Frances has all the qualities that come to mind when looking for a good boutique. It has a variety of products not available in the average mall, an inviting atmosphere and an enthusiastic owner.
Georganne Bryant opened Frances in downtown Phoenix in May 2006. After years of working and being a stay at home mom, Bryant opened the boutique, which is nestled between Halo and Stinkweeds.
As a resident of the area, Bryant believes in its potential, so she brought in some “fun shopping.” She had always liked the idea of vintage and wanted that to be a part of her store. The boutique has a small vintage section that carries items donated by people or Bryant will travel to L.A. to find pieces.
“For me, its all about comfort,” she says. “I did have a few high fashion lines when we first opened, but people weren’t really receptive to it,” she says.
The store is eclectic with styles to please a wide range of tastes. “All ages love to shop here,” she says. “I look for all price ranges with the economy the way it is. I also try to stay true to what I love.”
Bryant believes in supporting local talent in the boutique with products from local jewelers with some handbag and clothing designers as well.
Frances carries a range of clothing and accessories that aren’t available in many other stores. She carries brands like Free People, Odd Molly, Converse and Hazel, just to name a few. “I search a lot of different markets,” she says. “I go to Chicago or on Etsy looking for people.”
She advises buying something if you like it because it’s likely to be gone when you return. “We really keep moving every day,” she says. “We have good traffic.”
Along with women’s new and vintage clothing and accessories, the store carries quirky home goods, cards, a baby and child section and some men’s shirts and accessories to cover all the bases.
The store is a reflection of Bryant herself: friendly, light and charismatic. The building has undergone a transformation from a bar to a light, airy environment. Bryant’s real passion for the store shines through in the décor, which she created from pieces she found while traveling and setting up the store.
Frances was named after her grandmother whose portrait is hanging on the wall. “When I was little, my mom went back to school and so my grandmother had an impact on me,” Bryant says.
Whether the search is for the perfect gift or an addition to a humdrum wardrobe, Frances is sure to charm.
If you go…
10 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
Francesvintage.com
Reach reporter at jvanzale@asu.edu.
