Nothing against department stores and corporate retail chains, but sometimes, a girl just needs more. We want to escape the cookie cutter of classic clothing and express our individual styles, not to mention support some local fashion.Thankfully, the Twin Cities is jam-packed with charming boutiques, ranging from the accessory-focused to the handbag havens, all waiting for us to find that unique look and new trend.  Shopping at each boutique is easy, finding them, however, can sometimes be a little more challenging.

To help you scout out some shopping, here’s a list of a few of our favorite boutiques — no matter what you’re looking for.

Covered

402 14th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 825-1610
www.shopcovered.com

Shopping for jeans can be a woman’s worst nightmare at times. Take it from someone who’s 5-foot-nothing to tell you that a perfect fit of jeans is hard to come by. Thankfully, there are people who feel our pain. Covered opened in May of 2006 as a women’s clothing boutique which specializes in all things denim. Find your perfect fit then check out some cute tops to go along with your new just-right jeans.

Clutch Boutique

5005 France Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
(612) 455-0606
No website

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend never saw the excitement achieved by a stunning new handbag. At Clutch Boutique, handbags are the main event. Designer handbags from the high-style name brands to the chic and distinct everyday brands can be found on display. With only a few bags in stock in each style, the thrill of rarity is sure to fuel any shopper.

Local Motion

2813 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 871-8436
www.localmotionmpls.com
For more than 25 years, Local Motion has put a new spin on shopping — keeping it both fun and uber fashionable. Located in the trendy Uptown shopping district, Local Motion offers one-of-a-kind local designs and fashion must-haves from around the globe. And don’t’ forget to check out their playful variety of accessories.

Fun Sisters

4253 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
(612) 822-9872
www.thefunsisters.com

With six locations around the state, the Fun Sisters Boutique has been offering fun, trinkets and merchandise in a number of great places. Find a variety of designer purses, jewelry, accessories and even make-up at each location. And check the website for the latest sales.

Cliché

2403 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 870-0420
www.clichempls.com

Cliché is a hip clothing boutique located in the Uptown shopping district. Offering new and locally-designed clothing, Cliché is perfect for that shopper who wants to stray from the traditional department store looks. Locally owned by a husband and wife duo, the funky trends and vintage looks are highly inspired by their own love of fashion.

Design Collective

1311 26th St. W.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 377-1000
www.designcollectivempls.com
Local trends, apparel and accessories are found throughout Design Collective. With an emphasis on showcasing the latest designs from our successful — and emerging — local creators, you can feel great about helping the hometown team while updating your wardrobe.

Dana’s Apparel – 50th Street

3946 W 50th St.
Edina, MN 55125
(651) 256-1500
www.danasapparel.com

Dana’s offers an upscale clothing experience in four locations throughout the Twin Cities. The family-owned business opened in 1958 and has continued to grow, offering the newest fashions  at a range of prices.

Karma

841 Grand Ave.
St Paul, MN 55105
(651) 291-1997
www.karmashops.com

Located in the Historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood of St. Paul, Karma is a welcomed addition to the trends of Grand Avenue. Here they specialize in fun outfits, new fashion, beauty products and accessories.

Arafina

3510 W. 70th St.
Edina, MN 55435
(952) 925-1565
www.arafina.com

Arafina is a women’s specialty store located in the posh Galleria shopping center in Edina. Featuring a wide selection of designers, including Vivienne Tam and Helmut Lang, Arafina caters to high-end fashion lovers and those looking for a flirty, feminine look.

Picky Girl

949 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 698-4107
www.pickygirlmn.com

In a little shop almost as cute as the clothes inside, Picky Girl caters to the women wanting more from their clothing. A little funk here, a little sass there — at Picky Girl, the pieces are unique enough to always be interesting.