I couldn't begin to rate this fantastic independent more highly. Firstly, for blokes, it's got a fantastic range of clothing that capture some of the latest styles, and yet move away from the standard-if you're looking for something a little edgy and a little different to the identikit t-shirt fashion of the mid-range labels, you've got to bob in to ETTO Boutique.
However, I am not a man. And I come here for the divine designers that cater to the feminine shapes, and do so with such individuality and flair. Alex Christopher and Blond and Wise are amongst solid favourites, with each and every piece seeming to have been hand crafted, tailored to perfection and utterly unique. You won't find the usual in this ultra friendly, ultra fashionable shop; know that a purchase in here will set you apart from the highstreet and even the high end. You'll be something else entirely, and that something can only be described as matchless.
For the ladies, it's not a cheap venture to delve into their garmentry. Dresses come in at around the £120 mark, but let's consider what you're paying for. You're not paying for something that will be sold umpteen times over, and that every second person on the street will be seen in. You're not paying for something mass produced, in a factory somewhere. You're not paying for something substandard that will fall apart in a few months, or years.You're paying for something that has been designed locally, crafted with love and creativity, and that money (the way I think of it) is going back into the hands of talented local artists. Yes, I compared it to fine art. And what? I imagine it took a similar amount of years to study and develop such skill.
Stepping off the soap box, for a moment, and focusing on simply the threads, I couldn't be more delighted with my new coat. It was probably the most expensive item of dress that I've ever saved up for, but every penny was worth it. It's somewhere between steam punk and Victoriana, as people have described to me, but which ever way you paint it I've never seen anything like it. Apparently I look like some kind of debonair inspector, and that's no bad thing as far as I'm concerned. My knew wrap dress is equally kitsch and fabulous, with a sort of fifties flair to the skirt, large waist ribbon and it's reversible, depending on whether you wish for a high neck or low neck. It's also in the most amazing navy and green tartan.
As I've already declared to the Twittersphere, I'm tempted to have the coat permanently sewn to my body. (Yep, you can tweet them at @ETTOBoutique.) Of course, as with these things and with the name, it's each to their own. But I think I've found my home for fashion, and in spite of the cost, I know the most prized items in my wardrobe shall be sourced from here.
... Just once every six months, perhaps. I implore you, if even just for a browse, wander in and gaze at the clothing. The staff are some of the best I've come across in retail: patient, friendly and full of banter, and there's never any hint of pressure to buy. (I'm sure they're used to me gazing longingly by now.) Basically, it's incredible. Check 'em oot. read more