The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Review of Hope Ave. Boutique

Budget Babe Review: Hope Ave. Boutique
Until I moved to my new home in Idaho, I had never heard of Hope Ave. before. I stumbled upon it at our outdoor mall here in Meridian and was so in love from the moment I walked in. It sort of has an Urban Outfitters vibe, but a little more boho and feminine. Their website says their brand “invokes the truly courageous feminine spirit that we so admire, one that is adventurous, eclectic, natural, and free.” I’m down with that! Everything I saw in here was under $100, too, so I figured it deserved a little Budget Babe attention. Here’s what I tried on:

Chambray Button Down Dress $59
Size: Small
Rating: 3/5

Hope Ave. Chambray Dress
I have been on the hunt for a great chambray dress for a while now, but there were a couple drawbacks for me on this one. The arms and shoulders were tight, and though they do have buttons on the arms to loosen them, I didn’t like how they looked left open. I wanted to try on a medium to see if it was a little more comfortable in the shoulders, but the dress was way too baggy. The small that I’m wearing here was borderline too flowy for my liking anyway (if you tend to be bigger-chested like I am, you know the struggle with flowy tops/dresses). I do love the detailing on the front and major points for pockets on this one! Just not 100% giddy with the fit/style on this one.

Brushstroke Jumpsuit $49
Size: Large
Rating: 4.5/5

Hope Ave. Brushtroke Stripe Jumper
I saw the Brushtroke Jumpsuit on the website last week and was DYING to try it on. I mean…the colors, the leg slit, and the artsy print are stunning. Sure enough, they only had two left in size large and one small. I crossed my fingers and tried on the large, since I tend to need to size up in jumpsuits anyways. Besides being slightly loose around the waist, I was more pleased in it than I expected! I think a medium would be a better fit on top, but the bottom of the size large was perfect: no camel-toe or wedgie action happening and it wasn’t suffocating my legs or booty. This has a zipper closure in the back and adjustable skinny straps.

Wild Flower Jumpsuit $38 (on sale)
Size: Medium
Rating: 4/5

Hope Ave. Wildflower Embroidered Jumpsuit
I was allll about this jumpsuit: fluttery sleeves, embroidered floral detail, long and light and perfect for summer date nights and brunches. It also has an elastic waist so it was easy to slip into, and I much prefer that over zipper closures (does anyone else get stressed out or anxious about those small, delicate zippers, or is that just me?) Unfortunately, the opening in the chest was WAY too big. I know if I bought it, I would have to constantly pull at it to make sure it wouldn’t fall open and give everyone around me a show. So sad. My only thought, which I had after I left the store, was that this issue could be easily fixed with a pin or small sewing job.

Beverly Button Down Skirt $36 (in blue and on sale)
Size: Small
Skirt Rating: 5/5
Top Rating: 2.5/5

Hope Ave. Stripe Skirt and Mustard Twist Front Blouse
Probably one of my favorite pieces of the day! This skirt would be appropriate for any occasion and I was so excited that since it’s knee-length, I don’t have my bare bum/legs touching the seat when I sit down in a skirt for once. Ha! The skirt does unbutton all the way down but the back of the waist band is elastic, so it was extra comfortable as a high-waist bottom. The mustard top was a high-low blouse with a twisted front, but even the small was extremely big on me. I tucked it into the skirt in the back and liked it better that way. Great outfit that’s nice without being too professional or tailored!

Lazy Day Tee Dress $27 (on sale!)
Size: Small
Rating: 4/5

Hope Ave. Lazy Day Grey Dress
Cute, lightweight cotton midi or maxi dresses are always a must for summer. They’re one of those items you can’t have too many of because they’re so easy to throw on and go. This Lazy Day Tee Dress has great coverage for arms and chest if that’s your jam, and an adorable twisted front. My size small was fitting but not skin-tight, and the sale price made it that much better! My only advice would be to wear nude underwear (preferably a thong) underneath. It’s not completely see-through but as you know, light grey can show more lines than you’d like it to.

Stay Classy Dress (in cream) $75
Size: Small
Rating: 5/5

Hope Ave. Stay Classy Polka Dot Dress
I think I was transported back to the 40s/50s with this dress! This ultra-girly midi dress wouldn’t normally be my style, but the polka dots and bow tie arms are just too adorable. I’m wearing a small here and the buttons on the chest and waistband were a bit tight for me, but they didn’t have a medium for me to try on. I have a feeling I would have been a little more comfortable in a size up! I feel like this style is something you’d see in Forever21 or H&M but it would be made with much cheaper, flimsy fabric – trust me, spend the extra money on this one. The fabric is well-made and not too heavy either.

Go To Distressed Mom Jean $55
Similar Stripe Tee: Simply Perfect Top $32
Size: 27
Jeans Rating: 4/5
Tee Rating: 5/5

Hope Ave. Stripe Tee and Distressed Mom Jean
These are from the brand Kancan Jeans https://www.kancanusa.com/
I own a pair of their skinny jeans as well and they’re one of my favorites. They have great stretch, excellent fabric, and they are just the right amount of distressed. The waist was a little loose for me in a 27, but the 26 would not fit my thighs. Plus, the mom jean style isn’t meant to be totally fitted so I’m okay with it. The black and white stripe pocket tee is a size small and an oversized fit. I loved how sturdy the fabric feels, like it won’t disintegrate in the washing machine after a few washes (basically every tee I’ve bought from fast fashion stores). Usually I go really cheap on my basic tees, but I’ve learned my lesson and $32 isn’t too bad.

Rust Tie Front Blouse $36 (similar)
Size: Small
Rating: 5/5

Hope Ave. Rust Front Tie Top
Front tie tops are all the rage and I am raging along with everyone else. Rust and mustard hues have been very popular hues this season as well. I love the wide ¾ sleeves and lightweight fabric on this top. No complaints here whatsoever. This will be perfect with jeans, a denim skirt, or for a snazzier look, pair with black skinnies and some heels. They have tons of blouse tops like this, most of them oversized or loose fit. Here a couple other favorites:

Stripe Linen Pants $47 (similar)
Size: Small
Rating: 5/5

Hope Ave. Stripe Pants
The best part about these pants for me was the fact that they weren’t super fitted and still high-rise. A lot of the striped bottoms I’ve tried in other stores were mid-rise and I prefer high-rise better with tucked-in tees or a crop top. These checked off all the boxes for me: lightweight linen, decent sized pockets, an elastic waistband. Pants with no stretch are tricky for me but these were loose and still flattering and comfortable to sit down in. Ankle-length tapered like this will pair well with sandals and mules for summer.

I was a little all over the board with sizing, so I would definitely recommend going into a store to try on if you haven’t before. Order two sizes if you’re unsure and return the one that doesn’t fit. Sadly, their store locations are only in certain states, but thankfully their online store is user friendly. I love following their Instagram account, too!

Snag what you like sooner rather than later though, their hot items sell fast (as most boutiques tend to do). Sometimes that can be a hassle, but their clothes are well worth it if you want higher-quality clothing that has a unique twist. Hope Ave. has their target market down well but they are perfect for finding those, “Where did you get that!?” kind of items that you won’t really see anywhere else.

Which is your favorite piece? Do you have any favorite local boutique stores you love to shop at?
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