Nue
Nue is a place that gives thirty-somethings, cute moms, and those looking for nice work-wear a reason to visit.
Ever heard of "immediates"? They're the sort of cheap-and-cheerful, synthetic-fabric clothes that contemporary boutiques sometimes use as filler alongside their more fashion-forward lines and independent brands.
Owner James Oh, however, has stocked his entire store with these Korean and Los Angeles imports, meaning that there is little that is very exciting or particularly special (Local distributor Pink Martini is the most semi-recognizable brand).
It also means that virtually everything is under $100 and handy for when you need some inexpensive staples to add to your work wardrobe or something semi-stylish to throw on for that grocery run.
For basic tops, you can pick up a slinky gray Jolie sleeveless shell ($59), a thick cable-knit Pink Martini sweater ($72), a pale-pink and brown tie-dye sweater tunic by Ya ($69), or a chunky Carla Bruni sweater ($49).
(I'd steer clear of the pants here, since synthetic-blend pants are a big no-no.)
On the flashier side of things, there is an A Is For Audrey grey and black bandage dress ($78), a Collective Concepts pink and grey tie-dye shirt-dress ($98), and an Everley herringbone dress with an industrial zipper (ah, so it's filtered down this far!) and bandage waist ($98).
You're not buying local, but if you're going to go cheap-and-cheerful, there's plenty to choose from at Nue.
Jason Taveres