Kiss Me Kate is a stylishly curated fashion boutique that has been dressing Phoenix with unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for over 40 years.
Named after the popular Broadway musical, “Kiss Me, Kate”, boutique owner Shannon Fox purchased the Arcadia storefront 20 years ago after her career as a flight attendant, an experience that has inspired some of the boutique’s style offerings today.
“Although our style is continually changing due to fashion trends, we continue to purchase clothing that is of great fabrics and quality,” says Fox. “I was a flight attendant back in the days when flying was fun and people dressed up to fly, so we are known for our travel clothing, clothing that will pack well, is comfortable and looks great as well.”
Fox’s trendy flight attendant uniform is displayed alongside colorful patterns and classic staple pieces. Kiss Me Kate is bursting with inspiring colors and eccentric accessories.
“We are very lucky to live in Arizona where we can wear color year-round,” says Fox. “It is a happy way to dress. I know everyone loves black and white, but we all should have a color that we love to wear. Mine is red!”
With Fox’s exquisite styling services and the store’s diverse, continuously updated collections, Kiss Me Kate offers something for everyone.
“The factors that I look for when buying are based on our customers,” says Fox. “Kiss Me Kate offers many styles from casual to cocktail, and I look for styles that are ‘on trend,’ which you can wear several ways. ‘On trend’ means fashionable as well as current, but ‘trendy’ usually means it will be out of style in 6 months or the next season.”
As the fashion industry constantly evolves and trend cycles continue to circulate rapidly, boutiques like Kiss Me Kate are unique havens for shoppers looking for timeless pieces and a personalized experience. The boutique’s impressive services and fashionable clothes have earned it an admirable reputation.
“Since the store has been here so long, many of our customers still have something in their closets from Kiss Me Kate, whether it is that great cashmere sweater or leather jacket,” says Fox. “Kiss Me Kate has been rated #1 Boutique in Arizona for the last four years in a row.”
For two decades, Fox has successfully curated collections for stylish Phoenix residents. She knows Kiss Me Kate’s customers well and is always adapting.
“Since we are surrounded by Arcadia and Paradise Valley, lots of our customers travel for business and pleasure, so we try to help them with their wardrobe needs that can go to the office or board meetings as well as wearing the items more casually,” says Fox.
The boutique’s long history within the community extends past the chic and artistic outfits customers walk away with. Kiss Me Kate regularly partners with local charitable and styling collaborations.
“We use many local designers for our jewelry and handbags and [we] have artists that will design pieces especially for the outfits,” says Fox. “We love doing fashion shows for local charities and social groups.”
Fox encourages everyone to embrace their personal style and dress to impress. “Leave the leggings for your workouts,” says Fox. “People notice how you dress!”
Spend an afternoon shopping at Kiss Me Kate for a personalized outfit, statement jewelry or a colorful purse.
Kiss Me Kate is located at 5039 N. 44th St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85018 within Camelback Village Center. Visit kissmekateaz.com for more information on this imaginative boutique!
Photos courtesy Kiss Me Kate
