Strut Boutique & #SpreadTheKindness Link #84
This past weekend, I ventured out into my little community of Watertown, New York, to do some shopping in the downtown area. I have visited Strut Boutique on a few previous occasions as I had collaborated with the owner, Ashley, on a local fashion event and had attended her first annual Strut the Runway ~ A Cancer Survivor Fashion Show last year. Ever since I first discovered her adorable little boutique which opened in 2016, I had been wanting to feature her in a blog post. Well, as you know, life often derails us from our intentions and we get too bogged down in the mundane necessity of daily responsibilities and obligations. Well, I finally got myself refocused and headed downtown on Saturday for a 2 hour dress up session with Ashley!
First let me start with what I wore to go shopping…it has to be something easy to get in and out of…so I paired my white denim shorts with this adorable red polka dot tie waist top that I scored on clearance from Target. I pulled my hair up in a high ponytail which is best when trying on clothes, threw on my easy on/easy off black ballet flats and black tassel statement earrings, swished on a coat of bright red lipstick, and out the door I went. Usually I would not wear lipstick for trying on clothes, but since we would be taking lots of pictures, lipstick just looks better! I was very careful not to leave any smudges on Ashley’s inventory though.
First we had to get all of our initial chit chat out of the way…usually when I do go see Ashley, we talk about a mile a minute trying to catch up with the happenings in the other’s life and business. I mean, I am a local fashion blogger and she is a local boutique owner, we do have quite a bit to talk about! And I love sharing styling ideas with her…not too many people around here exhibit as much passion about this topic as we do so it is quite refreshing to have our fashion talks. Then we got down to the business of styling some outfits. And we had some pretty good laughs along the way! This busy momma of a very busy little boy was styling me and taking the photographs all the while her little guy sat perched on her hip. I do wish I had taken a picture of that!
Come inside and see how cute her little shop is! It is very warm and welcoming and super comfortable to shop as Ashley is way laid back and friendly and energetic and very conversational. She is also spot on with her style tips!
All of the outfits we styled are completely accessorized with items for sale at Strut Boutique (except for my earrings which are the same ones I wore to go shopping). Check out these classy sassy fashions!
Green Tie Dye Dress
Yellow Tropical Duster
Olive Green Shirt Dress
Blue Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress
One Shoulder Animal Print Dress
Beach Cover Up/Kaftan
Multi Color Romper
Logo Tee and Polka Dot Shorts
You can order any of these items from Strut Boutique online for a flat shipping rate of $6.95. However, Ashley can only ship within the U.S. There are not online links for every piece that I have shown here, so please feel free to contact Strut Boutique for information on any of these pieces or if you have questions about sizing or fit. And remember by purchasing from shops like Strut Boutique, you are also supporting a locally owned small business!
You can find Strut Boutique on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
And now the featured favorites from last week.
Elsie of Polished Whimsy had joined forces with Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood for their Skirtmas in July series and I was completely blown away by Elsie’s gorgeous styling of this rainbow striped skirt. Check out her post, Skirtmas in July: Who What Wear Multicolored Stripe Pleated Skirt. It seems you all were intrigued by Elsie’s colorful look because this was the most clicked post last week.
Tying for the most clicked spot last week was Monica of Jersey Girl, Texan Heart with her post, Meet Up with Shelbee on the Edge & Why It’s Important to Have Blogger Friends. In case you missed Monica’s post last week, do check it out! It is very thought-provoking indeed and I took her photos! This one is my favorite!
And finally, my gorgeous friend Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag is rounding out your favorites with her post, Recent Purchases. Always pretty in pink, Kellyann is showcasing some lovely new Fall pieces in various shades of rose.
Where have you been shopping recently? And what fashions have you been strutting lately? Do you shop local independently owned boutiques or do you prefer larger retail chains? Or maybe you mix it up like I do with a combination of both. I would love to hear about it!
Strutting on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups
62 Comments
Kellyann Rohr
Oh my gosh Shelbee, you look amazing in everything you tried on! That cold shoulder blue maxi dress? Va-va-voom! I think you need everything! You styled each piece so well too – I just love all the accessories! What a fun experience! I sure wish I could visit Strut and have a fun try on session, amazing!
Thanks so much for the link up and the shout out, such an honor!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Kellyann! It was so much fun playing dress up!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Those polka dot shorts and the top – SO stylish!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tamar! Ashley carries so many cute things!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
You should be her model in her ads. Looks like a wonderful place to shop. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Patrick, thanks so much! You are too kind! Have a great week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Looks like a fun try on session! My absolute fave is that tie dyed dress!! I’d have to snatch that up!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carrie! The tie dye is my favorite, too! I may have to go back and get it for myself! I did like the blue polka dot shorts very much, too, but they were a tad bit too snug. Boo!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
First—that’s why I always wear LipSense when I go shopping so it doesn’t rub off on the items….because what fashion blogger can go without lipstick? LOL!!
