New places to shop this fall around town
Fall wardrobe need a refresh? Several shops have popped up across Pittsburgh that can help.
From cozy-chic shoes to the latest clothing styles, the options are as plentiful as autumn’s changing leaves. Some other local stores have gotten a makeover with new locations or re-branding. Here’s a sampling of what’s come and gone in the Pittsburgh boutique scene.
What’s new
• Moop (429 First Ave., Downtown): After nearly a decade selling its handmade canvas and waxed-canvas bags online, Moop is opening its first storefront. “It just made sense for us to have a place where people could come in and shop or pick up orders [placed online],” says owner Wendy Downs.
It’s also a chance for passers-by to get a glimpse of Moop’s manufacturing process. By the holidays, Ms. Downs hopes to add other selections, including a line of home goods she’s designing and some fashion pieces. (www.moopshop.com)
• Ehua Fashion (5865 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill): Give your look an international flair with Korean clothing from this latest addition to Forbes Avenue. The womenswear boutique opened this month and promises “fresh, airy, on-trend styles,” mix-and-match separates, versatile outerwear and simple dresses. See more on Instagram (search @EhuaFashion).
• Royal (4124 Main St., Bloomfield): Calling all guys with a soft spot for vintage clothes! This is a must-stop shop for old-school contemporary casual pieces by Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Nike and others.
Owner Galen Privett has been selling vintage apparel online and at local events for years. Eventually he hopes to stock new merchandise from local and national brands, too. Explore the shop on Instagram (search @RoyalPittsburgh) or its Etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/ royalpittsburgh.
• ModCloth IRL pop-up fit shop (625 Smithfield St.,
Downtown): Time is running out on ModCloth’s temporary storefront, which is open through Tuesday. It features a unique online-meetsbrick-and-mortar shopping experience, which means only some merchandise is available for purchase on site. Stylists also help women find the right fit (sizes XXS through 4X are available) and place orders online. Candles, graphic tees and jewelry by local brands also are for sale. (www.modcloth.com/ irl)
What’s different
• Soothe the Sole (21 Brilliant Ave., Aspinwall): A lot has changed for this comfort-shoe shop since it opened earlier this year near the Fox Chapel Shopping Center. It was initially geared to an older customer or doctor referrals seeking feel-good footwear. But owner Kiersten Ferno soon realized that her audience was much larger, prompting a move to boutique-lined Brilliant Avenue.
“Really it came down to the foot traffic and finding the right space for us to relocate to and re-brand to gear toward that woman or man who really just wants to look good but also feel comfortable,” she says.
Dansko, Taryn Rose, Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls, Wolky and Patricia Green are among its featured brands. (wesoothesoles.com; 412-406-7262)
• Joan Shop + Studio (4415 Butler St., Lawrenceville): Over the summer this shop shed its former identity — Mid-Atlantic Mercantile — to reflect its evolution during threeplus years in Lawrenceville. These days, it’s a shop/studio specializing in clothing and housewares, with an emphasis on independent designers and ethically made goods. (www.shopjoan.us; 412965-4095)
What’s gone
• Boutique 208 (208 Sixth St., Downtown): After nearly five years, this curator of locally made fashions, home decor and beauty products closed a few months ago. Stay tuned to its Facebook page (search @Boutique208) to learn about coming events.
• L.S. Altman (inside South Hills Village mall): For decades, the store was a staple for fine menswear. The store closed at the end of August in response to the changing economy and shopping patterns. Sara Bauknecht: sbauknecht@post-gazette.com or on Twitter and Instagram @SaraB_PG.