1. Hank Yarn Boutique
Five sweater-knitting enthusiasts opened Hank last June because the local selection left them wanting more. “We wanted to reach customers with more selection and service,” says co-owner Amy Getgey. At Hank, you’ll find gorgeous kettle-dyed wools like Malabrigo from South America, eye popping skeins from Japan’s Noro line, cozy mohairs, and luxurious cashmeres. Hank also provides expert advice from start to finish: “You can buy yarn anywhere, but we’re committed to helping you get your project completed,” says Getgey. 2651 Observatory Ave., (513) 386-9869, hankyarn.com
2. Posh Boutique
Posh owners Andy Worley and Giovanny Mira have brought their trendy, eclectic clothing for men and women uptown (they formerly owned 4 U Fashion Boutique on 12th Street in Over-the-Rhine) but still offer it at friendly downtown price points. “Our clothes are designed to take our customers from the office to evening cocktails,” says Worley. Posh also carries a variety of fun accessories including locally made costume jewelry by Serket and Savage Juliette, and hand made glass pendants, earrings, and cuff links by Lince Art. 2651 Observatory Ave., (513) 407-8059, poshboutiquehydepark.com
3. Federation Antiques
In an era of disposable furniture, Federation is all about quality. Most of their furniture and accessories were made before 1830: “The circular saw was invented in 1830 and that was the beginning of mass production,” says owner Chuck Bolton. In addition to four artfully curated rooms in the store, Bolton and his staff create custom lamps and offer design services all over the U.S. and Europe. Gorgeous gilt mirrors, sideboards, and Chesterfield sofas anchor the showroom, where you can also find antique cribbage boards, brass letter openers, and cut glass decanters. 2701 Observatory Ave., (513) 321-2671
4. Oakley Cycles
Oakley Cycles specializes in custom-fitting riders with the right bike. They use Adjustable Size Cycle and Dartfish video analysis to gauge everything from a cyclist’s leg length to handling preferences. “We can do a full custom bike, or adapt a bike off the rack,” says Kathy Krumme, who, when she’s not out riding her own custom Serotta Mei Vici, can be found working alongside her husband, Oakley Cycles owner David Ariosa. Oakley stocks bikes from mainstay company Trek, but devotees can also dork out on a Serotta with electronic shifting or pick up Guru’s Photon frame—the lightest carbon fiber frame available—and create their dream riding machine. 2709 Observatory Ave., (513) 731-9111, oakleycycles.com
5. Khakis
Although the Madeira branch of Khakis closed last
Photograph by Chris Smith
April, the Hyde Park location celebrates its 28th year in 2012 and remains the city’s prep nexus. “Our niche is color,” says owner Peggy Statzer. And who couldn’t use a shot of melon, lime, and aqua from Lilly Pulitzer this time of year? Men can get their Technicolor fix from shirts by Peter Millar or Southern Tide, and a hit of whimsy from an extensive array of embroidered belts, wallets, and eyeglass cases by Smathers & Branson. 3434 Edwards Rd., (513) 871-1212, khakiscincinnati.wordpress.com
6. Castle House
From baby shower to first communion, if you live in Cincinnati, you’ve lived in something from Castle House. The store outfits infants and kids in classic, quality designer clothes and shoes. A newer line, MJK Knits, creates adorable monogrammed hats and roll neck sweaters in any color combination. During their Goofy Sales in January and June, you can save anywhere from 40 to 70 percent off regular prices on brands like Merrell, Geox, Umi, Lilly Pulitzer, Patagonia, and North Face. 3435 Edwards Rd., (513) 871-2458, castlehouse.com
7. The Fig Leaf
The Fig Leaf doubled its space last year by moving across the street to the former Root’d space. The shop specializes in handcrafted jewelry like the mixed metal charm necklaces in rose, green, and white gold by Heather Moore and chunky cocktail rings by Jamie Joseph. But the whole store is filled with unique gifts, from sweet stuffed animals in their baby section, to mod felted totes, to beautifully packaged Claus Porto soaps and candles. 3438 Edwards Rd., (513) 321-2970, thefigleaf.com
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