Artifact Boutique Review

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Artifact Boutique is a women’s clothing store, where everything is priced under $60. The retail location is located in West Chester, PA, less than an hour outside of Philadelphia. The owner, Lauren Merkel, opened the store in the spring of 2009 with the goal of providing women a place where they can always find something fashionable and affordable. With new shipments coming in weekly, you can always find affordable women’s clothing; including dresses, tunics, dress tops, skirts, leggings, jeggings, and more.

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The Marilyn Ballerina Dress with Jeweled Belt ($58) was inspired by the white ballerina dress that Marilyn Monroe arrived in for the opening of the "Seven Year Itch" in 1954. They added a twist by combining a black bodice, jeweled belt, and peach-colored skirt to give it a feminine, yet sexier and edgier look. It is different in style, but I think it is just as beautiful as the original, which isn't easily accomplished. I was so worried that this dress wouldn't fit, because I know a lot of online stores clothing runs small. My worries diminished once I slipped this dress on to realize that it fits perfectly!

It's definitely not a dress that should be worn for everyday occasions. I can easily see myself doing so, though. I don't believe fashion should be something that should be taken too seriously, so I like to have fun with it by playing with colors, textures, prints, and lengths. I also like to mix vintage pieces with modern pieces, and mixing designer pieces with budget finds. I know that this dress remarkably stands out on its own, but I paired it with my Jessica Simpson Nichola pumps (regularly $90, but scored a brand new pair at a consignment store for just $5 last year!), black Fresh Produce cardigan, and Scala beach hat, to give it a sweeter touch of sophistication.

Aside from the dress that I received from this company, they have a multitude of fun and noteworthy pieces, such as the Payton Blue Lace Mini Dress ($54), Kimberly Navy A-Line Dress with Skinny Belt ($46), Sophie Crochet Knit Top ($52), and Popi Crochet Knit Open Back Cardigan ($39).

You can get the latest deets by "liking" Artifact Boutique on Facebook.

I received this item to facilitate my review, but my opinions are entirely my own.