Review: In the Pink Boutique

There’s nothing quite like getting an email from someone offering to do something nice for you, especially at times when you’re the last person on your mind. The other day I was invited to visit In The Pink Boutique in South Surrey to have a look around their designer shop and pick out a dress to wear to my Best of 604 party.

Located on the corner of 140th street and 32nd Avenue in the Elgin area of South Surrey it’s just a quick jaunt off Hwy 99 or the King George Hwy to get to this little oasis of a neighbourhood surrounded by tall trees and filled with quaint restaurants, community centres, and ocean air.

Having clocked in too many highway hours looking for the most sought after “it” items [Tracy] Silvester realized she would set the urban tone in her own backyard. From ground-up construction Tracy dreamt of having a place where the “girls can congregate”. The multi-brand boutique is the setting of a women’s dream closet.

I met up with Tracy and she showed me their collections while hand-picking items for me to try on. There was a healthy selection of local designer items along with the likes of Betsey Johnson (whose pieces I would love to own). On my way to the dressing room she chose another off the rack that I was “iffy” about due to its flat shape on the hanger — John always reminds me to wear items that actually fit my shape and nothing too “tent-y”.

It just so happens that this last selection was it, it was the dress for the evening, and I owe it all to Tracy’s keen eye. I loved the colours (and had the perfect shoes to match) and it was in no way “tent-y”, it was pretty much the perfect shape for my body type.

I knew what I liked when it came to dresses but sometimes it really helps to just put your faith in the hands of a professional. Tracy makes sure to be involved in the region’s fashion scene by checking out some of her favourite shops downtown on occasion, attending trade shows, and scouting out Portobello West so she really knows her stuff.

One of the best parts about this dress mission was being in a boutique shop and not a mall, which adds a very personal feel to the experience. Throughout my visit women were stopping by to chat with Tracy and check out the latest styles she was able to bring in.

Photo credit: Raul on Flickr

Right now In The Pink is having a 25% off sale on items like the lovely dresses I tried on including styles by Bailey 44, Cherry Blossom, Chulo Pony, Ella Moss, Fidelity, Frye, Hudson, James Perse, Level 99, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Splendid, Sugarlime, Sweet Chemise, True Religion, Velvet, and Vince.

My dress was by Vancouver designer, Narcissist, and I think it’s pretty fun that I found it in South Surrey, in a shop run by a woman originally from Richmond. If there’s a 100 mile diet for clothing this is it; make sure to check out boutique shops like this and support local small business (and designers).

I was not paid to write this review however I will disclose that I will be keeping the dress, thanks to In The Pink Boutique.