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With its rich ethnic heritage, this city is a wonderful place to buy Mexican imports, most of them inexpensive and many of high quality. A good number of San Antonio's shopping options are centered on the popular River Walk area that winds through downtown. There you'll find plenty of restaurants and bars that make perfect pit stops as you stroll from one shop to the next.
A San Antonio fashion staple for 50 years, this family-owned business is a beautiful store bursting with color and textures selling a brilliant array of women's fashions that reflect local flair and culture. Over the years the store has expanded into select home decor as well as jewelry, accessories, and gifts. The staff is welcoming and helpful but it can get busy, so plan on plenty of time to browse and take it all in.
How to explain a guayabera? Although it is traditionally known as a men's button-down pleated shirt originating in Cuba, it has gained popularity in Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and here in South Texas where natural fabrics like cotton and linen breathe best in the heat. Designer Caroline Matthews has over 30 years of experience in fitting, designing, and creating custom guayaberas. The process starts with selecting a fabric, then you choose a style, sleeve length, color, and the kind of fit. Each shirt takes at least four to six weeks to complete. The shop does quite a bit of designing for weddings, where smartly tailored guayaberas are more relaxed than tuxedos. The store also carries a selection of ready-made guayaberas and other guayabera-wear, including loungewear.
Stylish women's wear is just the beginning here. Niche carries an impressive collection of handbags, hats, scarves and bandannas as well as men's clothing and accessories. Best of all, you can book an expert styling session with their lead stylist. The coolest part of the store is Stitch at Niche, a curated fabric shop and project space with fabrics, thread, and patterns.
Upscale boutiques, especially in tony neighborhoods like Alamo Heights, can be intimidating, but there's no such vibe in this jewel of a find in the Uptown Alamo Heights Center. It's a cozy space, but the multi-category store is comfortably filled with a wide variety of designer offerings in women's high-end fashion, perfumes, greeting cards, home accessories, gifts, and antiques. The fine artisan jewelry is irresistible—whatever you choose for that perfect gift, you will absolutely want one for yourself. Everything is beautifully displayed, and customer service is attentive and helpful.
