Marianne of Palm Springs - Palm Springs, California

Beth Wiggins

You'll find things you're looking eye ? for and things you didn't know you needed. You can ? from head to toe in glamor or just pick up an eclectic piece of jewelry or a fabulous ? hat. It's the ultimate
dress up closet. Not to mention the beautiful owners and their little dog Pixie.

Alex

This is a beautiful store in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, full of the most beautiful dresses, jewelry, purses, dress shirts, and more. It is owned by Marianne herself, who dresses elegantly all the time! There are also cool photos of herself and family/friends (at different points in time) all over the walls. There are many photos at drag shows and in fancy gowns, so it's like you can see people's lives like a movie in front of you. The walls show the history of the store owner and of everything inside. I seriously recommend you come to this store when in Palm Springs.

Denise Brittain

DO NOT support this business.

Let me start by saying that the other employees are fantastic, and I enjoyed chatting with them on both occasions I visited the store.

However, as many other reviews have mentioned, the older woman (whom I assume is the owner of the store) is horribly rude to customers. There are signs on a few items that say, “Please look, but don’t touch,” so I assumed that applied only to those specific pieces—not to all the items. I fully respected those signs and assumed everything else could be touched.

I gently picked up a piece with the help of my mother, who I had specifically brought back to see the selection. This item was not marked as “do not touch,” but the owner immediately berated me, telling me that I should know better than to try something on. I immediately apologized profusely, but she continued to scold me, saying that nothing should be tried on or touched. She told me it was entirely my fault because, if she wanted people to know, she would have to explicitly state it. Her words were, “How could I possibly have the time to put that on every item?” Well, if it’s important enough to make a customer cry and bully them, then I would make sure it is explicitly stated everywhere and also reiterated as customers enter the store.

I’m sorry, but as a business owner myself, I believe it is my responsibility to clearly communicate my expectations to customers. If I make a mistake, I would take responsibility for it.

The worst part of the encounter was that, as I was apologizing and raising my hands in a gesture of remorse, she told me that “a lady wouldn’t try on something like that, especially with a purse on. If you want to be a lady, then have some respect and try it on here without your purse.” I understand the purse aspect, but I had intentionally moved it to ensure there would be no snags or damage to the clothing.

Firstly, why am I not allowed to touch the items if I am allowed to try them on? But most importantly, as the situation unfolded, I started crying, and she continued to call me “not ladylike” and “disrespectful” repeatedly. Despite the store’s eclectic selection, which had made my day on my first visit, the owner’s rude and callous disposition ruined the rest of my experience.

I am appalled and disgusted by her behavior toward a young woman, and I will, unfortunately, NEVER visit this shop again.

Don’t waste your time or money supporting someone who degrades and belittles people, even when they are apologizing excessively and crying out of shame and embarrassment. I am beyond belief that she has not been called out for her carelessness and lack of common decency.

I am not one to write many reviews, but DO NOT waste your time and hard-earned money on this establishment.

I am still upset and hurt by her comments, despite them being completely out of line and asinine. The store would be amazing if she weren’t a part of it.

One of the worst and most humiliating experiences of my life.

-100 out of 5 stars.

Avery

I saw this store on the street and it looked really cool and fun so I decided to pop in. However, the owner was super rude! I was looking at a really cool purple leopard print coat, and also looking for the price, and she just came up to me and said, “that won’t fit you.” She said it super snobbishly and also kept her eye on me the whole time i was in the store like she thought i was going to steal! i don’t recommend.

JoAnn SkyWatcher

For me, Marianne’s is a great place to shop for unique party clothes for women (and cross dressers). Want to find something very unique? Something that your friends probably don’t have. This is a great place to go!

You can find: unique sunglasses; shoes; hats—lots of big floppy sun hats, and cowgirl hats; jewelry—some vintage; bikinis; wraps and cover-ups; sundresses; beaded clothing; Belly dancing paraphernalia; hand bags and totes; and lots of glitzy stuff!

I went to Marianne’s looking for an anklet. The sales person was very helpful. I ended up getting an anklet that didn’t last very long – - after a couple of weeks, the anklet broke. There is a wide range of products at Marianne’s – from cheaply made - - to very expensive. Be sure and be a wise shopper!

Next time I am in Palm Springs, I hope to give myself a treat and check out more carefully what Marianne has to offer. I hope to spend an hour just browsing…and finding something I will love to wear!

Robert Allen

From the second we walked in it was clear that the shop owner did not want us there. Immediately after stepping in the owner was condescending and unwelcoming. When she wasn’t staring at us, she was following us around. Finally while my daughter was looking at an article of clothing, she ripped it out of her hands and said rudely “This won’t fit you”. It’s too bad. My wife and daughter bought a couple of items there on a previous trip and were looking forward to visiting again this trip. We will not be back. Why would you own a store when you clearly don’t like people?

G Vallejo (“Bougigi”)

I went into the store and saw a great beaded gown and although quite overpriced there was 20% off so I tried it on and it required alterations to the length and take away material at the armpits. I’m assuming Marianne the owner was who helped me and offered alterations. She pinned the bottom but stated she needed to make a cut at the top to show me how it would look altered as she suggested. She asked if I was sure I wanted the dress before she cut it. She did not mention a cost being associated with alterations and considering the dress was over $500 I assumed alterations were included. I shop at high end dress shops and have had the owner/dress maker alter at no extra cost so it is not unheard of. Once I got to the register to pay (and discussing coming back the next day to possibly buy more items) is when i was hit with alterations are an extra $40. Once she saw my surprise she offered to do alterations for $30 but no less. I expressed my dissatisfaction that the additional cost was not mentioned and her response “well you didn’t ask”. She tried to justify that alterations always cost and I let her know that for a $20 dress sure but a $500 dress is quite a different price point. And to be clear the beading is not located in areas to be altered. The stretchy rayon needs only to be cut with no stitching - in fact the arm area looked unfinished. This woman is a terrible businesswoman and has no integrity. I honored my end and still purchased the dress bc I stated I would after she made a cut. So if you are considering going into her shop be sure to ask clearly about prices. There are other shops with items very similar in every city I’ve shopped in so although nice pieces there is absolutely nothing I’d ever need to buy from someone like her again.

Sharon Smith

I saw a lovely elephant necklace hanging with matching earrings so I tried on the necklace and loved it. The owner told me the set was on sale for $29. She turned her back to me as she wrapped the items in tissue and placed them in the bag. I paid her and left. I was traveling so didn’t open the bag until I got home. She wrapped only the necklace, not the matching earrings. What a bait and switch!! The attraction for me was the set, and I feel robbed. I don’t live close by so can’t go back. Be sure to check your bag and ensure you have all of you items before you leave because these people are dishonest.