Fashion, comfort, affordability intersect at SimpliCity Boutique

The Coast has more than its fair share of events that call for extra glitz and glamor, which is exactly where SimpliCity Boutique shines. Upon entering the Ocean Springs store, visitors are greeted by rack after rack of sparkly, sequined dresses in an array of fabrics, sizes and styles. Whether you’re attending a Mardi Gras ball or have a special date night planned, SimpliCity owner Amanda Ranger is determined to help you find the right look.

“At the end of the day, the most important thing for me is having happy customers who feel beautiful and empowered in their clothing,” she says. “I truly believe that certain outfits can make or break a person’s day, event or situation.”

When she arrived in South Mississippi from Canada five years ago, Ranger found it difficult to get re-established. Formerly a forensic mental health social worker and model, she’d had to choose a different career path.

“Then one day, it hit me: I love fashion, and people always ask for my advice about clothing,” Ranger says. “So, I looked into opening an online boutique. Plus, as a model, I was sponsored by several clothing companies.” Although online sales went well, Ranger wanted more and prayed for almost a year to get a storefront in downtown Ocean Springs.

“Then this amazing space became available,” she says, “so without hesitation, I went for it.”

While formal dresses are a specialty, SimpliCity stocks plenty of unique, on-trend items that are casual and comfortable enough for everyday wear. The boutique also offers sip-and-shop parties for groups of six to 12 women to enjoy refreshments as they grab their favorite pieces.

Giving back to her diverse clientele and the Coast community is important to Ranger, which is why SimpliCity is a sponsor of the MS Senior World Pageant.

“I have a wide range of customers from teens to seniors because of the different styles that I carry,” Ranger says. “I also am inclusive of our curvy girl population, especially with respect to my formal wear.”

Running the business on her own, Ranger acknowledges that staying motivated and consistent can be a struggle. However, the challenge also pushes her to work harder, knowing that success or failure rests on her shoulders.

“I just want all of my current and future customers to know how grateful I am,” she says.

Looking ahead to the next five years, Ranger would like to expand both space- wise and in terms of her inventory. To that end, she’s working on adding a men’s section to the boutique this year. So far, she adds, the support she’s received “has been more than I could ever have imagined.”

“The most rewarding aspect of this business is seeing happy customers who leave with a smile on their face,” Ranger says. “Not only that, but they become a part of my little boutique family.”