Location
: 522 N. Water St., Milwaukee, Wis.Store Hours: Mon.–Sat.: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The approach of the holidays brings Santa, snow and lots of festive parties. Although some may be of the ugly sweater variety, others may call for a more sophisticated wardrobe, perhaps requiring a killer dress. Enter Fred Boutique.
Opened in 2006 by Ron Krinn, it didn’t take long for college friend and UW-Oshkosh alum Kotti Anderson to join forces. The store has bounced around a bit since its inception but now resides comfortably on Water Street. Walking into the store feels like walking into a very stylish friend’s closet. It’s a cozy boutique, with an expansive upstairs packed with exactly the kind of dresses you’d want for a holiday party. Coming mostly from Chicago and LA fashion markets, the clothes are for a “fashionable, functional and smart shopping woman,” says Fred’s site.
Anderson says Fred is “very much a boutique, but very affordable.” Case in point: This black lace dress (at left) was just $79. In fact, not many dresses go significantly above $100, falling mostly in the $60 to $120 range. And by purchasing only six of each piece, Fred Boutique makes it unlikely that you’ll run into someone wearing the same outfit. In fact, Fred often keeps an eye on upcoming society events and purchases dresses to coordinate, then keeps track of who has purchased what dress – especially if it’s for a dance or Marquette sorority event.
But Fred isn’t just for party-hoppers, it also has sweaters, jeans, tank tops and much more for everyday wear. Tops fall within the $25 to $65 range, with jackets coming in around $65. “Why get half a skirt when you can get an entire outfit?” Anderson says of Fred’s prices. And don’t forget the accessories! Fred is an exclusive carrier of Melie Bianco bags from NYC, a luxury purse brand with vegan roots. At a price far lower than actual leather, the faux leather of the Melie bags is convincing and soft to the touch. The jewelry is also affordable with pieces ranging from $11 to $45.
If you recall, I mentioned in a previous post that Fred Boutique will be operating a holiday pop-up shop out of The Shops of Grand Avenue. Although it’s a small space, the pop-up shop would be a great place to look for unique and fun gifts as it is full of hats, mittens and many more accessories. And don’t forget (as if you would) that Black Friday is this week. Fred Boutique is not only hosting Black Friday sales but also a sneak peak on “White Wednesday.” From 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., shoppers will receive 25 percent off all dresses, tops, sweaters, jackets, denim, accessories and more. The big sale comes on Friday, though, and is co-hosted by Classy Girl Cupcakes. From midnight to 8 a.m. merchandise will be 50 percent off. The store will then close at 8 a.m. to restock with New Year’s Eve apparel and more and reopen at 10 a.m. with 35 percent off all new and existing merchandise. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, you can check out FredBoutique.com and save 50 percent with the code “BLACK,” and also receive free shipping from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 25.
