Black Market Boutique

Inkwell is carved out of my artsy print and font-filled dreams. Or maybe letter-pressed out of my…read moredreams would be more accurate since the place is filled with insanely gorgeous prints, stationery, gift cards, calendars, notebooks, tote bags, and so much more. This is one of those boutiques that is just going to make me poor. Why? Because after my first visit this morning, all I can think about is who I can send gift cards to...which is soon to be just about everyone. Maybe I'll just slowly work through my entire Yelp friends list? The interior is a heavenly white with gorgeous painted brick walls, an open feel, round showcase tables, and a clean storage system that manages to keep a shop of small products looking both tidy and whimsical at the same time. I'm not sure if it's all the cute animals, trees, and nature prints, but it kind of feels like stepping into the world of the Fantastic Mr. Fox in all the right ways. I managed to keep myself on strategy today, buying only the four thank-you cards that I immediately needed. But I'll be back...I just pray for the strength to refrain from a purchase of nursery room prints that I'm in love with. You know...'cause I might accidentally give birth over the next few days. But guys, it was a family of elephants holding tails in a row! ELEPHANTS! HOLDING TAILS! WITH A BABY ELEPHANT! I've heard of worse reasons to have a kid than that...

I LOVE the new space! I think it's smaller than their old location, but it feels bigger - and…read moredefinitely brighter. There is so much natural light, which makes the whole browsing the beautiful art even more lovely. I want to buy everything in the store. They have gorgeous prints, cards, scarfs, key chains, tea towels, cat toys...yeah, just about everything. A huge amount of their stuff is locally made (anything with a little blue dot on it) which I really appreciate. I love supporting local businesses that support other local businesses. Inkwell is the reason I started buying cards again. I would much rather spend $5 on a locally made card than on something mass produced. And it's always a little piece of art too, so it's a two-in-one gift!

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Rusty Hinges

4.1(8 reviews)

2.8 km•Hydrostone

This decorative little shop has some neat ideas, i'll give them that…read more Interesting items to be found: *'We're at the lake' wooden garden signs *Repurposed old door knobs turned into towel holders *Wooden garden signs in general with sage, tulips, etc written on them. Generally a wide range of gift ideas. Most products in the shop have been created by the owners themselves so that's pretty neat. I would have preferred to browse on my own however, as opposed to being given the run down of each item I picked up. Eager sales people, that's for sure!

Rusty Hinges is my kind of store. Like others have said walking in here is like walking into a…read morechild hood memory of a weekend at the cottage. The smell of the soaps and candles places you in a relaxed mood to browse the shabby sheik store. I love this style of furniture old style with a modern twist to it. Bird houses seem to be a big thing in this store but these bird house are more of a decor thing. Various colours that you would use and an accent piece apposed to hanging in a tree. Bath salts and lotions fill the shelves with straw baskets in a way that you need to touch. I would love to design my house with everything in this place. Now prices are a bit higher then an average wear house stocked with but the character of each piece is filled with conversation and years of falling in love with your piece over and over. Beautiful hardwood floors with great wear can tell you that this store has had many visitors walking through and this is a place that I will visit again.

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Thornbloom - The Inspired Home

3.6(14 reviews)

0.5 km•Spring Garden

If ever there was a business that had a sign that read "Buyer Beware' this is the business. My…read morewife asked me to shop for a gift for some friends. I chose an item, checked out, and proceeded to take it home. Well, as luck would have it my wife felt it was not what we should give, so I went back to Thornbloom and requested a refund. This was all of two hours after my initial purchase. At this point the clerk a said that the item was 'seasonal' and could not be returned. She then pushed aside a box that half covered an 8X10 sign taped to the counter that indicated that no returns of 'seasonal' merchandise would be considered. I had not been informed verbally of this policy when I checked out, nor did the receipt I was given state that the sale was Final. The half covered sign constituted notice, and I had not seen it when checking out earlier that day. So clearly Thornblooms had covered themselves legally, but they obviously failed Business Ethics 101. Now, many stores have this policy at this time of the year, but they display it clearly and usually mark the receipts as a Final Sale - not Thornblooms. I guess they feel they are above such common courtesy. I will donate the item to the Mission Mart at Bayers Lake and hopefully they will get a few bucks for it and that will go to a good cause - Souls Harbour. As for me, I will avoid this business as I would avoid the plague. I prefer to deal with people who actually run their business in an ethical manner.