What a great selection Strut has….and the name is perfect too!!
Everything you showed us looks amazing on you. I love the variety!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jodie, I have no idea why I didn’t think to put on my LipSense! I think because I wanted bright red lipstick with my red polka shirt and I didn’t have LipSense in that color. But next time, I know to go with the LipSense!
And Ashley carries the cutest styles, for sure. We had so much playing around with the styling. Some things weren’t quite fitting me properly but we were like two style magicians! So much fun! Thanks for stopping by and checking it out, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
I think when I ordered my Lipsense lipsticks, I only got bright colors because the more neutral non lipsense ones are easy to reapply and aren’t as obvious when they get on my teeth. Funny how I think…
XOXO
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh, that is too funny! I love the way you think, by the way, it makes me feel like my brain is not the only odd one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
What a fabulous boutique! Dying over that tropical print duster. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! She has so many gorgeous pieces!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
It’s always fun to visit here!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Michele, thanks so much! I try my best to make it worth your while! Have a great week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Deborah Stinedurf
That entire tie dye dress outfit is perfections…from the accessories down to the shoes! I love how you feature local businesses on your blog. Even though I don’t live there it’s fun to read about them!
Debbie
PS…I knew you’d feel my pain with the bumblebee story…lol!
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Debbie! I do love the tie dye dress and I may need to go back and get it for myself! I didn’t buy anything because I am trying really hard to refrain from purchasing more clothes right now. I have so much in my closet that is still unworn! As for the birds, the bees, and the other bugs, I can appreciate their purpose in nature’s cycle, but please just stay away from me!
xoxo
Shelbee
Elsie
Cute clothes! I love the tie dye dress and the romper! And a big thank you for featuring me. You never cease to spread the kindness my friend! 🙂
Elsie | polishedwhimsy.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Elsie, thanks so much! The tie dye dress is my favorite! I did love the romper, too, but you can see we had to pin it closed at the bust because it was a bit too small for me…or my boobs are a bit too big for it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Great post, Shelbee. Fabulous roundup of outfits and a lovely showcase for your friend’s boutique.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Rena! It was a super fun day! Similar to the fun we had shopping in the garment district in L.A!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy Baten
Looks like a perfect day for me! Fantastic outfits!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
So much fun, Nancy! Oh what would happen if one day you and I could shop together?! That would be amazing and very dangerous to our pocketbooks!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
Hi Shelbee!
Cute store! I like to shop local boutiques from time to time. Great to support local businesses. The tie die midi is so good on you and all of those cute strappy shoes! I love the cobalt dress on you, great color. Those frilly polka dot shorts are adorable.
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jess, thanks so much! The tie dye dress seems to be everyone’s favorite! It is my favorite, too. And I was totally swooning over all the sexy strappy shoes!
xoxo
Shelbee
Liz
Okay this is so random but my cousin lives in Watertown lol! What a small world! You’re look fabulous as always!!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Liz. And that is insane…small world indeed! You will have to email your cousin’s name…I wonder if I know her/him! That would be even crazier.
