Something special...Accessorises

On top of the clothing collections Grace Boutique stocks some great accessories to add something special to your look. Here are a few of my favourites which have been stocked...

Jewellery from Tutti & Co, Bag from Aftershock.

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'Grace' Boutique

Seeing as its the basis of my research I thought it was about time I posted on it! 'Grace' Boutique opened in Matlock just a few months ago and stocks a gorgeous collection for females of all ages, whether its casual or an occasion your looking for you can find unique brands and the small shop has a great friendly and cosy atmosphere! The interior is classic with individually sourced vintage pieces and furniture's and is almost as beautiful as the clothing!

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Stolen Thunder

Stolen Thunder is homemade in England...Wirksworth, Derbyshire to be precise! As well as independent retailers its great to see local companies in the fashion field grow to have a national presence.

The brand offers playful homemade jewellery in unique and quirky but wearable pieces. The designers take inspiration from childhood memories and the result is a gorgeous collection with something suitable for all occasions. They have a strong USP with their hand drawn graphics and unusual and vintage inspired materials. Stolen Thunder have even teamed up with Marina and The Diamonds to create a 'rocks' collection for her tour.

The unconventional pieces are often seen in fashion and lifestyle publications and is sold at a number of local and national boutiques.

The Stolen Thunder is also well worth a visit with a strong press archive and blog which features behind the scene photo shoots and interviews. Take a look...

http://www.stolenthunderboutique.com/index.html

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Telegraph shop awards focus on the Independent

Whilst browsing this morning for, well anything really, on independent businesses I came across a really nice article from Mary Portas. Title 'Telegraph Magazine Shop Awards 2010: Independent Streak' is discusses the importance of these small retailers and why we shouldn't let them be beaten by the large, commercial high street chains. Because of this the Telegraph have decided to focus this years awards on these independent shops and celebrate their value to Britain. The article goes on to talk about the unforgettable and unbeatable service these shops, and shopkeepers deliver which I believe is true and extremely important!

See the article at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/shopawards/8048601/Telegraph-Magazine-Shop-Awards-2010-Independent-Streak.html

Its definitely worth a read.

xxx

Young Ideas

I had heard of Young Ideas and know that people travel specially to Ashbourne to visit the boutique but this was my first visit. The shop offers a wide designer product range including garments from Armani, Belstaff, J Brand, Max Mara, Diane Von Furstenberg and Nicole Farhi to name a few! The price point is therefore quite high and is aimed at a more mature female consumer, with a lot of disposable income!

The whole image and layout of the store is really nice and definitely offers a high class experience. The boutique has a good central location and the exterior draws you in. The shop front is simple but effective with a clear shop title and sophisticated colours. The large windows draw attention and display a range of products offered, along with a beautiful flower display. The website address is also clearly displayed which is a great marketing technique.

Inside, the boutique is spacious and neatly arranged with occasion and casual wear split onto opposing sides of the shop. The decor is modern but includes a twist of heritage which suits the area and gives a homely feel! Clothing is displayed on rails along the walls and centrally throughout the shop. Metal posts and Movie style spotlights give some glamour whilst the wooden bookcase displaying shoes adds a nice contrast and provides an interesting display method. A large round table is also used to display a coordinated outfit.

The counter was a central point to the boutique when entering and displayed business cards and leaflets for the consumer to take away, encouraging word of mouth and repeat business. There were spacious fitting rooms on each side and plenty of mirrors.

There were a number of staff present which made the consumer feel well looked after and they were very friendly and helpful, and let me take photos! There was a customer in when I was and I immediately noticed the level of interaction between her and the shop assistant. The assistant was offering advice and suggesting accessories to accompany the look.

Overall I was very impressed with everything! The boutique was modern yet classic and provided a nice atmosphere and relaxing shopping experience.

xxx

Divine Trash

This weekend I went to have a look at Divine Trash in Buxton. I'd only recently hear about this boutique but like its individuality and attitude. They target a younger consumer base, mainly teens and twenties and have clothing for both male and females. They sell well known brands such as French Connection, Motel and Rare. The shop is quite small and busy with stock but this suited the nature of the boutique and made it feel quite cosy, especially with the Autumn weather kicking in! The whole in-store atmosphere and layout work well with the shop name, not that everything is trash...but everything is youthful, gives off attitude and divine!

Garments are clearly displayed and easy to look through and the choice available for such a small retailer is great. The accessory range is also really good with gorgeous bags ans jewellery all displayed hung off shelves and stands.

Although I'm mainly looking at women's wear the menswear range was equally impressive and this opens a wider audience with the potential of couples visiting and gift purchases. Generally the atmosphere was really chilled and relaxed and the boutique owner was lovely with a great knowledge of the local area and other independent businesses.

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The Bee Tree

The Bee Tree is a great little boutique on Dale Road, it sells a range of casual and occasion wear from brands including French Connection. The layout is really modern and the owner has created a great atmosphere with a busy layout. From origionally retailing in clothing and accessories stock has increased to include footwear and lots of interesting gifts...the types of things you don't need but can't resist buying! The boutique is often involved in local events and fashion shows and is well worth a visit.

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In the name of research...

This blog is here to help me gather and discuss research for my final year university project. My project focuses on Independent businesses in my local town of Matlock! I will be looking at new businesses which have opened up in the surrounding area, how these are marketing themselves and any events or news.

Studying fashion, this is an area I am interested in and it is also exciting to see new business ventures relating to fashion open in an area not usually known for its fashion!

Enjoy x