CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA TRAQUAIR

One of my favorite stores in the states is White House/Black Market.  I loved it because shopping there was an experience – the clothes were fun to try on, the dressing rooms were fabulous, the service was great and I always received compliments on my purchases.  The store and the staff made me feel like I was trying clothes on in my BFF’s home – minus the screaming kiddos, of course.  Though their clothes were not inexpensive, they did have great sales!  At my age, I just turned 40 this month, I am willing to pay more to get great fitting clothes, a few unsolicited compliments and treated like a queen!!!

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I found a similarly, unique place to shop for dresses, purses and accessories here in Okinawa.  This beautiful shop, Chandelier Boutique, is a gem of a find for those of you who like to dress up or have occasion to be invited to functions that require some serious accessorizing.

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Chandelier Boutique reminded me of my favorite state-side store.  Yukino Goya is the owner and she made us feel right at home the minute we walked in.  She is all about the clothes and customer service – it felt like we had just stepped into a shop that you would find in the states.  Yukino was a buyer in New York and all her inventory is from the states.  You can actually read the labels and tags – no special sizing chart needed for this shopping experience.  You can tell that she has a great sense of style and is willing to share her expertise.  As with most of my posts, I dragged a friend along for moral support and to be my model.  My friend, Jenny, is featured in these pictures – the dresses are beautiful and Jenny wears them well.

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Yukino helped Jenny select several dresses and picked out different types of accessories to give her a really good idea of how each outfit would come together.  This dress was Y21,000.  Her dresses run from $120 – $300. and range from size 0 – 14.  She does not carry a lot of larger sizes but I’m hoping she will start once her American clientelle grows.** (See note below for an update to this info)

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This gorgeous purple number was one of Yukino’s most expensive dresses at Y32,000.  You can’t argue with how fabulous Jenny looks in it though.  The boutique also carries handbags, scarves and some shoes. 

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This handbag is one of the reasons I wanted to check this shop out.  I still can’t believe I didn’t buy it – the practical bug bit me as I know all of my “necessities” would not fit inside.  The average cost for any of her purses or handbags is $42.50.  This fun purse was only Y5,400.

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Yukino was great at sharing fashion tips with us.  This picture shows how holding your handbag at a certain angle gives you a slimmer look.  This is the type of pose that our favorite Sex In The City stars would strike while pausing on the red carpet.

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This may have been my favorite dress on Jenny!  Her Marine would have no problem escorting this beauty to their next formal function! 

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This piece of jewelry was Jenny’s favorite and it came with an equally beautiful set of earrings.  All for only $25.  This picture does not do this piece justice!!

There are a few more reasons to visit Yuki at the Chandelier Boutique as well: Her accessories make unique gifts and she does offer some larger sizes – size 14 is her most popular size and she offers sizes 16-18 as well. Yuki’s creative services never cease to amaze me though. She now offers a service that she calls “Same Style/Different Look.” This is a great idea for those of us who have a pretty extensive wardrobe but would like to update our look or make some changes without having to buy a whole new outfit. All you need to do is bring in your favorite dresses or outfits and Yuki will show you how new accessories will showcase your classic item. As I have mentioned before, Yuki loves helping her customers and she has an incredible eye for style! She also updates her blog frequently so check her out there as well!

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience with an American feel then take the time to step into the Chandelier Boutique and allow Yukino to dress you for your next formal function!

Chandelier Boutique

Payment:  This store takes Yen, American Dollars and Credit Cards

Hours:  12 p.m. – 8 p.m. daily through the end of 2014

Phone: 098-917-0871

Address: 3 Chome-28-8 Kumoji, Naha-shi, Okinawa-ken, Japan

GPS Coordinates: 26.2160149, 127.6832313

Directions: NOTE – This boutique moved to a new location in December 2013. The directions below to its new location in Naha are courtesy of its owners.

Take 58 south towards the Naha airport. After entering Naha City, make a left to Matsuyama intersection, now you are on Ichigin street. Pass five blocks, you can find a steak restaurant “HAN’S” on your right. Make a right this intersection and go straight almost 50m. Chandelier Boutique is on your right. We got some mannequins on our show window.

