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Written by Carol Wall
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Thursday, 01 December 2011 15:39 |
 Kim Minsavage overlooks no details of the shopping experience at her boutique, Tallulah. The merchandise is the star, of course, but it is set within a stage of stylish design, furnishings, and props. It’s a comfortable vibe, but with a definite underlying force of energy. The result: sophisticated comfort and classic style amped with a bit of spunk.
From the hobnail, high-back, leather chair in a quiet corner, to the over-sized antique ice cream counter for the register, Tallulah embodies the creatively eclectic sense of style of its owner. Even the store’s name is creatively re-purposed from that of the family’s pet Great Dane.
“We specialize in clothing that’s unique…fun, but classic,” explained Kim, who created Tallulah from schematic to finished retail space.
“Everywhere I go, I’m always looking for unusual clothing and jewelry.”
Kim’s design “eye” springs from her first love– architecture– and shows through her choice of merchandise, furnishings, and lighting.
“I like to literally take an open space and re-create it from a raw form into a designer (unique) finish,” she added.
That same innate love of design makes Kim a natural at finding the right pieces for her customers, too.
“I really try to cater to my clients,” she said.
Located in the former Tudor Book Store on Wyoming Avenue, in Kingston, Tallulah carries merchandise for both men and women. Women’s lines include Johnny Was, JWLA, Biya, Pete & Greta, Sao Paulo, Krisa, Love Token, Bluelab reversible denim, and Below the Belt. Men’s lines include Robert Graham, William Rast, Scott James, and Desigual.
In addition, Tallulah carries artisan jewelry highlighting creations by Stella G, Kim’s sister, Stacey Geist. Watch for the arrival of footwear for men and women in the future.
“I have a wish box, ‘It’s all about you,’” Kim said. “If anyone is interested in a certain line of clothing, I keep the information at hand to accommodate what my clients want. I grew up here in Kingston, so I understand the desire to access lines you might not normally find here.”
Tallulah also offers a buyer’s loyalty program called “Talloyalty” for discounts and incentives.
“When you accumulate $1,000 in purchases, you receive $100 off your next purchase,” Kim explained.
Gift certificates and layaway are great options for gift-giving, too.
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