A common complaint among the Plus-Size goddesses in the working world is that dressing business casual every day for work can become quite expensive. Due to that dilemma, another innovative plus-size beauty took a chance and opened a charming shop nestled in the Boulevard Plaza known as Archaic Boutique. The shop is located at 2724 E. Boulevard Plaza in Wichita, near Lincoln and George Washington Boulevard along with other merchants and businesses somewhat hidden off the main street. It is worth the trip to discover this simple shop with its lilac hued walls, iron rod embellishments and burgundy-wine drapery. The owner, Ali Rhodig officially opened for business early last summer. But she confesses that she spent more time on the ‘signature’ details of the shop rather than on big advertising dollars which is why she wants the plus-size community to come in and have a look around.
When asked how she began this venture she said “I had been working for a big company and they required us to wear business casual every day. That became a bit expensive. The only place worthwhile at the time was Lane Bryant and I couldn’t always afford their clothes.” Her boss suggested she ‘go hit up the DAV’ but according to Rhodig, all she found in those stores for large-size women were ‘old lady’, boxy clothes. This was the catalyst that put her in to action gathering clothing, saving money, looking for places to rent and planning for this endeavor for almost a year and a half.
The Boutique has a certain personality to it. Rhodig explained that “at one time this was a bait and tackle store. It had ugly beige and green walls and the floor was kind of rough. But now it’s all girly.” Archaic Boutique does have a feminine appeal to it. The aisles are wide with plenty of room for more inventory. The hangers are all the same design; even the clothing tags are unique. The name reflects the store’s history and Rhodig’s personality; Archaic meaning ‘old’ and Boutique meaning ‘shop’. “Old Shop. That’s what I have,” Rhodig said proudly.
Archaic Boutique claims to be mostly a resale shop where only the scarves are on consignment for now. The boutique will take gently used clothing in sizes 10 and on up, that is devoid of tears, stains, missing buttons or broken zippers. Common sense rules here. Customers bringing items in will be treated to 40% credit on anything in the store except some of the finer sterling silver jewelry. And to that note, there is an impressive display of jewelry to be admired as well.
Rhodig doesn’t give too much attention to specific designer labels. But according to the inventory that is found on the racks, she does have an eye for trendy, retro styles that can be timeless paired with the right things.
Two things that Rhodig would like to see happen with her store: artists who want to display their artwork in and around the boutique and MORE customers. “I would love to be able to feature a few local artists in here and maybe at the same time have a big blowout event sometime. That might bring in more traffic.”
Check out Archaic Boutique’s website: http://www.archaicboutique.com/ and don’t forget their Facebook page too - https://www.facebook.com/ArchaicBoutique.
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