Lotions & Potions

Lotions & Potions is a regular stop for me while Elmwood shopping. It’s a spot I pop into when looking for the perfect piece of jewelry to complement an outfit, and it’s a sure bet when trying to find a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one.
Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, broaches and more are carefully selected based on quality, maker and trend. From shiny and bold to woven and delicate, there are different tastes represented within a vintage inspired style. The pieces are unique, especially as compared to other jewelry options in the area. Furthermore, many of the lines have truly interesting stories, which makes it fun, especially when gift giving. There is a handful of vintage jewelry, and I found a couple wonderful necklaces here that are favorites.
In addition, there are fun accessories, such as beaded hair pins and silk-​like flower headbands, faux patent leather handbags, lace clutches and airy scarves, as well as clothing from select brands and sometimes local designers.
Smell the soaps and try the luscious lotions, my favorite of which hail from France. Inhale the aromatherapy bar’s lush fragrances before checking out the nook of unmentionables, stocked with beautiful, lacy lingerie and romance-​enticing treats. Go ahead, live a little!
From its knowledgeable and caring owner, Sue, to its quality offerings, it’s worth checking out!

I make most of my food from scratch. It’s cheaper, it’s healthier, and I know what goes into it. And as the beauty industry’s constantly reminding us, your skin is your body’s largest organ. So why wouldn’t I want my perfume made from scratch as well?
This is the idea behind Lotions and Potions, where owner Sue Morreale hand-​blends scents to order. Just belly up to the perfume bar and tell her the smells you like. She’ll begin pulling brightly-​colored oils off the wall like an expert mixologist, serving you up a custom-​made cocktail you can wear every day.
This does take a bit longer than your average reg’lar cocktail, so be sure to budget some time if you’re going in for a personalized perfume. (And it should go without saying that on a busy Saturday, you may not get the same service you’d get on a quiet weekday, as there’s just one Sue.)
The store also stocks some fun ladies’ fashion items, from lacy tops to jewelry. Sue’s styled her space like a funky boudoir, and while not everything’s to my taste (I think the ideal customer’s a bit older and girlier than me), there are a few things that catch my eye. Notable among her stuff is the «Strong Woman» series of jewelry, with beaded necklaces inscribed with messages celebrating the independent lady. I know my feminist mama would approve!
Lotions & Potions also plays nice with its Elmwood neighbors: they often do demos at other businesses, and sell their stuff via Chow Chocolat down the street. Handmade chocolates, handmade perfumes? I think I see an Elmwood trend here, and I LIKE it.

No they don’t make witches brew or any actual magic potions but they do create some of the most hypnotizing scents ever known to man. So in that sense I guess this place is magical. The owner makes a lot of oils based on popular perfumes but you can also create you’re own for much cheeaprr than you’d think. I think a small rollerball is around $ 12. I want to give this place a full 5 stars but the owner didn’t seem like she actually wanted to make the fragrance while I was there. We zoomed through picking scents and then wound up with a two note oil that was just ok. Although she could have been preoccupied with something else. Id rather her not offer the custom oilsif she doesn’t like doing them.
PS there’s a guy named Van who stops in frequently. He’s hilarious and made a gloomy March day feel as bright as spring.

This is one of the most beautiful shops on Elmwood. Stepping inside I felt right at home with very light scent of aromatherapy.
The owner blends potions from an impressive number of oils on the wall. There are also quite a few bath and skin products and candles, something for everyone.
Lovely t-​shirts, jewels and decoratons, accesories galore. I know I will have to stop in at least three more times to say I saw everything in the shop.
Lovely! It’s a must! Check it out.