Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Rowena Doyle..Visual Sense
Seasonal Events.....Valentine’s Day.
Seasonal events can often be hard to portray in a boutique. Take Valentine’s Day for example I often get asked do I need to make a window for this?
Making a window or promotion all depends on if you feel the effort you put in will add any sales to your till. So if you hang three hearts in your window, will this make an impact and make people want to buy or will it go unnoticed? Many times I feel it’s best to either do something OTT and use it as a marketing idea or just let it pass on by.
Some ideas could be:
1. Use the window to promote a local wedding!
2. Prepare an event to take place in the store for Valentine’s Day!
3. Do something for all the single ladies out there!
Men are meant to buy us ladies a gift for Valentine’s Day and making it easy for them when they (or if they) dare to enter a ladies boutique is key to selling. After working in the men’s area for some years we constantly found straight lines in our displays with no frills and VERY large price signs worked best. We would always also never have any large displays near the offer area and keep it to a location near the door.
I often see stores make a red section somewhere in their store, by adding all the clothing that fits in this category into one wall area or fitting, the trouble here is so many retailers do this that it can become over kill. I would say try something subtle and keep it really clean and simple maybe just some dinner date ideas and if you can add something as a free bonus if they buy one of these ideas even better.
Over the next few months we will have lots of small events such as ST Patrick’s Day, Easter and so on, my advice is unless it relates to your business then leave the frills to the supermarkets J
Rowena
Encore Designer Boutique
Encore is a pre-owned designer boutique located on Augustine street Galway city.Encore stocks designer clothing and accessories for savvy recessionistas.Unearth your most fabulous designer pieces ensure they are in perfect condition and simply bring them into encore.A sale price will be agreed and when your piece is sold you will recieve half of sale price,, an ideal way to de-clutter your wardrobe while earning some extra cash.
Monday -Saturday 10-6
5 st augustine street, galway city
091 530728
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Spring/Summer has arrived at 192 West Agencies!
Founded by Vicky Lewis in 1987, Vicky Martin began creating eveningwear and sexy daywear for young, confident women looking for an alternative to mainstream fashion. The label quickly attracted a large and loyal following in
the North West and in London, achieving impressive sales density, and throughout its development has retained
much of that early allegiance whilst gradually broadening its appeal. Customers are women with personal style who appreciate good design and individuality, and who sometimes enjoy being a little cheeky or girly.
The strength and continued success of the label is largely due to applied creativity and attention to detail. Initiation, design and creation are still all performed in-house at a Manchester based workshop, maintaining close interaction between the various stages of production. This has provided the flexibility to execute small runs and original effects, and allowed Vicky Martin to continue to achieve constant freshness and relative exclusivity.
Collections are based on fabrics sourced mainly in Europe, and extend across soft jerseys and lycras, delicate laces and chiffons, fluid satins, silk crepes, and distinctive prints. Considerable time is devoted to sourcing unusual trimmings and decoration to further Vicky Martin's ongoing pursuit of difference. Numerous celebrities favour the label for its design-led approach, and often order bespoke pieces for major events.
Vicky Martin garments are designed and made in the UK.
Vicky Martin runs her own successful boutiques in Leeds and through a very successful concession in Selfridges. Retail price points on the main range are €50 - €400, and on the limited edition 'Exclusive' label around €120 - €1200.
Her impressive speed to market and her ability to react to and spearhead new trends attract a growing celebrity following who also utilise Vicky's bespoke service. This service continues to grow in popularity due to the approachability of the brand and the attractive price points.
For Enquiries or a list of Stockists:
192 West
20B Fashion City
Ballymount
Dublin 24
Ireland
Phone: + 353 1 6870905
Email: sales@192west.com
Nickys Ragtales
I have had a mad week so far, as the ranges continue to arrive in and the appointment book fills up I am reminded of a person who is moving home. As it happens I’m in the middle of that too. It’s simple incredible how much stuff I have accumulated in the past years. I must have filled about ten large black sacks for either recycling or the tip at this stage. I’m like a demented woman, packing and throwing simultaneously and usually at midnight!
I bumped into the always smiling Ruth Ni Lionsagh today whilst running out for an overdue ‘coffee to go’ Ruth is the owner of Om Diva who has recently relocated to Drury Street from their old home in the Georges Arcade. ( I will be going in with my camera tomorrow to take a look around and will post a piece on my blog about it). In five minutes we had injected each other with positive business vibes. I am buzzing with a full diary and fabulous ranges to sell. Ruth is buzzing with her new venture which includes a ‘Sip and Stitch’ class and a space for emerging new designers. This sits alongside her traditional boutique which is thriving in its own niche area. The reason I tell you this is because there is nothing like ‘positivity’ to make you feel good and act accordingly. My prescription for this year is to make sure you find people who emit those ‘positive vibes’ and make sure you get your regular fill of them!
Have a fashionable week ahead…..
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Divine Boutique SS11
Desination Divine
After all the doom and gloom of the past season we are absolutely beside ourselves waiting in anticipation for the beautiful Spring Summer 11 collections arriving by the day! The Spring Summer 11 collections at Divine are set to be the best yet with an inspiring mix of fresh looks and solid bestsellers. This season as always the collections transcend fleeting fashion trends and make for classic pieces sure to brighten up your summer wardrobe! Owner Mary Greene’s philosophy of making ‘dressed up’ look effortless and turning casual into ‘cool chic’ is evident the second you enter Divine, with a diverse mix of new and individual daywear and evening wear.
