VELVET LOPE'S GUIDE TO SHOPPING | OKC EDITION / by EUREKA CALHOUN

Shopping in Oklahoma City can be an unforgettable experience. While famed department stores carry some necessities, there are countless boutiques and vintage stores throughout the city that offer one-of-a-kind wares. To make the most of your $$$, I've rounded up the city's best-kept shopping secrets below- Just a few tips on how to maximize any shopping excursion!! 

PLAZA DISTRICT - Can you say "funky local retail?" Located on NW 16th Street between Classen and Penn Ave. Plaza District as a vibrant commercial district where arts, local business and neighborhood community thrives.  You'll find fabrics, textiles and clothing there at low prices:  Vintage and retro clothing galore: 

Bad Grannyz

Saints

Collected thread

Dig it!

Out on a limb

Tree & Leaf Clothing

Tip:  Try to avoid pieces that are overly trendy. Sometimes, the more a piece gets my immediate attention, the sooner you’ll get tired of it." 

 

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY & MIDTOWN - Oklahoma City’s midtown district is located just north of the downtown business district, and it is growing exponentially due to new business, reinvestment by anchor tenants, and revitalization of historic buildings.  Automobile Alley and Midtown has super cute boutiques and trendy upscale shops all within walking distance of each other in the city center.  

The Beauty Lounge

The Factory

Bow & Arrow

The Dry Bar

Trade Men’s Wares

Slim

 Tip:  My biggest tip is to befriend a salesperson or owner.  After making a purchase or inquiring about one, ask for their business card. Since many rely on commission, they'll likely ask to put you on email lists so you'll be the first to know about store presales. This will allow you to reserve items before they go on sale to the general public…..Yay for local shopping!

 

CLASSEN CURVE– Classen Curve is an upscale outdoor shopping mall in Oklahoma City. Tucked just off Classen Boulevard, the appropriately named shopping destination has covered walkways, beautiful landscaping and water features scattered throughout the property. New development near Western Avenue, includes high-end favorite Burberry, Kate Spade, Nicole Miller, etc:

CK & Company

Ruth Meyers

Balliets

Liberte

Spence & Co.

Tip:  Boutiques are constantly holding sample sales, and paying attention to their events is still the best way we've found to score designer items at up to 75% off. You'll find steep markdowns on last season's merchandise from a variety of luxe brands—think Alexander Wang, Manolo Blahnik, and YSL.

 

OFF THE RADAR - The best place to find one of kind hidden treasures:  

Bottom Draw

Nearly New

The Hippy Store

Route 66

Tip:  Think outside the box and do not be afraid to do some digging! Be picky and only invest in what you immediately feel good in. 

HONORABLE MENTION:  Don't miss out on the off the radar locations like Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls or TJ Maxx.   They are great spots to find designer shoes, denim, clothing, accessories and makeup at marked-down prices. These stores receive new arrivals every weekday, meaning the stock is constantly rotating—it's said that the best time to shop at these stores is on Wednesdays, the day that merchandise is usually marked down. You'll be surprised what you find in the sale and clearance bins at your favorite stores, usually located in the back or on the lower level!

Oklahoma City's shopping options are incredibly diverse. From high-end to funky local shops, OKC offers more than you might imagine. Retail options are continually expanding, as Okies love to shop!

1 Velvet Lope!