THE SHOP
Just off I-5 exit 270 in Birch Bay Square, this shop sells select women’s apparel featuring classic on-trend styles—most for under $75. The clothes are modern yet distinctive; many pieces would be just as appropriate at church as they would be on the green at an open-air film festival or even the county fair. If you love understated, unexpected ensembles, this is the place for you. And the shop doesn’t fall short on philanthropy either—2% of sales is donated to the Engedi Refuge, an organization that provides “safety and restoration for women who have experienced sexual trafficking.”
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
THE ATMOSPHERE
Light, bright, and airy, this shop is a place that encourages browsing, touching, and trying on. You can tell the customers feel good and well taken care of here just by the smiles on their faces and the eager enthusiasm with which they greet the store staff. Owner Suzanne Smith has a great eye for color and strongly feels that clothes should feel as good as they look.
What stood out for me, though, was the method of merchandising. Pieces are arranged on the racks not by label or type—rather they’re hung alongside other pieces that match them. So one might find a cropped quilted jacket alongside two or three tops for layering then a skirt or two then a jumper, and all of these items will match one another, so choosing a stylish outfit is a snap.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
THE PEOPLE
Smith lives in British Columbia and does the buying from there, while hiring American workers to run the Birch Bay Square day-to-day. She started off her career in television marketing, then, after consolidation of the broadcast television industry caused a career shift, she took the plunge into entrepreneurship, starting with online sales and pop-ups before launching into brick and mortar stores. Smith thinks about apparel on a deeper level, understanding the importance clothing plays in helping women to put their best selves forward. I felt like I could ask for her help in any fashion emergency.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
WHAT YOU’LL FIND
Risen Jeans in several styles, select casual shoes, and jewelry. Knitwear, seasonal wedding guest dresses. Vacation wear and a small but elegant selection of gift items. Best of all, Smith has an excellent Instagram presence, regularly posting new arrivals and outfits on @bettybegoodboutique so that customers can not only see what’s new in the store but also get tips on how to style pieces before coming in to try them on.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
FAVORITES
“We’re known for our jeans, as well as our gorgeous knitwear,” Smith tells me. “Customers also come to us for signature pieces. We only order six of any given item into the store at any time, so your chances of wearing the same dress to a local event as another guest is very slim.”
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
My personal favorite was the black plaid quilted jacket. This piece, in the structured yet soft workman’s coat style that is so popular right now, hits a mark right between edginess and austerity. 8125 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 201, Blaine, 360.441.7691, shopbettybegood.com
