My invitation to attend a private shopping party at Lennon & Willow Boutique in Lowell had me thinking: What other stores offer this alternative shopping experience—and why aren't more people taking advantage of it?
"We'll have stuff you can't get anywhere," said owner Tenneile Petersen. The women's clothing store features unique boutique items such as dresses, tops and leggings; jewelry, purses, scarves and other accessories; and gift items including candles, reusable bags and home décor. The store also carries Crowned Free apparel that donates 35 percent of its profits to organizations working with rescued women.
When it comes to private shopping, it's easy. You pick a date, shoot for no less than 10 guests, set up a Facebook event invite, and the host provides refreshments if they so desire. "You can have snacks," Petersen said, "as I have a kitchen in the back, and I have champagne glasses on hand."
Why are these parties a hit? "We are focused on the hostess and her friends. You get the advice and opinions of all of your girlfriends. I'm a mom of three, and I love to get out of the house."
Where else can you gather with your closest friends for the sole purpose of shopping and extoling the virtues of clothing trends, fit, color and styling options? Guests were able to try on and show off styles to their champagne-drinking BFFs. I was even a part of a wave of women who started a faux-ripped legging frenzy purchase. (Once you see them on, you'll want a pair, too.)
Lennon & Willow Boutique is located at 204 W. Main Street, Lowell. Check it out on Facebook, where anything you see is available for online purchase with free shipping.
A sampling of other stores offering private shopping parties:
Dear Prudence
DENYM
Evereve
Gina's Boutique
Hawthorne Collection
Humanity Boutique
Jade
Jb and me
Lee & Birch
Leigh's
Pink Lemonade Boutique
Sparrow Boutique
Tap House Bo
Written by Missy Black, a footwear fanatic, style child and contributing writer for West Michigan Woman.
