'4th and High' Featured in UWeekly

The right boutiques for all your fashion needs

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By Jamila Williams

Columbus may not be the fashion capital of the world, but the city is still home to some pretty chic people and places. From Columbus College of Art & Design to the Short North district, fashion is all around. And for any college student on the hunt for some affordable summer threads, there are a number of unique boutiques to take advantage of throughout the campus area. Not only are these boutiques within your means, they also offer one-of-a-kind features that will let you express your individuality.

For fun
The motto says it all: "Life is fun. Dress the part." And this store is definitely fun. Step inside and you're completely surrounded by bright, summer colors-sunny yellows, lively pinks and cool blues. Just about everything on the racks scream summer wear, all for pretty reasonable prices. One of two locations, this boutique has been in the Short North area for a little less than two years. Owner and self-proclaimed Queen Michele T. Woljevach, insists that shoppers can count on finding something new in the store every week. Cute, fun accessories, such as oversized rings and patterned headbands adorn the register area, while colorful leggings greet you at the door. Though this store may seem like a teeny-bopper's paradise, the customer base actually crosses generations, according to one salesperson. Whether planning for a day at the beach or a night on the town, The Emperor's Newest Clothes has something to fit any occasion or taste.

For something sexy
Bringing sexy back has just taken on a whole new meaning thanks to this boutique. Most college students would rather go to the nearest department store for undies, but after witnessing Undone Lingerie and Shoe Boutique you just may change your mind. With 70-80 percent of women believed to be wearing the wrong size bra, owners Leigh-Ann Houchin and Kate Wessendorf help fix that problem by offering customized bra fittings. And that happens to be the priciest offering of the boutique. Everything else is really tangible for a college student's pockets but still high quality. While most underwear is made in China, the panties, bras and corsets sold here are made exclusively in Italy and France. If you're looking to set off the night, not only will you find all the intimate items, you can also add jewelry and a pair of heels to the mix for the ultimate vixen look.

For a head-to-toe makeover
Fairly new to the Short North, 4th and High Hair & Fashion Studio is your one-stop-shop for all your fashion needs. Owners Samara Tillman and Christina Crump specialize in everything needed to make woman feel and look gorgeous. Need a quick hairstyle? They can take care of that. Need a custom-made bag? They can help with that. Need some funky eye shadow to compliment your outfit? They've got that as well. The small storefront boutique offers a variety of stylish ready-to-wear items in the main area and a hair salon in the back. The store only receives a limited number of pieces so you can be sure you'd never get caught being twins with your friend or foe and if there's something you don't see you'd like to have, Tillman can always design customized garments. Taking personal fashion to another level, the boutique also offers a mini buffet to design your very own clutch-all the way down to the size, shape, fabric and embellishments. And if that isn't enough, every month during Gallery Hop, the store hosts its own make-up bar event, where customers can get made up by a professional make up artist.

Originally Published: Issue 840 - August 5, 2009