guide to great shopping

Born again: Designer fashion finds new life
at Maria Flynn’s Classics Designer Resale Edited by Sarah R. Sphar
Additional Reporting by Jenna Gerling, Ashley Trunko, Carlo Wolff and Kelsey Chapman
Photographs by Robert Muller

Looking for fall trends? Need a place to get started? We’ve compiled a select guide to some of our favorite shops, new and old. You’ll find resources for trendy housewares on the cheap, the perfect pair of designer jeans and where to shop for one-of-a-kind art, locally grown plants and more.

How to shop for some Sparkle
A primer for those in the market for diamonds
by Jenna Gerling

Diamonds are traditional tokens of love designed to last forever. Often passed down through generations, these prized rocks are the symbol of two lives in union and are also heavily associated with glamour and fame.

Purchasing diamonds can create a tizzy among inexperienced buyers; and believe it or not, there is a true science to buying these glittering gems. To avoid feeling utterly helpless when searching for your diamonds, here’s a list of dos and don’ts from Allison Ramos, manager of Alson Jewelers in Woodmere, and Ernie Logothetides, manager and gemologist at IMG Jewelers in Lyndhurst.

Trust the jewelry store and its jewelers
The first step to buying any piece of jewelry is to find a reputable store that has been in business for a while. You really should trust your jeweler, so feel free to shop around for diamonds – and the person who sells them to you. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t feel pressured to walk out of the store with something. If you do, then maybe that jeweler isn’t for you.

Ramos says family-owned businesses seem to cater to customers’ needs better than mall stores, as they pride themselves in making long-term relationships with their clientele. Also, the employees at family jewelry stores tend to stay longer, as opposed to the quicker turnover of sales associates at malls.

Find a place for multiple purchases
You should be looking for a store that has an assortment of merchandise. If you plan on developing a relationship with your jeweler, you should make sure you could come to them for any gift. Ramos says your store should fulfill all your needs in the years to come, whether that’s a gift for a christening or a bat mitzvah.

Repair services onsite
As a customer, you should expect repair services onsite from wherever you buy your jewelry, and shouldn’t have to be sent to a different jewelry store for a repair. If their jewelry breaks, then they should be the one to fix it.

Keep an open mind
When you have finally chosen a store best suited to your needs, and you are comfortable with your jeweler, you can begin to shop. But beware: If you enter a jewelry store with something specific in mind, you may be limiting yourself. Logothetides says he has had several ladies visit IMG asking for a ring “as traditional as their grandmother’s,” but left the store with the most contemporary piece available. “If the diamond is pretty, and it’s something in the size and shape you’re looking for – it’s a good day,” he says. “Don’t overthink it.”

Know your price range
A lot of men begin with price when shopping for engagement rings at IMG. When factors like style, cut and band size are unknown, Logothetides says it is sometimes easier beginning with price – that way, your options are automatically narrowed for easier selection.

The updated four Cs
Many jewelers talk strictly about the four Cs: cut, clarity, color and carat weight. But really, it should be the five Cs – the fifth being certification. This last C is extremely important, as the quality and price of the diamond depends on it. There are several certification companies, but only two are considered the best in the diamond industry: American Gem Society, or AGS, and Gemological Institute of America, commonly known as GIA. Here’s where price comes in: If you are comparing the prices at two different stores, you should really ask who certifies the diamonds for each store.

Ramos says this is something a good salesperson needs to find out from the customer. “You may be choosing to use [another certification body like] EGL, and another store uses GIA,” she says. “You can’t compare those prices because they’re certified different, and the quality is actually way different based on the certification company that was used.

“There are quite a few other certifications, and unless you know what a certified diamond means and what certification company your store is using, you really can’t compare apples to apples.”

At IMG, jewelers take the certification one step further at a laboratory that guarantees their grading in writing. These stones are graded against master stones and read by machine for comparison of color, and then inspected by diamond professionals trained through GIA.

Know your sense of style
Knowing your style and your companion’s seems like it should be obvious, but in fact, if you haven’t had a lot of time to shop around, then you may be inclined to go with what you’ve seen. Just because J. Lo had a six-carat pink diamond doesn’t mean you have to.

Whether you prefer a vintage look or a more contemporary style, watch out for new lines entering the market, because many styles are inspired by Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian and Edwardian design. You should also consider what shape stone is preferred and whether you like the look of white gold over yellow.

