There is nothing cuter then a boutique. Unique atmosphere, gifts, clothes, and who doesn’t want to support local business?! I trekked around the East Village for a weekend and found some hidden gems!

If you are local to Des Moines or are just here on vacation, you MUST check out the East Village! It’s a community of local shops - unique restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, hotels and bars.

Marne

Marne is known for it’s vegan leather goods. Shoes, bags, pants, anything you would normally get as leather available sans the leather. For you neutral gals this is definitely your shop! Everything was so beautifully beige, white, tan, brown, gold. It was GORG! Mostly casual, classically chic, street wear - jeans, matching sweat sets, sweaters. I wanted to buy everything but of course didn’t. Like any boutique prices were a bit high but nothing extremely outrageous, especially for vegan leather goods!! Totally worth the stop!!

Honey Dot Baby Shop

The CUTEST baby boutique! They carry clothes and little toys! Also a couple of maternity outfits. They have the most adorable baby swimsuits right now that you absolutely must check ! Again, things were a little pricey but everything was great quality and super soft. I don’t have any kids yet so I didn’t have much of a need for this store but it is certainly a darling little shop that I will most definitely be hitting up the minute I see two pink lines some day!

KIN

This is one my favorite boutiques! It just reaches out to my hippie soul and speaks to it!! You just have to walk into the store to feel at peace! Kin sells all things to cleanse your chakra’s, rid your home of stale energy and to reset your intentions - crystals, candles, taro cards, sage, astrology charts. I know this isn’t for everybody but even if you are down for a great smelling candle, check it out!! It’s also a great spot for gifts for your friends that love horoscopes and star charts!

Aimee

Aimee has been in Des Moines for over 15 year. The owner is a quirky lady who had pigtails and overalls on when I was in there. She has truly shaped her shop around who she is and I just LOVE it! They are known for their boho pieces with feminism sprinkled in. There was about 150 pieces in here my husband had to hold me back from buying. Again, a little bit pricey but all pieces were unique and great quality.

Gong Fu Tea

Tea. Tea. And More Tea. They sell everything and anything related to tea. Pots, diffusers, cups, hot plates, loose tea. They even have a space in the back where you can have a tea ceremony. It’s so unique and who doesn’t love tea?!

Amour

This store is my everything. I often times think when I grow up I am getting all of my underwear from here but then I remember I am indeed already a grown up. GORGEOUS. UNIQUE. SEXY. ALL THE ABOVE. Lingerie for any occasion. I mean look at that star and moon 3 piece set?!?! It’s way better quality the VS and about the same price. I wanted about everything in the store and had to be physically restrained from buying my weight in lingerie.

Fontenelle Supply Co.

Okay so technically this is a men’s store BUT they have the most amazing collection of graphic tees. They also sell custom leather goods and really all things manly. The vibe in this place just said rugged, camping, outdoors. It was a really cool space with a small, open, leather workshop in the back. I was definitely there for the graphic tees though pair it with biker shorts and wah-la instant street glam! Now my husband was more taken with the flavored toothpicks…

Indie House

Indie house’s esthetic is just so cowboy-bohemian-chic. The shop itself is styled so well it just invites you to buy something! They have mostly home décor - anything from custom rugs to dried lavender to Ramen bowls. Plus these hats…do they not just scream Joshua Tree here I come!?!? I almost bought that blue and green one. They are just such unique pieces of fashion.

Leona Ruby

Anyone who has read my blog before knows my love for Leona Ruby’s jewelry. They have something for everyone! Classic, boho, elegant and everything in between. Prices run the ranges. They do carry nice gold and diamond pieces that are of course more expensive then just their semi precious stone pieces. They are currently doing permanent bracelet pop ups and they are GORG. Link is on their website if you are interested!! I highly recommend a swing by the shop!

Porch Light

Porchlight is an eclectic shop with all things plants, plus stationary, plus a little home décor, plus a wall with unique honey flavors. I shop here often when I am buying cute little gifts. A cute little succulent and a hand made card?! YES PLEASE! A cute set of honeys and a tea pot?! SIGN ME UP! Just stop at Gong Fu for your tea and you have a unique gift for a friend!

Reclaimed

Reclaimed sells antiques and, like it’s name, pieces that have been repurposed for other uses. Looking for a sterling silver serving set? Odds our Reclaimed has it for you!! They also have a cool collection of old books. I have been searching for an old copy of the Great Gatsby for YEARS! So I pop in here ever so often to scope it out. Still have not had any luck though so hit a girl up if you ever see one!!

East Village Boutique Tour