Think small department store, but with a dash of custom pieces and the charm of a Mom and Pop shop, and you’ll find the Black Dress boutique in Midtown.
“I wanted to use my business skills to help my mother pursue her dream of owning a boutique after she retired,” says owner Missy Lewis. “It just so happens one of my long-term passions was to start my own business.”
Before opening three years ago, Lewis was in the market for a condo. The building on Canfield and John R was being renovated and the developer was making a residential space. “It was about knowing this area was going through some changes. I wanted to live here that was the first thing,” Lewis says. “So when it was time to determine where I wanted my business I knew the area was up and coming. That was the number one reason I chose to locate my business here. I knew there was something brewing. I didn’t know what it was yet, but I could sense something.”
Three years later, she’s ready to expand, but is staying close to home in the move. The Black Dress is moving from its basement location to a street level store front, and will re-open June 2.
Here’s a sneak peek slideshow, sampling the Black Dress boutique’s summer wares. (Story continues after.)
The Black Dress carries a wide selection of sizes—0 to 34—and Lewis curates her store with selections that appeal to women from 16 to 60.
“If you want styles you’ve seen at a department store, we can order specific pieces, but we try to keep our unique, different pieces in the store… pieces that are wearable to special events and work,” Lewis says. “If you want to jazz yourself up a bit, we’re here for that.”
For more on the Black Dress boutique or to join their mailing list, visit their website and be sure to stop in after their big move! They’ll be open for business in their new location, 113 E. Canfield, on June 2.
