PinThey say that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. That certainly turned out to be true for Horseshoe owner, Jill Andersen.
“I’ve dreamed of having my own store since I was a young girl.  Shopping has been in my blood since I can remember and I always wanted to work in a store. The minute I was old enough to work, I applied for a sales job at my favorite store. It was many years later, when I least expected it,  I walked by a vacant storefront, decided to make a call about it, and the rest just fell into place.”

And it’s lucky for us that it did, since Horseshoe is now a beloved part of the fashion scene in Seattle. Andersen’s expertise in Northwest style and culture guides the merchandise she sells for the store. “Seattle-ites aren’t as concerned with celebrity trends as much as they are with their own personal style,” she says, “and so want items that fit their lifestyle (often athletic, and must survive the climate) and needs.” Ergo, Horseshoe specializes in layered clothes that are perfect for the cold, damp winters and denim brands that stand the test of time.
“We adore the Portland Collection by Pendleton which launched last Fall.  Some of our always-in-stock stapls [include]  TOMS, Genetic Denim, Weston Wear and Eva Franco.”

Andersen, like all Seattle natives enjoying a surprisingly warm spring this year, is excited about one thing this season:

“Color! This spring/summer season is all about pop colors.  Color is available in everything from jeans to dresses, tops, shoes and handbags.  Every rack of clothing is like a bouquet of vivid flowers– so pleasing to the eye.”

We asked her to lend some of her wisdom about Seattle boutiques:

What kind of experience can shoppers expect at Horseshoe?
What really has set us apart is that we are just simply having fun helping our customers find clothing that they feel great in.  Being genuinely sincere and offering helpful service is the “down home” spirit we embrace.

You recently launched Shophorseshoe.com, a new venture for your business. Why do you think brick and mortar stores are important?
Brick and mortar stores still offer something you can’t capture on the internet [such as] being part of a community, having the ability to touch product and to try it on.  Shopping is more than a visual experience, we are tactile by nature, therefore part of the process is feeling the merchandise.

Is Seattle a good place for boutique shopping?
Seattle is perfect for boutique shopping because the city has established neighborhoods with very supportive communities.  We are not only prideful in our city as a whole but in the neighborhoods we choose to reside in.  There is a tremendous amount of support in regards to “think local” with shopping and dining in Seattle.  As a whole, we are not driven by the ‘big box’ businesses as much as we want to find and support unique one-of-a-kind places.