Behind the Seams

By Jaime Nolan
Photography By Jonathan Fredin September 5, 2024

We caught up with three boutique owners in downtown Apex who are all about combining current trends with classic pieces to take style to the next level. These women entrepreneurs are making waves!

Stop in to discover what makes their boutiques unique and start shopping for your fall must-haves!

Amber Brennan, Owner of Rose & Lee Co.

Guiding toward a sustainable future by making ethical fashion easy

What led you to open your boutique?

I’m the daughter of a pretty entrepreneurial family. I grew up working in my mom’s children’s consignment store as well as working alongside my dad as a general contractor. I also had many extended family members who owned and operated their own businesses. Growing up in this kind of environment really gave me a desire to one day own and operate my own business as well.

Throughout my life, I’ve always had a love for fashion and the many ways it’s been used throughout generations as a form of self-expression, as well as a heart for social justice and the most vulnerable. Opening Rose & Lee was my way of pairing these two passions together.

What makes your boutique stand out?

We’re doing our part to shift the fashion and gift industries toward a more sustainable future. Our approach to ethical fashion is simple and effortless: We’re here to help you uplift your style and make a positive impact on local and global communities and our planet. In our opinion, feel-good style and thoughtfully considered, quality clothing absolutely go hand in hand.

Here at Rose & Lee, “thoughtful” is kind of our middle name. Every item we sell carries a unique and meaningful story, and we’re dedicated to working with ethical brands that are making a positive impact in areas like environmental sustainability and human rights.

What are the standout fashion trends for fall?

We are seeing a lot of head-to-toe monochromatic looks as well as pieces with unique textures (sheer layers, feathers, fringe, etc.). As for color, we are seeing a lot of reds, greens, and silver with plaid and leopard print making quite a big splash. We’ve seen these on runways, in trend reports, and at fashion markets — so expect to see them quite a bit this fall!

If you could choose one trend this fall to incorporate with an existing wardrobe, what would you suggest?

If you don’t yet own a trench, we highly suggest investing in a quality trench that you’ll enjoy layering with for years to come.

Ashley Hendricks, Owner of Villa 19 Boutique

A pillar of timeless elegance and contemporary flair

Tell us about your journey to opening this boutique. What motivated you to dive into the world of fashion?

I’ve been surrounded by female entrepreneurs my whole life (specifically my mom and mother-in-law) and always looked up to their hustle and the creative freedom that comes with owning your own business. After living in Dubai and working a 9-to-5, I knew I wanted to start my own business once we moved back to the States. In 2018, the timing was just right to open the doors to Villa 19, which was inspired by my time in Dubai. I wanted to bring a beachy and modern boutique to Apex that would mimic a more effortless-chic way of life, all while in a cozy and inspiring atmosphere, just like my home in Dubai, Villa 19.

Could you paint a picture of your boutique’s charm and what makes it a must-visit?

Our space is full of character, history, and lots of beautiful, natural lighting. We value timeless over trendy and focus on quality, with affordability. The majority of our styles are under $125! We have a balanced mix of quality neutrals (great for building a capsule wardrobe), as well as resort wear (think vacation dresses, two-piece sets, and even swimwear)!

What’s trending in fashion this fall?

We’re still very much in the “quiet luxury” era, and I think a lot of trends for fall are still leaning into this. Think Victoria Beckham style, high-quality, classic, timeless neutrals. On the other hand, we’re also seeing bold patterns and prints (think leopard and checkered), which pair well with a balanced neutral.

Imagine picking just one fall trend to effortlessly blend with your current closet. What’s your top pick?

Vegan leather! We love a good vegan leather skirt, pant, or blazer. These seem to be popular year after year, with amazing and lasting quality. They always look sophisticated and stylish.

Tiffany Weaver, Owner of Monroe Boutique

Where luxury meets sophistication

What’s your story behind opening your boutique? Tell us about your background and what sparked that entrepreneurial fire.

I’ve always felt that health, beauty, and confidence are multifaceted. With that in mind, the concept of Monroe would offer an opportunity for women to choose high-quality items to complement a beautiful aesthetic to match their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. I personally always try to look put together, even when I go to the gym or grocery store. I love inspiring others to do the same, and my boutique was a way to do just that. Apex is growing so fast, and I felt like it was ready for an elevated shopping experience.

What makes your boutique unique and irresistible?

In addition to Monroe, I also co-own and operate another business (Maeve Salon) in the Apex area. This has offered me the opportunity to interact and gather input from thousands of women throughout Apex. So in addition to my own personal taste and inclination to gravitate to the fashion world over the last 15 years, I’ve been able to identify the brands with the look and feel to satisfy a wide range of higher-end women’s tastes in the area. Women can shop for fitness apparel, casual everyday outfits, as well as dresses for special occasions.  

What’s trending in fashion this fall?

Denim is a big trend that will never go out of style. High-waisted jeans in particular will be big this fall. I see classic pieces that translate from fall to winter to spring, such as blazers, trousers, and tanks. Athletic wear is here to stay — pieces you can wear to yoga or the gym but easily dress up to go to work or out to dinner.

If you could recommend just one fall trend to integrate into someone’s current wardrobe, what would it be?

A great pair of perfect-fitting jeans, but one in a style that they haven’t tried yet!