Target Market

My target market for my independent boutique is women who want to look good day and night. My customer is working in a professional setting where dressing the part gains her good recognition. Aside from work, she likes to be out of the house doing stuff. She's 23 - 39 years old who loves to shop but appreciates customer service. She is up on the latest fashion trends, but not obsessed with owning too many trends in a given season. Classics and staples are a must-have.

Cool enough for DKNY

Donna Karen has done it again. She has created clothes for Fall 2009 that are beautiful, grown-up, and simply classic. I loved the color palette this season: greens, reds, grays. Great wool fabrics in tweed, houndstooth, plaids. You'll definitely be nice and warm in these clothes while looking fabulous. She did a sexy pencil skirt that hits below the knee that I have to have. The short leather jacket is a no brainer - everyone must own that! Oh my God, the coat is a dream, but be careful wearing it if you're carrying some extra pounds as it could look shapeless on some. I may suggest belting it if you're a size 10 or more.


PhotoSource: Style.com

Sound check

I am so bored with the music that comes out of the majority of stores and boutiques these days. Everyone is playing Lady Gaga, Rihanna, or Jay-Z. Don't get me wrong those are a few of my favorite artists too, but how about a change of pace? I've decided to put on Fashion TV in my store. For those who don't know, Fashion TV is its own channel with non-stop fashion shows to music, and fashion entertainment. The models usually walk to trance and electronica music, which is what I'll be playing in my store... Something to view (other than clothes) and listen to!

Proenza Schouler

I want these dresses from the Proenza Schouler spring 2008 collection. Volume is everything!




I want these shoes from the Proenza Schouler spring 2008 collection. I have an ankle fetish, I hope my customers do too!



Photo source: proenzaschouler.com

Boutique location

I now know that I do not want my boutique to be located in a mall - indoor/outdoor doesn't matter, no malls! I would definitely achieve more visitors from a high traffic mall, but I want a specific clientele to visit and shop at my boutique. My current employer is located in a mall and the store is a boutique type store, but our customers are not so boutique-ie. They (but not all) don't seem to understand or appreciate our motto of customer service. They (but not all) don't seem to understand or appreciate our motto for perfect presentation. I believe at a different non-mall location we'd attain less clientele but clients who would more than likely spend time with us, build a relationship, and thus spend more money. Plus, the rent at our mall is ridiculous!

Roberto is Perfecto

I love this Roberto Cavalli dress. This is apart of his fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection, where floral prints were everywhere. But you don't have to love flowers to love this dress. Its bustier bodice is a flattering fit, and I love the flare from the hip down to the mid-calf. This dress is perfection and it's cotton, which tells me that it is also comfortable.
Photo source: CoolSpotters and Coutorture

Looking for a jacket

I've been searching for a jacket this spring, which inspired me to post this blog. There were so many fun, gorgeous, vibrant jackets on the runway for spring/summer 2009 in many shapes and sizes. I love the standard classic trench coat at Burberry where they tweaked it with the color fading. Military style is everywhere this season and looks flattering on most body types. Cropped is charming, and you cannot go wrong with leather... Even the futuristic style at Versace.
Photo source: Fashion Week Daily

Moschino

Dresses at Bottega Veneta

I love dresses. Especially now that the sun is out and temperatures are up; what better way to express yourself than with stylish pieces that display whatever amount of skin your heart desires. Over at Bottega Veneta the dresses for Spring '09 ready-to-wear are to die for! The pieces I chose from the brilliant collection this season are classic with some edge. Lots of quality cotton fabrics with intricate details. The silk chiffon is light and flowy, and cut in the most figure flattering ways. Do not get me wrong, there are pieces that are body conscious. There is one dress that nearly looks like a potato sack with pockets, but on the right (tall, thin) body this dress speaks volumes and is one of my favorite pieces. He worked with a lot of neutral colors this season, which allows you to focus on the true style and cut of the dress.
Photo source: New York Magazine

Spring '09 at Zac Posen

Zac Posen is one of my favorite clothing designers. He is creative, innovative, takes risks, and this season he's done it again. Posen is known for dressing beauties on the red carpet, but I found some pieces in this season's collection that convey confidence and sexiness when worn in everyday life. He has designed pieces that are great for work and play, which can play a vital role when dressing. The more curvy girl may want to stay away from some of his dresses this season as he has created a lot of volume in that area. I love the shorter length on some of the skirts and dresses. The flowy tops are a fun and flattering fit. He used color and embroidery so well (as usual) this season. Here are some of the pieces from this collection I would buy for my boutique.
Photo source: fashionweekdaily.com

Spring over at 3.1 Phillip Lim

Spring is officially here. We had a slow March in our store and I suppose the low temperatures had a lot to do with that. People seemed to have trouble visualizing themselves in short sleeves, light dresses, and cute jackets until now and I'm so excited to be dressing people again. I imagine they feel the same at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Their Spring 2009 ready-to-wear collection is phenomenal. I loved the baggy pants with the tapered ankle. He made skirts and dresses in fun vibrant colors and cool patterns. I absolutely adored the baggy pencil skirt. The collection overall was flowy and loose with a few form-fitting pieces so don't neglect the gym completely. Here are some piece from his collection I would buy for my boutique.
Photo source: Style.com