target products), while The Warehouse consists of mostly used items (such as clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.). Sip on Quigley’s in-house craft coffee while wandering the many aisles of Thrift on 46. They’re in Sanford, about 35 minutes north of our main tourism districts.
LABELLE SINCE 1919 ($$$)
Operating in downtown Orlando since 1919, LaBelle boasts the title of largest full-service furrier in the entire state. All pieces are expertly handcrafted in-house by LaBelle’s dynamic team of furriers and held to the highest standard of excellence.
In addition to the development of new fur products, LaBelle also restyles old furs and brings them back to a state of pristine condition. Their full menu of offered services include cold storage, custom-made furs, cleaning and reconditioning, alterations and repairs, trade-ins, and appraisals.
JOHN CRAIG CLOTHIER & CURRENT BY JOHN CRAIG ($$$$)
Nearly 30 years ago, H. Craig DeLongy had a simple, yet bold goal: provide men with the best selection of high-end fashion. As a result, in the spring of 1996, John Craig Clothier was born. The business has certainly stood the test of time and has since opened various other locations across the state of Florida. Right next door to their original, Winter Park location (a historic 1923 storefront on Park Avenue), you can find one of their subsidiary companies: Current by John Craig.
Current was developed in 2009 with the hope of being a more laid-back, relaxed brand and shopping environment. The John Craig website defines Current as a “contemporary men’s boutique.” Their mission is hyper-focused on shining a spotlight on the individuality and innovation of each and every one of their clients.
Both Current by John Craig and John Craig Clothier carry men’s apparel as well as men’s footwear and accessories; they also offer style assessments, alterations and special ordering. “Live well, dress well” — that’s the John Craig way.
LABELLA INTIMATES & BOUTIQUE ($$$)
Santa LaBellman, a fourth generation LaBellman, came to the United States and immediately noticed a lack of unique and properly fitting undergarments. Not unlike her distant relatives who first created LaBelle Furs, she rolled her sleeves up and got to work on creating what is today known as LaBella Intimates & Boutique.
Her shop consists of women’s intimates as well as women’s clothing. Located in Maitland, just north of Winter Park, LaBella also offers special, in-house fittings because, as LaBellman puts it, women want to look and feel their best.
Original source can be found here.