PATCH PICKS: Boutiques in and Around Essex

The Essex-Middle River area is home and/or close to many speciality shops for those looking for anything from jewelry and clothing to high-quality dresses and tuxedos for a wedding. Here are five stores outside of malls that can handle your shopping needs.

- 1780 Eastern Blvd. in Essex - Helena's Bridal Boutique offers bridal gowns, tuxedos, and other formal wear. The company also has a selection of accessories to complement your wedding gown. The shop is small and the staff is friendly.

2. - 8720 Satyr Hill Rd. in Parkville - Charles Nusinov & Sons is a family-owned business that offers jewelry and jewelry repairs. Popular items include earrings, charms, watches and engagement rings. The shop hosts occasional free events, such as restoration clinics.

3. - 157 Orville Rd. in Essex - In business since 2005, this conveniently located Halmark Gold Crown gift store offers greeting cards, gifts, candies, candles and more. There is also free giftwrapping available for any gift purchase and a layaway program for customer convenience. Check out Ann Marie's Hallmark.com Web site, or the store's Facebook page.

4.  8836 Belair Rd. in Nottingham - There are numerous glass displays of Belleek China and Galway Crystal throughout the gift shop, which allows customers to see and touch the various items for sale. Jewelry cases are near the register and the various wool capes and sweaters sold in the store are prominently on display. The merchandise is spread throughout the store and there is ample room to see everything and walk around on the first floor of this repurposed house. If you need a gift from Ireland or a reminder of the Emerald Isle, you're sure to find it at Irish & Celtic Treasures.

5. - 1760 Merritt Blvd in Dundalk - Y & B Jewelry, located in the Merritt Park Shopping Center, is a one-stop place to purchase jewelry, clocks and watches. It also offers jewelry appraisals and engravings, clock remounting, custom jewelry and crystal giftware. All repair work is done on the premises while you wait.