As Christmas is just over the horizon, here at VIVA we offer an alternative to the High Street shopping, something small, unique and even more special...
Christmas is a time of love and happiness! That one time of year that guarantees family gatherings and lots of food. Christmas shopping; a time of stress and despair! That one time of year that guarantees long queues and debates over whether to buy the perfume gift box or play it safe with vouchers!
Each year the entire nation goes into a frenzy of buying the perfect presents for everyone on their shopping list and with all the big department stores and retail giants providing a variety of money saving offers it’s no wonder we all flee to the high street.
Whilst some of us are organised and start collecting presents a few months in advance, others wait until the weekend before but no matter if you are super organised or incredibly last minute there are always doubts as to whether the recipient already has that particular item or if someone else has gotten it for them!
This year why not take a different approach. Drive past the Trafford Centre and walk away from the high street, head to the suburbs and have a mooch down the lesser known streets; you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. All over England there are so many amazing boutiques that get forgotten about because the national retailers are cheaper and less daunting.
It’s something we, as a nation, have yet to really discover but look to the other fashion capitals of the world; Paris, New York, Milan, they all have chic little neighbourhoods devoted to boutiques and the treasures inside them would make amazing Christmas presents. But that’s not the only reason why they love boutique shopping; the service you receive is second to none. As boutiques are independently owned and often run by the owner, it is in their advantage to provide the best service they can.
Many have ‘little black books’ with all their customers’ details so they can call if a certain piece comes into stock. Shopping in a boutique is almost like having a personal shopper as the staff are there to help you which is extremely useful when you’re a guy buying for your mother/sister/girlfriend.
The 3 Eleven boutique in Hale prides itself on its customer service as they really like to get to know their customers and offer little extras like alterations. They blog daily looks, fashion week reviews, style tips and anything else fashion related to give you more advice and support whenever you need it.
Established two years ago, the owners set up shop straight out of their fashion buying degree and with the buying knowhow 3 Eleven stocks some of the best brands in the world from American Retro, Lauren Moshi, J Brand to Sass and Bide, Vintage 1 and ChloBo.
With the variety of brands available, 3 Eleven is the perfect place for mother/daughter shopping and for those who aren’t brave enough to face the shops www.3elevenboutique.com has finally launched and offers everything that is in the boutique (their website also runs competitions with fabulous prizes).
In keeping with that one-on-one service is Richard Smith, located just by Kendals. Specialising in men’s suiting, Richard Smith offers tailor made services to get that perfect suit. During his time at university Richard worked for Armani which is where he developed his love for fine clothing and his ‘nothing is too much’ attitude.
He will go above and beyond to find you what you’re looking for and make sure that you leave feeling happy. The best thing about Richard Smith is his gift and accessories department; cravats, bow-ties, handkerchiefs, ties, scarves and cufflinks. All handmade, all available in the colour and fabric of your choosing and can even be personalised with Swarovski Crystals.
Just round the corner in Barton Arcade is one of the longest running boutiques Jil Black. Jil and her partner Phil set up shop 18 years ago and pride themselves on stocking one of a kind pieces from independent European designers that they have come across on their travels. Jil has recently stocked new designer Eliza Cavaletti and the Diva London label offers some stunning party dresses. Downstairs in menswear one-off shirts, t-shirts, jackets and jeans can be seen from Claudio Lugli, Florentino and Le Brave.
Following the theme of one-off pieces is Runway where their Alderley Edge and Knutsford boutiques has a New York punk vibe. The only designer they stock is Manchester leather designer Boda Skin; everything else is handpicked by owner Sharon who bases her buying choices on her own trendy grunge style.
The most compelling thing about Runway is the fact that they restock the entire shop every month. Granted, Runway will always have the basics such as leather jackets, jeans and tops but the unique bits come in on a monthly basis keeping it fresh and ahead of the trends.The reason for this quick turnover is to avoid shoppers wearing the same outfits as each other; something they dislike about the high street and one of the main reason they opened a boutique.
A new boutique to grace Manchester is Vicky Martin which is just across the way from Jil Black in Barton Arcade. Her gorgeous dresses would make great Christmas presents and at reasonable prices too! Once again the customer service is high end, meaning you won’t be stuck in there for ages with no clue and no help. All the clothes stocked are Vicky Martin designs and, as a favourite with the Manchester celebs, you could see your favourite soap star wearing a similar dress on the red carpet.
Each To Their Own, also in Barton Arcade opened in September and currently has stores in Sheffield and Leeds. The idea behind the boutique is to give local designers the chance to showcase their collections; one of which is the owner’s own label Alex Christopher.
His very British designs have created quite a following amongst men and women and, as his pieces are limited edition - one of a kind types, they are never around for very long so regular visits and snap decisions are a must!
So now you know a little more about boutique shopping and where the best boutiques are you have no excuse not to give it a try this Christmas...it could even be a New Year’s resolution!
words: Hayley Ashworth
photos: Andre Buenacosa
BOUTIQUE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING