eBay Mobile Boutique: 10 To-Dos in Atlanta This Season

By Amy Flurry
November 24, 2009

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes has officially kicked off the holiday season at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in midtown. But Atlantans were already in good spirits after a six-game winning streak by their beloved Atlanta Hawks, who currently hold the best record in the NBA. With a string of sunny 60-degree days, boutiques and shops have flung open their doors, luring shoppers with gorgeous goodies and artist markets abound. Plus, don't forget to check out the eBay mobile boutique, which stops at Atlantic Station on November 23rd and 24th, to see what's hot for the holidays for everyone on your list.

1. Bill Hallman Studio

3400 Around Lenox Road., suite 213; 404-814-0030 www.billhallman.com

Not even a month old, this Buckhead boutique is the latest project of Atlanta retail pioneer Bill Hallman. Part design lab, part showroom, the store serves as an exclusive home for Hallman’s new private label and a scattering of other, youthful, on-the-town looks from lines like Eva Franco, Opening Ceremony and Prell. Housed in the back is a A studio for Hallman’s designer interns is housed in the back; they get to see their collections produced and eventually moved onto the retail floor.

2. Evolve

1581 N. Decatur Road, NE, 404-474-3244 www.evolve-boutique.com

Tucked in a small retail strip directly across the street from Emory University campus, this shop is one of the best resources for chic, eco-friendly lines. We particularly like the new locally-designed handbag line RookieRags, jewelry from Verdier, and super-soft recycled cashmere hats and scarves by Vintage Creation.

3. High Museum of Art

1280 Peachtree Street, 404-733-4444, www.high.org

Track the career of Atlanta native John Portman, whose development projects helped shape the city’s skyline, at the current exhibit “John Portman: Art & Architecture.”

4. Jac

245 N. Highland Avenue 404-681-4696, www.dearjac.com

New York transplant Jaci Effron channeled years as a style editor into her Inman Park boutique. Here, shoppers can find a range of downtown-cool lines like Eskell and Dear Creature, as well as delicate handmade jewelry displayed in antique cabinets. The front of the store boasts a new baby section (Effron is due in April with her first) for the hipster tots, as well as toys so cool you’ll want to keep them for yourself.

5. Spruill Gallery Holiday Artist's Market

4681 Dunwoody Road, 770-394-4019 www.spruillgallery.blogspot.com, through December 24th

This Dunwoody gallery is showcasing the works of over fifty local and regional artisans, including the gorgeous and minimal ceramics from Cara Gilbert and the clever, graphic-driven stationary by Red Bird Ink. This one-stop-shop for great gift hunting is open until the last holiday shopping minute. Check the online schedule for trunk shows and wine tastings.

6. Opal Gallery

484 B-2 Moreland Avenue, 415-601-0281 www.theopalgallery.com

This week opens beloved local photographer Oraien Catledge’s show: Cabbagetown, at Opal Gallery in Little Five Points. For over twenty-five years, Oraien Catledge has used his camera to document and celebrate the people of Cabbagetown—Atlanta’s own historic mill village. The exhibition is an intimate revealing of the photographer’s deep affection for this unique community.

7. Providence

1409 N. Highland Avenue NE, 404-872-7551

At this eclectic home-furnishings store in the quaint Morningside neighborhood, owner Claudia Thompson’s fantastical holiday vignettes—think worn European farm tables topped with fake snow and lime green plastic animals under gorgeous bell jars—inspire shoppers to try their hand at her loose, oft-irreverent, but always elegant decorating style.

8. Rhinoceros

3400 Around Lenox Road., suite 302, 404-842-0942 www.rhinocerosboutique.com

Open only a year, this Buckhead newcomer quickly gained a following for its inspired offerings: a mix of niche European lines like Le Phare de la Baleine and Lovemilla and cutting edge labels like Elizabeth & James and Torn by Ronny Hobot. Secretly, most shoppers are desperate to emulate the relaxed chic of its French owner, Nathalie Welch, a former ballerina and mother of four.

9. Star Provisions

1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-365-0410, www.starprovisions.com

Resembling a sort of old fashioned general store, this Westside gift and gourmet food shop makes holiday shopping easy with under $10, under $20 and under $50 gift ideas, all beautifully displayed. A wall of retro candies, from swirled lollipops to Wax Lips and Mary Janes, old fashioned bookplates, Alphabet Mugs from Fish’s Eddie, an excellent range of home items, and a well-reviewed bakery and lunch counter are all reason to visit now.

10. Stefan’s Vintage Clothing

1160 Euclid Ave. NE, 404-688-4929

Our choice for the best holiday window displays, this Little Five Point’s shop is the city’s oldest and best vintage resource. The hip party set flocks here for stunning evening gowns (mostly pre-‘70s eras) and compendious assortment of vintage coats, accessories and suits.

All photos provided by the featured businesses. Photo Credits:

Bill Hallman photo by Alex Martinez.

The Opal Gallery photo by Oraien Catledge.

Stefan's Vingate clothing by Reis Birdwhistell.

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