xoxo
Shelbee
Stephanie
Love the first pair of heels . They would have looks so fierce with that second outfit you tried on.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Stephanie! I agree with you completely, the strappy heels would have been fabulous with the second outfit…unfortunately, she didn’t have my size and I had my giant feet jammed into shoes a size too small! I had to get them off, they were hurting me. Ha. But they are super sassy sexy shoes, for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
jacqui berry
This looks right up your street Shelbee, with some gorgeous pieces as well – bet you were in your element. Jacqui Mummabstylish
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I certainly was in my element, Jacqui! Clothing is totally my element! Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you are having a fantastic week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa Richardson
Boutiques are so stinkin’ fun! We love the Simply Souther tees (of course we do😉). I sure hope you took home that kimono and those black strappy heels from the pic with the dress. They were both perfect for you. Strut has a lot of fun things.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Lisa! It’s funny that I thought of all my southern friends when I was photographing the Simply Southern pieces! Ashley lived in the south for quite some time, so she definitely has a bit of a southern taste that makes its way into her boutique. I had to restrict myself from purchasing anything at this time due to some budget restraints on my shopping habits! But I will for sure be back into Strut when I am able to spend money!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I love supporting local businesses and glad you do too! I’m on a shopping diet this month, so I will live vicariously through you—I think my two favorites are the tie-dye dress and that fabulous one-shoulder beach coverup!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Cheryl, thank you so much! I am also on a shopping diet which is why I didn’t buy anything during this shopping trip. The tie dye is my favorite of everything I tried on. And I was surprised by how much I really liked the one shoulder dress. It is not something I would have picked for myself, but I am glad Ashley made me give it a go!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
Oh, so many cute things! I haven’t shopped in a boutique for so long! That duster and print are gorgeous!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Laura, thanks so much for stopping by! I hear you…I tend to drop into the major chains when running errands. We definitely need to make more of an effort to shop small! The pieces are more unique and it supports someone’s dream!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy Baten
That sounds like a fabulous day! We need more shops like that over here!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It was super fun, Nancy! And I think most places need more shops like this!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chrissy Rowden
I love how you planned out what you wore for the fun adventure you had ahead – down to how you styled your hair for quick and easy changing – so smart. The boutique looks fun and charming. I’d definitely pop in for a shopping visit. And you’re outfits were so fun – that off the shoulder animal print dress – come on – that is a conversation starter! love it! So happy to be “seeing” you again Shelbee!! 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hi, Chrissy! It is so great to “see” you, too! I hope you are settling in nicely to your new home and the transition is as smooth as possible! Thanks so much for stopping by. And while that animal print dress is not something I would normally wear, I am really rethinking that…it is a pretty fantastic piece! I will be by Granola and Grace to see what’s new in your world soon. I apologize I have been slacking on my commenting in blogland!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laurie
Loved reading about this funky little boutique. Especially liked the green tie-dye dress on you. If you ever come to Lititz, we must go shopping! so many boutiques here in this touristy town! 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laurie! The tie dye dress is my favorite of everything I tried on! And yes, if/when I make my way to Lititz, we are definitely planning an afternoon of coffee and shopping!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura
Look at all the cute clothing! What a fun store! It looks like you had a blast!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Laura! It’s always so much fun to play dress up in cute clothes! I hope you are having a fantastic week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
Shelbee,
What a fun shop!! I, too, try to frequent some of the shops here in San Clemente. So important to support our local businesses. Loved all your outfit picks, but the duster looks amazing on you–yellow and black are your colors, girl! Thanks for sponsoring the Link Up.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Darlene, thanks so much! I agree that it is so important to support small businesses in our local communities. Plus small boutiques have more unique items than large retail chains!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
What a fantastic boutique. it’s like a little treasure trove! I love all the outfits you tried on, especially the tie dye green dress and the yellow kimono!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Emma! She really has so many fun pieces!
xoxo
Shelbee
Linda Cassidy
well how much fun did you have. Love the Boutique and I will have to check it out
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It was so much fun, Linda! Let me know when you are in town! Coffee and shopping is definitely in order.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kim
I don’t know how you felt about it, but I really liked the green tie-dyed dress belted on you. What a great boutique.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kim! I really did like the tie dye dress…it was my favorite of everything I tried on!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
WOW Shelbee, what FUN!! I bet that was the best day. Strut Boutique looks absolutely fabulous and she’s certainly got some amazing pieces. I must say, I’m LOVING that one shoulder dress on you. You look super sexy in that 😀
Hugs
Suzy xxx
http://www.suzyturner.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzy, thanks so much! It was super fun. I am doing another dress up session this weekend at a local consignment shop…so stay tuned for that post next week. And the one shoulder dress was not something I would have ever picked for myself but I am rethinking that now. It is pretty sassy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Bojana Krienke
What an absolutely lovely idea to feature a little botique. Ashley your store looks charming and somewhere that I would be drawn to. I loved that yellow kimono sooooo much and also the cold shoulder blue dress. Hopefully you walked a way with a few items.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Bo, thank you so much! Ashley has some really cute and unique items, for sure. That is one of the great appeals of shopping small boutiques. You will find things that no one else will be wearing!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
Wow, so many goodies so little time! Everything you tried on look so good and my favorite of course in the multi colored romper and the blue cold shoulder maxi dress! I haven’t heard of Strut Boutique before but will surely check them out!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Maureen! It’s funny when I tried on that romper, I thought of you! It would look adorable on you! So totally your style.
xoxo
Shelbee
Monica
That looks like such a fun boutique! I love all of your outfits, but I really love those blue and white polka dotted shorts. They look so retro! Thanks for joining my linkup lady <3
http://www.jerseygirltexanheart.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Monica! The polka shorts are super cute, but they were a tiny bit too tight in the waist for me! I could totally see you rocking them, too! Have a great weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee