Located upstairs from Envy, one of the best hair salons in Mt. Vernon, you know there’s going to be something special in store for you at Pretty Simple. The adorably dressed mannequin greets you at the door and leads you upstairs as you anticipate the treasures to behold. I challenge anyone to leave empty-handed.
My first sensory experience as I walked in the shop was the rich, tantalizing scent of locally made, hand-poured, pure soy Ella B. Candles, custom candles made right here in Mt. Vernon, followed by a warm and friendly welcome, and a thoroughly pleasure-filled browse through the store. It was a self-proclaimed “cozy enthusiast’s” dream—scarves, sweaters, PJ‘s, oh my! Then came a tasting of heaven in the form of smooth creamy Tiger Butter and festive Peppermint Bark from the Gig Harbor Candy Company. It doesn’t get much better than chocolate and shopping.
Pretty Simple delivers all the delicacies of an upscale boutique, without extravagant price tags. Whether it’s a burnt orange C.C. beanie with an oversized pom you just couldn’t pass up (true story), a wine-infused sugar scrub, or a pair of black ankle booties by Ellen DeGeneres you may have to go back for, Pretty Simple offers a unique boutique experience you won’t find elsewhere in Skagit Valley.
Pretty Simple caters mostly to women, with apparel, accessories, gifts and jewelry, but they are currently carrying Jack Black products for men (Beard Lube was my favorite), and hope to carry more products for men in the future. Pretty Simple attends markets in Las Vegas as well as Seattle’s Fashion Market and gift shows, where they find unique, funny, simple, and comfortable products from local vendors and beyond.
Owner Kristine Livingston’s vision for Pretty Simple was to create a comfortable place you could look forward to visiting by yourself or with a friend, knowing you can always find something, whether it be for yourself or someone else… and you leave with something to laugh about! Kristine was given an opportunity by Curt Lindsey, Owner of Envy, who expressed his desire for a boutique shopping experience above his busy salon. Kristine saw a wonderful opportunity to help her daughter, McKenzie, gain hands-on business experience while pursuing her Education degree at Skagit, and Pretty Simple opened its doors in December 2015. Kristine and McKenzie hold down the shop with one other college student, and Kristine’s two sisters come in to help on their days off.
While the inviting atmosphere alone had me sold, what Pretty Simple’s loyal fans keep telling their friends about is their Lysse leggings. Now before you jump to “I’m not the right age or size for leggings…” hear me out. They’re not quite leggings because they have more integrity and structure than leggings. They’re made of denim, but they don’t have all the uncomfortable bells and whistles (and the stiffness) like jeans do. They’re not jeggings, because they’re classier than jeggings. They’re incredibly comfortable, and they come in a variety of colors as well as curvy fit. All of the girls in the salon downstairs LOVE their Lysse leggings.
Pretty Simple is a wonderful place to find gifts for loved ones, or gifts for yourself! You deserve it. You might as well treat yourself at the salon downstairs while you’re at it because Pretty Simple will have you feeling fabulous.
1705 E College Way C, Mount Vernon
360.588.4318
