Best Shopping in Charlotte

Queen City interior designer Lisa Mende gives an insider’s view of her favorite boutiques and the best shopping in Charlotte
The Buttercup, Best shopping in Charlotte, NC
The Buttercup

I head to The Buttercup for stationery. The ladies are so helpful and go out of their way to make sure everything is exactly what you want. Arzberger Stationers is very Old Charlotte and they do beautiful custom work.

Best Shopping in Charlotte
Capitol, Charlotte, NC

For clothing, Capitol is like nothing else. Laura Vinroot Poole has done an amazing job bringing more couture labels to town. Sometimes I go there just to enjoy the eye candy. Upstairs is Poole Shop, with more casual offerings. I also go to Sloan, created by two sisters who have a great sense of style. They have trendy shoes, accessories, and clothes.

Best shopping in Charlotte, Tabor
Tabor. Photo by Lydia Bittner-Baird

For menswear, there’s Tabor, which carries brands for men who like a fashion edge. My husband shops at Taylor Richards & Conger, which does made-to-measure and has European luxury lines such as Zegna and Cucinelli.

Abode

For interiors, Abode, my friend Mary Miller’s shop, is a bevy of fabulous art, furniture, and accessories. She carries my favorite perfume and candles, Maison Louis Marie. Circa Interiors & Antiques has an outstanding collection of antiques and new collections, all presented so beautifully.

Best Shopping in Charlotte
Granville. Photo by Michael Blevins

At Granville, I shop for Simon Pearce lamps and small Anne Neilson angel paintings. Browsing at Slate Interiors is like a treasure hunt; you never know what you will find, and they have well-priced rugs and art.

Best Shopping in Charlotte
B.D. Jeffries

For gifts and to find finishing touches for a project, B.D. Jeffries is my go-to. I also love the jewelry and leather goods.

Soco gallery, best shopping in Charlotte
Soco Gallery. Photo by Lydia Bittner-Baird

Charlotte is home to many great galleries. Soco Gallery has a wonderful collection of more avant garde artists. Owner Chandra Johnson is one of the most fashionable people in Charlotte, and she is always finding new talent. The sister duo at Hidell Brooks Gallery make great suggestions for my clients, and they complement each other so well.

Sozo gallery, best shopping in Charlotte
Sozo Gallery

Downtown at Sozo Gallery, owned by Hannah Blanton, I pick up pieces from my favorite mixed-media artist, Miles Purvis.

Best Shopping in Charlotte, Anne Neilson Fine Art
Anne Neilson Fine Art

I also send clients to Anne Neilson Fine Art, where they are extremely adept at helping clients de- fine their interest and style. They carry artists I admire, such as William McLure, Caroline Boykin, and Kerry Steele.

Best shopping in Charlotte, Elizabeth Bruns
Elizabeth Bruns

The jewelry and tabletop shop Elizabeth Bruns has impeccable service and gorgeous jewelry, silver, and gifts. Morrison Smith Jewelers is a Charlotte institution. I would go there as a child with my aunt—they still do hand engraving and custom work.

Blossom Shop, Best shopping in Charlotte
The Blossom Shop

For flowers, I pop in The Blossom Shop to find beautiful flowers for photo shoots or to pick up a bouquet for friends or my bedside table. For client floral arrangements, I turn to Karisa Pennell of Nectar. Her designs blow people away!


Produced and written by Alice Welsh Doyle | Photography by Anna Naphtali

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