I have never written an online review but the service I received at this store was so terrible, I…read morehad to write something. I ordered an item online for a holiday gift at the price posted online of $215. My order was processed and I received a confirmation email. When I called them just a few minutes later to find out some details about the item, I was told by the sales agent (Martha) that the item I was calling about was in fact definitely in stock, but not at the $215 price tag. Instead it was actually $515 (!!!). A few minutes after my call the item mysteriously disappeared from their website and I was told that they don't see that item at that price. At the request of Martha, I provided screen captures of my confirmed order, detailing the item that was bought, and the price at which it was purchased. At that point I was told to call the owner Debbie. Not only did Debbie refuse to honour the price at which I was able to place my order, she was completely rude and unapologetic, and kept saying repeatedly and alternately that: 1. "We don't have the item in the colour you ordered it in" 2. "We don't have that item in the store at that price" 3. "We are not obliged to honour prices on our website"!!!! This, despite the fact that the original person I spoke with had the item in her hand. I'm not sure how they've stayed in business as long as they have. If they had made even a tiny effort to keep me as a customer or extend any courtesy, I would have understood that mistakes happen. However, given that they would not own up to their mistake, confess that this was entirely their fault and gave me terrible excuses to avoid honouring the price that was on their website, has left me with a very bad experience.

Who knew a gnome could be so cute?

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It took everything in me not to buy this mug

The Independent Mercantile Company

4.4(7 reviews)

1.0 km•North End

If I had endless amounts of money, I'd buy all of my home decor here. It's pricey, but everything…read moreis well-designed and perfectly curated for modern tastes. If my home could look like the interior of the Independent Mercantile, I'd be happy. I love the furniture, but I almost love the knick knacks even more. Door knobs, door knockers, candles, some makeup, cards, beard care kits...if you're a young professional I bet you'll find something you'll like in this store. I've got my eye on the cotton curtains they sell (at least I hope they still sell them! They did one of the last times I was in) in particular. They're beautiful designed and because they're cotton they'll last forever. *thumbs up* If you like the vibes of Biscuit General Store, you'll like the Independent Mercantile. They're very similar aesthetics, though this shop focuses on the home rather than fashion. (I think they have the same owner? Not 100% sure on that one though) Oh, they have a sale section in the back - make sure you check it out for good deals!

I love this store, in fact it is probably one of my favourites in the HRM…read more It is a combination of cute trinkets, practical housewares and personal hygiene products. Everywhere you turn there's some unique item that catches your eye. I particularly love their selection of cruelty-free beauty products by companies like Pacifica and the eco conscious products in store. The downside is the cost for me. Eco products tend to costs a ridiculous fortune. Regardless, I love this store and think it's simply adorable.

Pacifica

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Like a local Anthropologie

31 Westgate

5.0(1 review)

0.2 km•Spring Garden

After scouring several Halifax/Dartmouth furniture stores 31 Westgate rated, by far , the best. The…read moremix of high quality classic and contemporary pieces, great lighting options, and home accessories made the whole experience easy. The knowledgeable, talented and friendly staff's attention to detail helped to pull together the look I wanted to achieve. This is now my "Go to "Shop".

From the owner: Our business offers design services as well as retail for home furnishings and accessoriesread more

Ralph Lauren Home at 31 Westgate

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Dress your table for summer entertaining.

The Teazer

4.0(2 reviews)

67.5 km

The Teazer is, and has been for many years, my hands-down favourite shop in Mahone Bay. Tucked away…read moreby the gas station on the main drag out of town, this charming blue homestead is hard to miss and not to be overlooked. Packed with hundreds of items for the home, the kitchen, the pets, the kids, the babies, the fridge, or even the wardrobe, there really is something for everyone in there. While not everything is locally made, a good chunk of the stock has been and the store staff are happy to point you in the right direction if you need help finding it. Don't miss the 'bargain basement' in the adjacent garage where you can find great steals. Just hit up the ATM at the gas station for cash before you go - this section can't accept plastic.

Super cute store! They have every nic-nac imaginable for gifts, home, friends, a hostess, kids,…read moreetc. Could be a bit overwhelming so take your time to walk throughout the store. I highly recommend you stop in if in the area. You're bound to find something for someone if not for yourself.

The view of the outside of the Teazer, from the parking lot across the street.

Inside the teazer :)

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Beautiful sunny store front

Jennifer's of Nova Scotia

4.1(32 reviews)

0.4 km•Spring Garden

Super cute just shop featuring lots of home/handmade items from local artist in and around Nova…read moreScotia. Some items are quite pricey due to the intricate nature of their craft. Gifts for a variety of ages and interests as well as your 4 legged friends.

