Kathleen Sommers is a San Antonio-based fashion designer with impeccable taste. Her store is a place to fill the senses, feed the soul, and experience the aesthetic diversity of design, texture and color. In addition to the full Kathleen Sommers clothing line that includes wonderful plus-size options, they carry an elegantly eclectic mix of clothing, accessories, jewelry, gifts, and deliciously decadent bath and body products. You can find an adorable baby gift, that perfect something for a loved one, or a book to entertain and uplift you â" something you would never find at a regular book store. San Antonians know that for something special, Kathleen Sommers is where to go!
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Kathleen Sommers only sells the best of the best, including her own designs.
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to check to the website as Kathleen Sommers periodically has trunk shows and warehouse sales on all her items, including fabric.
Not too far from Alamo Heights and the Olmos Basin lies Belles & Beaux Children's Boutique. This adorable shop is owned and operated by San Antonio native, Ann Shaw. Her boutique specializes in baby gift registries but also stocks a delightful inventory of the trendiest baby and children's clothing, shoes and accessories. Not only will you find clothing and jewelry for babies and children up to age 7, but you'll also be able to pick out furniture and décor for your newborn's nursery. Belles & Beaux truly carries a selection of everything you need including Baptismal garments, gifts and silver pieces. The store offers monogramming services in addition to a selection of seasonal items during the holidays. Truly a —'must see!—' if you are looking for newborn items or want access to quality, appealing clothing for children.
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: The kiddos need a shop till you drop place to go too, and this is it!
Kimberly's expert tip: Belles & Beaux also occasionally hosts fun events for children. You can find details on Facebook.
Sloan-Hall is an absolute fantastic high-end boutique that exemplifies the kind of unique shopping experience you can expect to find in the stunning Alamo Heights area. Sloan-Hall carries fine artisan jewelry by artists such as Ileana Makri, Dinh Van, Aurora Lopez, Moritz Glik, The Woods, Damien and Alex, Lou Zeldis, Nancey Chapman and others. If you are looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for a friend or something special just for you, this is the place! The moment you walk in you feel luxurious, almost decadent. They make a concerted effort to provide elegant surroundings that best present their wonderful items. Not only do they carry jewelry and clothing, but a unique selection of greeting cards, books, perfumes, lotions and other items that you, most likely, have never seen before. Sloan-Hall has impeccable taste and provides a level of quality that is unsurpassed by other boutiques in San Antonio. It is, as they say, the best of the best!
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Sloan-Hall is an exceptional boutique that offers gifts, clothes, jewelry, books and a number of other luxury items.
Kimberly's expert tip: This is where you want to shop when you're looking to splurge, as most goods are ultra high end. This is not the place to go on a tight budget.
This boutique is cherished locally with a sizable following. Established over 35 years ago, it is located in the Pearl Brewery district. The friendly, eclectic feel of the Pearl district is perfect for Adelante's variety of women's clothing, choice accessories and beautiful jewelry. Whether you are looking for that cute little dress or that trendy 'must have' item for your next event, Adelante is sure to have something to please. The owner of the store, Marla Mason Ross is also the inventor of 'Chickies Cleavage Coverage by Juls & Meg.' This efficient clothing accessory has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, The Doctors and in many publications.
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Adelante is a vibrant boutique showcasing trendy women's and children's clothing and gifts for more than 35 years.
Kimberly's expert tip: If you appreciate the finer things in life, such as elegant design, handmade clothing and stitching, you will love Adelante.
Hanley-Wood is a wonderful and eclectic little gift shop offering items such as home accents, fine china, silver and crystal. It is the perfect place to shop for that person who has everything. Although the majority of items in this classy shop are high-end, there are a good number of inexpensive items perfect for hostess gifts as well as beautiful decor items. Hanley-Wood is a popular place for brides to register. They have a wall full of elegant tableware patterns to choose from and their staff is extremely knowledgeable in the ways of the registry. You'll find great gifts for the bar, for babies and children, for the table, for your favorite Texan, for traveling and a whole lot more!
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Hanley-Wood is a high-end gift shop that offers a wonderful assortment of gift items.
Kimberly's expert tip: They offer complimentary gift wrapping delivery and wedding registry stuff.
