As the owner of a boutique, I want to be upfront about something that’s been affecting how I run my business and the choices I make: tariffs. You may have noticed prices ticking upward—not just here, but across many small shops and brands. These changes aren’t just about inflation or trends. They are being driven by the U.S. tariffs on imported goods, especially from countries where much of the apparel industry is based. Although, I do not buy directly from China, many brands I carry located in the US outsource from other countries.
Tariffs are essentially taxes on goods imported into the U.S. When tariffs go up, the cost to bring in quality clothing increases. Unfortunately, that cost trickles down to customers. As a small boutique, I don’t have the scale of big box stores to absorb those price hikes. Instead, I have to make difficult choices—like whether to raise prices or compromise on quality.
For me, quality wins. Always.
I’m sure most of you have watched videos circulating on social media showing the devastating consequences of over flooding the market with cheap, synthetic fabrics. I’m no environmentalist, but seeing the results of over-consumption due to businesses like SHEIN gives me a pause. In addition to the negative impact it has on our environment, I also believe strongly in fair wages and humane work conditions.
In 2024, the U.S. government reinstated and expanded several tariffs on textiles and apparel. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), tariffs on certain apparel can range from 16% to 32%, depending on the item and material which include products made from synthetic fibers, which are even common in high-end blends. For small importers like myself, that’s a big hit.
I’ve always believed in buying quality not quantity. That is why I focus on sourcing pieces that are beautifully well made, sustainably sourced when possible, and designed to last. These are clothes you can wear for years—not just a few Instagram pics.
Fast fashion might offer a cheaper price tag, but there’s often a hidden cost. Many of those pieces are produced under questionable labor conditions, with little regard for the environment, and fall apart after a handful of washes. In fact, the EPA reports that Americans throw away over 11 million tons of textile waste each year—much of it from low-quality clothing that was never meant to last.
I want no part in that cycle.
I know higher prices can be hard, especially when you’re used to fast fashion price tags. But here’s my promise: I will never bring in something I wouldn’t proudly wear myself. I refuse to sacrifice fit, fabric, or integrity just to shave off a few dollars. That might make me “not for everyone,” and that’s okay.
I’m here for women who choose quality over quantity, and who care—just like I do—about the story behind what they wear. Do you care whether the person who made your clothes was treated fairly, paid a living wage, or worked in a safe environment? I know I do. And that’s part of what you’re supporting when you shop with me.
My goal isn’t just to sell clothes. It’s to create a space where women feel good—about how they look, but also about the choices they’re making. Every item in this boutique has been selected with care, intention, and respect for the hands that made it. You may pay a bit more up front, but what you get is so much more than just a piece of clothing.
You get timeless style, better fit, higher-quality fabrics, and peace of mind.
Thank you for continuing to support this little shop with a big heart. You’re not just shopping small—you’re shopping smart and ethically. And that means the world to me.
Lisa