In my home, we have two major consumer goals: to avoid buying products that come in plastic…read morepackaging, and to avoid to buying products that are manufactured in China. Even achieving one of these objectives is a challenge on most days. Not at Jennifer's. Every item in the store - everything - is from Atlantic Canada, and most of it is from Nova Scotia. I could have wept with joy. The risk with stocking exclusively local crafts is that it can easily veer into patchouli-scented, rayon-based, weekend music festival territory. Again, not at Jennifer's. Lovely, interesting, well-made products abound. They had a whole corner of ladybug-themed pottery that was reasonably priced and can be used in the dishwasher and the microwave. What else could I want? They had fused-glass kitchen items, Amos pewter pieces and greeting cards. Even the check-out experience was charming. They prop your purchase on an old, wooden counter and wrap it with paper and put it in a box (not plastic). They'll wrap your purchase in cardboard to protect it if you are travelling. I half-expected them to pull out brown paper packages and wrap them up with string... I really don't like shopping, but shopping here was a delightful experience. Pop around the corner to Pete's Frootique for a refreshing beverage after you're done.

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Hours

Down Home Living

4.7(3 reviews)

65.6 km

I've gotta say, this place is pretty rad! Totally not what I'd normally go for as it's mostly a…read morecollection of kitsch-infused home decor bordering on country kitchen, but I appreciate how they're setting themselves apart. In a place where selling cheap crap with lobsters on 'em to tourists is a valid way of life, Down Home Living manages to hit a much more appetizing middle ground between products you'd actually like, with enough Atlantic Canadian style tucked in for good measure. Instead of t-shirts with screen-printed moose in Mountie costumes, you'll find modern art hangings of stylized whales, picture frames painted to look like fishing markers, and just a great selection of home decor that still manages to hold its own in the style department. Don't skip this one!

Lunenburg is none of the things that the Vancouver reviewer describes. There are loads of wonderful…read moreshops in Lunenburg that befit the historic and incredibly beautiful and sophisticated UNESCO DESIGNATED town that it is. Down Home Living has a lot of wonderful items for the home. It's an altogether pleasing shopping experience in every way. I recently bought a wonderful lamp at Down Home Living that I will take home to Florida with me. There are pillows, blankets, some kitchenware, art, mirrors and many lovely small items in this store. Don't miss it! It's always crowded with patrons and has been a successful business at this location for many years. It never fails to please.

Urban Outfitters

2.8(5 reviews)

0.2 km•Downtown Halifax

Employees give you space to shop in peace and don't bother you often. Well organized and easy to…read moreget around in. Overall a nice store to look for good and affordable pieces.

Compared to other UO this one was pretty good! You know, in Halifax, we always get the 'Halifax'…read moreversion of things. As far as this UO goes, they did a great job. Two levels - girls on the first floor, guys clothing on the second. They have a large record section upstairs with the guys clothing. The housewares is a little sparse (also upstairs) which is disappointing because that's some of my favourite stuff UO sells. It might be a little smaller than other UO you've been into, but since it's downtown on Barrington I think they were able to scored a large feeling retail space. Today was opening day so the staff was really friendly, and a little chaotic, but that's understandable. I'm sure in a couple weeks it will clam down.

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Wildflower Clothing

4.4(8 reviews)

0.2 km•Spring Garden

I am greeted by the sweetest little pup of life. Digger, a soft ball of fur and playful puppy of 5…read moremonths, is the owner's pet and boutique doorman. Learning the ways of retail, his cuteness is the perfect way to begin this endeavor. What a sweet little shop. Although its been open for about ten years, I'd only recently learned of Wildflower from an acquaintance. Its confines are currently dressed in soft, breathable garments and assuring color palates. (Periwinkle, charcoal, rose pink, nude, and flecks of colour amongst it all!) Its actually a breath of fresh air, and a different variety from other independent boutiques in the area. I was elated to discover the accumulation of Free People frocks, which is probably my favorite [semi] affordable brand of all time. The owner mentioned that they would be getting more in soon-- whoo hoo! The overall stock seems romantic, flowing, and of excellent taste. Cute tops, rich fabrics and cuts are here for the taking. I think its safe to say that Wildflower has Bohemian Romantic down. The owner of the shop offered me genuine conversation and an easy shopping experience. I was the only patron at the time, so we chatted as I browsed. There was no pressure, no facade-- just good conversation and a shop full of wonders. After much swooning and chit-chat, I know this is a boutique I can dig. Besides the clothes, there were also some pretty neat accessories. I'd say the owner of Wildflower has a great eye. Understated, funky, classic and bohemian looks are all fused into one cohesive collection. All you need is a paycheck. xo

Wildflower clothing has a pretty nice selection of trendy clothes for women. The only down side to…read morethis little boutique across from the Clyde Street NSLC is the cost! This store is pretty tiny though and they do manage to have a reasonably sized sale section. Very nice staff! Check out the hand bags! Expensive but just the right size: Big enough to carry your laptop, sweater and a few grocery items without looking as though you carry your home on your back like a snail. Mainly leather too! Really the only downside to Wildflower is the cost but check them out for their sale rack and accessories!