State Line's Hidden Gem Shopping District: A Guide!
One of KC’s best local shopping districts can be easy to miss– check out this guide for some great antiques & boutiques!
Photos by Kelly Bunch
Driving down State Line at 45th Street, you’ll quickly pass through what seems like a tiny retail area. Upon closer look, you can see that this intersection of charming brick buildings hosts a plethora of unique shopping experiences that are not to be missed. You may know the West Plaza Art and Antique district for its antique shops, but the area has many other delightful boutiques that are perfect for hopping around on a sunny afternoon. Read below for five of my favorite finds - you never know what treasures you’ll find.
Finefolk | 4504 State Line Rd, KCK
Leslie Fraley opened Finefolk in 2013. Three locations later, her business is still going strong. Fraley curates clothing, jewelry, shoes, art, and other goods from artisans - both local and worldwide. With a keen eye, she selects unique labels that can’t be found anywhere else in Kansas City. In addition to the shop, Finefolk also offers alteration services for both clothing purchased in the store and pieces brought in from outside.
Knotty Rug Co | 4510 State Line Road
The first thing I noticed when walking into Knotty Rug Co was the sheer volume of rugs available - how will I ever find the right one? The second thing I noticed was how helpful the staff was - I didn’t have to do it alone. Looking for the right rug can be an overwhelming experience, so it was a relief to have a friendly, knowledgeable assistant orient me to the store (shout out to Doug!). After a short tour to get the lay of the land, I browsed through neatly piled stacks of hand knotted rugs. Knotty Rug Co has vintage and new rugs in addition to made-to-order pieces that can be designed for specific sizes. With a check out option, you can even try out the rug in your own space before making a commitment.
SID & Co | 1812 West 45th Street
This beautiful corner storefront lures you in with a finely curated mix of new and vintage home goods. Upon looking further, you’ll find custom upholstery, handmade jewelry, and an interior design firm inside. If you’re looking for unique decor that carries a certain je ne sais quoi, SID & co is likely to send you home with the perfect item that will have everyone asking where you got it.
UNIQwares | 1701 W. 45th St, KC MO
Filled with colorful textiles, I couldn’t help but be pulled into this happy space. The tie dye brings immediate nostalgia for those of us of a certain age, but this is far from your grade school art project. These hand-dyed fibers are created with a variation of techniques that showcase colors in a truly unique way. If you’re looking for an unexpected delight, treat yourself or someone you love to a one-of-a-kind piece from UNIQwares.
Yarn Social | 1707 W. 45th St, KC MO
My mom taught me how to crochet and knit as a kid, but I’ve lost the skill somewhere along the way. With one step into Yarn Social, I was immediately motivated to dig the old crochet needle out of the basement and give it another go. A rainbow of yarn lines the walls of this beautiful shop and gives instant inspiration for creativity. Spoiler alert to my family, your Christmas stockings will likely be filled with homemade stocking caps and pot holders this year.