37 COMMENTS

  3. Hello!
    This is Mario, from Chandelier Boutique.

    Now we are open everyday 12-8pm!(before the year end)

    We are looking forward to seeing you, thank you!

    =========
    We moved to Naha city on December 2013.

    Our new location is 3-28-8 Kumoji, Naha.
    Tel:098-917-0871

    Directions:Use route58 towards the Naha airport. After entering Naha city, make a left to Matsuyama intersection, now you are on Ichigin street. Pass five blocks, you can find a steak restaurant “HAN’S” on your right. Make a right this intersection and go straight almost 50m. Chandelier Boutique is on your right. We got some mannequins on our show window.

  4. Hello!
    This is Mario, from Chandelier Boutique.

    We moved to Naha city on December 2013.

    Our new location is 3-28-8 Kumoji, Naha.
    Tel:098-917-0871

    Directions:Use route58 towards the Naha airport. After entering Naha city, make a left to Matsuyama intersection, now you are on Ichigin street. Pass five blocks, you can find a steak restaurant “HAN’S” on your right. Make a right this intersection and go straight almost 50m. Chandelier Boutique is on your right. We got some mannequins on our show window.

    We are looking forward to seeing you on our new location, thank you!

    • Editor’s Note: Due to technical difficulties this comment was not saved on our server. We are re-publishing it now to continue the conversation on this post.

      From Yuki on 9/25/13 (in response to Octavia):
      “Yes, we have so many variety of dresses!”

  6. Hello, Thank you for the very nice comments!

    We are having $=90YEN promotion for all the ladies who are sarching for the beautiful ball gowns.
    This is my first time to do this promotion, I hope many people visit our store to find your perfect look.

    Thank you!

      • Editor’s Note: Due to technical difficulties this comment was not saved on our server. We are re-publishing it now to continue the conversation on this post.

        From Yuki on 9/25/13 (in response to Marcie):
        “Yes, we are still open and we have more design and sizes!
        We have dresses size up to 22!
        Thank you!”

  7. Wanted to comment for all you searching for a dress, and reading this post. I know it helps to have recent comments. I have one ball gown and on the search now for a possible second. I was just stopping by Chandelier’s to browse for a dress. The employees were very nice. They had a nice variety of ball gowns and cocktail dresses. Most gowns are over 200,000 yen. Their phone number is 098-989-3467, http://chandelierboutique.blogspot.jp/ and http://boutique.ti-da.net/ (if you can translate the page)

        • yes its a typo, i am 6 months pregnant and have been looking everywhere for a formal dress that will fit and looks nice. Its already so hard to find a formal dress on okinawa and find one that will fit when your pregnant..i went to 5 different stores in american village and couldnt find anything. im going to a ball with my husband next week. At last, today i found a dress store that had many sizes and bought a dress today at chandelier boutique for 19,800 yen. it took less than 15 minutes to find a dress and get it tailored. It looks great. One of the staff members took me to the tailors to get the length slightly adjusted. Tailoring only cost 1000 yen to adjust to parts of the dress. I definitely recommend this store for anyone that needs a last minute dress.

  10. i was searching for a dress to wear to my hubands graduation ceremony recently and i stumbled upon yukis boutique. i was hot and tired of shopping but she kept urging me to go ahead and try things on. she was so nice, helpful and really knew her stuff! even though i was very indecisive and not sure the look i was going for, she was very patient and had lots of great ideas. after i purchased my dress she even recommended a great restaurant close by. i had a great time and look forward to going back!

  11. Sam: I am so excited for you. I’d love to see the dress you chose. Yuki, and her staff, are incredible and they are like that everytime you go in. Yuki is a smart business woman with a big heart!! I am so glad that her shop is doing well – it’s hardly ever empty when I walk or drive by on my way to or from some of my favorite restaurants in that area. Thanks for posting your success story with us and have a great time at your function!!!

