Years of Loyalty Crushed by Disrespectful and Possibly Discriminatory Treatment I've been shopping at Bobbles & Lace on Newbury Street for years--it's been one of my go-to spots, and I've recommended it to countless friends. But my recent experience left me shocked, hurt, and questioning whether loyalty means anything here--especially if you're not white. During my visit, the store was busy, which I completely understand. I politely asked a tall sales associate with tattoos if the items I was holding came in different sizes. She seemed to not understand me, asking me to repeat several times, and eventually responded with a blunt, "What's out is all we have," delivered with a tone that felt cold and dismissive. When I mentioned I was willing to wait for a fitting room, she seemed more eager to push me away than help, emphasizing repeatedly that no fitting rooms were available--despite others coming and going. After over 30 minutes of waiting patiently, I noticed a room open up and asked if it was my turn. Her response? A sharp, "It's not for you," with no explanation--while no one else seemed to be waiting. When I raised my concern with another associate, I was met not with understanding or apology, but with eye-rolling and the excuse: "We're just busy." Here's what I noticed: their tone and treatment toward other (white) customers were polite, helpful, even cheerful. What I experienced felt noticeably different. I've lived in Boston for 10 years and have never encountered such rudeness and thinly veiled hostility in any store. Whether this was a case of implicit bias, poor training, or outright discrimination--I'll let others decide. But this is not how loyal customers, or any human being, should be treated. I share this not out of anger alone, but with the hope that others will be aware--and that the management will take a hard look at what kind of environment they're fostering. read more

I went to the Somerville (Assembly Row) location and the management was inexistent. I had to call and e-mail them for some information about clothing and returns but they never answered. I guess they lost money and a ccustomer on this play. I gave them 2 weeks and decided to write this review. Clothing quality seems OK but avoid the jewelry, same quality as Claire's... plenty of better options available close by. read more

Amazing service. Great pieces. No knobbiness. A find. Run, don't walk, over to this great boutique. All kinds of women are in there shopping and having a good time. read more

I set out for the North End specifically to hit this store, which sounds like it could have been made for me. Affordable cocktail dresses, cute shoes, and funky jewelry? I guess any girl would say it's the perfect shop! One bummer about this trip: I got to the store to find a "be back soon" sign and had to wait about ten minutes to get in. The woman who came to the shop and let me in apologized for any wait, and asked where I'd heard about the store-- evidently she hasn't heard of yelp! She then took a phone call and left me alone, which I kind of preferred because I don't like being watched like a hawk while shopping in small boutiquey stores. Anywho, the store has a cute selection of dresses, a couple trendy shirts, shoes on sale for $20(mainly if you're a size 6 or 10, but I was impressed to see a couple of size 8s in the mix), and really affordable, cute jewelry. I'll be back when I need a cute cocktail number, and I'm betting they'll have some great turtleneck sweaters in the fall. read more

Bobbles & Lace - storefront on a dreary boston day - Women's Clothing Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Customer service is very limited: they call you back on the wrong number and have zero understanding/flexibility.

Whoever the buyers of this store are very on point with the trends! Keep it up :) I was in town visiting and if you're into boutiques, this one is worth stopping by! The clothes are all priced semi-reasonable. As an avid window shopper, online shopper, and in-store shopper of clothing (you can tell I love clothes right? Haha) -- some pieces are priced higher than they should for the quality and some are priced normal for boutiques, but hey this is normal for all boutiques. I'm not familiar with how big the boutiques on Newbury really are since I only popped into 3 of them, but in comparison to the ones in Melrose in LA, this shop is similar. I would say it has a larger selection than at least 1/2 the boutiques I usually go to. They sell about 1-2 sizes of each outfit piece, a mass amount of shoes and jewelry! The girl who helped me was very cheerful and friendly. Not the type to hover over you while you browse the store. Definitely pop into here! read more

Quickly one of my favorite stores. My only issue with this place is that I hadn't found it sooner. My sister and I were walking around with pumpkin spice lattes on a beautiful, early fall day. Walking down Newbury Street is one of our favorite things. We were going to stop into Bobbles "for just a second" for our first time. An hour and a half later we left with purchases. We met Emily who was amazing! She was adorable and helped us so much. She was the perfect sales woman without being too pushy but still recommending things that she thought would look great on our figures. She knew exactly what size we were without having to ask and she made us feel confident when we tried everything on. She was also letting us know what was on trend and we should be looking out for. She, herself was wearing B&L gear which looked so good I almost bought her outfit! The shoes I decided to buy we're not available in my size, I am a 7 1/2 so usually nothing is available, it's a very popular size. She said no problem and that she could have it delivered. I received it a little less than two weeks later and I'm so happy with my shoes. I literally get compliments no matter where I go. They are so different and cool. They are also very comfortable and they were only $60. My sister left with a dress that she wore on a night out in Boston a few nights later! We were so happy with our purchases and we can't wait to return. I also definitely need to check out their website in the meantime and maybe do some online shopping! Shoutout to Emily who made our experience RAD. read more

