Apparel + Shoes + Accessories: Holiday shopping suggesetions from clothing to jewelry

In 2009, after 63 years in business, St. Pete Beach Hardware closed its doors for good. Customers were stunned when they heard the news. "You just don't get the same service at the big stores," one regular said at the time.

Plenty of shoppers would agree. Independently owned shops offer touches that chains and bigger stores often don't, from personal service to whimsical goods you'll never find at the mall.

Sadly, in an economy that each day seems to invent new ways to pummel the little guy, it's independents like St. Pete Beach Hardware who suffer the most.

That's why this holiday season, we're turning the spotlight on local businesses for this Independent Shopping Guide. We surveyed Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties to find 60 of our favorite locally owned businesses. Our goal: To offer holiday shopping suggestions for anyone who wants to support the local economy. From clothing and jewelry to home decor, from gifts for foodies to gear for weekend warriors, we're confident you'll be able to find something for everyone on your list.

We couldn't list every independent business in Tampa Bay — for every shop we visited, there were probably five more we wish we could have included. But we think that's okay. Our hope is that once you check out the wares at these shops, you'll be encouraged to visit the locally owned businesses shops in your own neighborhood.

You'll never know what you might find. And you'll never know what you might miss when they're gone.

Clothing and jewelry

Reborn Couture

Before you party like a rock star, stop here for the perfect outfit. Reborn carries clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women who realize the Ed Hardy look is so over. Find a sequin dress for your sorority sister, a cool T-shirt for your kid brother or the perfect jeans for yourself. With hip music pumped in and a swanky sitting area in the back, the whole place feels very Vegas. 701 S Howard Ave., Tampa, (813) 254-4400; reborncouture.com.

Bernie's & Son Jewelers

Family-owned and operated for 33 years, this jewelry institution on Beach Drive sells a slew of baubles both pricey and affordable, with intricate and creative designs incorporating many styles of gemstones. If you want to hear a gasp on Christmas morning, go here. 154 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 823-2000, berniesandson.net.

DKM

Every woman on your list would find plenty to fancy at this fun, fashionable accessories store. This South Tampa favorite is a treasure trove for glittery Gasparilla, Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Bucs gear. The handbags, jewelry and watches are surprisingly affordable and stylish. Its Valentino-inspired purses look straight out of Neiman Marcus but sell for a fraction of the cost. Two Tampa locations: 3104 Palmira Ave., (813) 902-0044; and 4017 Henderson Blvd., (813) 281-8917; dkmaccessories.com.

Keys Country

This country and western apparel boutique proves that hip and country can go together. Keys Country declares itself to have a heart of country and a soul of rock 'n' roll. Its collection of clothing, cowboy boots and accessories caters to cool cowboys and cowgirls with attitude. Think Keith Urban, not the Hee Haw crowd. 1910 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 253-5397; keyscountry.com.

Marion's

Owner Marion Mitchell's shop offers an array of jewelry, purses and home accessories in the Vera Bradley and Brighton mold, along with a number of Christian-inspired bangles and trinkets. The staff is more than happy to help male shoppers with ideas, too. 1301 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 821-2345, marionsonline.com

In Search of Balance

Steve and Julie Meyer brought their relaxed outdoor-lifestyle ethic from St. Thomas to St. Petersburg in 2007. The shop is all about Colorado comfort, with labels like Patagonia, Prana, Horny Toad and their own eponymous line of Life Is Good-style T-shirts (check the $5 bin for some good deals). The recycled rice bag totes and hiking sandals are good sellers. 300 Beach Drive, Suite 135, St. Petersburg. (727) 823-0320, insearchofbalance.com.

Kit's Well Heeled & Well-Dressed

Ladies, this is one of those rare stores where you can find an outfit for yourself, your mom and your grandmother, and you'll all come out stylish. The boutique emphasizes feminine flair with flowery blouses, blinged-out heels, evening gowns and leopard-print everything. It also carries basis like jeans, exercise clothes, shapewear and even luggage. 714 S Village Circle, Tampa, (813) 250-125; kitswelldressed.com.

Love That!

This boutique is stocked with everything a girlie-girl needs. You'll find basics like jeans and tank tops, but also party dresses, lingerie and an assortment of jewelry, including trendy cuffs. There's also sassy stuff like painted wine and martini glasses, blinged-out Gators and Bulls accessories and aprons that read "My next house won't have a kitchen. Just vending machines." 4109 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, (813) 902-0500; lovethatonline.com.

Owen Sweet Design Studio and Gallery

"To my mind a piece of jewelry is a sculpture in miniature against a human background," says North Redington Beach art jewelry designer Owen Sweet, whose curving, modern bracelets and necklaces bring to mind Frank Gehry's architecture. Sweet, who owns the store with his wife, incorporates inspiration from his new home in Florida with his South African roots, creating whimsical gecko or shell pendants as well as stunning cuffs fit for ancient Egyptian queens. 16701 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. (727) 392-6936; ohsosweet.com.

Zoey Bloom

If you hear someone at this boutique say SoHo, assume they're talking about New York City, not Tampa's South Howard Avenue. Zoey Bloom sells jewelry, handbags and shoes for the fashion-forward buyer looking for big-city names without going to a big city. Its purses by Hammitt Los Angeles have been spotted on Angelina Jolie, Paris Hilton and Kelly Ripa. 1710 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 251-1706, zoeybloom.net.

SOURCE: The Independent Shopping Guide: 60 cool Tampa Bay stores worth checking out this Christmas

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