I rarely leave bad reviews, but the customer service at this boutique was awful. I stopped in with friends and found a few items I liked, but the checkout process ruined the entire experience. The cashier initially ignored me to talk to her friend. When I paid, her first comment was along the lines of how "barely anyone pays with cash anymore." Already, the vibe was off. Then, she asked where I was from. After I informed her I grew up in the local area, she immediately started rambling about her neighbors from India. It was completely inappropriate, micro-aggressive, and made me wonder if she subjects all people of color to this kind of treatment. To make matters worse, I had to return to the store because I was shorted an item due to a system error. The store was nearly empty, but I could immediately tell she was heated and just wanted me gone. I brought an item to exchange and asked about stock for a few others, which is a standard request for a store employee. Instead of helping, her tone got meaner and her voice grew so loud that it felt like I was being reprimanded just for asking questions. She literally started yelling at me. I could see the hate in her eyes, and it took everything in me not to react disrespectfully back to her. Out of pure exhaustion, I gave up and only exchanged half the value of my item. This was hands-down the worst shopping experience I've ever had. If you're looking for similar items but prefer a classy environment where the staff actually welcomes you, I highly recommend going to Charles Mayer & Company instead. read more

Be Bon Vivant is a still-undiscovered gem sandwiched between The Jazz Kitchen and Yats on College. They've been open since May, but a recent visit proved the colorful store still empty, save for owner Barbie Turner's voice chatting on the phone with a vendor. Bon Vivant specializes in girly accessories for the home and body. Outside, floral club covers are on sale at 30 percent off; inside, myriad motley treasures--bright yellow room dividers, zipper and strap-happy purses, various designer dishwashing soaps, bar soaps and lotions--unfold on shelves. My favorite from the latter genre includes Earthworks, a line of bathstuffs that has been featured in countless magazines. No wonder: the scents are strong but soft; ephemeral but enduring. Try the almond bath truffles. Don't forget the jewelry and local art. Large, swirly paintings in the style of modern Picasso dot a few walls. Pick up a pamphlet for Barbie's catering company, Sweet Tea, on your way out. read more

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You know those last minute gifts for house warming parties, birthday parties, thank yous where you're left scrambling to find something just right? Be The Boutique is my saving grace time and time again. I always walk of the store with the perfect gift that's fun and meaningful. They have a wide selection of products for any occasion you can imagine and have something new every time I walk in. It's a perfect neighborhood shop, and its location in the middle of the Illinois Street stores is so convenient for Butler Tarkington neighbors. read more

How does NO ONE review this gem of a store located by Naptown's #1 local place, Yats??? Tis a mystery to me. It is awesomeness in a tiny space, and it seems like everything you see, including something that could be a display is for sale. This is where you would take your four to five year old daughter to find spunky things for your house and her room. Decor, dishes, funky hats, cute baby things and random knick knacks will greet you, but what will keep you coming for more is the fact that Scout Treat Truck now serves out of the shop! I had a wonderful chocolate treat of ice cream, brownie and hot fudge... MMMM... Fudge! I now have more of an excuse to hang out at 54th and College, as if the Jazz Kitchen, Moe & Johnny's, Fresh Market, Mama Carolla's and the aforementioned Yats wasn't enough! read more

Some of these seem a little old, since the location is definitely not by Yats anymore, but at the shops at 56th and Illinois. I really want to love this store since I like many of the brands they carry, but I am never, ever welcomed when I enter the store. I live in the neighborhood, so I've popped in several times when looking for a gift and am consistently surprised by the lack of care about their customers. I had to walk up to the counter and wait for a long conversation between employees to end before initiating a question about a product. So many other cute gift shops carry similar items, so I would rather give my business to someone who actually wants it. read more

Is it a cute little gift shop? yes Does the service suck? yes I had heard so many great things about this place, but was under impressed. I walked in, not greeted at all. I was the only one in the store! The person working there (I assume it was the owner) did not get off the phone to ask me if I needed help. Well, I did. I was on a mission for a gift. I realize that the majority of the people that are shopping there do not need help, but don't assume that everyone that walks in your door "is just looking." As I was walking out the door, she took a break from her phone call to tell me to come back, as they had just had a sale and were getting more items in. There are far to many shops that carry similar items. Call me a customer service snob, but one bad experience will drive me to other local business that would love to interact with their customers. read more