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I went into the Andover location for the first time a couple of weeks ago and was so excited to shop. I worked with a woman who was very nice and made suggestions around the store. I liked a bathing suit but it wasn't my size so she said she could order on-line for me. I picked up a couple of things and then she ordered the suit for me. Everything is great! The suit comes in 2 weeks later and you have to pick up at the store. I grab the suit ask the woman the return policy she says 14 days so I take it home and tell her I will try on and hopefully it will fit. I come back 5 days later all within the 14 day period and say it's too big and she tells me it was a final sale. We go back and forth for awhile and she tells me my receipt says its final sale. Meanwhile I never got the actual receipt until I left the store because it was in the bag with the bathing suit. She tells me it says that online. Again I never placed the order so didn't see that. She points to this small sign on the side of the register table which I wouldn't have seen. Tags are on the suit, never been worn, and the lady never told me it was final sale. She won't even give me a store credit. Super bad customer service and I will never shop there again. I am a small business owner and tried to give the owner a heads up but can't find her contact information anywhere. Beware !!!!!!! Who buys a bathing suit they have never tried on when you can't return it. Horrible service and the girl basically messed up and wasn't owning the situation. A huge loss because I love shopping and have a big network I will be sharing this situation with. and BTW I never post a review but this made me furious. read more

The staff really tries to force you to buy clothes. They are very pushy and I have felt uncomfortable multiples times at this store.

Love this store so much. It's so cute and it has great style. The store is organized soo nicely and the jewelry there is very beautiful. Would shop again! read more

Talk about your poor customer service. My girlfriend and I walked in today approximately 15 minutes before the store closed. The two sales associates were busy talking to each other across the store and fixing displays. It took 5 minutes for anyone to acknowledge either one of us, even though we were standing right next to them. When they finally did, it was a quick hello, and nothing else. The other associate than told us (and the one other customer in the store) that they closed in ten minutes. Shortly after, a mother and daughter entered the store. Again, no greeting from either associate. Instead, they began to make loud and rude comments about how they'll never get out on time today, and how they might as well clean while they wait to get out at a reasonable time. One's phone went off, and they answered the call. Once again, she said she's hoping she can get out at a reasonable time tonight, but probably won't, because there are people in the store. One of the associates then told the four remaining customers (myself, my gf, and the mother and daughter) that, in her words: "We're closed, soooo yeah....". The four of us lined up with our purchases, only to be ignored for several minutes while the two associates continued to fold and talk to each other. They finally rang us out, and my gf and myself went on our way. The best part? On the walk to the T, my gf shared with me that the lone customer who was there when we entered had told her that she hadn't been acknowledge at all, yet had been in the store for at least 5 minutes before we entered. Guys, I've worked in retail for a while now. This isn't how you treat your customers, no matter what time they walk in the door. And to repeatedly make inappropriate comments bout the time, then not ring? I'd be fired if I pulled this. My gf vowed to never go back, and I can't blame her. You've lost a customer, Bobbles & Lace. read more

We stumbled upon this j'adorable shop after a trip to Lulu's got us slightly turned around in the North End and we ended up wandering around a bit first. Such a find! Love this great little north end boutique! Bobbles & Lace is tucked away on Prince street, but its totally worth checking out. The space is small, but brimming with fabulous treasures from jewelry, to clothing, to other accessories. I didn't get a chance to poke around the racks of clothing too much because I was busy looking at all the fabulous jewelry they had...and at great prices. I ended up walking out with 3- count 'em- 3 pairs of fabulous earings for only $25...score! They have tons of selection and the shopkeeper made a point to tell us that all the clothing is priced under $100 and they never re-stock the same things...so ladies, if you see something, snag it, because its a once and done deal! If you're in the North End and want to treat yourself without spending too much, be sure to check out Bobbles & Lace. I can't wait to go back & look around a bit more at all the pretty shiny things! read more

Cute shop in the North End; was very excited about my purchase: faux yellow gold, skinny, flat banded bracelet with a rectangular yellow diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds. When I tried it on, seemed fine. Took it home and the clasp does NOT work. It's so loose, I almost lost it for good this morning. I really like it, so I"m going to take it a jeweler to get fixed. NOT HAPPY. This place has low prices, but due to the low quality of this item -- I'm not likely to buy from any of their locations again. read more

I like my new bracelet, but I'd like my new bracelet better if it only cost the $15 dollars it was worth and not the $40 it was. Pricey for super low quality costume jewelry but it's BEAUTIFUL looking. I can't put this place down for what it sells, just for trying to sell it as funky high quality original stuff. Breakdown of Purchased: Headband - sparkly, pretty, made dirty hair look acceptable. BROKEN - 1 day Bracelet - leather, punky, rad STRETCHED OUT, BECAME HARD - 3 days Shirt - black, sort of see through, boob friendly SMALL RIP in CORNER (not visible) - 3 wears Check it out, buy something really amazing to wear for like New Years Eve or something... read more

So cute. Just about the only boutique in the North End that had semi-reasonable prices on clothing- I tried on a few pieces but unfortunately nothing worked for me... Also had a ton of jewelry in all different styles, all very trendy. Some knock-off styles, and some just really cool-looking, and everything from elegant simplicity to over-the-top gaudy. I found a delicious ring for $40 that reminds me of a few David Yurman pieces I've always admired. I'll be going back next time I am in town for sure- every place else in town wanted $100-$200 for sundresses, this place was way more reasonable with lots of clothing priced between $35-$70. read more

The store, packed to the gills with shoes, jewels and dresses, was darling and totally affordable. The clothes were arranged in color order, making shopping quick and easy. When we went, earrings and shoes were on sale. For a cute, trendy piece, this would be a great place to look. I think your next party dress is hanging on the racks. read more

Oh, Christ. This store is the reason why I a. Get so many compliments (cause I know its not my fantastic personality or charming good looks) and b. Am very nearly broke. Great, great little shop. I come here probably every three weeks or so to lust after that table near the back covered in beautiful necklaces. Its small store, so mobility is limited, especially when the employee is trying to be available and chiming in. Prices are reasonable for jewelry, I can't say anything for the clothing because I've never bought any here. Though I have heard that they don't carry anything over $100. The prices for some things are strange...I bought a relatively simple headband for $35, not knowing how much it would be beforehand since there was no sticker. Overall though, check it out, they have lovely variety and won't hurt the budget too much unless you're like me--read: no self-control. read more

Love the clothes at this place! They are priced just right, are very on-trend and fit true to size. I like coming here during my lunch break and spending too much money...especially since they get new stuff what feels like every other day. Stop tempting me bobbles! I haven't bought anything other than the clothes from here but their shoes look really cute. I don't know if anyone has anything to say about the quality though...any suggestions? I ask not questioning the integrity of the store but more that shoes mass produced like that always leave me with blisters. read more

I love this place. I come in a few times a season and I always get cute/trendy/sexy things! I grew up in a time of Jasmine Sola and this feels like an updated and cooler version of that. A lot of the stuff is supposed to be sort of lookalikes ( I won't call them knock-offs though, as they're made from legit designers and they're good quality) for a lot of the super expensive stuff all cool/young hollywood stars wear (Kardashians/Jenners, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid and all those insta-famous celebs). That being said, you won't find anything unique here-- on two separate occasions I've bought clothes and gone out to see another girl in the very same pieces (neither got them here though). I'm not complaining though, they're just on-trend pieces that everyone wants to wear, I won't say it's their fault at all. But if you're one of those people that don't like this, maybe hit up Second Time Around a couple blocks down the street? The jewelry is super cute and well priced and I always get tons of compliments on it, Plus most of it is sterling silver so it will last. Scarves and hats are also sweet too. I have huge feet (11.5/42) so I don't buy shoes here, but they stock standard pumps, flats and booties and familiar brands that you can't go wrong with. I have friends that wear them without complaints. The girls that work there are always incredibly sweet and helpful and they totally genuinely care about making you feel and look your best. They're also just like totally beautiful and well put together! read more

Super cute clothes. Super annoying staff. Actual vultures giving me 7 items to try on when I go in for one specific item. Left with what I originally went in for as indented. Will be shopping solely online. I get there is a quota of some sort but goddamn. read more

Really love this store, I can always find something unique for a fancy night out. They recently moved to Newbury Street, a more central location (for me, anyway) than the North End. Everything is under $100 (even the really cute dresses and great, expensive-looking leather bags). Every time I have been in the staff is really friendly and helpful. I don't normally like trying things on and consulting the sales personnel (I usually feel like I'm being sold to by a bad car salesmen) but at Bobbles and Lace, they aren't pushy at all and have great style ideas! I am someone who never fits into anything quite right, and with their variety of styles and material, I always find something perfect! On the downside, the jewelry can be a little gaudy and pricey, but it is still totally worth it to stop in and check out the clothes. read more

I love this store so much that I have actually gone there twice this week. Fabulous dresses and jewelry that are unique and completely affordable! It is definitely worth taking a look and you can literally go there everyday as they get new shipments in constantly. I even wrote about it on my blog because I thought it was so great! http://www.bostoncondoloft.com/north-end-shopping-simply-fabulous/ read more

Bobbles & Lace (although 'Baubles' would be more appropriate) is a small but charming boutique tucked away in the North End. I went there on a rainy/snowy afternoon in March and tried on at least 10 party dresses, for a dinner party I was going to the next day. The store assistant paid little to no attention to me, which was odd yet refreshing. I found the perfect 'body concious' cut-out dress for a good price, $60. They also carry purses and of course, jewelry. B&L loses a star from me for not having a pair of shoes I wanted in my size. But their dresses are so interesting, edgy, sexy and cute, I'll definitely have to check back soon. read more

Adorable & affordable boutique! Stop by for endless jewelry options, rustic fall boots & a combo of chunky knits and dresses for any occasion. read more

Bobbles & Lace - View from the door! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Amazing selection of clothes at an affordable price. I could literally wake up and think wow I want a simple black outfit to wear tonight, go to bobbles and lace and the women who own the store would be able to help me pick out exactly what I'm looking for. Their shoe selection is unreal and the service is actually what brings me back again and again. I moved here from philadelphia and they literally added me on instagram and will like my pictures and comment on my dog photos. Haha it sounds weird but like I don't even know them personally yet I feel like they are friends/family. I'm big on going into stores and shopping but If I ever move from Boston I will definitely be starting to online shop more just for them! read more

I have been buying in the Andover and more recently in the Newburyport stores since 2014 and my experience all the time has been great. Cindy and Jojo are very helpful putting outfits together for me for different events. They already know my style and assist me finding the right pieces. The prices are fine with a personalized service that is simply priceless, extraordinary. I practically buy all my clothes there and I am constantly receiving compliments on my clothes. I love this place and the staff there is the best!!! read more

A MUST if you are shopping on Newbury Street! Excellent selection, excellent prices and a ton of pieces I have seen online but been unable to find (at least for a reasonable price) in stores. The buyers for this store are clearly very fashion forward. The girl at the counter was really friendly and helpful. I would recommend trying on the clothing - I thought the skirts seemed to run a tad small. read more

Bobbles & Lace - So glad I found this place! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Why do I keep doing this to myself? Yes, their stuff is cute and on-trend, and their DY knock-offs are decent, and so I spend the $40 on a bracelet or necklace that I could probably get on the internet for half the price with a little bit of searching for the convenience of it. The problem is every single item breaks or wears within a month. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And I've probably repeated this cycle 10 times by now (I know, I am obviously the idiot here). To top it off, the staff is rude! Here's a little story for you. I wear a gorgeous engagement ring (I'm just saying, he did a good job, you know?). Anyway, the last time I was here the sales woman asked me if she could try it on (odd, but fine). She asked what size it was, to which I replied that it is a 6.5. She informed me that I was wrong because she can't fit anything smaller than a 7 over her knuckles (and remember, she was now wearing my $20K ring on her finger). I kindly said that she was mistaken because as this ring had been professionally sized at Tiffany's when purchased, I know it to be a 6.5. Two things then happened. She first said, 'Tiffany's!? Are you sure this is from there?' and took off the ring to check the inscription (where she confirmed, to her visable surprise, that it was in fact from Tiffany's), and then she said that she can 'professionally size' something too and that this wasn't a 6.5. Then she took out her ring sizer to prove me wrong (this was sufficiently uncomfortable at this point), and IMAGINE her surprise when it was a 6.5. Then she smiled, returned my ring, and tried to tell me I had a beautiful ring. What a class act. read more

I am so disappointed in this shop! It used to be my favorite. But in late December, I purchased a ring which lost its finish. I tried to return it and it was over 30 days so they would not accept it. Even though it was over the time limit, it was defective. I would think they would adjust their policy to keep a customer. I have bought numerous rings, necklaces, and scarves from them. I love their assortment. But no longer will I shop there if this is their policy. Too bad they will not bend a little, maybe give a credit or something. Bad business policy!! read more

Let me preface this by saying I absolutely hate shopping. Whenever I go to any clothing store, I sit in the dressing room and get really upset because I can never find anything that fits. I'm chesty and have bigger thighs but a smaller waste, so finding things to wear can be difficult. However, Emily at Bobbles and lace on Newbury st. makes shopping for me so much fun and exciting. I walk in and she picks things out for me. She makes sure to bring in appropriate sized items (some stores will just bring in the most expensive things) and she patiently answers any questions I have and helps me make decisions easily. The clothes she picks out have me leaving confident and feeling fabulous. To top everything off, the clothing and jewelry is super cute, not too expensive and are made really well. If you're like me and you love fashion, but hate to shop definitely see Emily and get yourself a new wardrobe ;) read more

Very cute clothes, but beware the cheap-o jewelry! I bought a bracelet for $25 and the clasp broke the next day.

I love the clothes they have and all the cool jewelry....honestly fantastic prices and a great selection but to be honest customer service is the MOST important thing to me and says a lot about the people who run the store. And I have gone to each and every Bobbles and Lace and never have I felt as though the owners and or the sales people are all that welcoming or nice and want to help. You don't need to be snobby for people to think your clothes/merchandise is high-end or over the moon! It just makes people feel bad and not want to go into your store. So stop sticking your nose in the air and start greeting customers with a friendly hello and try to be helpful. read more

Totally cute, trendy and affordable. Most of the dresses hovered around $45 and I didn't see a single thing over $70 that I had my eye on. Definitely a place to head to if you need a quick party dress fix. Also, so much trendy jewelry (think - the kind you find on the streets of New York) and even some shoes and make up. The store is darling, too and even the dressing rooms had the extra touches of a lamp, rug and ottoman, so you felt like you were trying things on at home. Great little boutique. read more

Don't let its small size fool you, Bobbles & Lace is packed with great finds! They have a great selection of costume jewelry, including dangly earrings, designer knock-offs, headbands, rings, and necklaces. The prices are reasonable, ranging from around $10-$40/piece. They also have some really cute dresses and tops, all under $100. read more

Yes, the customer service isn't the most friendly or consistent, but if you engage them, they are generally pretty helpful. While the salespeople here won't always greet you when you enter the store, they give good suggestions based on my preferences (I just have to ask them first). I also like that they aren't annoying/pushy about trying to get me to buy anything. Once, there was a necklace I really liked, and I wanted to purchase the matching earrings also. The girl working at the time went through multiple drawers just to see if the store was carrying what I was looking for. I stop into this store every once in a while when I'm on Newbury Street and I always linger longer than I should...which tends to result in an unnecessary (but super cute) purchase. All of my purchases here are of jewelry, and their inventory is pretty good considering the size of the store. If I recall correctly, return policy is 21 days with receipt for refund. read more

OK, I used to live right next door to this place and it is the devil! They are the reason why I'm poor! They have SUCH cute clothes, accessories, everything! Everything is reasonably priced, and nothing is outrageous. I think the owner said to me before, they price everything under $100. I miss it so much and got so many cute things from this store. I would recommend for anyone who needs a cute outfit for a night out but dont wan tto break the bank.. You can defintely find something here and affordable. read more

I purchased a beautiful, unique bracelet and scarf for $67. I've received many compliments on my bracelet when I wore it yesterday. Everyone kept asking me where I bought it. As Erica said everything in there is unique and different. Definitely worth making a trip to! read more

This will be my first stop the next time I'm in Boston. Found it quite on accident, and thrilled that I did. AFFORDABLE, trendy, jewelry to die for, and you won't see everyone wearing ! I'm in love. Cannot wait to wear my top. I was impressed by everything in North End, and this shop tops my list. Best of luck and hopefully will see them again soon! read more

This is my favorite place to shop. Not only are the clothes super cute and well priced, but the girls that work there are SO nice. They are super knowledgeable about all of their products and are perfectly balanced between being helpful but not hovering. Love this place! read more

This place is soooo cute but a little bit out my price range. However, when I want to treat myself I can without a doubt find something fabulous here. PS- their boots and booties are always 50% off--AMAZING read more