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Clear skies. Much cooler. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.

Each year, we ask our readers to vote for their favorite business, places and things to do across multiple categories. Categories include health care, shopping, professional services, food and dining, children’s activities and pet needs. These awards don’t represent the opinions of The Post and Courier or its newsroom. Instead, these are your awards voted on by you.

Charleston’s shopping landscape has changed dramatically since I moved to the south 17 years ago. Upper King was once a ghost town, and forget about finding retail shops on side streets.

With a vision of commerce spreading north of Calhoun Street, my husband and I took a chance and opened up boutiques on Upper King and Spring Street. After a few years of waiting for growth to happen and a lagging economy, we closed our stores, but I’m so happy to see that the retail community has finally blossomed.

Some of my favorite shopping areas are off the bustling King Street. Once a strictly residential area, the neighborhood of Cannonborough-Elliotborough is now packed with locally-owned boutiques offering niche shopping for every kind of customer.

The block is hot, starting with Spring Street. Harper and Hartford is a small but mighty store that packs a punch. They stock contemporary clothing and accessories with a fashion-forward flair. Shop brands like Stella McCartney, Fe Noel, Hunter Bell, and vintage YSL and Jimmy Choo.

Next door is the beautifully curated boutique by Alala. The decor and clothing are a calming color palette of soft neutrals and pastels. The on-trend clothing and accessories are also reasonably priced.

On the corner of that block is the cheerful and happy place, The Tiny Tassel. Filled with their namesake brand of clothing and accessories, Mimi, the owner, also carries local vendors that compliment her merchandise. Some of my favorite brands that she carries are Moonseed, BR Design and Motherland Essentials.

Down the street is Hermosa Jewelry’s downtown outpost. Designer Haley Holzworth saw an opportunity to open up in the bustling area after seeing success in her Mt. Pleasant location. Shop her Lowcountry-inspired handmade jewelry and get permanent jewelry custom-made just for you.

Innovative bag designer Alesya Opelt Macatol opened up her Spring Street studio a couple of years ago. Shop her namesake brand of uber stylish laptop bags that will take you from business meetings to cocktails.

Amy Driggers of Taxidermy recently moved a few blocks down from her previous shop on Spring Street to expand to a larger space. The candy-colored exotic leather accessories will have your head spinning with stylish options. 

Hop on over the Ashley River Bridge to South Windermere and you will find another community of great local shops. Interior Designer turned shop maven Matthew McLaughlin stocks Well Furnished with treasures for your home. A well-curated shop merchandised as a showroom, you can envision how you can style antique finds with elegant home accents.

Bashful Boutique is next door and stocks boho-inspired women’s clothing and accessories at very affordable prices. On any given day, you’ll find the owner Errica Watkins and her mother there eager to help you find the perfect pieces to add to your closet.

Next to Bashful is Wildcraft, an emporium of organic bath, body and beauty products. Owner Holly Thorpe has created a serene space that stocks indie brands and all the good crystals to keep that bad juju away. They even offer workshops ranging from health and wellness to indigo dyeing.

Also in South Windermere is Rhodes Boutique which packs a punch with its well-stocked racks full of colorful dresses for any occasion. Pair that perfect outfit with local jewelry brands like Margerite & Motte and J. Melissa Designs and sandals by Kheloni. Don’t forget to check out their home and gift shop a few doors down.

Right next door is Worn, an upscale men’s consignment shop that has everything from vintage Gucci to Brackish Bow Ties. Owner Brannen Daugherty’s mission is to dress men in stylish threads without breaking the bank. He’s had his South Windermere store for 12 years and has a Mt. Pleasant outpost as well.

James Island has always been home for me in Charleston, and I love to see that we’re finally getting more local retail. There’s nothing like driving down the street from your house to find the best locally made merchandise in Charleston.

On the corner of Camp Road and Dills Bluff sits two shops that offer the best gifts in town. Local Love CHS stock everything from colorful earrings by Penelope Design Studio, retro rainbow-shaped candles by Lula and Sol, and handmade porcelain trays by Petrichor and Gold. The other charming shop in the same shopping center is CornerCopia. They make it easy to find the perfect gift for everyone from babies to grandparents. The space is a welcoming community of local makers and brands.

There’s nothing that makes me happier than to see local boutiques and brands flourishing in Charleston. Their impact goes beyond our city with their reach of online shopping and social media.

Andrea Serrano is a Charleston-based wardrobe stylist, producer, lifestyle blogger, brand developer, creative director, television and event host, and small business champion. Follow her on Instagram at @andreaserranocreates.

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