Substance

A wonderful boutique with a selection of brands — some large such as Eileen Fischer and Levi’s, others small. My favorite is Groceries, which offers wonderfully soft organic cotton shirts, skirts and scarves. While Groceries is made in California, Substance also sells clothes made or repurposed by local designers in the upper level of their store.
In addition, the staff were both friendly and helpful and even offered me a small student discount. They were even understanding when I returned a pair of rain boots (that I had worn once) because they didn’t fit right. If I could afford it, I’d shop there more often. Still, their sales are worth checking out periodically.

I bought a basic gray T-​shirt here for only $ 10. I suppose it’s nice to know that the shirt is crafted from organic cotton and recycled polyester, but all I really care about is that it feels soft enough and fits well on me. And it does both. :-)
I may return here to purchase one of the nifty necklaces assembled by well-​aided (but otherwise impoverished) women in Uganda (I think it’s Uganda).

I cannot believe I had never shopped be here before! I often browse their online site, and have made purchases for pickup from there, but actually being in the store is a totally different experience.
While some pieces are more expensive than I’m willing pay on my college student budget, I find that if I do invest the money, the quality is worth it and they’ll retain shape throughout the wash and (hopefully) last forever.
Not everything is out of budget though, I found a very pretty and unique lavender dress for under $ 60! What I love most? Chances of winning the mega-​million are probably more than seeing someone else wearing it. :)
Be sure to check out their jewelry collection, very unique and quirky pieces in the $ 20 range.
Substance is a must bring for your lady out of town guests! And be sure to direct them to the online store, as well!

I’ve walked by this store too many times to count… and boy, have I been missing out! While recently walking around the Short North with my mom, she asked if we could take a quick look to see what was inside. So much for a «quick look.» After almost an hour of looking around, it was impossible to leave Substance empty handed. They have such a variety of clothing (dressy and casual), jewelry, etc. you’re sure to find something you have to have.
Everybody that works there is extremely helpful– they even offered to steam what I bought!
A boutique clothing store with affordable prices and friendly people? I’m in!

Substance takes the art of clothing very seriously — but not in a snobby way — but rather in an everybody wants to look beautiful and we want to help way. I personally have a passion for scarves and this place has the most beautiful — I repeat — beautiful scarves. The colors and textures are great rich. I also like that they feature lighter fabrics for those of us that like to wear scarves in the summer as well. And just knowing that the clothing is eco-​friendly and everything is recycled is great.
A perfect place to pick up something for yourself or a nice gift.

My boi Bryant M was right! I LOVE Substance (SFFCP for short.)
I’m not fancy. And I don’t think I have that much style. So how delighted was I that SFFCP made it easy for me, while keeping me comfy. Cute accessories: check. Adorable dresses — with pockets (my fave): check. Fashionable purses: check. Oh, and at decent prices. The clearance rack made me squeal.
There were some purchased numbers as well as some custom, handmade pieces, and even an entire wall dedicated to scarves. Now that’s store after my own heart.
This place had style, my kind-​of style anyway, which was great for someone like me who has none.

What a perfect little shop!
I’ve been to Substance a few times with one of my girls, but I felt compelled to write a review after today’s trip. It’s the holidays, and I spotted so many potential gifts that could make many ladies very happy.
Are you looking for a unique gift for your girlfriend or wife? Head to Substance. Or maybe you’re a guy looking for something fab for your fruit flies? Go to Substance. Or maybe you’re a girl who likes really one-​of-​a-​kind pieces at can-​do prices? Yep, Substance.
Substance is a wonderful example of how shopping local is not only possible, but also preferable! So many of the boutiques in the Short North have totally unrealistic prices — mainly banking on the wealthier tourists that visit during Gallery Hop. But Substance targets the people that actually LIVE in the Short North all the other days of the month. The clothes are small-​batch and very special, and they are totally reasonably priced!
And the owner, Christina, is lovely. She is delightfully friendly and refreshingly honest — not like those mall people. She’ll tell you what looks great and what just doesn’t work.
Here are some of the great things I spotted:
* jewelry — really special pieces! and some of them are local!
* boots — really fantastic boots at doable prices.
* scarves — some of the best I’ve seen!
* bags/​wallets
* tops/​sweaters — so freaking cute!

I’m not a girl but I know a few of the girls who work here. This is a great boutique for women’s organic clothing with style. Definitely worth checking out…

On my way driving to Cleveland, Ohio (where there is no selection of women’s boutique clothing stores), I stopped on N. High Street and found this wonderful store, Substance. They had a great sales rack outside the store where I found two tops. Inside was a greater selection of organic clothing from skirts to pants to tops. They also carry some unique jewelry and pretty scarves – everything was very moderately priced. They carry designers Trinity, jpark, and their own line called Design Lab. I completely agree with reviewers Doreen W and Morgan D who commented that the store carries classic, simple wardrobe staples with sophisticated style. I think it’s worth your time, especially if you’re headed to Cleveland!

