I wish I could give this boutique more stars! They have some cute clothes, darling accessories and gifts, and I guess they are a salon too. This review is strictly for the boutique side.
I was so sad when Liv3 in San Marcos went out of business, and have been on the lookout for cute boutiques that sell unique, moderately-priced clothing/gifts/accessories (Liv3 even had plants!), and stumbled across this little place in the historic downtown Vista area, which is growing and super cute. I have been in now a handful of times and have purchased gifts, clothing, accessories...and while their merchandise is well-selected, their clothing prices could be a little lower based on the brands and what I've paid elsewhere for the same ones.
Another issue is the service. The ladies working there could just be nicer. They don't go out of their way to be friendly, help you find things, or even really ask if there's something specific you're looking for. It seems like once I have clothes in hand they'll ask if I want to start a dressing room (which is the bathroom; nothing fancy), but that's the extent of the service. I have overheard them being pretty friendly to their salon clientele, but not as much to their other customers.
I have been in with family members, friends, and my son, in various stages of put-togetherness (sometimes in cute clothes and makeup, other times in workout clothes and makeup-free, looking a little grubby), and most of the time I'm ignored until I get to the register or they give the eye to my 7-yr-old son like he might break something. (There was one time I came across a friendly employee who said she has a kid a similar age. That was nice.)
The point is, the shop is cute and has so much potential...I love their selection of little dishes, kitchen stuff and knick-knacks for the home, mugs and cards with funny sayings, and adorable jewelry and accessories (I love the Scout and Ink & Alloy brands--the cutest beaded bracelets and earrings!), and they have a decent (if limited) selection of cute, casual SoCal-inspired clothing. Some cute dresses and stuff that is appropriate for work (at least for my teacher life!), and some jeans in the back. But the service needs work.
If they'd step up their service and realize they're going stay afloat with the business of their local customers, and the service reflected that it would be much more pleasant to shop there.
Side note, I also walked into the plant store down the street and they had the friendliest vibe in there...we did not buy anything but we will in the future! Someone in the back who was busy working on an arrangement asked if we needed help and told us a few tips about the shop (they sell retail, not just flowers). We overheard them helping a family with a funeral arrangement and they were the nicest people. Those are the vibes that will keep the customers coming in! read more