Cue music. You know the tune.* Now imagine instead of Tevya singing, it is me…read more
"If I were a rich woman,
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum.
I'd shop at Walla Walla Clothing all the time,
If I were a wealthy woman."
Ta dum.
Tongue in cheek. Sort of.
Because when they have Trunk Sales or end of season mark downs on items in various brands in both the downtown Boise or Meridian stores, there are things that stretch the budget fit to doable for those considering high end clothes at buys. But these are an investment no matter what. Beautifully made clothes with luxurious fabrics of splendid hand and in the chic and classic designs that one admires in women who walk perfectly attired. In my next life I want to have Nina Garcia's wardrobe and look like her too. These clothes are like that.
Some brands carried here are in styles that transition age groups and body shapes too and classic enough to be wearable for multiple years. Some are definitely geared to the young, hip and uber fit...with deep pockets (figuratively speaking)...and styling 'a la minute'.
The stores are splendidly merchandised with ample space to walk about and examine all the gorgeous items for sale. There is art to this, having enough and not too much and having it displayed just so to capture the buyers' imagination.
I imagine I look like I can't afford to shop here given in my post employment life with encroaching MS related limits I find myself more L.L. Bean than Eileen Fischer attired for what it is I find myself doing. Yet the staff are friendly enough to ask how they can help me, so kudos to them for that, yet easily receive "no, thanks, I'm just browsing through". On occasion have seemed surprised, I think, when someone who looks like me knows something about the fabrics and brands in the store. Brands that include Eileen Fischer, 360 Cashmere, White & Warren, Trina Turk...well, the list goes on.
For me a big restraint for me throwing in as a Walla Walla shopper is they do not allow returns for refund. I am one of those shoppers who needs to try high end purchases on at home a second time to be sure I like it as much away from the store as in it. In particular for Walla Walla as their dressing rooms, both in the downtown store and Meridian, are covered by a cloth curtain and not a door that shuts. Call me shy.
The reality for me is when I am going to buy these kinds of brands, even though I appreciate Walla Walla's lovely merchandising and that they offer some free tailoring (taking waists in or out, hemming pants up), I can get many of these same brands at Nordstrom AND Nordie's provides the big advantage if I don't like it when I try it on at home, I can return it for credit card refund.
Although I have yet to make a purchase at Walla Walla I sure am a fan of the experience of shopping there. If you're looking for high end special, this is a lovely place to find it.
THIS N THAT:
1) ACCESSIBILITY: Level in the door, all on one level, can't recall if counter is at ADA required seated transaction height or not, dressing rooms have ample space for wheelchair but can't recall if they have grab bars needed.
2) EMAIL SIGN UP FOR SPECIAL EVENTS: Sign up on email for notice of special events, like Trunk Sales.
3) LOCATIONS: They have five locations. Meridian, Boise, Walla Walla, Tacoma and Kennewick. I know; who would think Kennewick would have an audience for this kind of store. Men's wear available at the Walla Walla store.
4) *SURE YOU KNOW THE TUNE*: As sung by the incomparable Zero Mostel. Whom I am increasingly resembling in girth due to Yelp eating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahAOU1HZXlc