Jewelry
I never hated a man enough
to give him diamonds back.
– Zsa Zsa Gabor Let’s face it: an outfit is utterly incomplete without jewelry, whether it’s a necklace to complement a scoop neckline or a large turquoise ring to reveal your true sense of style. Let your outfit become a blank canvas for your jewelry, to add texture, color and a little bit of sparkle to your day. – Jenna Gerling

Jewelry Art
116 North Main Street, Hudson
330-650-9011
www.jewelryarthudson.com
Jewelry Art represents exactly what its name suggests – wearable art. With innovative couture jewelry crafted by internationally renowned designers, owner Barbara Johnson displays the works of true craftsmanship. Try designer Alishan’s spider broaches with pearl abdomens or an elaborately designed ring by Alex Sepkus. Jewelry Art offers custom design and repairs onsite.

IMG Jewelers
5470 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
440-461-4464
www.imgjewelers.com
Since 1949, IMG Jewelers has provided customers with custom-designed jewelry and repair. IMG also offers Pure Fire diamonds, which are cut to give the maximum beauty and brilliance in a round diamond. Another interesting service offered at IMG is laser inscription. Only visible under magnification, you can put your own “fingerprint” on your stone by creating your own logo, signature or phrase. IMG has pieces by Versace, Cyma and owner Steve Greenberg’s wife, Hannah.

Alson Jewelers
28149 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere
216-464-6767
www.alsonjewelers.com
Walking through the three sets of doors at Alson only prepares you for the warm, cozy feeling of beautiful jewelry and great customer service. At Alson, customers are greeted and offered something to drink or eat while they peruse the displays of glittering diamonds and gemstones. Here, women are encouraged to play dressup: You can try on designer pieces and still walk out empty-handed if you must. Stackable rings and bangles by David Yurman and John Hardy are big sellers this year at Alson, as well as designer rings by Michael Beaudry.

Creative class: Banyan Tree in
Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood The Banyan Tree
2242 Professor Avenue, Cleveland
216-241-1209
www.shopbanyantree.com
The Banyan Tree is a funky, urban-chic store that owner Christie Murdoch calls a “boutique for you and your home.” Much of the jewelry comes from England and Australia, with styles ranging from Bohemian-chunky to the refined and understated. Featured are the go-with-anything clear Lucite beaded bracelets and necklaces, and a collection from designer Judy Crighton, who recycles vintage beads into her pieces. This reasonably priced store offers a wide range of jewelry to satisfy all tastes.

Cameo Jewelers
209 Center Street, Chardon
440-285-0888
www.cameojewelers.com
Cameo is one of the few stores in northeast Ohio that sells South African diamonds. What makes these diamonds so special? Well, instead of using a laser to cut diamonds, the Naledi collection has been hand-cut to brilliance. The collection has added a hint of vintage appeal to its intricately designed rings and necklaces. Another plus: A percentage of proceeds from each month benefits South African families and schools in need. Another big seller at Cameo is the Pandora collection, a line of bracelets where you create a unique look by choosing beads and charms. Beads come in sterling silver and solid 14-carat gold.

Women’s Boutiques
Need a show-stopping dress for a special event? Or just a few new basics to liven up your classic favorites? Here is a small sampling of our favorites for major shopping sprees or little indulgences. – Jenna Gerling and Kelsey Chapman

Anne van H. Boutique
2026 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
216-721-6633
Belgian-born designer Anne van Hauwaert recently celebrated 20 years of bringing fun and fashionable finds to the women of Cleveland. For fall, find supersoft tees and tunics by Bobi at prices suitable for stocking up, Ed Hardy tattoo-inspired cashmere knits, Chanelesque bags and bangles, and, of course, an ever-changing selection of adorable shoes (we loved 1930s-style blue-on-blue oxfords by Jeffrey Campbell).

Ann’s Boutique
843 North Cleveland-Massillon Road, Akron
330-666-0789
This charming store offers special occasion dresses, including mother-of-the-bride dresses and fashionable separates. To go with all these glittering gowns, owner Ann Radosavcev also has eye-catching evening bags from Mary Frances Accessories. These luxe, embellished bags are collectible conversation starters handcrafted by skilled artisans.

Owner Maria Flynn helps a customer choose
a treasure at Classics Designer Resale Classics Designer Resale
13500 Pearl Road, Strongsville
440-268-0500
www.classicsdesignerresale.com
This upscale consignment boutique specializes in designer and high-quality fashion in new or mint condition. Owner Maria Flynn carefully edits her collection to reflect the current season and styles. Find special-occasion and cocktail dresses as well as skirts, suits, handbags, shoes and furs.

