Chartreuse

One of my favorite stops on day spent wandering aimlessly up and down Brady Street is Chartreuse.
I have a routine. First, get coffee from Brewed since they serve Anodyne and Anodyne coffee is so so good. Then, depending on the wind, the placement of the sun in the sky, etc., choose a direction. When I choose to go east first, I go to Chartreuse first, and I’m always happy if not a touch nervous about that choice.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited.
I’m excited to visit such an awesome boutique that employs such a cool concept. Eco-​friendly fashion and accessories? And they’re *always* super cute and cool? Yes please. They also carry local artisans’ wares, which I dig. The problem – and herein lies the reason for my nervousness – is that when both my fashion sensibilities and Mother Nature are considered when it comes to a purchasing situation, I feel like I’m all the more justified in spending money that maybe I shouldn’t.
Truly though, Chartreuse is great. My most favorite action slacks in the entire world came from this store. I wear them so much it’s criminal. They’re mostly made from bamboo and organic cotton and they are so soft and comfy. The sole singular problem with Chartreuse? Sometimes things are a bit pricier than I’d like. That being said, sometimes (in my humble opinion) it is better to pay a bit more for a better quality, sustainably made product. In an era of Wal-​Marts and chain restaurants, being a champion for the small, locally-​owned business is a good thing; even if it means you’re shelling out a few more bones. And if your pants are made of bamboo by someone making a living wage, that’s a plus, too.

Eco-​chic? What the what is that? Kidding, I know what it means. I must honestly say that upon entering Chartreuse, I could tell that the proprietors were really trying to do it right: offer items, clothing, trinkets, etc. that people would want and need, but do it in a way that’s more environmentally friendly. And that in and of itself deserves praise.
I had just come from a lovely afternoon of socializing at High Hat Lounge and Garage just down the street when I saw the most magnificent thing in the window. What was it? Oh, it was a furry little four legged creature on a t-​shirt. That by itself would be pretty boring, right? Yes, absolutely — until you saw that the creature had a pair of wings! Yes, it was a little groundhog with wings. You just have to see it to really appreciate it… now back to how I usually review shops.
Location: 5 out of 5
Nailed it. Great spot on Brady Street, close to trendy restaurants, bars, and other shops.
Selection: 3 out of 5
Probably not the best person to talk to about this, but I found that some of the items were really quotidian while others had marginal practical value. A few cool things I saw that? Clothes that were made of organic cotton, purses that were lined with the pull tabs of soda cans, and little bowls made with recycled cassettes/​cogs/​chains from bikes. I have never despised hipsters less. Kidding, kidding.
Pricing: 2 out of 5
36 dollars + tax for a t-​shirt. sad.
Quality: 5 out of 5
The t-​shirt is remarkably soft. And like I said, it has a picture of a groundhog with wings on it.
Overall: 4 out of 5
I really do appreciate the concept, and it was cool to see that the whole family was involved. Mother, Father, and little baby in his baby carrier. And I do own a few items that are made from bamboo (like terra soles shoes), but it was still cool to see a little boutique shop just by happenstance that carried so much more. Just bear in mind that you’ll be paying a premium.

I love Chartreuse.
It’s not hippy-​dippy — it’s a fun and fashionable boutique with unique clothing, accessories and related items.
Do what I did — stop in just to look around and end up buying organic underpants and an awesome skirt made of the softest bamboo fabric in the world.
Buh-​bye, Gap! You’re so 10 minutes ago! I’m shopping at Chartreuse!

Chartreuse is a lovely little shop in Bay View that offers eco-​friendly clothing and great accessories.
You’re probably thinking itchy hemp shirts and overpriced soy candles, right? Well, sure, Chartreuse does offer these items (although the itchy hemp shirts are very cute, especially the men’s raglan tees), but there is a lot in this tiny shop that is surprising and surprisingly comfy. Eco-​friendly doesn’t just mean hemp, it means organically grown cotton and bamboo (comfy!). We found so many great shirts with terrific detail, like contrast stitching. The shop offers fashionable (but not stuff that looks like it’s trying too hard) men’s clothes and great tees, dresses and peasant tops for women, plus kid’s clothes and natural candles, lotions, and soaps.
What’s truly cool about the place (besides the fact that I now know how to spell «chartreuse») is the great offering of bags. She (Sarah Szymanski, the owner) finds great messenger bags, makeup bags, and purses made from recycled materials. I fell in love with the softest leather patchwork purse that Sarah told me was made from old leather skirts. I also was turned on by some totes made from recycled paper and some nifty messenger bags with old seat belt buckles for closures (great for a guy or a girl).
Sarah has a great eye and her shop will change your idea of what eco-​friendly clothes look and feel like. Unfortunately, the shop won’t revise the common feeling that green living is expensive living. While the clothing and other goods are well-​made and certainly worth the cost, the price tags aren’t cheap (but not more than non eco-​boutique clothing – the blended knit top I got was $ 44 and it’s lovely, with great detail at the neckline and a smooth shape, and the fabulous bamboo jacket I bought for Joe was $ 72).