My Top 5 Local Boutiques to Shop Last Minute Gifts & Holiday

Don't stress, I've got you covered. Can you even believe Christmas is this week?

If you are anything like me (especially this year) you might not be entirely convinced that the calendar is correct. Typically, I am about a week or two behind the norm (for some reason I work better under pressure), but this year I am really testing the waters. It's 12/21, I still have shopping to do for about half of my family, the wrapping paper hasn't been touched, and don't even ask if I've gotten my Christmas cards out, or know what we are all wearing yet.

However, I do know I will get it together with the help of these amazing boutiques and a little Holiday spirit. In no particular order (I love them all), here are my top 5 "go to" local stops.

CLEARLY YOURS: 588 New Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110

It’s no secret that this is my favorite place to find gifts of all ages! They can monogram just about everything they sell (some even while you wait) and ship anywhere in the US. Brands include Scout, Lily Pulitzer, Oh Mint Kids, Beekman, Mariposa, Elegant Baby, Nambe, Pretty Rugged, and many more.

LOLA: 372 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 & 1475 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203

An accessory boutique like no other. The best part about Lola is that she has 2 locations on both “ends” of the Northway. One in Stuyvesant Plaza and the other on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. Lola is an intimate experience and the customer service is incredible. Most of the time you will find the owner Meghan there assisting you as she spends her days between both locations. She is hands on and passionate about her business. From hand picked vintage couture handbags to the latest trends in accessories, Lola is the place to go for fashionable gifts or those finishing touches to any outfit.

CIRCLES: 1475 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203

Independently owned women’s clothing store in Stuyvesant Plaza offering hand picked collection pieces from the most sought after designers and emerging brands such as BB Dakota, Theory, AG, Nicole Miller, Mother, Veronica Beard, Velvet, Vince, and many more. What I love about Circles is that is a “one stop shopping” experience and the girls there know their fashion inside and out. They carry an array of attire from formal gowns, to fitness wear & undergarments as well as jewelry, shoes and accessories. They even have an on site beauty bar, skincare specialist and alterationist. You can basically walk in in sweats and walk out “event ready.”

GRACIE’S: 588 New Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110

What I love most about Gracie’s is that its family owned, and at just about any time of day you can find Gracie and her Mom, Grace there. Both are very knowledgeable and passionate about their products. Gracie’s is like a boutique you would find in Maine or Cape Cod walking down a main street on a sunny summer or snowy winter day. Their clothing is sophisticated, conservative and fun! You will find brands here you won’t find anywhere else in the Capital Region. Gracie and her Mom pride themselves on making their store stand out from any other and when you visit, you will see why!

ENCOUNTER: 482 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

I’m definitely biased when it comes to this personalized store tucked away at the north end of Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. Yes, they are located about 40 min North of Albany, however did you know they have a “Boutique Box” service and can deliver anything from their store right to your door, free of charge? Aside form the unique, high end gorgeous threads they carry (I’m a sucker for well made clothing), this is my absolute favorite thing about this place! This service is beyond no other in this area. It’s as simple as texting their boutique stylist screenshots of the pieces you wish to try, then finding them folded beautifully right at your doorstep to try in the comfort of your own home. When you decide on which items (if any) to keep, just put the clothes back on the front porch, shoot her a text and she will come back to pick up. They will take a CC on file and charge only for what you keep—no added fees.

Encounter posts all of their items almost daily on Instagram so it's easy to keep up with their inventory without having to enter the store. Their stylists also make a point to get to know you and keep your sizes and preferences on file. This is an experience you truly cannot find anywhere else in the Capital Region.

Thank you for reading my very first blog post! I'm thrilled to be able to share these ideas with you. Happy Holiday's and Happy Shopping! xo, Nichole