In a blink you could miss it. Squished between Relish Gourmet Burgers and Victory Meat Market sits Fredericton’s newest business.
Pretty Little Freak Boutique opened on Nov. 5 and is already on the radar.
The boutique is small, but undeniably stylish. Lime green and hot pink walls give off a fun feel complimented with black and white accessories. Hanging on the walls are all your favourites: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, heart-throb Elvis Presley and zombie pin-up babes. Nestled in a corner is a clawfoot tub-couch, just like the one in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Lace, polka dots, stripes and high-waisted skirts drape off the hangers. It’s pin-up meets The Walking Dead.
Lining the walls are 50s inspired heels with a skull and crossbones twist, make-up and Manic Panic hair dye. To really jazz up your look, try the colored contacts, ranging from baby blue to purple heart-shaped pupils.
Sitting at the tiny front desk is the 29-year-old owner, Amanda Ronan.
“I’m from Fredericton so it just made sense to open here,” she said. “But I knew it had to be downtown – there’s so much character. Also, Fredericton has nothing like this, so I’d be filling a void.”
Ronan prides her shop on this authentic originality. Prices tend to be higher than you would find in some franchised stores, but supply in Pretty Little Freak Boutique is limited and products are rare.
“I’m 100 per cent different – I try to look for brands that aren’t even in Fredericton. Once I sell something, it’s gone, and I’ll get completely different stuff in. Rather than order dresses in bulk I’ll get six or eight. I’d hate to create sheep.”
Along with being unique, Ronan prides her shop in being completely vegan.
“I need to be comfortable with what I’m selling. As a vegan, I need to know there’s been no animal testing on the products and definitely no leather.”
From its opening a week ago, Ronan said the public has reacted well to the store. She’s had older women compliment the shop’s style, remembering the days when they would wear similar dresses and heels just to wash the dishes.
On top of setting a person apart from the crowd, clothes can be empowering, Ronan said. Old-school glamour icons Monroe and Hepburn were more than just a pretty face.
“They’re beautiful, but strong – they can hold their own and that’s how these clothes make me feel.”
