A Stone’s Throw

I used to LOVE this store. They have comfortable, good-​looking, active-​woman wear. It’s a pretty store to be in and Monroe Street is one of my favorite places to be.
Sadly, some of the things I loved most about the store are no more. I really enjoyed their upstairs closet. It’s likely that has been downsized understandably to save rent money, but I miss it. I also used to love their biannual sale days, but those have become less festive each year. You used to receive 50% off one item in the store and everything had sale stickers on it. This year, nothing is on sale exactly. 20% off the first item, 30% off 2 items, 40% of 3 items, etc.
Because the store is on the expensive side, the downsizing of the closet and the changes to the biannual sales make this store less accessible. I also feel like their selection has evolved over the years. I can’t put my finger on it, but less appeals to me than in the past. I miss the Prana brand, there seems to be less Lole, less shoes, and more flowing upper-​priced items that I wouldn’t necessarily describe as «active».
Some of the staff are very friendly and I have had good experiences, but I think it depends on what customers are in the store. I feel like the «high-​rollers» get more dedicated attention and gushing while bargain lovers like me are given a «hello» and not much else.
I still will keep popping in, but I have less luck than I used to.

We are so lucky to have A Stone’s Throw in Neenah! Thank you for opening and giving Neenah a wonderful store to shop in. I hope I get to check out your Madison store sometime, too. I LOVE your brands. My two new favorite brands are «Lole» and «Rese.» These are two brands I had never heard of and they both fit me perfectly! Love, love, love them! Also, I think it’s really cool that you support local designers by carrying their accessories and jewelry. Well done!

If you are an active, outdoorsy or even slightly nature-​loving and want to look cute while being who you are, check out A Stone’s Throw on my favorite street in Madison, Monroe Street.
A Stone’s Throw has brands like Patagonia, Lole, Horny Toad, etc. and also carries a fair amount of Made in the USA and organic cotton clothes. Whenever I am about to go on a travel adventure, I know I can go to this store to find the pieces I need that will pack easily and be my go-​to outfits. If you’re into quality, not quantity, shop at A Stone’s Throw!
I will say the return policy is a bit stringent with 2 weeks and only for store credit, but that is mostly because it’s a local store and family-​owned and that’s what I usually get as far as return policies when shopping at a small boutique. Service is what sets A Stone’s Throw a part from the rest – just ask any associate for help (but they will offer it up unsolicited anyway!) and they seem to be very genuine and creative if you are in need something in particular for an event. And yes, there are dress-​up clothes here too – it’s not all for being outside! I have lots of friends who shop here for comfortable work clothes.
My mantra is Buy Local First, and I am happy to report that it is quite easy to do with A Stone’s Throw!

They have lovely clothes, and a small variety of accessories. All of these lines are available at REI or Title Nine for a bit less, but then you don’t get the boutique experience.
The 2 stars is for the ridiculous return policy. Specifically, there are zero returns, and this is completely inflexible. I bought an item that I loved the color of, but not so much the fit. I literally drove around the block before I decided that really, if I’m spending that much, I should be getting something that fits much better. I went in, less than 5 minutes after the purchase was made, and learned the hard way that there are NO RETURNS, PERIOD.
I will not be going back, due to this, except to spend the credit I’m now stuck with. These lines of clothes never fit me, since I’m a size 16 and they don’t run that high. But I’m also far less than thrilled to be forced to use credit on something that’s overpriced to begin with.

When I walked into this shop and the saleswoman was wearing the exact same J. Crew dress as I was wearing, I knew I would love it. Now this wouldn’t be that extraordinary except I have had that dress since 2001. It’s a tiny little shop that carries those sorts of fashion/​outdoorsy brands like Loue and Patagonia. Now there are a lot of places in Madison that carry those brands, but A Stone’s Throw focuses on the «fashion» side of outdoorsy – which means I can look cute and be practical all at the same time. For example, I bought a Patagonia halter dress there that became my summer staple. I work with kids and wore while we made scarecrows for the garden in the morning and over my swimsuit to the pool in the afternoon and I still looked great for a night out on the town. Perfect!
And did I mention, wonderful staff.