Shop Spotlight v7 + A Giveaway: Aimee

1. Tell us about your business?

Aimee is a true boutique experience that offers a range of high-end clothing and accessories. Weekly arrivals of some of the most beautiful and distinct, ultra-stylish and feminine pieces keep this darling little dress shop filled with lots of items for everyone. We offer many quaint European lines that are found in some of the most exclusive shops around the world. Each line has a very distinct style in all pieces that are selected for the store. With up to 20 brands carried in the store at one time, we maintain a certain aesthetic in all pieces that are selected for each season’s assortment. Over the last 7 years, aimée has evolved into a comfortable social haven for women (and men) who take a little time out of their hectic day to stop by and enjoy some wine and good conversation!

2. How did you start your business and when?

I stumbled upon the vacant building while my husband and I were taking a walk through the East Village, I looked through the window and was able to picture the perfect boutique exactly how I had always pictured it. For me, the space was the reason I started my business, it inspired me to do what I had always dreamed of doing. We just celebrated the 7 year birthday of aimee on the first day of December! It is a true blessing to be able to say that!

3. Where are you located? What made you choose the location you are at?

We are located at 432 E. Locust St., right in the heart of East Village. Locust & 5th St.

4. Why do you think customers should shop locally?

Customers who are looking for something unique and driven by quality -- small businesses always stand behind their products and truly believe in what they are selling! By supporting the local small businesses; we as a community can create jobs, retain more of the wealth in our community and stably grow our economy.

5. Does your business provide any special services to customers?

Just this month we started doing Closet Styling! Many women have closets full of beautiful pieces, but don’t always know how to put them together and create an essential look. That’s where we would be delighted to help! It’s what we love to do and what we do everyday at the store. You can read more about it on our website at www.aimeeeastvillage.com. In addition, we do have some other fun services that will be available next year.

6. What do you think sets you apart from other similar businesses?

It is of most importance that I truly love the article of clothing on each individual lady, otherwise she doesn't take it home with her. I am soley here to make sure each person who comes into my store, goes out my door with a truly amazing piece that looks fabulous on her! I don't sell a garment to sell....it has to be for the right person. You won't be told, "That's soo cute!" When it clearly is not! Another major thing that sets us apart is that we only purchase 1 of each size of every style that arrives in the store, therefore, the ladies who shop here will know that they will not show up wearing the same thing as someone else.

7. What do you think the benefits are from having a brick and mortar shop opposed to selling online?

As mentioned above, the number one thing about this store is exclusivity and the specialness of each piece and ultimately the personal experience that you receive when you come into the store. With online shopping you just don't get that same benefit! We, however, are not opposed to doing online ordering - we post all our new product on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aimeestyle as it comes in and people call us to order over the phone and then we ship them out their order.

8. What is your ideal go-to winter outfit?

A turtleneck layered under a dress with a pair of tights and boots! Layers!

9. Tell me about some of your favorite pieces of clothing that you have picked for your boutique?

ALL of them!! I am very passionate about every piece that I bring into the store, however, I guess I would have to say that some of the pieces that just debuted from a new line we are carrying out of London....those might just be my current faves, with a few others popped in!





10. Is there anything else you'd like to say?

THANK YOU to Shop Local for highlighting us on your blog! We love it and will continue to read! XO

Now, for our first giveaway EVER on this blog, giveaway winner will be announced on our facebook page, in this post, and contacted through e-mail. Don't forget to click the "DO THIS" button after every entry to make sure your entry counts!



Enter below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

gifts under $50

1. A limited edition screen printed tee from Acanthus Apparel - $24
2. A beautiful hand crafted spoon bracelet by Dank Artistry for - $30


1. Shear Earrings - available in silver or gold - $14.50 (also comes in a necklace - $18.50)
2. Peacock Ring - his stretchy ring is a statement - perfect for the jewelry enthusiast in your life - $12.50
3. Faux fur vest with pom poms - this is a great piece to layer with - $46
4. Fingerless gloves - available in black, brown, and cream - also has a flap - $22.50
5. Ruffle scarf - spice up any basic - $32.50


1. Miscellaneous vintage clip earrings - perfect holiday accessory on ears, hair or shoes - $3 to $10
2. Miscellaneous vintage brooches - great on a scarf or jacket for holiday sparkle - $5 to $30
3. Set of holiday colored 1960s pop beads - $25
4. Vintage necklaces - great for layering - $5 to $50
5. Girlie vintage lingerie as a gift to give or wear - $15 to $50
6. Holiday aprons for hostessing a party or gifting a retro foodie - $5 to $15
7. Beaded vintage evening bags - $10 to $50


1. The Long Dangle Rhinestone Earrings - $20
2. 3D Nylon Pendent Necklace with Sterling Chain - $50.


1. Arm Warmers - $25
2. Plaid Gloves - $20
3. Black Bow Belt - $25
4. Lace Leggings - $25
5. Tallulah Lip Gloss - $18
6. Necklaces - $18
7. Rings - $20
8. Winter Print Leggings - $25
9. Bean & the Sprout Headbands - $30
10. Boot Warmers / Slippers - $30
11. Earrings - All Under $50
12. Fur Leg Warmers - $35
13. Smart Tips Gloves - hottest item - touchscreen compatible gloves - $30
14. Knit Hats - $38
15. Over the Knee Socks- available in other colors - $22 to $50
16. Rosegold Hoop Earrings - $28
17. Black Velvet Leggings - $30


1. Over sized Red Poppy Headband - $25
2. Upcycled Metallic Silver and Rhinestone Clutch Handbag - $48


1. Rock N Recontruct Hawkeye Tunic top - made in any college team for your size - under $50


1. Three stretch rhinestone bracelets - su-008 - $18
2. Purple bauble and rhinestone necklace - fl-691 - $25
3. Silver chain earrings w/ square stone - ad-016 - $32
4. Gold mesh clutch - lr-078 - $44
5. Silver and glass wrap necklace - sl-018 - $30

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Happy Holidays, and hope this post helps you a little bit with last minute Holiday Shopping! You can click on any photo above to go to each shop's website, facebook, or etsy page!