Softly contoured layers in light, airy fabrics point to a gorgeously feminine summer in the He Loved an Angel collection. The dress is still the easy answer to chic dressing with an array of fruity colours in the Almost Famous collection and summer colours such as rose pink to dazzling yellow and compelling ultramarine are sure to tickle your taste buds in the fabulous Lucidez collection, hot from
Firm favourites return to Divine such as Almost Famous, BDBA, Black Noir, Darling, Dr Denim, Hunters&Gatherers, Michaela Louisa, Totem & Vila. And not forgetting the fabulous maternity collection available for all the blooming mum-to-bes! New labels such as Lila Hudson, Neurotica, Hanna Joe make a debut with the return of Brazilian label Lucidez.
These collections will be on the wish list of every girl in town!
Get ready for a stylish summer at Divine!
Divine; 2 Strand St, Malahide, Co
Divine, Manor mills SC, Maynooth, Co Kildare. 01 6292550
Shop online www.divine.ie
Olivia Rubin
Now in her seventh season, Olivia Rubin launched her first womenswear line after graduating from the world-renowned Central Saint Martins College in London. Her final collection was chosen for the prestigious press show and won immediate attention from the press who cited her printed designs as one of the ‘standout collections.’
Rubin carried out placements in any available holidays with couturier Jacques Azagury, Tristan Webber and Jade Jagger. Her persistance and enthuiasm scored her work with Alexander McQueen and John Galliano in Paris, where she assisted with Galliano’s main line collections, designing prints that were chosen for his womenswear SS06 lines.
Rubin’s SS07 and SS08 collections were short listed for the Fashion Fringe Award Scheme and gave her the platform to exhibit her designs at London Fashion Week. AW09 saw Rubin’s first highly anticapiated catwalk show in association with On/Off at the Science Museum.
The label has become known for Rubin’s signature graphic prints, (including the renowned brick print) on a variety of simple yet feminine silhouettes. It is her outstanding prints that have lead to numerous collaborations including ASOS,Oli.co.uk, with this year adding Very.co.uk and Dune to the list who want a piece of Rubin’s prints.
Rubin is building an industry presence featuring regularly in leading British fashion titles including Grazia, Instyle, the Times and Vogue and continues to dress a list of celebrity fans including Cheryl Cole, Fearne Cotton and Jaime Winstone.
2011 is set to be Rubin’s year!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Nickys Ragtales
The Harris Agencies Showroom looks like a bomb hit it. It’s like moving house twice a year. Old samples out, new ones in (if only it were that simple). It’s not just the samples, it’s the accompanying paperwork, posters, price lists and POS material. Replicate this over several ranges and if we are not organised we are talking true mayhem! As well as all the collections arriving there are range meetings to attend, three in London this month already and appointments to be made.
It’s always exciting opening the new boxes of clothes. The Muubaa came in during the week and is just gorgeous. I’m really looking forward to taking orders on this collection. Falke is also in which is a major operation since there are hundreds of samples, each one has to be listed, priced and looked at. One job that is most important is a run through in detail of every piece in every collection.
I’m sure I’ve said it before but there is one aspect of this work that I don’t like and it’s making appointments by phone. I could kiss my customers who do it all by email, it makes life so much easier. I love a full diary and I’m glad to say it’s filling up nicely. In the meantime I’m at home now and will be working on answering emails, blogging and making lists for tomorrow late into the night. Tomorrow is another day…Have a fashionable week ahead….
Sarah Jane Boutique
Sarah-Jane Boutique is the stunning new luxury fashion boutique opened right in the centre of Magherafelt.
This gorgeous boutique is a must see. The chic interior provides stylish surroundings for a fashionista to exclusive to Ireland.
The boutique provides individuality for the fashion conscious. This mixed with established labels gives ladies the opportunity to look gorgeous and stand out from the crowd.
VISIT
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Make Up Course with Roisin Derrane
WEEKLY/ TWO DAY MAKE-UP ARTISTRY
CERTIFICATE COURSE
Designed for those wishing to learn professional
Make-up artistry skills for that special occasion and including Bridal & Photographic make-up.
Award: Make-up Certificate
Course Content
Application & choosing colours Contouring & Highlighting
Face shapes/ Shading Colour correcting
Choosing foundation & application Brush kit knowledge
All about Eyes:
Eyebrow shaping Choosing eye shadow
Shading & Blending Liquid & Kohl liner effects
False lash application
Course includes demonstration & hands on work, course notes, products & materials are supplied.
Roisin Derrane is an international Make-up artist, and an ITEC graduate of Make-Up Artistry. She has worked for fashion campaigns for The Body Shop, Rochas, Montblanc and Guinness. Her work has appeared in magazines such as British Vogue, Image, Marie Claire, Irish Tatler and VIP Magazine. She is a regular contributor to TV3 Ireland Am, Off the Rails, and the current series “Weddings by Franc.” As well as working in television and advertising, Roisin also specialises in Bridal Make-up.
Contact Roisin on 0872805073
Email:makeupu@gmail.com
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