Express
Several area locations
www.expressfashion.com
Dozens of celebrities have been spotted in styles from Express’ moderately priced denim line, which has expanded to meet the demand for jeans, jeans and more jeans. This fall, Express offers a huge selection of denim, from skinny to wide leg cuts and styles embellished with animal print, rhinestones and special washes. Our picks include the Stella (slim fit, ultra low rise), Zelda (super skinny fit, ultra low rise) and Eva (curvaceous cut) styles, priced from $60 to $80 and available in a variety of washes.

The Grey Colt
150 North Main Street, Hudson
330-653-6355
This classic shop on Hudson’s main thoroughfare offers “head to toe dressing” and counts designs by Brighton, Pandora, Flax, Vera Bradley and Børn among its best sellers. A homey shopping environment and helpful staff leave little question as to the Colt’s enduring popularity.

Indigo Nation by National Jean Company
Crocker Park
114 Main Street, Westlake
440-835-0010
Eton
28839 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere
216-378-9180
www.indigonjc.com
This hip store offers great jeans, stylish loungewear and a very California vibe. For fall, look for great new fashions from Rachel Pally, Norma Kamali, Kitson Denim, Paper Denim & Cloth and Bailey 44, as well as perennial denim favorites Rock & Republic, True Religion, Chip and Pepper, Paige Premium, Citizens of Humanity and Seven for All Mankind.

Jennahbella’s Clothing Boutique
8900 Mentor Avenue, Mentor
440-974-4055
www.jennahbellas.com
Opened in 2004 by the mother-daughter team of Jennifer Wadas and Marian Mantel, this bright and friendly boutique stocks styles from trendy to classic in sizes two to 14. Denim by Joe’s Jeans and Streets Ahead paired with tops by Sweetees combine for a cool casual look; jewelry, handbags and sunglasses seem straight from the pages of celebrity fashion magazines.

Lush Boutique
24349 Cedar Road, Legacy Village, Lyndhurst
216-381-8888
www.lushboutique.com
Founded in 2001 by Kathleen and Tracey McHale, Lush Boutique has appeared in the pages of such fashion bibles as InStyle, Marie Claire and Lucky. A sure-thing source for flirty dresses, girly tops and honest opinions, the store is also known for its designer denim collection.

Off 5th – Saks Fifth Avenue
549 South Chillicothe Road (route 306), Aurora Premium Outlets, Aurora
330-995-0665
Saks Fifth Avenue has long been the place to find designer clothes – from Donna Karan to Dolce & Gabbana – at, well, designer prices. At Off 5th, anyone will have a field day raiding the racks of discounted designer items priced at 40 to 70 percent off.

Pinky’s Daily Planner
1900 Superior Avenue, Suite 329, Cleveland
216-402-2536
www.pinkysdailyplanner.com
Pinky’s Daily Planner is the brainchild of designer and craftswoman Stephanie Fralick, who describes her store as a “modern clothes-closet for spirited girls,” with a look that is “1965 meets two years from now.” Fralick is best known for her creative, one-of-a-kind skirts and dresses; she also carries clothing, art and accessories from other independent designers. Open on selected weekends and by appointment, or shop online anytime.

Shop Sublime
866-953-5333
www.shopsublime.com
Shop Sublime does a brisk business through its website, which showcases popular styles and trends in women’s and girls’ clothing from designers such as 575 Denim, Susana Monaco, Sweetees and Sass & Bide, but this is also the rare shopping experience that will come to you – not virtually, but literally. Shop Sublime’s “Mobile Fashion Boutique,” housed in a 34-foot luxury RV, travels locally and across the country to events and private parties.

Style Lounge
1273 West 9th Street, Cleveland
216-664-1104
www.styleloungedenim.com
This sleek downtown boutique specializes in premium denim and gives a bit more punch to an already hip block (Clothing Brigade and Suite Life are located right across the street). Owner Aja Lewis stocks People’s Liberation, House of Dereon, Blue Cult, Citizens of Humanity and 575 Denim, among other lines.

Winds of Change Boutique
37 West Orange Street, Chagrin Falls
440-247-2420
www.windsofchangestyle.com
Any girly girl would love this store, from the tutu-inspired skirts to plucked-from-the-runway couture dresses and fashion-forward accessories scattered throughout the charming former home in Chagrin Falls. Owner Angela Huang has a knack for finding whimsical yet wearable pieces from around the world. Find designs from Voom, Betsey Johnson, Skinny Minnie and Hard Tail, among many others.

