Xclusives Boutique & Jewelry

Until I was 50 I was a perfect size 4. Everything I tried on fit. Then I morphed into lumpy middle age and shopping was no longer easy or fun. Nothing looked good, so I bought shapeless jumpers and dresses that I wore until they were threadbare.
If it weren’t for Farah, I’d still be wearing them. I walked into her store a year ago, and she worked her tail off for two entire afternoons having me try on everything she thought would look good on me. I got a whole new basic wardrobe for about $ 1500. Most of the clothes were items I would NEVER have taken into a dressing room if I were shopping by myself. Hooray for Farah! She has a great eye and a passion for making her customers look good. I’m going back this week to see what’s new.

Used to pass this place everyday going to and from work so when I needed some earrings in a pinch I decided to go in. The dresses look nice in the window, but upon further inspection they’re definitely overpriced for what they are. I went to browse the jewellery and most of it wasn’t that nice, but I kept looking anyway. The manager/​owner was talking loudly on the phone. She turned to me, curtly asked me if I was looking for anything particular (No, not really) and said she was on a personal call and closing the store (Really? In the middle of the day??). I said that was fine and left, but after that rudeness I won’t be going back.

This is definitely a strange store; I’ve walked past it a million times, and liked some of the things I saw in the window; but today I saw a Maggie London dress that I had seen in a magazine and was sold out on line, so I went in to look around. The manager/​saleswoman is definitely an agressive salesperson, but I didn’t feel it was obnoxious. I changed my mind on the way home about what size I really wanted, so called to ask if I could exchange and she’s holding the other size for me. The selection was a little strange and I think that’s timing (between seasons?). It’s worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood; it’s not Saks, or even Macy’s, but you might find something nice.

I have three issues with this store:
1) The dresses are hilariously overpriced for their quality. You could absolutely find the same things for much less at TJ Maxx.
2) The attendant was INCREDIBLY pushy right when we walked in and insisted we try on all sorts of things, even though we clearly just wanted to browse. She just kept bringing stuff to us with absolutely no guidance as to what we wanted. She would not leave us alone. Maybe some people like that, but she really didn’t take the hint that she was making us uncomfortable.
3) Once she realized we probably weren’t going to buy anything (because nothing fit right and the patterns we didn’t like on the rack still weren’t likable on), it was like someone flipped a switch in her and she was suddenly cold as ice. Even when we said we’d come back when they had more stuff in stock, she gave us a half smile and said «OK. Good luck.» while she restocked the racks and ignored us. She was either way too in your face or completely distant, neither of which were pleasant for us.
I was on the fence about paying $ 200 + for generic dresses, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt more pressured or been treated more coldly by a sales person in my life. Don’t waste your time here, unless you’re willing to drop a ton of money, in which case I’m sure she’ll be your best friend.

I had a very pleasant experience here. Farah, the manager, made very helpful suggestions to me and selected dresses based on my size and shape that were very flattering. And they were not dresses I would have selected myself. I appreciated the personalized service and her recommendations. I walked out with three dresses. My only criticism is that the prices are a high for polyester and nylon dresses.

Window shopping from here is dreamy. The beautiful dresses they have on display just scream «come in here! look at me! come buy pretty pieces of clothing!!» Yes. The clothes they have here are beautiful unfortunately they are far overpriced for their quality. The material (s) in the clothing are cheap (er) than more high end stores such as Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus but the prices are comparable. It’s safe to say that the styles here are knock offs of BGBG, Valentino, etc but not in the cheap street corner vendor type of way. The seams are cut nicely and made well.
I did break down and actually buy a cocktail dress from this store for $ 200. sigh… I know, I know. It was sadly over priced for what it was but it was a unique dress not to be found elsewhere and it fit my body perfectly. While not the more glamorous of materials, the dress was not that cheap, either. Also expect to find the personifcation of the pushy sales clerk. Brace yourself people… she’s in to make a sale.
Best to hit up Xclusives on their sale days.

I have to admit, I was afraid to step in the door. I’m not generally a high-​fashion individual, I don’t frequent boutiques at all. I was pleasantly surprised though. Despite my jeans and sneakers, the saleslady was amazingly helpful and warm. While the selection isn’t huge, there are enough styles that you can certainly find something you like.
In addition, the prices were pretty decent. We’re definitely talking upscale prices, but they were well within my budget, so I’m happy. It’s not a place I’ll visit every day, but the next time I need a dress, I know where I’m heading!