Free People boutique exhorts Seattle's boho gals to add some color to their lives
The fun, feminine brand of clothing and accessories brightens up Downtown at its new outpost
By Monica Fischer
Special to NWsource
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RSS for Daily FindIf you're a fan of Free People's boho-flavored clothing and accessories, but prefer to shop in cozy boutiques rather than big department stores, you'll be thrilled to learn that the South Carolina-based apparel company has opened a pretty boutique at the corner of First and Stewart near Pike Place Market.
The seemingly ubiquitous brand was previously found in Seattle only at large stores such as Nordstrom, Macy's and Urban Outfitters, but since last November has had a colorful home of its own in which to ply its dolman-sleeved tops, superskinny bottoms and the best selection of stylish headbands you've ever seen.
Housed in the former Powder Room space at 101 Stewart St., the Free People boutique is filled with light from huge windows and bright paper lanterns. Walls are covered with gauzy fabric that perfectly complements the soft, feminine fabrics within. Sale items are hung in a small alcove at the back of the store.
If you're accustomed to shopping at boutiques, then you'll be right at home with the prices at Free People, which are affordable by boutique standards, but a bit more expensive than department store brands such as Macy's INC collection or Nordstrom's Halogen line. Lace-trimmed camis, for instance, are $44, flirty dresses are around $148 and skinny jeans are $198.
If you want to dabble in bohemian style without spending a lot of money, choose one of Free People's fun, fashionable headbands ($12-$48) or a pretty pair of lacy colored panties ($12). The store also sells sunglasses, scarves, coin purses, knit hats and tights, which makes it a great destination for girlfriend gifts.
When you visit, be prepared to shed your allegiance to black. Free People revels in color, which may be something of a tough sell in subdued Seattle, but will probably be a big hit on the Eastside, where Free People recently opened a boutique in Bellevue Square.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
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Comments
Post a commentFree People is same company as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. As a smart shopper, I usually find cute items at the Rack or Loehmann's. Prices are a tad high for the quality but wait for sales.
$44 for a CAMISOLE?! Are you outta your mind?!
Paying $198.00 for a pair jeans it a bit too much don't you think?
Sure, the prices are a bit high but their selection and quality are fabulous and I have never been sorry with my purchases from Free People. The items I have purchased are some of my favorite in my closet. I do keep my eye on the sale racks for sure, a lot of good bargains. I love this store : )
Though the clothes are often really cute, the quality is poor. The clothes often lose their shape after a few washings, threads come out, and the stitching isn't that great. I buy some of the pieces because they are cute, and then always regret it after a couple of wearings (and buy a couple it is usually 2). I don't mind paying money for clothes (I don't think that paying $200 for jeans isn't that big of a deal) but the quality stinks! spend $200 on jeans that will at least last, wash well, and look better!
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