Nestled in the line of shops along Central Way in Kirkland is a boutique that puts its mission to action. Purpose Boutique is a lovely locally owned women's fashion store with a number of locations in the greater Puget Sound. Founder Christie Johnson, opened Purpose in 2013 with a dream of uniting women who love fashion around a greater good. Johnson envisioned a boutique where women would support other women, helping her clientele feel good about shopping with a purpose. At least 1% of all purchases are donated to Rescue: Freedom International, an organization dedicated to supporting victims of human trafficking. Purpose also partners with a number of socially conscious brands including Toms, Half United, and Freedom Stones. Now you can feel zero guilt when you splurge on a cute spring dress or beaded necklace because you know you're not only supporting a local business, but you are also supporting several worldwide organizations... all in a single shopping trip!
Purpose Boutique is a breath of fresh air amongst the over-priced, high end shops in downtown Kirkland. Filled with of-the-moment fashion forward items at marked at reasonable prices, Purpose's range of offerings from causal weekend wear to cocktail hour frocks helps you smartly dress for any upcoming occasion. Light, airy, and delightfully colorful, the boutique makes you feel like you're shopping in your (most fashionable) best friend's closet. Filled with white shelving, light wood hangers, and plenty of sunlight, the store has a mix of fittingly repurposed items such as a wooden ladder that fills the store's front window or a number of antique framed memorable quotes which highlight the store's mission. Cushy seating fills the center of the store, just outside the dressing rooms. The couch and chairs provide a comfortable respite for your shopping companions (and in my case, an oh-so-patient husband), enabling you to twirl about for second opinions without having to holler across the store or wander around half-dressed. Oh, and did I mention that they almost always have candy?! On my latest visit, a bowl of spring jellybeans rested atop the jewelry and accessories counter. A mini water bottle always awaits me in the dressing room, and on special shopping or sale days, I am regularly offered champagne! These little touches make you feel a little special and a bit fancy—like you're Purpose's most VIP client. A little extra goes a long way.
On my most recent stop-in, I was warmly greeted by Hailey, a lovely sales associate who is also a dead ringer for actress Amy Adams. Hailey went above and beyond to make me (and my husband) feel comfortable and welcomed. When she couldn't track down the tops I had previewed in my weekly Purpose email update (and the reason for my visit), Hailey generously offered for me to preview some of the new arrivals in the back. After unloading my selection of fun spring picks onto the dressing room's shabby chic clothing rack, Hailey struck the right balance of knowing when to check on me, and when to let me be. I felt attended to, but not smothered. Though I could have easily walked away with an armload of new items, with Ryan and Hailey's helpful feedback, I ended up taking home a cold shoulder inky gray tee and a buttery baby pink faux leather moto jacket. Both are trendier items, but they are super wearable pieces that I know I'll be able to pair with a number of items I already have in my closet.
If you haven't popped into Purpose yet, I suggest you purposefully pop by. Your closet will thank you and so will the number of organizations that Purpose supports.
Purpose Boutique is a breath of fresh air amongst the over-priced, high end shops in downtown Kirkland. Filled with of-the-moment fashion forward items at marked at reasonable prices, Purpose's range of offerings from causal weekend wear to cocktail hour frocks helps you smartly dress for any upcoming occasion. Light, airy, and delightfully colorful, the boutique makes you feel like you're shopping in your (most fashionable) best friend's closet. Filled with white shelving, light wood hangers, and plenty of sunlight, the store has a mix of fittingly repurposed items such as a wooden ladder that fills the store's front window or a number of antique framed memorable quotes which highlight the store's mission. Cushy seating fills the center of the store, just outside the dressing rooms. The couch and chairs provide a comfortable respite for your shopping companions (and in my case, an oh-so-patient husband), enabling you to twirl about for second opinions without having to holler across the store or wander around half-dressed. Oh, and did I mention that they almost always have candy?! On my latest visit, a bowl of spring jellybeans rested atop the jewelry and accessories counter. A mini water bottle always awaits me in the dressing room, and on special shopping or sale days, I am regularly offered champagne! These little touches make you feel a little special and a bit fancy—like you're Purpose's most VIP client. A little extra goes a long way.
On my most recent stop-in, I was warmly greeted by Hailey, a lovely sales associate who is also a dead ringer for actress Amy Adams. Hailey went above and beyond to make me (and my husband) feel comfortable and welcomed. When she couldn't track down the tops I had previewed in my weekly Purpose email update (and the reason for my visit), Hailey generously offered for me to preview some of the new arrivals in the back. After unloading my selection of fun spring picks onto the dressing room's shabby chic clothing rack, Hailey struck the right balance of knowing when to check on me, and when to let me be. I felt attended to, but not smothered. Though I could have easily walked away with an armload of new items, with Ryan and Hailey's helpful feedback, I ended up taking home a cold shoulder inky gray tee and a buttery baby pink faux leather moto jacket. Both are trendier items, but they are super wearable pieces that I know I'll be able to pair with a number of items I already have in my closet.
If you haven't popped into Purpose yet, I suggest you purposefully pop by. Your closet will thank you and so will the number of organizations that Purpose supports.
