Boutique Shopping

Iowa City may be a small town, but our boutiques bring big-city shopping to Eastern Iowa.

Catherine’s Interior, from “Catherine’s,” Iowa City Downtown District, http://downtowniowacity.com/listings/catherines/

High End Clothing and Accessories

Catherine’s: The owner dotes on you as you shop for jewelry made from semi-precious gemstones, accessories from Clare Vivier, or clothing from prestigious lines such as Citizens of Humanity, Equipment, Joie, Mother, Velvet, and White and Warren among other brands.
Dulcinea: This store offers a smaller range of equally high range goods, including beautiful party dresses, leather purses, and offerings from local artisans. My favorite item to pick up in Dulcinea—if available—are hand-carved wooden wine bottle toppers.
Domby: A long-time fixture on the Iowa City scene, Domby carries clothing from brands like Vince and J Brand, but it’s also my favorite place to pick up perfume.
Velvet Coat: This luxurious boutique is carefully filled with ranges from Cole Haan, Diane Von Furstenberg, Helmut Lang, and more.

Exterior of Revival, From @RevivalIowa City, https://twitter.com/revivaliowacity

Eclectic Clothing and Accessories

White Rabbit: Fun for the young at heart, stop by here if you want something trendy and cheap clothing, jewelry, or gifts.
Revival: My favorite store on this list, this consignment shop offers a unique array of local clothing and accessories. Have fun of finding something unique on its racks and watch out for a University of Iowa Librarian who might shopping alongside you!
Raygun: You need a good sense of humor to go to this local chain featuring tongue-in cheek products about the Midwest. When I got my job at Iowa, I immediately went to Raygun and bought a coaster reading “Iowa, 75% vowels, 100% awesome.”
Om Gifts for Body & Soul: Stop by this store for everything from belly dancing garb to jewelry. If you are into stones and crystals or yoga gear, this is the place to go.

Akar Exterior, from “Akar,” Iowa City Downtown District, http://downtowniowacity.com/listings/akar/

High End Housewares

Akar: Meticulously curated to include not only Japanese and Scandinavian-inspired goods, but also a wide array of handmade clay mugs and vases.
Iowa Artisan’s Gallery: Conveniently located next to Java House, the Artisan’s Gallery features jewelry as well as items in glass, wood, and ceramic. One of my goals is eventually to buy a painting from this store; in the meantime, I settle for buying cards or small presents. My most recent purchase here was a wood vase for a friend.

–Amy Hildreth Chen
Special Collections Instruction Librarian &
Interim English and American Literature Librarian
University of Iowa Libraries