Home & Garden
Real estate and home décor are hot topics, and homeowners and apartment dwellers are exposed to a wealth of ways to customize and enliven their living spaces. Local home and garden stores – from large national chains to locally owned gems – can help you make the most of your home sweet home. – Stacie Soucek

Crate & Barrel
Legacy Village
24405 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst
216-297-3500
www.crateandbarrel.com
From furniture to dinnerware, linens to lighting and rugs to gourmet foods, this multilevel mega-store is packed with home décor items sorted by style and shape for virtually every room of your house. Prices range from moderate to expensive, but this popular store seems to have everything: Looking for the perfect square-shaped dish to complement your twisted glass vase? Chances are you’ll find a whole set of them, not far from the shining flatware, matching tablescapes and lovely linens.

Petitti Garden Centers
Eight northern Ohio locations
www.petittigardencenter.com
It is difficult to leave Petitti empty-handed: even the parking lot landscapes will motivate you to dig, plant, shape and build up your own outdoor living area. Ninety-eight percent of the trees and shrubs you’ll see at Petitti are grown at Petitti’s 300-acre nursery in Madison, Ohio, so they can offer a quality product at nearly 50 percent off retail prices. Be sure to check out the home and gift departments at the Avon, Strongsville and Oakwood Village locations, and pick up a few gardening guides and seasonal checklists on your way out the door.

Smith & Hawken
Crocker Park
172 Crocker Park Boulevard, Westlake
440-871-6664
Eton Collection
28699 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere
216-292-3265
www.smithandhawken.com
The mission of this outdoor luxury décor chain is to help customers realize and surpass their potential – a feat easily achieved through the store’s stylish and elegant product lines. Founded as a garden tool company in 1979, the store has grown to supply gardeners and decorators with tools for the trade, attractive outdoor living structures, alluring patio and sunroom furniture sets, and products for entertaining. A variety of plants, storage containers and decorative planters may satisfy even the choosiest of tastes.

Z Gallerie
Legacy Village
24621 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst
216-381-1200
Crocker Park
215 Crocker Park Boulevard, Westlake
440-835-9275
www.zgallerie.com
If it’s textiles, artwork, lighting, furniture and decorative items you’re looking for, put Z Gallerie at the top of your shopping list. Overflowing with charm, this extraordinary home décor store will allow your own sense of style to thrive. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the chain is known for its to-the-minute accessories at reasonable prices.

Restoration Hardware
24633 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst
216-691-3121
www.restorationhardware.com
Known for high quality and an intensely comprehensive range of bathware, textiles, hardware, furniture and lighting, Restoration Hardware founder Stephen Gordon proves his passion for detail in every item. The search for authentic period hardware, lighting fixtures and finishes often ends at this sleek yet sumptuous store.

Gale’s Garden Centers
Four northern Ohio locations
www.galesgarden.com
For more than 40 years, Gale’s has been a trusted retailer of fine plants in northeast Ohio, with locations in Westlake, Brunswick, Maple Heights and Willoughby Hills. Gardening is much more than a hobby at Gale’s – with more than 14 acres of plants and garden products at the Westlake store alone – it’s a passion. If nature inspires you, join one of Gale’s clubs and share your passion with other outdoor enthusiasts from the area. Find all your landscaping needs, from trellises to pottery, flags to all-weather furniture.

Donzell’s Flower & Garden Center
937 East Waterloo Road, Akron
330-724-0505
www.donzells.com
Often listed among the biggest and best garden centers in the country, Donzell’s is an Akron favorite for gardening, events and all things green. Donzell’s greenhouses supply green-thumbed patrons with seasonal plants, outdoor decorations, collectibles and much more. Garden center employees are known for their sound horticultural advice on plant health, soil, grass management and plant maintenance. Check the website for monthly calendars and gardening tips.

Norwalk Design
167 Market Street, Westlake
440-250-1618
www.norwalkfurnitureidea.com
Custom upholstered and leather furniture is Norwalk’s specialty, but the store also offers many environmentally friendly product options, such as soy-based foam stuffing for sofas. Customers can design from anywhere by accessing Norwalk’s Internet-based interactive furniture catalog, complete with room planning programs and hundreds of upholstery choices. From there, experienced interior design consultants help with the finishing touches.