Aquarius is a carefully-curated boutique in the heart of San Antonio that isn't your typical store. They offer customers a "timeless looks mingled with contemporary savvy" that leaves you feeling confident and original, and isn't that how we all want to feel?! Young business owner, Sara Ash Jessop, once a jewelry designer herself, has poured her heart and soul into this boutique to create a unique shopping experience that also incorporates local artists and their artwork. A big supporter of the local art world, Jessop has succeeded in translating that vision into her boutique. Aquarius is currently showcasing two resident artists - Gregorio Mannino, a well-known San Antonio artist and the talented Tracy Williams. Of course, if it's the clothes you're here for then you've just hit the jackpot. Aquarius carries a number of popular yet niche lines that have a following but aren't found just anywhere. You can expect to find brands such as Frame Denim and Clover Canyon. So if you're on the prowl for some amazing finds in San Antonio, don't just shop at the mall. You'll discover some of the most incredible outfits, accessories and more in these upscale neighborhoods like Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights.
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Aquarius is a lovely curated boutique with art and style in spades!
Kimberly's expert tip: They also carry a beautiful assortment of fine jewelry, including pieces by Lizzy Fortunato and delicious handbags by top designers such as Foley and Corinna.
Julian Gold claims they're the source for absolute style and they're not far off. For over 65 years, this department store has maintained a reputation of offering the best of everything. They feature an extensive selection of top fashions and designers and pride themselves in keeping up with the trends, only offering the most up-to-date and sought-after designer wear such as Armani, Escada, Etro, St. John, Naeem Khan, Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci and more. In addition to these major labels, Julian Gold's current focus is on contemporary collections, including several new lines that highlight casual and modern such as Trina Turk, Milly, Yigal Azrouel. Take advantage of their intimate lounge and private dressing rooms. This is where brides want to shop, and you can always call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: This department store offers a little bit of everything and high-end name brands that people adore.
Kimberly's expert tip: Julian Gold is the place to shop for special occasions, including weddings.
Even pups need presents and pretty outfits, or at least we think they do and so does Fifi and Fidos, an exclusive pet boutique in Alamo Heights. It's also a holistic pet nutrition center. The focus is on proper food that can help pets heal naturally. According to Fifi and Fidos, proper nutrition can help prevent illnesses in pets, just as it can prevent them with us. They also offer nutritional counseling for your furry baby, to ensure you're providing them with a proper diet for their specific type and requirements. They have fun products, not unlike what you might enjoy for yourself, such as raw fermented kefir and special holiday-themed treats. It may just be time for a pet party!
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Fifi and Fidos is a great stop for those looking to find premium products and boutique items for their family's furry babies.
Kimberly's expert tip: They offer nail trimming services for your pup. Be sure to check their Facebook page for dates and times.
Located in Alamo Heights, Penny Lane is a women's designer fashion boutique owned and operated by two local fashionistas who also happen to be sisters. It's a thoughtfully-curated shop intended to offer fun, edgy fashions in tops, bottoms, dresses, fitted jeans and sexy accessories. This high--end store has a long list of designer wearables including Nili Lotan, Giada Forte, Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra, Rag & Gone, Velvet, Mother denim, and Vince, as well as other leading and emerging designers. Centrally-located in the city, it's just a 10-minute drive from downtown. These stylish sisters pride themselves on their excellent customer service, making sure you always find what you're looking for and then some! Penny Lane is a well-maintained store that's bright and organized. If you're looking for something trendy to go out on the town in or take back home, Penny Lane is easily your best bet!
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Penny Lane is a sure-fire bet for the hottest fashions in town.
Kimberly's expert tip: Check out the website for a list of the newest arrivals in fashion.
Whole Earth isn't just a store, it's an experience. This specialty retailer has a keen eye for innovative, high-quality products which engage those who share their enthusiasm and commitment to learning about, experiencing, preserving, and enjoying our home planet. This is a great store to explore with the whole family. It's filled with toys and nature-oriented gifts like wind chimes, bird feeders and hammocks; quality shoes; casual, travel and active clothing; travel and outdoor gear and accessories and, of course, books! If you're a hiker or biker or at all into activity, you'll find something here you've never seen before and, yes, just have to have!
Recommended for Alamo Heights' Best Shopping because: Whole Earth has a lot of real estate filled with quality, often handcrafted, items from clothes to shoes, books, kids toys and adventure gear.
Kimberly's expert tip: This place is a one-stop-shop if you're looking for a head-to-toe outfit or a variety of gifts for friends and family.