Boutiques in Provo and Orem offer a variety of styles and trends not commonly found in larger shopping centers. These charming shops can help you fit in with the latest trends or stand out with not-so-ordinary outfits.

The Shops at Riverwoods located at 4801 North University Ave. offers three boutiques with decidedly different styles. Soel has a variety of beautiful tops and coats to accompany the winter weather. This boutique sells the latest trends in tops, shoes and bags. Unlike other boutiques, Soel features a yoga studio called "It's Yoga" connected to the back, which offers classes every day.

"I think spring will bring a lot of bright colors and prints, like coral and grass green," said Mairin Rytting, a sales associate at Soel. "The trend right now is large tops accompanied by skinny jeans. Boots are really big right now too; tall ones for the winter right now and then shorter ones for spring."

With so many boutiques in the area, one would think that each boutique would feel pressure from its competitors.

"We don't feel competition because we complement the other boutiques in the area," Rytting said. "We refer other people to various boutiques when we don't have what they are looking for, and they do the same for us. It's a good combination"

Kaleidoscope is located just across the street from Soel.

"We carry vintage and eclectic lines that flatter everybody," said Megan Bingham, a sales associate at Kaleidoscope. "I love the prints that are in right now: light fabrics, mixed patterns and accessorizing with jewelry."

This unique boutique recycles vintage jewelry for customers who enjoy a taste for the old-fashioned. They also sell candles and dishes that give home décor a fun twist.

"We like to recycle these pieces because it's good for the environment," Bingham said. "We also carry many organic products, which I hope can continue to be a trend in our society."

Just as Rytting said of Soel, Bingham agreed that they don't feel competition between other boutiques.

"I think we are really lucky because we are surrounded by so many boutiques and we all really complement each other," Bingham said.

The Black Chandelier, located a few stores down from Kaleidoscope, offers a one-of-a-kind selection.

"We carry European-style clothing, which is more modest but way funky and out there," said Skye Garso, a sales associate at the Black Chandelier. "We don't attract your average kid, but the people that come in are really nice. It's definitely a different style."

The Black Chandelier also has locations at Trolley Square and Gateway in Salt Lake City, and Fashion Place mall in Murray.

What's Hot boutique is located at 110 W. Center St. and specializes in designer jeans, purses and shoes.

"We don't feel like we are in competition with other boutiques because our main thing is jeans," said Chelsie Liddiard, a What's Hot sales associate. "If I were looking for jeans I would come here, but if I was looking for a cute shirt I would probably go to Soel."

Designer jeans at What's Hot include Rock and Republic, True Religion and 7 For All Mankind. Shoes include Marc by Marc Jacobs and Steve Madden. Spring is coming soon and these boutiques are displaying their latest lines. Go check out the new fashions and prepare your wardrobe for the warm weather.



Copyright Brigham Young University 20 Feb 2008