Tara A. Spears
“Shopping is my cardio! And it’s fun!”
Looking for souvenirs or a gift? How about a lovely casual dress for dinner at sunset? Need something more suited to the hot climate? Look no farther than these exceptional fashion boutiques.
Oooh, ladies, we know how shopping is a great hobby. Let’s kick it up another level to experience retail therapy in tropical Mexico. Besides finding just the right thing, afterwards you’ll be able to delight your friends with tales of your shopping adventures. Forget about the northern mega malls; shopping in Mexico is all about the small, family-owned businesses that have personalized service as a keystone. Shopping local can lead to friendships as opposed to the impersonal big box store. Of course it’s best to relax with a margarita or cold beer on the beach afterward!
Here’s the scoop: each year, the Director of the Women to Women Fashion Show selects a handful of local boutiques to supply the show’s wardrobe, looking for quality, style, availability, and suitability for relaxed resort wear in a hot climate. These five boutiques consistently make the cut, and any one of them makes for a great shopping stop on its own. Let’s look at what they have to offer.
Maria Paloma runs Mitlas Guaze, a mobile boutique at the Monday Guayabitos Market, located to the left of the gazebo in the center row. Open 9am–2pm. Phone: 322 303 3168.
Maria has more than 30 years of retail experience and personally selects popular resort wear. Each garment is 100% pre-washed cotton, providing comfort and softness plus feminine panache. The relaxed fit is attractive on all body types, and there’s a lovely range of color choices: separates, casual dresses, coordinated necklaces, sizes S to 3X. Mitlas Guaze accepts cash, credit, and debit cards.
Another fabulous Monday mobile boutique is Ty Bikinis y Mas, run by Monica Moreno with founder Therese Moreno. Their home store is in Puerto Vallarta, and the traveling boutique is available each Monday from 9am–2pm, in the very back row away from the main street. Phone: 322 137 0477.
These sporty outfits range from short A-line dresses to tank tops and skorts, all made from materials specially designed for the local hot climate. While you might think the stretchy fabric would be warm given its lycra and polyester blend, it’s actually cooler, dries faster, and offers UV protection — and the colors are designed and printed exclusively for Ty Bikinis, so you won’t find them anywhere else. In addition to a huge variety in stock from XS to XXL, Ty Bikinis accepts special orders: “We can make pieces in mixed sizes, one size in the top and another in the waist and hips, as well as in special lengths.” These attractive outfits are perfect for packing into a suitcase and need no special care. They accept cash, credit, and debit cards.
Next are the established boutiques that are open every day but Sunday. First up is a young designer following in her talented mother Lucy Moreno’s footsteps — Lucy created outfits for the Fashion Show for over 20 years.
April Ojeda Moreno runs Taya’hu Boutique at La Peñita, Calle Bahia Punta de Mita #34, open 9 to 2 and 4 to 6. April grew up helping in her mom’s sewing shop and has a natural talent for creating clothes. She accepts orders for home décor — curtains, cushions — besides doing alterations. Her first love and specialty is making party dresses for special occasions: simply bring a photo and April can whip up a dream garment made just for you. She also provides casual wear. Cash only.
Back by popular demand is a retailer that has supported the Women to Women Fashion Show for more than 10 years. Consuelo Meza Cuevas manages Lombok Exotic Touch Boutique in central Guayabitos on Avenue Sol Nuevo, open 10am til 9pm, every day but Wednesday. Phone: 327 113 2949.
Lombok carries bohemian-style casual clothes made of natural materials, quirky beach coverups, and sundresses perfect for lounging around. From intricate textiles to handcrafted jewelry, Lombok’s collection celebrates the art and craftsmanship of the East. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of exotic charm to your wardrobe or adorn your home with unique décor, you’ll find something special here. Accepts cash, credit, and debit cards.
There’s also a newer supplier providing garments for the Fashion Show: Aleyda Pineda’s Ceas Boutique, with two locations — south Avenue Sol Nuevo (near Decameron Coco), and new in central La Peñita at #15 Calle Lazaro Cardenas (next to the La Peñita Clinical Analysis Laboratory). Open 10am til 7pm. Cell: 311 112 5156.
Ceas offers a young, on-trend array of women’s garments in sizes small to large, made from imported quality materials. Aleyda selects styles for those from 15 to 40, but any age fashion-minded woman is sure to find something that suits her. Besides jeans, shorts, and blouses, there’s a lovely variety of dresses, from casual dinner wear to elegant party dresses perfect for the holidays. Add some footwear and jewelry, and you have the full package. Accepts cash, debit, and credit cards, and offers gift certificates too.
Shopping is more than just a way to acquire goods — it’s also a form of self-expression. Through the choices we make in fashion, home décor, and even the brands we support, we tell the world who we are, what we value, and how we want to be perceived. We at Women to Women love looking good as well as helping others. Thank you to these local boutiques for providing the delightful outfits the models wear each year at the Fashion Show. Visit Mitlas Guaze, Ty Bikinis, Taya’hu, Lombok, and Ceas to satisfy your inner diva.
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