This Is Where Southern Fashion Girls Shop

by Allyson Payer

The south may be known for many things (good food and friendly people among them), but fashion isn't the first thing that comes to mind. And since I was born (and currently live) in the south and I love fashion, I'm somewhat of an authority on the subject, if I do say so myself. But from time to time, I come across a boutique that rivals even those in major fashion cities, and one of the best of the best is Hampden Clothing in Charleston, SC. Hampden, which is owned by Stacy Smallwood, has been on my radar since I began working in fashion (and this isn't the first time we've talked about it), but I recently got to visit the boutique in person for the first time.

The in-store experience at Hampden Clothing, located on Charleston's shopping thoroughfare King Street, was even better than I imagined. I was greeted by the boutiques (very) knowledgeable staff who seemed to quickly "get" my aesthetic. The shop is chock-full of widely coveted brands like Tibi, Ganni, and Zimmermann, as well as more under-the-radar gems like Xirena, Dorothee Schumacher, and Vivetta. Smallwood clearly has an eye for not only what southern girls want to wear, but what women across the country want to wear. And luckily, Hampden is an e-tailer too.

Below, take a peek inside the boutique and shop some of my favorite pieces. And if you'll be in Charleston anytime soon (and you should—it's lovely), be sure to add Hampden Clothing to your itinerary. (Did I mention there's a room filled with shoes and accessories? Now you know.)