Best of 2000: Best Boutique For A Non-Mall Buying Experience

Studio 1220
1220 Cleveland Avenue at
Vermont, Uptown District
(619) 220-7344

One more clone costume at the department stores won't do -- you need variety and va-va-voom; an outfit that says sexy or snappy or slinky...on sale (or at salelike prices). Heather Payne makes second-skin choices that include style, wearability, sass, and price. She's revamped the store, adding shoes to her inventory, so if you're spotting the same slides and slingbacks and strappy stuff this season, think twice. This shop is for all the senses: feel the fabrics; revel in the voluptuous colors -- turquoise, tangerine, candy pink, kiwi green -- sample the silky sway of that swoopy skirt, the soft wrap in a lycra­jersey­soft tank. For the edgier among you, Heather hovers on the hot side of fashion forward -- some leather here, some fur there, something bold, brave, buxom, or baring. Separates run $24 to $42 on average, with a high end of $54 for full-length frock and a $10 rack sporting tiny T-shirts and cropped pants. Jewelry and scarves for accessorizing available ($10 and up); shoes range from $29 to $69. Store hours seven days, noon to 7:00 p.m.