A great destination for local boutique shopping, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area has something for everyone’s tastes.
Located in the burgeoning downtown St. Pete neighborhood next to Tampa Bay, Uniquely Yours Boutique welcomes a combination of both locals and tourists alike.
Boutique owner Elena Minton opened the shop after leaving a career in corporate business and finance.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s very rewarding. We have a variety of regular customers who love our merchandise and personal service,” says Minton, who knows many of her regular patrons by name.
Uniquely Yours Boutique offers women's clothing, jewelry and accessories — Photo courtesy of Uniquely Yours Boutique
The boutique has a welcoming vibe, featuring a wide range of women's clothing, fun fashion jewelry, colorful leather bags and gifts for any occasion.
Notable brands include Inside Out; Colletta and Bali; and IC Collection.
Many of the brands are perfect for a casual outing, but they can easily be dressed up, too. Minton's quick to offer styling tips for clients looking for a new look from head to toe.
“One of our bestsellers is the unique newspaper skirt, made by IC Collection,” says Minton. “They are 100 percent cotton, super light and comfortable for the Florida summer.”
The boutique also carries an eclectic collection of jewelry, including Kristina Collection, made by an artist in Atlanta who imports bohemian glass from the Czech Republic and creates stunning, weightless necklaces.
There are also two local jewelry designers who specialize in aluminum, copper and silver jewelry.
Art classes are available for store patrons at Uniquely Yours Boutique — Photo courtesy of Uniquely Yours Boutique
Offering silk painting and block printing classes, the boutique is a hotspot for those wishing to try their hand at making art. An instructor teaches students how to paint a silk scarf or block print on a table runner.
To boost the creativity, class participants are offered a glass of champagne, making for a laid-back and congenial atmosphere. No previous artistic experience is required.
There is also a wide range of special events that Minton hosts throughout the year, including fundraisers for local organizations, where she’ll close down the store for the group, put on a fashion show, provide wine and snacks and give a percentage of the proceeds back to the group.
There’s also a holiday fashion show held in the wintertime and a summer “Sunrise Sale” that’s put on by the Downtown Business Association.
The boutique is located near the waterfront and situated within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and hotels in downtown St. Pete.
“The downtown is growing right in front of our eyes, and there are some beautiful new restaurants that have opened up,” says Minton. “I like The Ale and The Witch and Wine Madonna; both are neighbors.”
Uniquely Yours Boutique is open daily from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.