I've passed by Altar'd State at the Empire Mall a hundred times, usually on my way to the food court or cutting through to Scheels — but last Tuesday I actually walked in, and I realized I'd been missing something. It's tucked in that back stretch near Dillard's, Space 0402B if you're tracking store numbers like I do, and the window displays are what finally pulled me inside: flowy dresses, denim jackets with embroidery that doesn't look mass-produced, jewelry that catches the light just right.
Inside, it's more curated than I expected — racks organized by vibe rather than just size, which means you're browsing outfits instead of hunting through chaos. I found a cream linen top that would've cost twice as much at the boutiques on Phillips Avenue, and a pair of jeans that actually fit without requiring a tailor. The jewelry wall is dangerous if you're trying to stick to a budget — delicate gold hoops, layered necklaces, rings that look like they came from somewhere cooler than a South Dakota mall.
The staff didn't hover, which I appreciated. They were there when I needed a different size, gone when I wanted to think. It's the kind of balance that's harder to find than you'd think.
Here's the thing though — the store can feel a little crowded when it's busy, and the lighting is that slightly too-bright mall fluorescent that doesn't do anyone's complexion favors. But the clothes themselves are good, the prices are reasonable, and if you're already at Empire for Target or Old Navy, it's worth the detour to the back corner. I left with two pieces I've already worn twice, which is my personal metric for whether something was worth buying.
Sometimes the best finds aren't on the main drag — they're in Space 0402B near the Dillard's wing.
— Grace
The staff didn't hover, which I appreciated.