  12. After much procrastinating, I decided to try this place out today for a second ball gown. I prefer quality over quantity, and like the person who wrote this article, don’t mind paying a little extra for something that is made well, tailored to fit, and original.

    My kids and I parked on Kadena and followed the directions right to the boutique, and as soon as I walked in I was helped. My kids were tired and cranky (sorry!) and they were helped over to a nice little tent with a movie and balls in it to play in. Then I got started picking dresses right away, and the woman who was helping me (I can’t ever remember anyones name even after repeating it back to them 1500 times, no matter where I am) asked if she could find a dress for me. The three I chose just weren’t right, and when I saw the dress she chose, I was skeptical.

    But then, I tried it on and it looked totally different on me, and I knew that I would have to do a little explaining about the price, but I will probably wear this dress for years to come. I never would have even given it a second glance on a hanger and from reading this article, it seemed like I needed someone who actually had a little fashion sense to help me out of my endless rut of black dresses.

    After my youngest began a meltdown, my kids were given a cookie by the owner of the store who talked to them while I paid, and then we were walked to the tailor. The woman who was helping me translated because my Japanese is limited, and then I was told to expect a phone call. I am so happy I made the trek down there and found this place. I was a little intimidated by it (you must wear gloves to handle the dresses), but as soon as I saw the play tent in the corner I felt as ease. The people who work here are amazing and their knowledge is obvious even to someone like me who needs help always with dressing themselves. Thanks again Okinawahai!!!

  14. Hi, This is YUKI from Chandelier Boutique.
    We have our 1st anniversary party on 23rd December on 2nd Flore of Chandelier Boutique.

    Party starts at 8pm until midnight.

    2000yen charge includes free champagne,free wines and beer..etc + free food
    with live music and DJ and photo shoot with Santa!

    I am looking forward to see you at the party.

    YUKI

  15. This is my absolute favorite little spot on the island where I have already gotten a couple dresses and tons of fabulous jewelry! Yuki is so sweet and helpful and she will definately do anything to help you find that special look you are searching for! Alot of her jewelry is very vintage-looking so you won’t be bumping into another woman on this island wearing the same piece (which is nearly impossible on this island!). I have several pieces of jewelry from Chandelier and without fail, everytime I wear them somebody will ask me where I bought them! The selection is great and Yuki is very fashionable so the merchandise she has is always in style! Visiting this boutique is a MUST in my opinion! 🙂

  16. I just went to Chandelier Boutique today and found a wonderful gown for the ball. Yuki is so sweet and helpful. My favorite part was when I asked her about what color shoe I should pair with my dress and she replied…”any color is probably fine…it’s not about the shoe that makes the fashion, it’s about the person wearing the shoe.” I would definitely recommend checking out the boutique if you’re not one to order online.

  17. Hello,

    This is YUKI from CHANDELIER BOUTIQUE.

    I’m going to new york to get merchandise soon.

    Chandelier Boutique will be closed on

    Sep 2nd Wed- Sep 14th Monday, except Saturday and Sunday.

    “Open Saturday and Sunday!”
    (Sep 5,6,12,13,are opened.)

    my staff will open chandelier boutique while i am gone.

    Please let me know if you have any requests for sizes, colors, styles, etc… before I leave to New York.I will try to find dresses that you like 😉

    Thank you.

    YUKI

  18. Hi,

    This is YUKI from CHANDELIER BOUTIQUE.

    I’m going to new york/paris to get merchandise.

    I hope I will find a lot beautiful merchandise to make my customers happy 😉

    Chandelier Boutique will be closed on

    MAY 17th Sunday-MAY 22nd Friday.

    closed on MAY 25th -MAY 29th

    closed on JUNE 1st – JUNE 5th

    “Open Saturday and Sunday!”
    (MAY 23,24,30,31 are opened.) only MAY 17th Sunday is closed.

    my staff will open chandelier boutique while i am gone.

    she speaks fluent french, and little bit english.

    If you are interested to get french-vibe shopping experience, learn french shopping word before you come and you will enjoy shopping with speaking french to her 😉