Four Small Businesses to Shop Online Now and In Person, Later

Located in the heart of Oakland’s uptown district (on a block that’s wonderfully populated with several black female-owned businesses), is McMullen, a concept shop founded by Sherri McMullen. Since opening in 2007, it’s become well-known for its assortment of homewares, books, beauty wares, and need-it-now fashions. Sherri’s knowing eye has brought global designers to Oakland—from emerging brands like Khiry to cult-favorites like Khaite. Even if you can’t pop into the store anytime soon, the curation is just as enticing online.

Desert Vintage, Arizona

Tucson’s Desert Vintage is a trove filled with one-of-a-kind, elegant vintage pieces and a selection of luxury items, like jewelry from Prounis. In 2012, Salima Boufelfel and Roberto Cowan took over the shop that was originally founded in 1974 on 4th Avenue and transformed it into a highly curated mix of vintage. The selection goes as far back as the turn of the century and well into the 1970s (think YSL designed by Monsieur Saint Laurent himself). Each piece is as genius and inspiring as the editorials the store puts out with each new product drop on site.

Hampden, South Carolina

Hampden, founded by Stacy Smallwood, is located in a historic building on Charleston’s famous King Street. The shop is filled with wonderful pieces for every occasion handpicked by Smallwood. With brands like Rachel Comey, Proenza Schouler, and Ulla Johnson, Hampden’s selection is as wearable as it is pushing the envelope on discovery. The boutique has even earned Hampden a well-deserved reputation for redefining traditional Southern style.

Ylang23, Texas

Fine jewelry store Ylang23, based in Dallas, was founded in the mid-1980s by Joanne and Charles Teichman. Together, with their daughter Alysa, the couple has grown Ylang23 into a go-to jewelry Mecca for locals and those from afar—their online shop is like an ever-evolving treasure chest. Look to Ylang23 for a curation of future family heirlooms, like one-of-a-kind pieces from the likes of Irene Neuwirth, and timeless pendants from Foundrae.