The closet doesn’t lie. One morning it’s January layers, and the next, you’re standing there with no idea how to dress for a 60-degree Sunday. Spring in Montclair has a way of doing that — arriving a little abruptly, a little gloriously, and making you want to hit the pavement.
That’s exactly what Montclair Pod co-host Farnoosh Torabi did, enlisting local style maven and community connector Wendy Tiburcio — known to her followers as @themontclairnista — for an afternoon of downtown exploration. Their mission: scout Montclair’s hidden gems for the best seasonal finds in clothing, accessories, and home goods.
What they discovered was a reminder of just how rich Montclair’s independent retail scene really is — if you know where to look.
Stop 1: Monty — The Investment Piece
12 N. Willow Street | shopmonty.com
Their first stop was Monty, the women’s boutique founded in 2019 by Natalie Haddad that has quietly become a cult favorite in Montclair’s downtown. This is not a basics store. Monty carries a mix of independent and emerging designers from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas — think sculptural silhouettes, bold prints, and flowing fabrics that feel like they came with a story.
Wendy gravitated immediately toward a silk shirt dress in shades of blue and yellow — the kind of piece that can be worn loose, belted, or layered into something entirely different.
“I love the versatility. It’s very unique,” Wendy said, scanning the racks. “The owner mentioned that she works with a lot of artists, so I can tell the artistic touch in the designs. Even looking at an umbrella — it’s a beautiful color. If you’re looking for a unique piece, I think this is worth it.”
Spring tip: Monty is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am–6pm, and Sunday, noon–5pm. The shop is closed Monday and Tuesday — so plan accordingly. Plus, the entrance to the brother shop, Mister, is right around the corner on Glenridge Avenue for the men (or the unisex-inclined) in your life.
Stop 2: White Rabbit Black Heart — The Gift Situation Solved
221 Glenridge Avenue | whiterabbitblackheart.com
Part gift shop, part treasure hunt, and faintly scented with chocolate courtesy of its connection with local confectioner Sweet Home Montclair, White Rabbit Black Heart is the store Montclair locals reach for when they don’t want to show up empty-handed.
Candles, zodiac-specific perfumes, curiosities, incense, lotions — Wendy had a very clear strategy here.
“These are my go-tos,” she said, zeroing in. “The red velvet cherries from Sweet Home Montclair… they’re just delicious. And these lotions are very unique, not something you’ll find at any store. This one is frosted strawberries with a hint of cinnamon or spice. You can’t go wrong with French lavender. And then there are these zodiac-specific perfumes. I’m a Sagittarius — December 18th — and I was told the Sagittarius one took about four years to formulate. Because we are complex people.”
Spring tip: Think of White Rabbit Black Heart as your “me store” — you walk in to buy something for someone else and walk out with something for yourself. Budget accordingly.
Stop 3: Noellery — Style Without Commitment
4 Church Street | noellery.com
Bright, playful, and inviting, Noellery is a women-owned jewelry and accessories boutique that is exactly the right antidote to a long winter. Wendy made a beeline for a pair of mint green sunglasses, and summed up the shop’s appeal precisely.
“If you are a colorful gal like me, you will definitely find your pops of beautiful color here,” she said. “Or if you want something a little more understated, you can find that too. I just love it because it has a multiple slew of accessories for every taste, and the price points are great.”
That’s the sweet spot at Noellery — spring style without the commitment or the sticker shock. Walk out feeling like a new season without breaking the bank.
Spring tip: Noellery is also a great stop for Mother’s Day gifting — the shop carries handcrafted sterling silver necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings at accessible prices. Open Tuesday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 10am–8pm, Sunday 10am–7pm.
Stop 4: Beau Brummel — Color Is for Everyone
27 Church Street | (973) 509-0751
This European-inspired menswear boutique — known for its tailored suits, statement jackets, shoes, and ties — is the store Wendy swears by for both the men in her life and herself.
“We don’t have a lot of men’s stores in Montclair, so I love this one,” she said. “I’ve bought great pieces for my husband and great pieces for me, because many things are also unisex. I have a beautiful pink jacket from here that I love. Everything is very high quality with unique patterns. And we are big fedora fans — he has a fedora. Definitely worth a stop.”
Wendy’s broader philosophy applies here, and across every spring wardrobe decision: “I think every color is for everybody, so don’t be afraid. Especially in the spring and summer — wear those bright colors. There’s no better time.”
A Few More Practical Tips Before You Go
Check hours before heading to Upper Montclair. Several boutiques along Valley Road and the Bellevue Avenue strip prefer appointments or keep limited Sunday hours. Downtown Montclair along the Bloomfield Avenue corridor tends to be more reliably open on weekends.
Treat the shopping excursion as an event. The Montclair Center BID publishes a shopping guide with a full business directory by category. The Experience Montclair site also has a current guide to shopping across the district.
Think in terms of “investment pieces” vs. “fun finds.” Wendy’s approach: Monty is where you go when you want something to build a whole outfit around. Noellery and White Rabbit Black Heart are where you go to add joy at a lower price point. Jersey Girl Thrift and the secondhand stores are where you go when you want the thrill without the spend.
Don’t underestimate the dopamine. As Mike noted on the pod: spring shopping isn’t frivolous — the anticipation of something new produces a genuine dopamine response. Might as well direct it toward Bloomfield Avenue instead of an Amazon cart.
Download our free guide to shopping small in Montclair — covering everyday essentials, clothing, accessories, and housewares.
Follow Wendy Tiburcio at @themontclairnista on Instagram for ongoing Montclair shopping and community content.
