Distinctively Hers embodies the friendly, casual small-town feel that makes downtown McKinney a shopping destination for residents and travelers alike. Beautifully decorated in classic urban style with an exposed brick wall on one side and painted cement floors underfoot, this stylish boutique offers the latest in fashion trends and gift ideas. Whether you're 20 or 80, you will find something here for yourself or someone special on your shopping list.
Store owner Dawn Wermuth has been in the boutique business for the past 13 years. Initially starting in Frisco, she expanded to McKinney 3 years ago. She says this about her boutiques, "I wanted to have a women's clothing and accessory store where someone could shop, have a glass of wine, and be treated the way I would want to be treated." Dawn says she looks at every item that comes in and prices each according to what she, herself, would be willing to pay for the item. As a result, her inventory is reasonably priced to suit the budget of her shoppers. I know first hand as I wasn't able to leave the store without picking up a few things for myself and friends!
Dawn prides her stores with helping her customers to find clothing and accessories that they will feel good about wearing. She wants everyone to look sharp and feel confident when wearing anything from her boutique.
Brand names you can find at Distinctively Hers include P.J. Salvage, She + Sky, Vintage Havana, Naked Zebra, and Volatile. Her accessory lines include Alex & Ani and the local artisan Julio. In addition to clothing and accessories, gift lines include key chains, insulated tumblers, Paddy Wax candles, and the Oprah and Rachael Ray recommended Warmies, and much more. She also offers gift cards in any denomination. As an added thank you to her customers, free gift wrap is available year-round as well as a special $10 off during your birthday month. An additional store perk includes a rewards program whereby every time you spend $200, you get $10 back.
New inventory arrives at the store weekly, so you won't see the same thing twice. Dawn visits the Dallas Market 5 times a year and the Magic market in Las Vegas once a year to ensure she has the latest styles and trends available for her customers. When asked what's trending for spring and summer 2020, Dawn told me it's color and lots of it. Throwback to the 80s, clothing and jewelry alike will boast bright hues with a mix of beads, metals, and acrylics in the jewelry designs.
While Dawn's boutiques have been successful, she hasn't always been in the retail industry. Formerly a Madison, Wisconsin resident for 28 years, Dawn began her career in the insurance claims industry, before transitioning into Human Resources for several years. Then one day, inspired by a good friend and boutique owner, Dawn decided she was through with corporate America and opened her own store after moving to the north Collin county area 15 years ago.
If running two boutiques weren't enough, Dawn reinvented herself once again by training and competing in AAU powerlifting contests. Challenged by her fitness trainer and encouraged by her husband, Dawn began competing at age 41 proving that age is just a number. Her powerlifting story started when she was working out with trainer, Kevin Shaw, at a local 24-hour fitness gym to get into shape. As she relates, "I was giving him a hard time about not being able to get any women to do competitive weight lifting. A week later, I came back and he asked if I had decided whether or not I would do it. He said he thought I would be good at it." Dawn was hesitant to participate at first, thinking she wouldn't have the time to dedicate to the sport in addition to running her own business. Her trainer explained that she would not need to work out more, just differently, so she gave it a try. Dawn has won over 30 national and international records in the sport. She will start training soon for her next event which will take place this summer in Las Vegas.
When not at the store or in the gym training, you can find Dawn spending time with her husband and 4 rescue fur baby dogs ages 5-15 years old. She and her husband are very involved with non-profit organizations that support rescue animals.
The McKinney Distinctively Hers location can be found just off the downtown square at 110 W Virginia Street, McKinney. Store hours are Wednesday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-6, and Sundays 12-5. During the winter months, they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Based on my personal experience, you will be glad you stopped in to browse around. For the customer who can't make it to the store, you can shop the online boutique and enjoy free shipping at www.distinctivelyhers.com.