Among the mix of new dining spots and art galleries in the Cooper-Young district is the new clothing boutique Peridot by businesswoman and Midtowner Chantele Aldridge. Conscious of the eclectic character of the neighborhood, Chantele not only felt a boutique would help balance the retail mix but made sure it was a boutique with the right variety of style and price points. She traveled to all the major markets including New York City, Las Vegas, and Atlanta but did not overlook Memphis-made clothing and jewelry. Every piece in Peridot is a quality piece she’s selected.
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On grand opening night, the colorful collection of apparel along the storefront, along with the generous display of paintings and the live acoustic music, contributed a welcoming energy to that once empty corner. In a bit of unplanned synergy, the event coincided with the opening of Strano restaurant next door.
“There’s only one un-leased retail space in Cooper-Young left to fill,” pointed out Chantele, who has felt a strong connection to the neighborhood since her childhood and the days after grad school working at former Cooper-Young restaurants Maxwell’s and In Limbo. She’s witnessed the evolution of this ever growing area.
Once she gets more settled in, Chantele plans to host local art showings at the store as well. Overall, she hopes it will provide a fun shopping experience.
“My number-one rule is don’t sell something to a customer that they don’t look good in,” said Chantele, who along with the Peridot staff helps customers find the outfit they wouldn’t have normally chosen but have them leave excited about wearing it.
The boutique is filled with the season’s best women’s wear – summer dresses, maxi skirts, summer sweaters, capris, and crop tops. A few non-traditional items and accessories that Chantele mentioned with excitement and hope will spur some interest are the fashion emergency kits, RFID blocking metal wallets for men, belts made from recycled tires, Makowsky hats, and Toyko Bay watches.
See the slideshow to see more items that caught my eye at Peridot.
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Other things to look forward to – Peridot will carry Thigh High Jeans, the recycled jean company in Memphis. Bring in your old pair of jeans and get $10 off your purchase of Thigh High products. This Saturday night, they will host the opening reception of artist Tom Foster.
Outfit Details – Chantele
Dress, YA of LA. Watch, Toyko Bay. Ring, Moda. Bracelet, The Good Bead. Shoes, Guess.
All items, excluding the shoes, can be found at Peridot.
Art Show by Tom Foster – Details
“47 Years of Memphis Underground Art” by Tom “Midtown is Memphis” Foster.
Opening reception – Saturday, June 28th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the new Peridot boutique in Cooper Young Historic District.