Everything but the Girl: a Unique Boutique Indeed

If you dread gift-giving occasions because you can never find something "different" to give, you're in luck. There is a shop in Sarasota that offers quirky, original gifts made by local artists and artisans. That shop is Everything But The Girl located at 430 Central Avenue in the Rosemary District of Sarasota, Florida.

Only someone like Laura Gale, a true original, could be the mastermind behind this boutique. From the first time you meet her - with her hair streaked pink and her mischievous smile - you realize that she is a truly singular individual. Her love of music spawned the name of the shop, and her teenage son is, naturally, a budding musician.

When you walk into Everything But The Girl, the colors overwhelm you. Many items in the shop are intentionally whimsical and make you feel like a child again. From necklaces made from dominoes, purses appliqued with retro advertisements to bracelets with black and white nudie pinups, there's no where else to buy fun, eclectic gifts for the gals you cherish most. Adrien Lucan (designer of Tuff Betty Bags), Sue Handman (maker of a fun collection of shirts and jewelry), and Kelley Love (designer of beautiful stone bead necklaces and bracelets) are just a few of the local artists whose work you can find at EBTG (as it is abbreviated).

Laura is a strong supporter of local artists and holds regular events at the shop to highlight their work. Here is my advice: if Laura holds an event, you should definitely be there. She weaves her quirkiness and enthusiasm into everything she does. The last event held was Retro A Go Go night to introduce her new vintage clothing offerings. The festivities were replete with a nubile go-go dancer, a young beauty with a bee hive and two drag queens to round things out. The event was a huge success, packed with Laura's friends, customers and supporters. You should be at the next one.