In honor of June 19We are guided by the # NewBlackFriday InitiativeThis encourages buying products or services from black-owned companies in order to tactically address systemic economic inequality. Our niche has always been bringing our readers the latest in style and shopping. Since many of us are a little more pensive about where our dollars go, we thought we'd share some of our favorite black-owned boutiques so they are well equipped to shop on purpose. Whether you're looking for a wardrobe pick-me-up in the form of joyful shoes or a deliciously comfortable dress, look for wonderful options that can support you today and in the future. And just in case you're feeling extra inspired to play that retail muscle, check out our features on Fashion Brands, Beauty Brands, Black-Owned Products, and Retailers too.
Sincerely, Tommy is a Brooklyn-based concept store owned by Kai Avent-deLeon that stocks the coolest emerging brands, often at relatively affordable prices. New drops go quickly, so signing up for the brand's newsletter is a good idea. And in case you need more to fall in love, the store also houses a coffee bar, and the brand is opening a boutique hostel and vegan restaurant.
T.A. is a brand new concept store in NYC owned by Telsha Anderson. Due to COVID-19, the shop has not yet opened its doors, but luckily we can shop the strictly edited selection of indie brands online. Along with new brand discoveries like Gauntlett Cheng, you'll find some fashion girl favorites like Ellery.
Union opened in NYC in 1989 to "showcase what the local children's community is up to in music, art and fashion," according to the website. The store now has a Los Angeles location run by Chris Gibbs and his wife Beth Birkett, which offers an outstanding mix of streetwear items and luxury brands. Although the store is geared towards menswear, there are plenty of discoveries for everyone to enjoy.
The Folklore is a NYC-based online store stocking Africa and the contemporary Diaspora designers like the Third Crown pictured above. Browsing the site is an exercise of joy and discovery, and it is wise to act quickly as some of the pieces are exclusive and even unique.
This Florida-based store is a treasure trove of vintage gems spanning a number of decades. Whether you are looking for an 80s party dress or a vintage designer suit, you are guaranteed to find a piece that stands out.
The Oakland-based boutique, founded by Sherri McMullen over 12 years ago (now also in Palo Alto), is believed to have helped bring global luxury womenswear to the area. Whether you shop online or at IRL, you'll find emerging designers alongside your established favorites, as well as a selection of African and African-American apparel and home decor designers like Khiry (see below).
Lait de Coco has handcrafted pieces and vintage found pieces that feel like a delightful escape to a very stylish island. If you're interested in a slice of tropical living, follow the brand on IG as they have weekly sales where you can buy DM.
Well known is an LA-based boutique and online shop founded by Aneesha DuBois and Chris Taylor that aims to highlight fashion creatives and their art. As the name suggests, the curation is aimed at buyers looking to discover designers they don't (yet) know, like Mara Paris and Valas Los Angeles.
If you've ever thought that vintage shopping would take a lot of work, thrilling might be your solution. The digital marketplace comes from stores across the country, so you can support America's small vintage businesses from the convenience of a well-curated website. It's just a bonus that many of the picks feel like the once-in-a-decade specialty finds.
Follow Elia Vintage on Instagram to be informed of new drops as their vintage curation is so timely it sells out almost instantly. If you're into 90s minimalist aesthetics and scoring deals that are often under $ 100, this is for you.
This post was originally published last year. Since our support for black-owned brands is forever, we thought we'd update any sold out products to make shopping for the latest and greatest from some of our favorite designers easier.
Next up: "I try to be a mindful consumer – here are my 'Lifers' for my wardrobe."
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