Is the best boutique in CLT for quality, basic women’s wear… actually a men’s store?

So here’s the backstory.

I had a baby this fall, which means I have zero time to think about what I’m wearing before heading into the office – or anywhere – every morning.

I started developing a “mom capsule” wardrobe – black or gray (stretchy) jeans, boots, neutral mix-and-match T-shirts and sweaters/sweatshirts.

You know, toss on a scarf if I’m feeling wild.

And to work un-strategically on this new wardrobe, I developed a new, terrible shopping habit: When I’m in Target buying things for the baby, I’ll haphazardly grab T-shirts/sweaters and try them on at home.

Of the, oh, 10 to 12 pieces of clothing I’ve purchased post-baby, more than half of them have already fallen apart.

Why, why do I have to learn this lesson over and over again? These clothes are *designed* not to last and to make themselves replaceable.

Flash forward to this week, when I was in the TABOR/SOCO Gallery/Not Just Coffee space on Providence – if you haven’t noticed it driving by, it’s this adorable bungalow:

Although they are our partner, I had actually stopped in to get Not Just Coffee. While waiting for my latte, their clothes caught my eye and I started browsing, intending to buy a shirt or two for my husband.

I did leave with two items for him – and three for myself.

Once I started looking around the store with fresh eyes, I couldn’t believe how many of the sweaters, T-shirts, button-downs and sweatshirts I wanted for myself.

If I’m going to live in this new, comfy-casual mom reality, I want easy tops that are going to last a really long time, are super soft, and will make me feel a tiny bit put together when I toss them on.

Assessment: The experience felt like shopping at Madewell, but better.

Given the choice of those two, I would rather be in a beautiful, locally owned space with personal shoppers who will tell you the dead-honest truth about which colors look good on you any day – all while sipping Not Just Coffee.

Make sure to stop by TABOR next time you’re cruising down Providence.

They’re super welcoming and would love you to say hey for us.

This content was created in coordination with TABOR.