So, you're the trendsetter, the style maven. You think that Vogue is two months behind the fashion trends. Your friends know that Mary-Kate stole that bohemian look from you. And you definitely regret wearing those larger-than-your-face sunglasses around Penn three months ago. So naturally, you shop at Kimberly Boutique in Rittenhouse Square.
Haven't heard of Kimberly? Well, that might not be too difficult to understand, seeing as the store has only opened this May. But the chic and versatile clothing available at Kimberly's is enough to make anyone take notice. Preening pinups adorn red posters with the words "instant beauty," while collages cover the closet doors with pictures of models and phrases such as "What's old is new." On the window, a sign advertises the store as "Where fashion begins," and it doesn't seem all too surprising.
So what is it that makes the store so appealing? According to the owner, Kim Anderson, the answer is versatility. "We have a little bit of everything," she says, and she's not wrong. With the help of Manager and Fashion Consultant Jimmy Contreras, Kimberly acquires pieces from a variety of names, including Susana Monaco and Twelfth Street. When everything is bought out, Anderson buys new pieces from each brand. By using this strategy, "We don't repeat what we have," she says.
The clothing in the store only validates Anderson's goal for versatility. For the jeans and T-shirt crowd, Kimberly has just that. The store offers denim from brands such as 575, as well as tees from labels like Ed Hardy; one with a skull printed on it and the words "Love kills slowly" especially grabs the eye.
For those who are more polished, there are satin ponchos, printed skirts and even awe-inspiring silk brocade dresses. For the future urban professionals, gorgeous suits are available in muted pink and orange tones. However, Kimberly doesn't stop at clothing. Handmade jewelry from Zelinda features crystal earrings and shimmering bangles, while handbag companies such as Emily present suede-fringed hobo bags.
The price tags are as varied as the clothing, ranging from $36 for a tank top to about $300 for a dress. Handbags range from $78 to as high as $630, while jewelry costs from $38 for a bangle bracelet, to $83 for a pair of chandelier earrings. However, don't let the steep prices of some of the items discourage you; the store is currently having a sale which marks down some of the clothing up to 50% off.
So the next time you're shopping for something ahead of the fashion curve, come to Kimberly, and learn about this chic boutique before the rest of the campus does.
