By Kennedy Gilbert
As mentioned in the last article, there are many fashion boutiques in South Tampa to choose from. However, finding the right fit and the right need is important. The boutiques featured in this article are all incredibly unique, and each stands out for what it has to offer.
Gianna Accardi, who is 29 years old, is the owner of The Cabana South. The Cabana South is a swimwear boutique that offers swimsuits, shoes, accessories, and even sunscreen. As of Oct. 2024, the shop will be celebrating being open for five years.
Accardi said to think of all things “beach,” and the boutique itself is extremely “Instagrammable.”
“I just really wanted to create like a destination, so I feel that’s what I tried to accomplish when opening the store,” said Accardi.
The boutique offers various brands; however, the two most popular are one-size-fits-all. They are Bond-Eye, based out of Australia, and Love & Bikinis, based out of Miami.
“I’d say that those two are like our best-selling brands. They are just so comfortable, people have them in multiple colors. It’s our tried-and-true,” said Accardi. “People love it, and then people who are skeptical about it try it on and always fall in love with it.”
The swimsuits are on the pricier side; they generally range from $200 to $300.
“We do have a little something for everybody,” said Accardi. “I really, really work super hard to accomplish and have something for that college girl, but also their moms and even sometimes their grandmothers.”
Regarding the type of customers, “I would say our main customers are 35 to 50,” said Accardi.
Accardi is most proud of the physical appearance of the boutique.
“I think it’s something that is really rewarding when I have worked so hard on something, and I had never done interior design prior to this store, so I didn’t know how it would turn out. But when you get so many compliments on it, it is such a great feeling,” Accardi said.
For more information, visit their website, The Cabana South.
Penelope T is another fresh boutique in South Tampa that specializes in women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories. The boutique has been open for 19 years. Each rack is color-coded or coded based on style. It has a very modernized look and a very comforting energy surrounding it.
Tori Widrick, the regional and Tampa store manager of the boutique, says that the boutique brings in all types of customers.
However, “We mostly get recurring customers that live in Tampa,” said Widrick.
Age doesn’t apply to the boutique. “We say our customer has a lifestyle, not a particular age. The customer likes to travel, be a part of a community. She could be a working woman to a jet-setting gal,” Widrick said.
Prices range greatly, from low to high. “We have items ranging from $45 to $500,” Widrick said.
To see the full selection of brands they offer, visit Penelope T.
“We have over 50 different brands in the store, and we always bring in new and fun brands,” said Widrick.
“My favorite part of the boutique is being a part of a woman-owned business. My other favorite part is assisting with buying,” said Widrick. “We go to New York multiple times a year to go find new and exciting brands to bring to the store.”
Several other boutiques were visited. Some were either not able to comment at this time or did not respond. The boutiques I visited were HADENREID, District 34 Boutique (formerly known as A Haley Boutique), and West Third.