Boutique: Chunky Armadillo; Owner Melanie Hutchins
Location: 726 N. High St. Columbus Ohio (Short North Arts District)
Website: www.ChunkyArmadillo.com
Social: Instagram & Facebook
Vibes clicked when I crossed paths with Melanie last Summer in a Short North boutique. Our convo led to fashion and matching Astrology signs (ARIES). I learned she had relocated to Columbus from Dallas, Texas to open a boutique called Chunky Armadillo, bringing a Texas Bohemian Shabby Chic feel along with her. Walking into her shop for the first time brought a chic yet country gal shopping vibe. With cool little rustic trinkets, crocheted garment, and handmade accessories. With her funk music playing setting the vibe as customers walked in to browse, I stopped in to chat with Melanie to get an official introduction into her boutique. Check out some of her favs and boutique details below!
Check out some of her favs and boutique details below!
Meet boutique owner Melanie Hutchins. West Virginia raised. Texas seasoned. Ohio Living.
AC: Where are you from?
MH: Wheeling, West Virginia originally. Relocated to Dallas where I resided for 12 years. This is also where I got my inspiration.
AC: What made you relocate to Columbus to open your boutique?
MH: Living in Texas I was inspired by the rural/ urban farm girl/ boho queen/ Aztec/ Western feel and after researching I felt this was something Columbus would embrace. Not to mention I had family here. (EVERYBODY HAS FAMILY IN COLUMBUS!)
AC: What are your 3 favorite things in your store right now?
MH: A 1940 Ford Truck desk salvaged from the junk yard, a one of a kind handmade tie dye hi-low tunic along with their shredded necklaces from designers Rough & Tumble Vintage and the Sandra Ling Jewelry based out of Texas. Love the classy feel but bohemian Navajo mix.
AC: What 70’s trend would you bring back?
MH: EXTREME bell bottom, super flare. (She was super excited to shout out her answer)
AC: What is most essential when re-wearing an outfit?
MH: Jewelry for sure depending on what you are wearing. Jewelry can be an outfit of its own.
AC: What kind of trends make you cringe? (find another synonym)
MH: Mullets!
AC: Do you carry local items?
MH: Yes, I come across some local artist at local festivals including Columbus Flea/ Comfest/ Moonlight Madness/ and the Arts Festival basing my decisions on the Chunky Armadillo brand.
The wall of Western Dreams. A large bull skull topped with a flower crown
AC: What are 3 things you are looking forward to carrying for next season Fall 16′?
MH: -Knee length fringe distressed leather boots (pictured on Melanie above)
-Rider boots in order to complete looks
-Hand made leather fringe handbags
-Navajo inspired kimonos
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- “I left the corporate world to get into art.”
