Essentials boutique is for every woman who dares to be fashionably different

By Mary Malik

Essentials boutique is not owner Shelley Mapp’s first rodeo. She opened her first women’s clothing shop in Green in 1995, and recently opened in Fairlawn.

“It was always called Essentials because that’s what I offer women,” Shelley says. “Here you’ll find the essentials of a woman’s wardrobe, whether you’re working, socializing or just relaxing at home and you want to be comfortable but still look stylish and put together.”

Shelley has been in the clothing business for many years on the wholesale side of the industry, along with her brother. Selling to specialty stores and boutiques is something Shelley and her brother have done, and continue to do, but she wanted more.

“I wanted to work with people and help them select outfits, maybe introduce them to something they not only wouldn’t ordinarily buy, but also wouldn’t try on,” Shelley says. “My goal is to simply make people feel good. Nothing gives you that personal shopping experience like a boutique.”

All women know that going to the mall can be overwhelming at best and downright frightening at worst—even if you like to shop.

“We all need clothes. Online shopping might seem easier because you don’t have to deal with the mall, but the clothes are often not what you expect when they arrive,” Shelley says. “You’re less likely to try something different when you order online. Your style can get stuck in a rut.”

That’s where Essentials comes in. Shelley carries popular lines like Liverpool, KÜT and David Cline, along with others that only someone in the business knows will appeal to customers. You also won’t find these lines at the mall.

“For things like tops, especially, women don’t want to see themselves coming and going,” Shelley says. “That’s why I carry lines like Peace Of Cloth, Pure Amici and French Kyss. These lines fit great, have casual and dressy pieces and unique items you won’t see on everyone else. Trust me, your friends will ask, ‘where did you find that great T-shirt, cashmere sweater or blouse?’”

You can tell them or decide to keep your discovery of Essentials all to yourself. And Shelley doesn’t only carry clothes. She also consigns designer handbags from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and more.

“I also do private shopping events,” Shelley says. “Gather a group of friends, your book club or neighbors and schedule a private event. At Essentials, we love meeting new customers and helping them shape their wardrobe with some unique and maybe even out-of-the-box pieces to spice things up.”

If you’re going on vacation and headed south to a warmer climate, Shelley recently got in her spring collections.

“Essentials is a whole shopping experience,” she says. “Our mission is to deliver a unique fashion experience at very affordable prices while offering exceptional customer service. It’s nice to go to one place and find something for yourself, a gift for a friend or hostess gift, and have a glass of wine and a snack while you shop. Why not? Shopping doesn’t have to be tedious and stressful. Stop in alone or with a group of friends and let’s have some fun.”

Essentials is located at 131 Ghent Rd in the Merchants Square plaza in Fairlawn. For more information call 330-283-9522 or email Shelley at shelleymapp@hotmail.com.