All wrapped up: Linen
Consultants in Cleveland Heights Linen Consultants
12427 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights
216-231-8000
www.linen-consultants.com
Combining classic with stylish, custom with everyday, Linen Consultants uses the language of linen to “give voice to your personal world.” New product lines for placemats, bedding, towels and rugs arrive daily to keep up with superior style standards. Mixing in international influences – most recently, Italy and France – lets customers explore the world close to home.

Tuesday Morning
Several area locations
www.tuesdaymorning.com
You’re decorating your newly painted living room but only have $100 to spend on accessories? No problem: At Tuesday Morning, you can find trendy and quality items at clearance prices. This closeout retailer is known for its variety of first-quality brand name merchandise at 50 to 80 percent off retail prices. Crystal, bakeware, linens and specialty décor items make wedding gift shopping a breeze as well.

TJ Maxx
Several area locations
www.tjmaxx.com
TJ Maxx is widely known for brandname fashion at discount prices, but it’s worth a trip to the other side of the store for great deals in home décor. This department overflows with savings and style for every room of your house: accessories for the bedroom, porch, bathroom and garden, as well as gourmet kitchen and food products, provide style at a significant savings.

Galleries
The best shopping score is one that nobody else can imitate. One-of-a-kind pieces – often produced by local artists or hand-selected by owners – are available at several local galleries offering carefully chosen selections of clothing, jewelry, art and housewares. Why not find something that’s uniquely you – and uniquely yours? – Ashley Trunko

Don Drumm Studio
437 Crouse Street, Akron
330-253-6268
www.dondrummstudios.com
The Don Drumm Studio and Gallery features handcrafted work from Don Drumm and other North American artists, including jewelry, glass, sculpture, ceramics and metal. Drumm’s own collections of aluminum, pewter and steel works are included in the immense gallery, as well as pieces by his family.

Brian Jones Gallery
2021 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
216-229-5110
www.festivogallery.com, www.brianjonesart.com
Brian Jones’ paintings, composed in acrylic, oil or mixed media, range from still life to abstract and humorous scenes. His passion for music is evident in pieces featuring jazz musicians and guitarists.

Gina’s Gallery and Boutique
2072 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
216-721-5319, 888-721-ARTS
www.ginasgalleryboutique.com
Owner Gina Dudik maintains this one-of-a-kind shop, featuring contemporary art ranging from art glass and pottery to jewelry and photography. It also includes a clothing boutique, featuring handmade clothing and jewelry from local artists, including Dudik’s own line, Duchess Von Dudik.

Galeria Quetzal
12400 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
216-421-8223
www.galeriaquetzal.com
This gallery of Hispanic folk and fine art features pieces from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Chile, among other countries. Owner Paloma Pilar Grasso travels abroad personally to bring back decorative and wearable art.

Malcolm Brown Gallery
20100 Chagrin Boulevard, Shaker Heights
216-751-2955
www.malcolmbrowngallery.com
Malcolm Brown Gallery is the nation’s oldest African American-owned, full-service gallery. In addition to exhibitions, the gallery curates off-site shows and provides consultations for residential and corporate clients including Continental Airlines and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Pennello Gallery
2188 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
216-707-9390
www.pennellogallery.com
This unique fine art and craft gallery displays local, regional and national artists who work in mixed media, jewelry, painting, furniture, photography, ceramics, art glass, sculpture and wearable art.

Rachel Davis Fine Art
1301 West 79th Street, Cleveland
216-939-1190
www.racheldavisfinearts.com
Rachel Davis Fine Art specializes in 19th- and 20th-century American and European fine and decorative arts, matching the magnificence of the church in which the gallery resides. Stunning stained glass and unique chandeliers are just a few of the treasures found inside; in addition, four yearly auctions feature artwork created through the Modernist era, including decorations, paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture. Rare and out-of-print books are also for sale.

Xen Gift Gallery
2017 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
216-791-6035
www.xengiftgallery.com
This gift gallery specializes in unique handmade jewelry created with gemstones and other natural, high-quality materials. Custom designs are also available.

Juma Gallery
2026 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
216-721-3773
www.jumagallery.com
Juma Gallery offers a unique collection of handcrafted decorative, as well as functional, art. Pieces include jewelry glass, ceramics, wood and clothing. Also on display are the abstract paintings of gallery owner Erica Weiss.

