Patch Picks: Five Area Boutiques to Check Out

An alternative to the big box might be just around the corner. Here are our picks for some area boutiques to check out. Add your top picks in the comment section below.

A Whimsical Place

A Whimsical Place is a specialty boutique located off Radio Drive in the City Center East shopping center in Woodbury. It features unique home accessories and furnishings, furniture, jewelry, garden items and an extensive line of holiday products, including decorative items for the home as well as gifts.

Kissing 2 Lips Floral and Gifts

Kissing 2 Lips Floral and Gifts is an independently owned flower and gift shop. It has been operating in Woodbury since 1978 and offers boutique gifts and floral arrangements, specializing in wedding and event arrangements.

Mainstream Boutique 

Mainstream Boutique offers apparel and accessories at its relatively new Woodbury location. It can be found at Tamarack Hills on Bielenberg Drive. For more information call 651-739-8111.

Couture Consignment

Opened by two Tartan High School graduates and their wives, this basement shop tucked among offices just off of 10th Street and Gershwin Avenue in Oakdale is full of "finds." The shop, which contains designer purses by brands like Coach, and clothing by brands like Banana Republic and True Religion at prices of half-off reatail or more, is open just four days a month. Become a Facebook fan or e-mail them at  coutureconsignment@hotmail.com for upcoming store hours. Only cash and check are accepted.

The Salvation Army Boutique

The best donations from stores run by The Salvation Army end up at the Oakdale boutique. Find designer clothing and purses, antiques and collectibles at a fraction of the price at this shop—all while helping a good cause.