Now more than ever it’s so important to shop local and shop small. The beauty of Charleston is that we have such a supportive community, especially when it comes to women owned business. Errica Watkins, the owner of Bashful Boutique in South Windermere, is one of those super women who juggles it all with a smile on her face. She first opened up her boutique in 2008 during the recession in Avondale and years later she moved to the bustling South Windermere where she’s nesteled between Wild Craft and Well Furnished.

Life threw Errica a couple of curveballs before she opened up Bashful Boutique. She had two children who had cancer and thankfully overcame it. They both went through chemo and radiation and with the help of her parents she got through the challenging time. After her kids were healthy she had a desire to go back to work but she didn’t want to go back to her salon job. She had a dream of opening up a boutique in West Ashley and have her mom help run it with her. The bonus is Errica gets to see her mom everyday and she gets to do what she loves creating her own schedule. It’s stories like these that motivate me to support local businesses. I’ve been there before and I know the struggle is real, but the pay off is well worth it.

The concept of Bashful Boutique is to offer trendy clothing and accessories at affordable prices. She can relate to other moms out there who are on a budget but still want to look cute. Yes, it is possible to find an entire outfit at her store for under $100! You don’t want to miss out on her Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday Sale with 20% off everything in the store including already reduced items. If you want to shop online use code THANKSGIVING for 20% off. She’ll be serving mimosas all day and after you shop at Bashful cruise around neighboring stores to get something for everyone on your list.

I had fun taking this beautiful dress from Bashful Boutique during my stay at Hotel Bella Grace. The hotel is conveniently located right next to my new favorite restaurant Delaney Oyster House. The seafood-focused restaurant and raw bar has some of the most inventive dishes served with a side of charm.

When we walked into the restaurant our favorite kind of music was playing – French disco house. It was like they curated the playlist just for us and we were dancing in our seats. Our waiter Jamie knew exactly recommended all the right things to order, and I swear we ordered all but a few dishes on the menu. Luckily were celebrating a dear friends birthday so we could share plates. Some of my favorites were the Carribean Fish Empanadas, Hush Puppies, Cesar Salad, Vermillion Snapper Ceviche, and of course the oysters.

It was probably the most seamless service of plates coming in and out at our table. This was 5 star fine dining with a laid back, neighborhood vibe. I highly recommend it for a date night and dinner with friends.

All the sparkly jewels from Bashful Boutique with prices as low as $35!

I’ve been living in this lightning bolt sweater ever since I got it from Bashful Boutique. I wear it with dresses, jeans, yoga pants, because it’s cozy and little bit of 90’s grunge chic.

This is actually not a suit set from Bashful Boutique, but it should be. These sequined pants come with a matching crop top but I loved pairing with this blazer. Instant dressy tux look and ready to go!

Now that you know that Bashful Boutique carries fun clothing at affordable prices, you have to also stock up on their gifty items like these heavenly candles and ornaments.

Who wouldn’t want Ziggy, Bob, and Prince hanging from their tree?

It was so much fun to shoot at the luxe Hotel Bella Grace. Their lighting, decor and artwork is met with sophistication and glamour. If you’re looking for an easy place to stay downtown with all of the conveniences of being in the center of it all, I highly recommend Bella Grace!

So remember to support small, not just during the holidays, but all year round. Our city is full of entrepreneurs who pour their hearts and souls into their business, and this is why Charleston nurtures a community that cares for each other.