Shop talk

An insider’s guide to our fashionable downtown

Downtown is the land of the local merchant, and locally owned boutiques have planted their flags, Sooner style. In the name of hard-hitting, investigative journalism (wink, wink), I put on my Chucks and took to the streets to scout out some of the best of what my favorite boutiques have to offer.

Luckily, Tulsa’s downtown shopping districts are within walking distance of each other. I suggest putting aside that Tulsa-bred aversion to walking and making a go of it on foot. The Blue Dome District by the Market on Detroit has some good parking and is fairly centrally located so you can make the loop.

Deco District

MADE: The Indie Emporium Shop
An outgrowth of the Indie Emporium craft and fashion show, MADE makes the handmade and vintage wares from over 80 artists available to shoppers year-round. My favorites are the unique accessories—jewelry, scarves, and totes. The Steampunk (Victorian in style with a mix of the whimsical and industrial) necklaces created by artist Bohemian Romance are especially cute. If you like tchotkes, MADE has plenty of those, too.
501 S. Boston Ave., 918-304-6253, shopatmade.com

The Bookerie
In a technological world, it’s kind of nice to see such an interesting preservation of the printed word. But don’t let the name fool you. The Bookerie doesn’t sell books so much as everything under the sun that can possibly be made from abandoned and forgotten books, all recovered from around town. The shop’s charm bracelets are particularly memorable—you can select different words to customize your bracelet, and The Bookerie helps you keep it nice.
favoringbrave.com

Okie Crowe
At first glance once you step foot inside Okie Crowe, you’ll think to yourself, “These shop owners are obsessed.” And it’s true, they are. Turns out the husband and wife team are craft-beer brewers and started incorporating beer ingredients such as leftover hops into bath and body products. Here, you’ll find soaps with names like “The Drunken Gardner” and “Beer Money.” They’ve since expanded their offerings to include a smattering of items including apparel, pet, and home décor. It’s a shop that could drive you to drinking in no time.
918-230-1595, okiecrowe.com

Picklesworth
Perhaps the most useful items in a civilized life—what else but socks and stationary —are the mainstays at Picklesworth. The shop promises the “warmest toes and the coolest greetings” with offerings such as socks adorned with sushi, donuts, cats in glasses, or gummi bears. Socks and stationary could, in fact, be the perfect fit—depending on the occasion and the intended recipient, it’d be tricky to gift a pair of socks without a note of explanation, which should always be delivered on high-quality cardstock.
918-559-7876, picklesworth.com

Bison & Bear
With its utilitarian chic, this haberdasher specializes in all things manly. One quick visit will have you outfitted for a cameo in a Wes Anderson movie. If you’re shopping for your boyfriend you’ll be pleased to discover their Imogene + willie jeans and gingham, ikat, plaid, and paisley printed cotton handkerchiefs and neckties from Forage. Also good for outfitting him to fashionably make a S’more.
427 S. Boston Ave., 918-813-9949, bisonbear.com

Blue Dome District

Dwelling Spaces
With the guarantee of “one of a kind items that will make you smile,” Dwelling Spaces delivers with their collection of Bigfoot- and Oklahoma-themed wear. Other stand-outs are the screen-printed tote bags by May Yang and the delicate, industrial necklaces made by Honey Claw. If you don’t currently own an Okie Grown tshirt, you’re practically teetering on the line between loyalty and treason.
119 S. Detroit Ave., 918-582-1033

Lyon’s Indian Store
Downtown Tulsa’s longest-standing retail store has been bringing us Native American wares and Tulsa souvenirs since 1916. Be sure to check out  the vintage turquoise and silver jewelry. Lyon’s also has a vast offering of beadwork and traditional bead supplies for DIYers.
111. S. Detroit Ave., 918-582-6372

Boomtown Tees
If you’re on the hunt for a Tulsa or Oklahoma-specific tee, Boomtown is a can’t-miss destination. The shop has great-looking options that pay homage to insider spots such as the Center of the Universe, Cry Baby Hill, and the Blue Dome District. Children of the ‘80s will appreciate the commemorations of the Camelot Hotel, the Phantasmagoria, and the Zingo from Bell’s Amusement Park.
114 S. Elgin Ave., 918-938-6000, boomtowntees.com

Simply
If you find you’ve had your fill of Tulsa t-shirts or local hand-crafted wares, Simply is a nice reprieve. There isn’t a single souvenir item in sight, but the shop does carry tourist-friendly fanny packs by Hip Sister that are surprisingly flattering and chic. You’ve got to see them to believe it. Simply prides itself on staying away from “basics,” but you’ll want to take note of their cute selection of solid-colored camisoles. The thick, lace straps hide your bra, and what female over 25 doesn’t appreciate that?
114 S. Detroit Ave., Suite B, 918-760-1363, facebook.com/SimplyTulsa

Greenwood

Brother’s Hat Shop
This old-school men’s shop promises to outfit you “from the crown on down.” Whether you’re male or female, I think you’ll appreciate the stellar hat selection at Brother’s. They’ve got at least 20 different styles, including straw and felt pinch, center dent, and pork-pie fedoras as well as boulders, Kangol tropical, big apples, driving caps, and ball caps. If you need a lesson on what these styles are, exactly, and which will suit you best, just go on in. You’ll leave looking nothing short of dapper. Plus, the shopkeepers will make you laugh.
108 N. Greenwood, 918-585-2323

Brady District

Colors of Etnika
Colors of Etnika is an unexpected shop to come across in downtown Tulsa and it certainly lends some much-needed international flavor. Here you’ll find imported accessories such as hats, scarves, jewelry, and handbags. My personal favorites are the stunning beaded “collar” necklaces from Guatemala. You’ll be equally excited about their price, $35-45.
10 E. Archer Street, Suite 1-101, 918-698-0082, colorsofEtnika.com

Mocha Butterfly
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind by a local designer or artist, this boutique has some unique and affordable options. A denim patchwork skirt caught my eye, in particular. In the spirit of no-cute-skirt-left-behind, I’ll definitely go back for that one.  Maxi dresses are in style this season and there are some breezy summery ones to choose from. In addition to clothing and accessories, Mocha also has a selection of art, locally made sundries, and home items.
216 N. Main St., 918-794-0795, mochabutterflyboutique.com