Be tres chic, support your local boutiques!

 

 photo from contrary boutique, mattapoisett

A hundred years ago in a small town you may have heard of.. Miami. I was what is known as a wholesale manufacturers representative.  In plain English, I sold clothing lines on behalf of the designers to (mostly) boutiques and mass retailers/catalogues.  Working with boutiques throughout the Southeast was my dream come true.  Imagine visiting 3-4 beautiful boutiques a day, and not only helping them select their future collection, but also getting a taste of what else was out there. This is where I got my education in fashion. That one designer just might not work for everyone.  That fit is everything.  Everyone's body is different, but don't be shy-try it all on.  That the extras (gift wrapping, upcoming sales reminders, free tailoring, etc), the extras can make the slightly higher purchase price worth the sale.  And that there are amazing sales that rival the mass retailers. 

Some bonuses to shopping at a locally owned boutique: 

-I have never in all my life had a problem returning an item to a small boutique.  I have had too many too count at chain retailers.  

-Old Navy has never once invited me to an evening out of dinner, drinks and a night with my girlfriends.  

-Not one person at TJ Maxx knows my name (and they should..oh trust me..they should know it backwards, forwards, upside down..).  The local boutique owner knows my whole family. 

-The mass retailers have their pluses.  Clearly prices are one.  However I have hit many a great sale at a boutique that was on par with a discount chain, and received an ever higher quality item that I'm sure to enjoy for many more years than that $12 dress you got from Kohls-Tj-Loehmanns.  I also know that the boutique sales people will take the time to make sure the fit is correct, which is so key mamas! The 16 year old part timer at Ann Taylor?? Maybe not-so-much. 

-Lots of times I hear people say they're intimidated by walking into a boutique.  They get snarky looks, or maybe they're just ignored.  Well if you're getting snarky looks at any store, walk out.  Plain and simple.  If you feel you're being ignored, you're probaby just being given space.  Try asking for help.  If you receive a happy smile, then you've hit gold.  

-Also don't be afraid to ask where the sales racks are.  Or if there are any specials going on.  They don't run specials to keep them secret.  Maryann at Contrary runs a monthly contest, post a photo to facebook wearing your Contrary purchase, and you're automatically entered to win a $25 gift card.  That's a no brainer.  

So mamas, your mission should you choose to accept it, visit your local boutiques.  Check out the designers, and get to know the owners.  Don't feel as if you have to buy something everytime you walk in there.  Try a few things on, talk shop, and share your finds with your friends.  And then by all means, visit us on facebook and share your favorites with the other mamas. 

We've never turned down a road trip to shop!