Sobella Paper Boutique
2026 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland
216-229-1333
www.so-bella.com
This unique paper store features one-of-a-kind greeting cards, note sets, stationery and other decorative papers. Custom work is also available.

Men’s Stores
While some men see clothing as simply a necessity, others are more interested in current fashions and developing their own personal style. For either type of guy, there’s plenty of shopping options, from jeans to pinstripes. – Carlo Wolff

Adesso Fashion for Men
19071 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River
440-333-4778
This well-known shop has attracted national recognition – by no less an authority than Esquire magazine – for its selection and service. The store specializes in Italian brands and also offers the latest in must-haves for the fashionable man: a custom-made shirt.

Clothing Brigade
1300 West 9th Street, Suite 400, Cleveland
216-621-1700
1785 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights
216-932-0700
Clothing Brigade’s Warehouse District location is something of a boutique/neighborhood hangout hybrid: you’ll often find the stylish employees chatting outside, greeting locals and welcoming patrons. The small, pared-down store carries women’s clothing by hot-but-lesser-known designers like Rag & Bone, Industry and Obesity And Speed.

Christophier Custom Clothiers
10435 Clifton Boulevard, Cleveland
216-961-5555
Christophier offers shoppers a custom experience instore or online: at www.christophier.com, gentlemen can take advantage of a custom shirt builder. From the buttons to the fabric and monogram, shoppers can craft every detail to their specifications.

Cuffs Clothing Company
18 East Orange Street, Chagrin Falls
440-247-2828
Located in a historic brick century home, Cuffs sets the standard for civilized shopping. Formal business attire by Robert Talbott and Kiton and casual wear from Arnys and Barbour keeps customers looking sharp every day of the week.

Ford’s Clothier
19821 Detroit Road, Rocky River
440-333-2355
Known for top-notch service, Ford’s Clothier has been at its current location for 42 years. Clothing by Lacoste, Robert Talbott, Burberry, Tommy Bahama and St. Croix offer updated traditional style for all ages.

Gentleman’s Quarters
12807 Larchmere Boulevard, Shaker Heights
216-229-7083
This Shaker Heights store offers a carefully edited selection of high-end designer suits, shirts and casual wear for a selective clientele. Particular standouts include the Italo Ferretti line of ties.

Joseph Scafidi Inc.
925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
216-579-9500
www.scafiditailors.com
Located in the Huntington Building, Joseph Scafidi Inc. distinguishes itself from other stores before customers even see the clothing. The shop carries Scafidi merchandise, which is customized to personal needs, tastes and measurements.

Kilgore Trout
28601 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere
216-831-0488
Considered an anchor of upscale shopping hub Eton Chagrin Boulevard, Kilgore Trout is the kind of place where customers purchase wardrobes, not just clothes. This popular store’s quality selection of top designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Gran Sasso, Canali, Paul Smith and Alfred Dunhill, makes it a hotspot for fashionable males.

So GQ
At Gentleman’s Quarters off Shaker Square, relationships are as important as the retail. If you buy clothes there, you might drop a bundle. But you’ll leave looking better than you thought you could. That’s because you’ve finally connected with your inner fashion plate.

Gentleman’s Quarters is a hands-on, unusual place, off the beaten track and, in its owner’s view, happy to be that way. The striking, opinionated Walter Thompson, who opened his establishment in March 1969, prefers a low profile, despite his eye for special clothing. “If they’re interested in style and fit, they’ll come here,” he says.

What people get when they visit Thompson’s store is a beginner’s course in quality apparel. Thompson won’t sell you what doesn’t look good on you. “What we try to do is make people buy things, instead of just sell to them,” he says.

Gentleman’s Quarters deals in men’s suits, shirts, ties (including the amazing Italo Ferretti line), pants and hosiery. For women, there’s Frog’s Legs, the accessory section run by Susan Geller, who has shared space with Thompson since 1985. The fabrics are exceptional, the style and prices high. Suit manufacturers include Gianni Daveri and Rene Lezard. Shirt labels are Eton (the best-seller), Xacus, Haupt (and the German shirt maker’s tighter-fitting, more casual sibling, Maxx H). You can spend $2,000 for a suit, close to $300 for a shirt.

In short, this is not a store for the casual shopper. It targets people who crave the different, the distinctive, the delightful.

“I import ladies’ and men’s clothing from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Japan,” says Thompson. “I have no message. We run a retail clothing store for people of better taste. I know how to fit people. I like selling stuff I like.” – Carlo Wolff

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