The Insider’s Guide to the Best Shopping in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina consistently tops the list of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. If you’re planning a visit and want to know where to shop, you’re in luck! Our ace correspondent Julie Chang Murphy recently visited this charming city, and now she’s sharing her insider’s guide to the best luxury retail shopping in Charleston, South Carolina.

if there’s great luxury retail shopping around, we’ll find it!

Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we’ve been doing a lot of brick and mortar shopping lately. And profiling some of the best luxury shopping experiences our beloved hometown of New York City has to offer. From Forty Five Ten to Nordstrom’s, and from glamorous Hudson Yards to Grand Street in Brooklyn. Because as great as shopping online can be, we still love the Old School thrills of luxury retail.

the iconic king street in charleston, south carolina

Let the record show: at least when it comes to shopping, dear reader, we are not a bunch of New York City snobs! When we had the opportunity to go to Charleston, South Carolina this past weekend, we knew we had to check out the boutiques on King Street. How could we not check out a retail district that’s been named by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Traveler as one of the country’s “Top 10 Shopping Streets?”

This enchanting and historic street, lined with iconic palmetto trees, is over 300 years old. It’s line with a well-preserved mix of Federal, Georgian and Beaux Arts architecture featuring creamy pastel facades of periwinkle, buttercup yellow, sage and blush. This street exudes an old world charm that is off the charts. Even if it is home to the occasional H&M, Starbucks or Banana Republic.

But fear not – the iconic King Street hasn’t turned into a glorified outdoor mall. The street crosses through the middle of the Charleston peninsula, and is divided into three zones: Lower King is the Antiques District. Middle King has the Fashion District. And Upper King is known as the Design District.

It is becoming increasingly rare to find a one-stop hub of independent fashion boutiques, high-end specialty shops, antiques and thrift stores. But King Street has all of that. Plus a thriving world-class restaurant and bar scene which completes its electric downtown energy.

The Insider’s Guide to the Best Shopping in Charleston

We had an exceptional afternoon shopping and eating our way down King Street. Gourmet ice-cream an hour before dinner? Yes, please! Here are the highlights of the best boutiques in Charleston if you’re short on time. And if you’re not, we can’t think of a better way to spend a day than wandering in and out of King Street’s delightful stores.

1. Berlin’s

Berlin’s is one of the oldest stores on the street. Established in 1883, to this day the emporium continues to be run by a fourth generation Berlin. But that vintage sign and family legacy don’t equate to old-fashioned styling.

For women, there are feminine and print-driven dresses from Tanya Taylor and Shoshanna, Swedish designed FRAME jeans, and trendy athleisure looks from one of our faves, Pam + Gela.

We also loved the selections for men– dapper and luxurious with a casual Southern elegance. Think Eton dress shirts, beautifully cut Jack Victor sports jackets, and classic Hickey Freeman made-to-measure suiting.

2. Billy Reid

Billy Reid is the eponymous brand from the Alabama-based designer who puts a modern touch on classic American clothing for men and women. We were drawn in by the warm, handsome interiors and the styling of this indigo patchwork dress with a silky olive-colored robe .

Both were on sale, so you can guess what happened from there. For men, we admired the workwear inspired shirts with reinforced elbow patches and some of the most pleasing plaid combos we’ve seen this season.

3. Lake Pajamas

Lake Pajamas made us want to throw out all of our old sleepwear. Everything looked so wholesome, simple and comfortable – like something you’d put on after showering off all the sand, sea and salt from the beach.

Everything is luxuriously soft and made from 100% Peruvian Pima cotton.

4. Worthwhile

Worthwhile is a beautifully curated shop housed in the historic 19th-century McIntosh Seed House. The stately interiors show off the often quirky and design-forward clothing well.

These are clothes for the woman who is not interested in the dressing for the male gaze but to buoy her own creative spirit. Think Molly Goddard, Comme des Garcons, and a new-to-us brand we discovered here called Injiri.

5. Ibu

Ibu reminded us why we’re failed minimalists when it comes to dressing and home decor. The store is a riot of color and pattern and absolutely irresistible. And what’s more, Ibu promotes and preserves traditions that rely on the imagination and skill of women all over the world. Check out these Boho beaded orchid earrings made in Guatemala, a crisp embroidered tunic from India and this stunning embroidered, Ikat jacket from Uzbekistan. What’s more luxurious than something handmade that also supports women around the world?

6. Hampden

Hampden was our favorite store on King Street, which is a little unfair since it actually encompasses two other sister stores, James (accessories and footwear) and Small (“everyday” life clothing). The owner, Stacy Smallwood, brings in some of the buzziest names in fashion- Khaite, Roksanda, Ulla Johnson, Stine Goya, Nili Lotan.

And there are established cool-girl labels like Isabel Marant, Marni, Marc Jacobs and Sacai, all in a spacious boutique with friendly, small town ambiance. Even we get intimidated shopping these brands sometimes, especially when a store can often look austere with nothing out of place. Here, we felt empowered to touch and try things on that we might normally pass by.

7. White’s Mercantile

White’s Mercantile is a modern and revitalized rendition of a general store. There are whimsical treasures for the home, soaps, candles, local gourmet foods and clothing and accessories.

We were delighted to see a rack of vibrant and colorful apparel from Brazilian label Farm Rio, even if it made us long for summer which is still months away. Personally, it’s one of our favorite kinds of shops- where every surface is covered with something interesting and beautiful.

8. Croghan’s Jewel Box

Croghan’s Jewel Box is Charleston’s storied fine jewelry boutique. First opened in the 18th century, it is still family-owned and serving its 4th generation of customers. In addition to contemporary designers, the real treasure here is their vast collection of estate and antique jewelry from engraved gold Victorian bangles to Edwardian opal necklaces and Art Deco diamond rings.

Unfortunately, we spent a little too much time in Hampden before getting to browse all the famed antique shops. The good news is that we’ll have yet another reason to come back to Charleston. Thanks for a memorable afternoon, King Street!

the insiders guide to the best shopping in Charleston

We had a grand old time shopping in Charleston, South Carolina. And best of all, there are no feelings of buyer’s remorse – because shopping local counts as a good deed, right?

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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