Too expensive for me, but I’m sure the stuff is worth it for some people. It also seems a little too pretentious, although I’m sure it’s tongue-​in-​cheek and in good taste. I don’t know. The atmosphere would be fine alone, but coupled with the superior fashion sense that I don’t get plus the high prices, this place is not my cup of tea.

One of my favorite spots in Columbus for unique clothes and accessories. I find something great here every season. Don’t miss the SPIEWAK coats!

This store has a large stock of simple wardrobe staples with just the right amount of additions to make the overall style fashion forward yet classic. Kind of like a down to earth Anthropologie with less over the top couture wanna be dresses and fashion risks. Much better prices and brands too, all very east and west coast focused.
Upon entering I was greeted by the surprisingly large staff that was very excited to tell me about their mission, specials, and favorite items. I listened attentively as their comments were interesting but they missed a huge SELL in this place.
They carry SPIEWAK!!!
This is my all time favorite line of functional yet flattering coats. They started in NYC in 1904 after buying the rights to the original pea coat and have since built on the design to include an awesome line of down jackets and full length coats that trick out to vests or thinner spring jackets and still remain paper thin! Oh how i dig SPIEWAK. I once owned a $ 200 SPIEWAK that i sold for $ 150 when I cleaned out my closet prior to a move. I think I was drunk at the time.
Anyway…one of the sales staff suggested I check out the upstairs which had racks of sale clothes ranging from $ 14.99 to $ 89.99. The obscure brands and few in house original designs are a steal at these prices. Better yet, all sale items were 20% off.
I started with the $ 89.99 rack to get my bearings (i’m burdened with expensive taste) as I got midway I heard a strange sound. I approached the end of the rack and the sound got louder and clear enough to understand. Angels literally began blowing trumpets as I locked eyes on an awesome SPIEWAK for a mere $ 89.99…WTH?! Just my size and in a neutral stone. I was a bit annoyed and could barely hear her (angels still making music in my head) as a salesgirl prattled on about how it would make a nice spring jacket. I ignored her since I knew oh to well that this is the beauty of SPIEWAK. The look of a spring jacket but warm enough to withstand arctic temps.
I chatted with owner as she checked me out in the back at a computer, which is a nice touch to the décor of the store, no real ‘cash wrap’ somehow classy. My jacket was gingerly placed in a garment bag as we both beamed at my steal of deal and talked about our love of SPIEWAK and TRIPLE 5 Soul, both of which she rubbed elbows with at her former job. I really felt like she was happy that the jacket had found a good owner and she was right.
This is one winter that I am glad that ground hog didn’t see its shadow. Bring on the cold.

Substance is dedicated to providing you with quality pieces that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come. They know how to accent timeless pieces to keep you current without forcing you to swap your whole closet seasonally.
They also teach workshops to bring out the designer in you.

Substance has a very sophisticated style. This is work wear for classy ladies. The clothes are expensive, but not as expensive of some similar shops in the area. A long sleeve, slightly designed shirt might cost you around $ 60. I can afford basic items like tees, sweat pants, and scarves. The sale section is a big help. You can get a sale tee for about $ 15.
A smaller selection of guys’ clothes is housed upstairs.
Substance also has design workshops that can be fun for groups of three or more. For example, you can take a class on T-​shirt redesign where you get to sew darts into your tee to make it your own. Or take the block printing class to learn how to creatively stamp designs onto your clothes.
You’ll find some green designers at Substance.
Substance is a huge supporter of educational efforts for children. They make lots of donations. So, you can feel good about your purchases because portions of your money are going towards a good cause. Every season, they choose a new non-​profit to benefit, reflecting their motto: Where there is style, there should also be substance.
Very down-​to-​earth, helpful staff.

Substance for Fashion Conscious People is a homegrown company designing and making its own fashions right here in C-​bus. The local designers offer up looks that are trendy but not flashy. Prices are high but not absurdly so.
Living up to their name, the company donates portions of all sales to various non-​profits.
The real draw at Substance is their workshops. You and some friends (up to 10 total) can schedule a time to work with the employees to make your own clothes. Some of the classes focus on re-​purposing things you already own, while other classes start with Substance items that can be personalized. Classes only cost $ 29.95 per person. Very cool.

Substance is one of those pretty Short North stores that I usually only window-​shop. I’ve been in a few times and looked at price tags and not purchased anything because it’s a bit out of my price range. I drool over their windows on a regular basis though, and when a friend of mine told me I had to check out the winter clearance a month or two ago, I did so and was pleasantly surprised at the deals. Everything upstairs was on sale, and I bought a skirt and a pair of cordouroy pants for very good prices.
4 stars for good sales, nice staff, beautiful clothes, and overall great atmosphere.