Shop Local DSM 

Shop Spotlight v6: Hill Vintage

Tell us about your business?

Hill Vintage sells vintage women's, men's, and a limited amount of children's clothing---as well as housewares and accessories. Our motto is "clothing the beautiful and broke one person at at a time" and this is really something that is important to our business. We love being able to pair vintage clothing with modern fashion and we want to pass that on to our customers.

How did you start your business and when?

Hill Vintage started over a year ago out of friendship and a common love of vintage clothing. Oh yeah and the need to de-hoard our own closets.

Why do you think customers should shop local?

There are so many reasons why shopping locally is important. Specifically for Hill Vintage we are in the business of recycling clothing and cutting down on waste so it only makes sense to keep it within the community and support those around you. We also follow the notion that shopping locally helps to stimulate the local economy making Des Moines a better place to live and boy do we ever love this place. Also we love love love seeing Hill Vintage out and about on the streets of this fair city.

Does your business provide any special services to customers? (i.e. alterations, lending for events, rentals, etc.)

During the winter when Hill Vintage operates from our Etsy store we offer free delivery to those we live in the Des Moines metro area. We also assist our customers in how to modernize their vintage.


What do you think sets you apart from other similar businesses?

Each business has an individual style and it shows in our collections. Our own personal styles are represented in the clothing that we sell at Hill Vintage and our minds are open and our imaginations vast. We buy what we like and what we envision to be a fashion forward outfit.

What do you think the benefits are from selling from a trailer?

The benefits of selling from our trailer, Heidi are that we have been able to bring something fresh and fun to Des Moines and it has given us the ability to grow our business. Meeting new customers and making new friends is what we value most about Hill Vintage and the trailer is definitely a conversation piece.

Tell me about some of your favorite vintage pieces you have acquired.

Jessica found this amazing ski jacket from the late 70's full of vintage patches. Did you know Des Moines used to have a ski club?? According the right breast of this jacket it did. Each patch tells a story of someone's skiing adventures around the country and we got to intepret it! Pretty cool if you ask us!

Then of course our 1964 Yellowstone Camper Trailer, Heidi. We found her on Craigslist for a steal so that makes it thrifted...right? Besides the obvious reasons we love Heidi we also love the people that we purchased her from. A nice couple south of Des Moines who were very open about their lives and their history with our Heidi. And this readers is why we love doing and being a part of Hill Vintage.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thanks Shop Local Des Moines for all that you do and thank you for reading. It was great to meet you!

xoxo, erica and jessica

Etsy Shop

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Shop Spotlight v5: Bean & the Sprout

 

 

 

Tell us about your business? 

Bean & the Sprout is a line of jewelry and accessories handmade from vintage fabrics and jewelry. Each piece is one of a kind and made by my own two hands.

What types of materials do you use in your pieces, are all of them one of a kind? 

Each piece is created from vintage prom dresses, wedding gowns, blouses, etc. and all of the jewelry is found at estate sales and flea markets. I love breathing new life into pieces that are outdated or that have lost their original luster, creating something new but with a hint of nostalgia and femininity.

 How did you start your business and when? 

I originally started making accessories after college when I didn't have a job. I have always been a lover of all things vintage and hunting for lost treasures, and began creating pieces for myself as a way to keep busy. After making pieces for friends, I started selling them at local craft fairs and on Etsy, and eventually in various shops as well.


What inspires you most in your work?

In all my creative ventures, I am inspired by color and texture above all else, but I am most inspired by the materials I use to create my pieces. I love taking an outdated 80's prom dress and pairing the color with a beautiful vintage brooch or earring. I try to create pieces that can be worn with a tee shirt and jeans to create a statement, but could also be paired with an elegant dress as well.

What do you think sets you apart from other similar businesses? 

Along with using vintage fabrics and jewelry, I think that what sets me apart is the unique way that I pair colors and materials. I really try to create something unique and different every time. Each piece is wholly unique but with its own special story. The history is something that I love.

Does your business provide any special services to customers? (i.e. alterations, lending for events, rentals, etc.) 

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is creating custom pieces. Whether I'm working with a bride to create something for her big day or taking someone's heirloom jewelry and creating an updated piece, working hand in hand with a customer is one of my favorite things to do.

Why do you think customers should shop local? 

I think that it takes a tremendous amount of passion and creativity to start your own business whether it's a restaurant, boutique or creating something out of your home. That level of dedication results in quality products and services with a personal touch. The personal relationships you are able to build by shopping local is something I value. I love the idea of knowing the person who made something, not just mass produced in some unknown place.

Etsy Shop
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