Mimi’s on Union

I really think this boutique is great for unique clothes, but customer service is somewhat lacking. I ran into a problem with one of the sales people. I placed an item on hold with a very nice sales lady (#1), where a (sales/​discounted) price was written on the hold ticket. When I returned the following day to pick up the item, a different sales lady (#2) said that the price written on the tag was miscalculated and was in error, and that the correct price would be higher. I asked if she’d still sell me the item with the (error) price that was originally listed, and she brusquely said «no». I know this isn’t Macy’s or a larger dept. store where they HONOR a quoted price (even if it’s in error), but this is a smaller boutique where profit is more precious. The price difference was not a big deal, but it was the principle of not honoring what any other customer-​oriented store would do, and it was this 2^nd sales lady’s attitude that irritated me, so I walked out without purchasing the item. In actuality, she probably did me a favor because I took my business elsewhere and purchased something similar for ¾ of the price. I feel bad for the owner and the nicer sales lady (#1), since they lost a sale because of the 2^nd sales lady’s haughtiness.

Wonderful fashion-​forward, comfortable, flattering clothing for those of us over 25. Lots of combinable pieces. Joan, the salesperson extraordinaire, is helpful & honest. Sales are great.

excellent service and a treasure trove of clothing and accessories to dive into.

Dog Purses.
That’s right. You heard me. Dog purses.
While I wasn’t too keen on the style of clothing here (It was an older crowd style), she sells these gorgeous purses shaped like animals. The cutest one was in the shape of a pug with a metal chain as a strap.
It would finish up any outfit, Lolita style.
The service was okay. I wasn’t noticed for awhile as she was busy with other customers, but I did get a smile and an offer of 20% off of the purse should I purchase it.
That’s right, Dog. Purses.
Awesome.

OK — so I thought my very first review should be a «first review» for the business as well. I could hardly believe my luck to find a wonderful little gem of a place that had not yet been reviewed (shocked, actually)! This is based on an initial visit in early March of 2008. Here goes…
Chain stores have their place, but I will tell you here and now, there is a special place in my heart for the independent small business, or «Mom and Pop shop», especially when they excel at customer service and unique content. No, I won’t patronize a place that has snarky service, but I will happily pay a SLIGHTLY higher price to support a fave spot that offers top-​notch service and/​or product. Long live the small Boutique!
MIMI’S ON UNION
«Wearable Art, Casual Sportswear and Accessories»
WHAT A TREAT!
Wandering down Union St. with a friend on a «girls’ day out in the city» some luscious handbags in a window caught our eyes.
This delightful little boutique is filled with beautiful clothing and accessories with an artistic flair for women. (Yes, that’s for grown up women confident in their own sense of style, not shapeless wide-​eyed teenie-​boppers looking to wear what «everyone else» is wearing. Beware, though, with all the fantastic pieces you may find yourself wanting to play dress-​up like a little girl!) They have it all — from casual lounge-​about-​the-​house to something for a night on the town, an utterly faboo selection of unique, well-​constructed pieces. Pricing is $$ — $$$ (moderate to pricey), and reasonable for the quality and style-​factor of the merchandise. Did I mention the scrumptious sale rack?
ACCESSORIES:
Small unusual handbags and clutches to drool over like jewel-​encrusted Petit Fours (Mary Frances Designer Handbags), and a great selection of costume and semi-​precious stone jewelry and gorgeous scarves. The «Puppy Purses» are something to see. Yes, they do look just like toy breed dogs. OK, not exactly my «bag», but they did give me a giggle.
And the SERVICE!
The name had me a little worried at first… but two steps inside and the saleswoman melted all my concerns. She was very friendly and helpful, down to earth and attentive without being intrusive or pushy. She was as happy to point out the sale items as to show us new merchandise. (Oh, my god, good old-​fashioned SERVICE! I’d nearly forgotten what it was…)
What did we buy?
We weren’t looking for «anything in particular», of course that’s when you find the best stuff! My friend got this exquisite pashmina scarf that looks fantastic with either jeans or a dress, and I found a most magical deep blue skirt that seems to be made of water. We both felt very beautiful in our finds! We would surely have bought more, but we were getting rather hungry and so set off for a bite to eat (that’s another story…).
This is the perfect place to find an entire ensemble or that special piece to complete your outfit or give as a gift.
It was a complete JOY to shop here. I will definitely be back!
Mimi’s on Union Website: