Really cute clothes in the window. Sales women scared me out of there within 2 minutes. I picked up some jeans and she ambushed me and said she would be able to pull my size (like sizing up my body) then rudely told me not to touch the clothes because they were on display. Left immediately read more

This is a wonderful women's boutique with unique European designer clothes and jewelry. Monique knows fashion inside and out. She gives you her undivided attention and helps you find what works for you. I come here every time I'm in Providence and never leave without great finds. I love that Monique helps me get out of my safe rut. read more

My wife loves this boutique. The owner, Monique, offers a fantastic selection of high quality designer clothing and is so knowledgeable and helpful in putting together the perfect outfits. This boutique is unique, special, offers designs you won't see elsewhere and my wife felt like a million bucks when she left with her new clothing. She's already hinted that she wants me buy her holiday gifts there! read more

I was fortunate enough to visit this charming boutique a few years ago, and I'm so happy they now have a very user-friendly website to purchase from since I'm on the opposite coast! I find the merchandise is top-notch and unique. My most recent purchase was received in record time and I was notified of the shipment's whereabouts throughout. A+ service! read more

Love this shop! Monique is very knowledgeable and helpful. My husband has been shopping for me there for years. Everything he brings home is a hit! Thank you Monique! read more

I have been shopping here for three years. Monique, the owner is very accommodating! She takes the time and helps assemble outfits from all the beautiful, high quality clothes in her store. My wife has always been pleased with the choices. There have been a couple of things that have been returned. Which has always been no hassle. These returns have gotten my wife in the boutique which has helped Monique help me choose the right things. You will not be disappointed! read more

11/4/2023. Don't. Rudest sales girl (who I've since discovered is the owner). I came in for a sweater displayed in the window. After some window shopping and incessant reminders that they were a "designer boutique," I was eventually berated for touching the tag on the sweater displayed on the mannequin that I came in to purchase. Shame it was my size. read more

I went to Garbolino Saturday 10/14/2023. This boutique is as fabulous as it was the day it opened! You will not find a more elegant and exquisite collection anywhere! The woman there knew the merchandise. She was very informative, helpful and professional. My experience could not have been better! read more

Went in to ask about clothing and the owner was showing us the discounted items. I asked if she has a maternity clothing and she was arrogantly responded "we are a designer shop and we don't carry maternity clothing" and as we were browsing I asked if this section made in China as she was saying some sections are Italian, she totally snapped at me and went on a rant about China and anti China. I'd avoid this place at all cost. And a word to the owner of you end up reading this, be kind and polite to anyone who come to your shop, they could be a very valuable customer. read more

Rude and condescending - I will never step foot in there again!!! My sister, niece and I traveled to Federal Hill for a fun afternoon of shopping and lunch. This store was our first stop and my niece and sister were treated rudely, my niece was told that she couldn't sit in the chair outside my fitting room because the salesperson/owner wanted to sit there so she could "take care of her customer" - and she led my niece over to sit next to the exit door. WHAT?.. Who does that? It was just like that infamous scene from Pretty Woman where the sales associate was so condescending and rude to Julia Roberts. And she wasn't even there waiting to help me. I was and still am appalled by this abusive treatment and I refuse to support any person or business who passes judgment on people, and is rude and disrespectful to their clientele. I do NOT recommend this business. Luckily for us, everyone else we met that afternoon were friendly and kind so we had a lovely time. But the negative experience has stayed with me. I reached out to the owner directly and her response was as follows: I'm sorry to hear you and your family had a frustrating experience, but I really appreciate you bringing this to my attention. Please know that this situation was an exception, we are known for taking ownership and caring deeply about our customers. While the past cannot be fixed, you have my personal commitment to improve the way every customer is served. Until then please accept my sincere apologies." Based on some reviews I have read, this was not an exception and we are not alone in our feelings. I do hope that they will improve, but I will never patronize this store again. Lynne G. read more

Rude to the top. She does not want to sell.. stay away and take your money some places else. They gave limited options

I discovered Garbolino when I walked by the boutique a few years ago and noticed a top in the window that I loved. Since then, I've made several visits - alone, and with friends - to explore the collection and pick up some unique items that fit great and wear well. I seem to have the best luck when I am looking for clothes to wear on my international travels - the styles are classic and classy, and I usually blend right in with the locals. Clara and Monique have gotten to know me well and are like personal shoppers who help me match their finds with my style. They let me know when my favorite designers are in stock. I always leave with new favorites and compliments abound. read more

Visited Garbolino Designer Women's Boutique today with girlfriends. Monique was WONDERFUL. The shop has great, unique jewelry pieces. Atmosphere no pressure..could have stayed all day. Monique was friendly, informative about other shops to visit and bakeries. I only wish it were closer to home!! read more

I love working with Clara, specifically. She listens to what you say about your style, yet she understands fashion & how to get the "look" for each client whether we like it or haven't thought it would work or not. She is a talented personal stylist that makes a you feel fashionable & in class hands. She is attentive without being pushy or rushing you, she accepts any "no" without offense, & understands we can disagree with a style but not have to resort to bullying to make a sale. Clara can put together anything & well beyond what I think looks good (& I am pretty good) - it's a knack. I love small business shops - especially finding the gems within them! read more

I would recommend, Garbolino, to all, who love fashion, quality and uniqueness! I continue to get compliments on all that I purchase there. I feel special every time I wear an item from that store! The personal attention that both Monique and Clara give to me is not only very much appreciated, but an education as well; I have learned how to layer over and underneath every item I have bought. I even learned a new fashion word called edgy; it means over the top, so to speak, and eclectic! I have bought numerous, eclectic dresses and tops there recently, and have enjoyed all of them, and will continue to. Just like clothes portray a personality, as people do, as we are all different, that store emanates a certain style! I love it, and it is true, we do get what we pay for! I will enjoy my most recent purchase today! read more

I had absolutely the best experience today! Some of these reviews are just plain weird. The owner gave me and my mother attentive care and came up with really creative suggestions for mixing and matching clothes. She was exceedingly friendly and fun to talk to, and that's what I love about boutiques. At Providence Place Mall or the like, you will not get store associates helping you every step of the way and going out of their way to pick out certain pieces they think you'll like. At Garbolino you get beautiful, unique clothes, and help choosing which is best. Also, as to some people feeling like they were "looked down upon" or some other weird criticism, I had the opposite experience. I wasn't sure whether or not to buy a certain piece, and in the end after lengthy debate, decided not to. The owner said outright "that's fine, it's entirely up to you." Not once did I feel like I was expected to buy out the store or not pay attention to price tags. In fact, the owner helped us decide how to best use the money we felt comfortable spending. She was delightfully frank and up front- characteristics that I think more of us should have! AND: Yelp says the store closes at 5 on Sunday... but we were in there until 6, and not once felt like the owner wanted to close shop. You can tell she loves her work, and if the Yelp hours are true, then I'd like to thank Monique for not even mentioning it. That was very gracious. It seems these other reviews reflect a life lesson we should all learn: treat others how you'd like to be treated. We were friendly to the owner, and the owner was friendly to us! We're all people here! I will definitely go back to Garbolino for as long as I live in Providence! read more

The owner was wonderfully helpful, got me to try things out of the box for me, loved them all!! Followed all COVID rules. Will be going back

I fell in love w this store and how I look in their clothes instantly. Trying on clothes was a treat. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. It was tough to narrow down my choices. The next week, I felt beautiful and empowered when I wore the clothes and jewelry I bought to work and out w friends. I ended up going back to the store to buy the clothes I put back on the rack and also found new beautiful choices! I also like that the clothes are not made in China and that there are options for sustainable fabrics. read more

Stay away. Not only is the selection pretty tacky, the woman at the counter (owner?) was actually insulting. No reason to shop here when there are so many other great local boutiques!! read more

I visited this boutique after a getting promotional gift card. There are some nice "in-house" pieces which I would primarily describe as geared for a modest and formal attire, and primarily silk based. There was also a selection of casual dresses and tops that were priced about the same as mall department stores. Not bad over all. The owner has a brusk personality. She quickly explained that the boutique had difficult to find items, but did so by disparaging mall stores and other stores--which is off-putting to a new customer. She was at times defensive if you mentioned you weren't interested in an item. What I found most confusing was that she continually insisted items were unique and high end, and while some brands may be, other items were from brands I've routinely seen at discount stores like the TJX company stores or the mall stores she disavowed. One of the most interesting items in the store was a long sleeve top from Zara Trafaluc--a mall store's mid-to-low range line. I was in need of some shorts because I was leaving on a trip the next day, and found some nice shorts at the store. However, they were UO's house brand, BDG. The owner insisted they were "one-of-a-kind" and her bold, deceitful claims were in the end what propelled me to comment on my experience there. I felt okay about my purchase, since I could consider it like shopping at a consignment store, and the shorts were half off her listed price. But having items from other stores and selling them as if they were new is not right. I felt bad for here regular customers, or other shoppers less familiar with current brands. While the store attendant's attitude may not suit all customers, it was even more disappointing to have someone lie to my face about what I was buying. Felt I had to warn others. read more

Discovered this wonderful boutique while exploring Federal Hill. Merchandise includes one-of-a-kind pieces which are both stylish and very comfortable for the professional work day as well as for social time in the day or evening. Monique is very helpful with selecting styles and and coordinating pieces and accessories. Can't wait to go back! read more

If you're looking to make your wife or girlfriend very happy, give them a gift certificate to Garbolino. They have a great selection of quality clothing and accessories for someone special. read more

The selection is nice and extremely well curated. However, the owner is way too pushy. She doesn't seem to understand that if she left people alone they might shop more. I'm sure she means well but it makes for an uncomfortable experience. Also, I don't understand her need to keep putting down Saks & Neiman's... read more

This boutique is a hidden jewel. I discovered it a few years back when dining on Federal Hill. What caught my eye was the window display of beautiful clothing. Since then, I have made this my "go to" every season for new items. Monique, he owner, has over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry and hand selects all of clothes from well known designers all over the world. These are one of a kind pieces that you will never find in department stores. When I visit Garbolino's it feels like I have a personal shopper who knows my style and what looks best on me. From amazing jeans to dresses and tops, there is a full array of new and exciting tems to chose from. It is reasonably priced and there are promotions that make you want to splurge if you get on their loyalty program. I highly recommend you come in an browse next time you are looking for something special. You will not be disappointed!! read more

Do not go! The owner did not stop talking from the moment I entered the store. She insulted me when I told her the type of jeans I wear and put down Saks and Neiman's selection. She doesn't get that by insulting other stores and designers she is showing her insecurity about her own selection. She doesn't get that there are different body types and we don't all look good in her selection of Joe's Jeans. She doesn't have a clue about customer service. I shudder to think how she treats customers who are dissatisfied with a purchase. read more

I totally disagree with the Barbara H review!!!!! Most adamantly! I have been shopping at Garbolino for nearly 17 years. It is a highly specialized boutique with very intimate and precise service, totally dedicated to which fashion line(s) will enhance the individual look and beauty of every customer. The boutique owner is a designer and began with her own line and as her business expanded , she added very selective and only the top of the line quality items. Many customers( me included) are used to major chain retail stores and although there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, they lack the individual customer attention and the ability to quickly find several items that not only fit you perfectly, they also make you look outstanding and , for me, younger and luxuriously dressed. Yes, the owner is very proud of all the lines that she carries and is always anxious to educate you( the consumer) on the outstanding cut, finish, and natural fabrics of so many designers. After all, "an educated consumer is her best customer"( remember)? Don't let one opinion stop you from visiting Garbolino and having one of the most incredible experiences in fashion you ever had. You will love it! read more

Garbolino was the worst and most bizarre shopping experience of my life. I'm an arts professional, 60, in Providence for the first time for a conference and exhibit, and visiting Federal Hill my first morning. Was enjoying the shops thoroughly when I happened into Garbolino. Monique, the owner, was initially friendly and welcoming. However, in the first few minutes I discovered she was extremely aggressive. If I glanced at an item for a moment longer than others, she wanted me to try it on. If I touched the fabric or checked a price, she was at my side trying to take it to the dressing room. If I held a shirt up to see length, she was scolding, that I could not get an idea without trying it on and having her measure me, that she was well known all over the country for her measuring. I told her repeatedly I was not ready to try anything on. She repeatedly told me to try things on and be measured (for s/m/l knit clothes). When I moved to the section of jeans, she said "we don't have your size. what size are you anyway?" I said I didn't know. Her irritated response, "What? How could you not know. Everybody knows." I asked where the Joes Jeans line were from since I wasn't familiar with them. Monique sneered at me for my ignorance. Really! When was the last time someone sneered at you? That is hardly ever the right response to anything and probably even less so in sales. I really began to think something was wrong with her. Out of nowhere-no context-she said "do you know who I am? I am the owner of this store. I know everything." She moved back over to a shirt I had first held up and asked "are you going to try this on?" I told her I wasn't. Then she said she had work to do in the back room on a deadline. I was relieved, believing I'd have a moment to look around without the harassment. But I looked up and she was standing at the door, holding it open. I said "oh, you want me to leave?" She answered "yes, you aren't shopping." I said, "I'm not? I sure thought I was shopping." She said "no, you're not. Out, out, get out." I stood outside the store for a minutes, completely shaken, trying to regroup. Then remembered the gallery I wanted to visit and was checking the address on my phone when Monique came bursting from the store yelling "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU, GET OUT OF HERE. I TOLD YOU I HAD WORK TO DO." Finally I said "What is your problem with me? Do you think I'm going to steal something out here?" She slammed and locked the door. Going into other stores that day I learned other shop owners were familiar with this issue from other customers. Checking Yelp there were a few nearly identical experiences reported....Monique asking customers to leave when sales weren't imminent.....deadlines in backroom... Monique really needs to charge an entrance fee if she was a guaranteed sale. Better yet, Monique needs to get out of business before she singlehandedly destroys the tourist market in Providence. This is my exact experience. It went from being pleasant to irritating to insulting to frightening in about a 15 minute span. Walking into Garbolino can ruin your day. The clothes you can find elsewhere. read more

While traveling to Providence on a Sunday evening I found myself in Federal Hill peering thru the window of Garbolino Boutique. It was late, however the owner opened the door and welcomed me inside. I was mesmerized by the unique clothing and shopped for two hours. From this great experience Garbolino Boutique is now my "Go-To" place for my personal needs and gifts for friends & family. If not traveling to Providence no problem ~ I can phone Garbolino and the owner knows my taste & sizing. It is always exciting to receive a package in a few days with designer clothes, scarves, and the best Cashmere sweater ever! This is truly a wonderful shoppe with a personal stylist and the best designer labels. I would recommend shopping Garbolino Boutique to anyone that would enjoy a personal shopping experience and appreciate fine unique clothing. And keep in mind gift giving, as my family has come to expect great things from Garbolino. read more

Garbolino has a beautiful selection of clothing! The best part of shopping there is the knowledgable and friendly staff. They invest time in making sure your selections are perfect for you. I could not be more excited to have found this place! read more

I happened to fall into Garbolino though a friend, as well as always walking by it on Federal Hill. I have had nothing but excellent experiences every time I go in there. The owner is a professional and will answer questions when you ask. She is an expert in fashion, and has been doing so for over 25 years. I have never been able to find jeans that flatter my frame. I told this to the owner and she sympathized with me and only suggested which jeans would work; asked if I wanted to see and I agreed. I tried them on and I have never looked back. So to date, with only going to this store starting in September, I now finally have 2 pairs of jeans and 2 pairs of leggings that I could not do without. I have multiple tops as well. Each piece she personally helped me with. And she was right. She knew what I would look good in. I shop here as much as I can, because of the assistance and expertise of a professional in the field. read more

INSULTED!!!! Me and my family stopped for a one-day visit in Providence,RI on our way for a one-week stay in the Berkshires. Before going to the Hotel, we stopped to take in some of the local atmosphere and walked down Atwells Avenue. Me and my 21-year old daugher stumbled upon Garbolinos and decide to browse. We were the only two patrons in the boutique besides the employee. I saw a cute maxi dress, quite reasonably priced; however, it was way too long and would need to be hemmed. The employee proceeded to tell me that they will hem the dress for a nominal fee and ship it free to my home in Long Island. I responded, no thank you. When I buy clothes, except for formal wear, I prefer to buy clothes fitting me outright without alterations. Well, she proceeded to speak to me in a condescending tone, "Well our customers know when they come into this Boutique, their clothes will be expertly tailored. We specialize in tailoring." Again, I responded the same way previously that I prefer to buy my clothes already fitting me, without alteration. I said, "when I shop in Manhattan...." She interrupted me and said, "I'm from NY and the Boutiques in Manhattan are LOW END." My mouth dropped open. She then proceeded "People who come in here expect something different than LOW END"! Then I responded, "okay but my husband is from The Hamptons. His parents still live there and when I shop in those Boutique...." She interrupted me AGAIN and said, "Those Boutiques are LOW END as well"!!! Ladies, we're talking about an $89.00 maxi dress I was contemplating buying. PLEASE NOTE: The maxi dress I was wearing on my person cost MORE THAN $89.00!! Me and my daughter were very insulted. I then responded, "Well I must be shopping in the wrong places." "She said, the cost to tailor is only $10.00 and if you come in here, you should expect to pay for tailoring. All the high end clothes are tailored. ". At that point, I turned around and walked out!! Ladies, I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT PAYING $10.00 TO HEM A DRESS!! It wasn't the money. I've been home raising our daughter for 21 years! We go on several vacations throughout the entire year. God blessed my husband and he makes an exceptional salary. Trust me, God has been good to us. This woman missed the point! Oh one thing more thing, I'm a 51- year old black woman. I don't know what this woman's (She doesn't deserve the title of a lady) problem was. But she should NEVER EVER talk to ANY customer like that again. I'm lucky, I could've dropped a $1,000 in there easily and not bat an eye; HOWEVER, for the woman who might have scrimped and saved for however long to buy something in that store, and to have THAT employee treat her like she was lower class or somehow beneath her is utterly contemtible!!! read more

The Oddest Shopping Experience. The owner, who greets you at the door, does not leave you alone. She talked constantly, was very pushy and kept presenting me with things. I asked if I could just look around. It was the first time i have been there and I wanted to get an idea of her Boutiques style. Her ego took over when I did not want embrace her suggestions and she rudely lectured me on her expertise about fit and style. She was obnoxious and insulting. How she is in business, I can't imagine. Too bad, because she had some nice things that i would have liked to try but I couldn't stand her another minute. She needs a lesson on Customer Service and how to treat and handle all different shopping styles, especially when they differ from hers. Support Providence business, just not this one! I'm sure next on YELP you will see another (suspicious) raving review about her talents!! And I don't think she learned from the other terrible reviews regarding her treatment of customers. read more