Summing up the atmosphere at a la Carte comes down to four words: Fun, friendly, fashionable and functional. “We keep evolving all of the time, based on what is trending,” says owner Mimi Sherwin. “a la Carte has become a go-to shopping destination for women of all ages.”

The specialty store has been keeping up with the times since 1971, when Sherwin's mother opened the store. Popular items at the store currently include Vera Bradley handbags and jewelry from Trollbeads and Chamilia.

“We look for what's different and what's going to make our customers smile,” Sherwin says. “The relationships we've made with customers make it all worthwhile.”