Photo via Blue Boutique
With the winter season in full swing, students often grab the warmest jacket they can find; regardless of how puffy and ugly it may look. One well-hidden business offers stylish clothing options for any occasion, even for enduring below-freezing temperatures.
Blue Boutique, located in the Grand Prairie Plaza in Peoria, is home to trendy apparel. From winter coats to fitness wear, all the way to jeans and dresses, Blue Boutique has something in store for everyone.
“We sell brands like Patagonia, Lole, Prana,” said Donna Young, general manager of Blue Boutique’s Peoria location. “Well-known brands that have … a philosophy about them. They’re mindful brands. They’re good quality. But we do offer a wide selection of items, such as accessories, shoes, handbags and … giftware as well.”
According to Young, Blue Boutique specializes in items for people between the ages of 8 to 88.
“We do have stuff for little kids. We carry Jellycat and books and other types of children’s giftware,” Young said. “And then we span ages for women, all throughout the ages, different body styles…”
The Peoria store is one of two locations, having been originally founded in Washington, Illinois, where it remains today.
“[In] the historic Washington Square, we started Blue Boutique,” Young said. “Krista Piper started that location in May of 2013.”
Piper, founder of Blue Boutique, began the store under the philosophy of finding the beauty in everything – a philosophy she inherited from her grandmother.
“I often am asked about the significance of the bird in our logo. The bird is a reference to my grandmother … who made me believe I could do anything or be anything,” Piper wrote on Blue Boutique’s website. “My objective is that when you leave Blue you leave with not only quality goods but a full heart and knowing you are amazing just as you are.”
Young said she believes Blue Boutique is the perfect place for students to shop, with popular name brands as well as apparel sold at lower price points, she said it seems difficult to argue.
Blue Boutique’s Peoria location is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as Saturday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Private shopping appointments and parties are available by request. All location and in-store stock details, are available via their website http://www.blue.boutique.com.
