When TheBurg asked me to share my favorite local boutiques for their “Shop Local” issue, I couldn’t say no. Supporting and promoting local small businesses is at the heart of what I do, and I love a bonus opportunity to show off my faves. From one-of-a-kind finds to on-trend fashions, these spots are where I go when I want to shop for myself or for gifts.

Shopping local matters—you know this. Doing so invests your money back into the community and helps your neighbors—the small business owners—make a living. You’ve probably seen that internet meme around the holidays, “Every time you buy from a local business, a real person does a happy dance.”

This is true! And shopping local benefits you, too. For starters, there are no annoying return fees (seriously, when did that start happening?). Plus, returns are less likely in the first place because you can talk directly with the shop employees—and often the owners themselves—to find just what you need. These folks know their inventory best, and they might even pull something that isn’t even on the floor yet just for you.

Every day, I try to style my outfit with at least one vintage item and one item from a local boutique or maker. This keeps my looks fresh and makes me feel good.

Little Black Dress

While you can often pick up a perfect little black dress in this chic Camp Hill boutique, the name is more of a nod to finding the perfect fit for any occasion. In the five-plus years that I’ve been shopping at Little Black Dress, I’ve collected sweaters, casual dresses, statement jumpsuits that I’ve worn to multiple events, office-perfect shirts, denim, an arsenal of faux leather in various designs, belt bags, jewelry and gifts—including candles, casual menswear and the cutest selection of kids’ clothes. I shop here seasonally to add quality, on-trend-but-not-trendy pieces to my closet. Little Black Dress stocks limited quantities of styles and refreshes regularly—so if you like something, grab it! This also ensures that your wardrobe is uniquely your own.

Little Black Dress

Neighbors & Smith, 1801 Market St., Camp Hill

IG: @littleblackdressch

Plum Bottom

Having been traumatized by Payless Shoe Stores in my youth, I take shoe purchases seriously. Footwear must be well made—it’s the base of your look and your comfort! Plum Bottom carries a vast array of flats, loafers, pumps, occasion heels, boots, sneakers and sandals. Good footwear can be an investment, and Plum Bottom cares about matching customers with the right fit. Whatever your foot concerns may be—narrow feet? low arch? bunions? —they got you! Plum Bottom has two convenient locations (Neighbors & Smith in Camp Hill and The Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace outside Harrisburg) and an up-to-date online inventory—and they’ll source what you need from either store. They even deliver! High-quality service and outstanding, on-trend shoes of all types are why Plum Bottom has been in business for decades. As a bonus, they also carry a small selection of accessories and outerwear, including handbags, earrings, socks and jewelry.

Plum Bottom

Neighbors & Smith, 1801 Market St., Camp Hill

The Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace, 2547 Brindle Dr., Harrisburg

Shop online: plumbottom.net

IG: @theplumbottom

Plumb Bottom

Found Collab

Found Collab is hands down the area’s best vintage shop. It is a collaboration between Stash Vintage and The Midtown Dandy, two highly regarded vintage sellers (Stash focuses mostly on women’s clothes, The Midtown Dandy on menswear—and some of the sickest vintage tees around). In addition to selling quality women’s and men’s vintage apparel, accessories and (some) housewares, Found showcases curated collections from niche artisans, many of whom are local—from stained glass to pottery to incense to jewelry and more, including greeting cards, original art, notepads, water bottles, etc. Shopping vintage takes some time and work—they always encourage you to try things on, and it’s worth it. I’ve scored high-end designer finds, custom-made jumpsuits, cool jackets and so much fun jewelry. Their storefront in the SoMa neighborhood of downtown Harrisburg has impeccable vibes, open noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. They stay open late on 3rd in the Burg Fridays for SOUND@FOUND, when they amp up the evening with killer beats, a featured artist and refreshments.

Found Collab

25 S. 3rd St., Harrisburg

More info: foundcollab.com

IG: @foundcollab

Apricot Lane Boutique

Apricot Lane Boutique is interesting because, although it is a national brand, each franchise is owned and stocked independently. So, the items you find at our local Apricot Lane are unique to it. Apricot Lane’s youthful and fashionable staff slays Instagram, and, in-person, they make you feel right at home, always happy for you to do a little try-on fashion show or give an honest but encouraging opinion. This is the go-to for trendy items and fun, inexpensive baubles and gifts (someone purchase me a cute Hydrojug, please). I’ve scored basics like bodysuits, sunglasses, an oversized Rolling Stones tee I couldn’t pass up, a few gorgeous event dresses, plus fun, flirty blouses for date night.

Apricot Lane Boutique

3541 Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill

Shop online: apricotlanecamphill.com

IG: @apricotlanecamphill

Seymour’s Plant Boutique + Apothecary

For all my plant parents looking for something cool or a little different, Seymour’s is your spot. In an adorable little storefront on E. Main Street in Mechanicsburg, you can find wall-to-wall houseplants from philodendrons to snake plants to monsteras to alocasia. Cacti that look like little butts? Yep. Mini umbrella plants? That too. They even have a Venus fly trap, a nod to “Little Shop of Horrors” and the inspiration for the store’s name. Seymour’s has some other extras—local artwork, candles, etc.—and will soon be adding oils to enhance the “Apothecary” side of things. In the meantime, this is the perfect spot to pick up your next plant baby—or score a fun gift for a fellow plant lover. Each houseplant comes with a name and care instructions, so even if you don’t already have a green thumb, you will soon.

Seymour’s Plant Boutique & Apothecary

230 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg

Shop online: fb.com/seymoursplantboutiqueandapothecary

IG: @seymoursplantboutique

The Gallery at The Millworks

My book club met on The Millworks rooftop over the summer, and, afterward, two of us found ourselves in The Gallery (not our first time) picking up a little something—something as a treat for ourselves. While I could wax on the beer/food/art combo that The Millworks gives us, The Gallery is, in a way, the ultimate highlight of this historic space. Every item is a perfect little Harrisburg souvenir, in whatever way it may be. Shop candles and earrings, pottery and photography, prints and planters. If you need a gift—whether for yourself or a friend—you’ll find something dreamy here and you’ll know with each purchase you’re supporting a real, live, uber-local artist.

The Millworks

340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg

More info: millworksharrisburg.com

IG: @the_millworks

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