By Rebecca Bannon, founder of Per Lei New York & Local Assortment

As a designer, boutique owner, and slow fashion advocate, I’m endlessly inspired by the makers, creatives, and curators who are shaping a more thoughtful way to shop here in the Hudson Valley. We’re lucky to live in a region where sustainability and style coexist beautifully—and where boutiques don’t just sell clothes, they tell stories.

Whether you're a local or planning a weekend trip, here are some of my favorite slow fashion destinations—places I personally love and wholeheartedly recommend.

Local Assortment

436 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508

Let’s start close to home. I opened Local Assortment to share the kind of intentional, small-batch design I value in my own work with Per Lei New York. You’ll find a curated mix of sustainable women’s clothing, accessories, handbags, and hats—alongside wellness goods, artisan jewelry, and rotating collections from independent brands (including my own). We also host seasonal pop-ups and artist collaborations, so there’s always something fresh to discover.

 

Kaight Shop

512 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508

A longtime favorite of mine, Kaight was once a Lower East Side staple before putting down roots here in Beacon. Kaight Shop is all about zero-waste, fair trade, and locally made fashion. Think: Mirth caftans, recycled denim from Boyish, NYC-made Loup staples, and sandals by Either/Or who are awesome people. Every piece has a purpose—and a story.

La Vie Après L’Amour

101 Abeel St, Kingston NY 12401

Kaitlyn Murray’s boutique-meets-studio-meets-café is a dreamy mix of upcycled fashion and creative energy. She reimagines vintage and menswear into feminine, wearable pieces—and she’s also the force behind Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week. If you love clothes with soul (and strong espresso), this is your spot. Now also a Cafe where you can have a latte in a mug handmade by the lovely Alex Meltzer of the ceramics brand Meltz.

 

Bosco’s Little Shop & Mercantile

89A Partition St, Saugerties, NY 12477

This vibrant boutique has a joyful energy you feel the moment you walk in. Expect block-printed Matta dresses from Nepal, bold Clare V sweatshirts, Italian cashmere, and cozy alpaca knits. Every piece is ethically sourced and chosen with care.

MLE X Chambers Vintage

228A Main St, Saugarties, 12477

Designer Emily Li Mandri of MLE and vintage curator Kym Chambers of Chambers Vintage teamed up to create a boutique that brings together the best of both their worlds. At MLE x Chambers Vintage, visitors will find a mix of thoughtfully made accessories and hand-picked vintage pieces. MLE’s collection—featuring everything from handbags and jewelry to hair clips and pet accessories—is all about ethical production and mindful design. Chambers Vintage is a renowned purveyor of high-quality vintage clothing that leans into 20th-century fashion trends. It’s a shop that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

 

Road to Nowhere

270 Fair St, Kingston, NY 12401

Road to Nowhere isn’t your typical boutique—it’s a thoughtfully designed clothing brand inspired by the spirit of wandering, rooted in sustainability and simple luxury. Based in the Hudson Valley, their pieces blend refined comfort with rugged minimalism: organic cottons, soft flannels, Japanese twills—all crafted with intention. It’s slow fashion for those who move deliberately. Style for people who prefer the scenic route. And proof that sometimes, the best destinations really are off the map.

 

Hudson Clothier

443 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534

Hudson Clothier champions American-made slow fashion with timeless silhouettes and functional pieces from brands like Mother Denim, Tracy Tanner, Thunderpants,Utility Canvas and Abigail Jane Stationery. Their focus on durable, high-quality fabrics makes them one of my go-to stops for essentials that last.

 

Made X Hudson

345 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534
391 Main St, Catskill, NY 12414

With locations in Catskill and Hudson, Made X Hudson is more than a boutique—it’s a studio and retail space showcasing their own sustainable line and ethical brands like Highland’s Foundry, Krop Jeans, Namai, Olga + Ella, MLE Hair, and Dunia Jewelry. Their small-batch production model is transparent, intentional, and rooted in community.

 

Canvas + Clothier

27 Garden St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Canvas + Clothier This place is truly a creative hub: Hudson Clothier on the first floor, Utility Canvas home goods on the second, a café below, and a workshop space upstairs—all inside a beautifully restored historic building. It’s a one-stop destination for sustainable style, cozy vibes, and community connection.

Zephyr

28 E Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Caitlin Millard curates this gem with her own artisan designs and pieces from small-batch, global makers. Expect elegant, bias-cut linen and silk dresses, natural fiber staples, and plenty of stylish finds under $100. Zephyr is proof that sustainable fashion can be accessible and elevated.

 

Bonus: Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week

 

Every September, held at Rose Hill Farm in Red Hook, HVSFW brings together local designers like Kaitlyn Murray of Après L’amour, Kayla Donavan of Olga + Ella, and Sergio Guadarrama of Made X Hudson to debut runway collections made from 90% upcycled or deadstock materials. There’s apple-picking, clothing swaps, and an incredible sense of community. It’s not just fashion—it’s a movement.

Why It Matters (To Me & Maybe to You, Too)

• Fighting textile waste: As someone who works directly with artisans and materials, I know how much gets discarded. These shops prioritize reuse, fair trade, and sustainable textiles to help change that.
  
  
• Supporting community: Many of these boutiques double as studios, cafés, or creative spaces. They aren’t just selling clothes—they’re building culture.
  
  
• Investing in longevity: These aren’t fast-fashion fads. These are heirloom-quality pieces that you’ll reach for season after season.

Planning a Visit?

• Check for events: Many shops host workshops, art installations, and pop-ups—especially during Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week.
  
  
• Pair shopping with local gems: Make a day of it. Grab coffee in Beacon, lunch in Rhinebeck, or wander Kingston’s historic blocks.
  
  
• Ask questions: These shop owners (myself included!) love to talk sourcing, fiber types, and what makes a garment truly last.

Bringing It All Together

To me, shopping sustainably isn’t just about buying better—it’s about living more intentionally. These Hudson Valley boutiques offer a rare combination of ethics and aesthetics, connection and craft. Whether you're searching for your next favorite handbag, hat, or a slow fashion staple to build your wardrobe around, this region delivers in the most beautiful way.

Hope to see you in the shop or at the next market!

With gratitude,
Rebecca 

Founder, Per Lei New York & Local Assortment
@perlei.ny
@localassortment