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Elizabeth Tucker - Shopping from the Designer's POV

Elizabeth Tucker is the creator and designer of eye-pocket.com a great product for anyone with a cell phone, and that's everyone!

Now that I live in a world thinking often about what drives shoppers to make a purchase, it has really changed my own perspective on shopping. It used to just be about browsing shops, via the internet or brick & mortar, waiting for something new to catch my eye. Whether it be an impulse purchase, or something for which I am truly on the hunt, it was pretty simple. I like something, the price seems fair, I buy it. Now that I am on the other side, designing and manufacturing products to sell to the world, it’s way more complicated. All sort of questions cross my mind. Where did this come from? Who may have designed it? How good it the quality, really? What is driving me to purchase it; do I really like it, or has someone else said THEY like it, therefore it MUST be worthy of my sale.

I love my Eye-Pockets. I created them, have put my blood, sweat & tears into the venture. I want everyone to feel the same way. I know that’s not reasonable. Nothing is for everyone, and that’s OK. But, there are some aspects I can control, to which I have a responsibility to uphold high standards. The quality must be good. If I am asking buyer to spend their hard-earned money, they deserve a quality product. I must use every bit of my artistic and fashion sense to offer designs that will appeal to the greatest number of people. I have to make buying easy. Offer in lots of stores, functional website, exceptional customer service, etc. I listen to my customers. They have lots of great ideas and constructive criticism!

Who knew shopping could get so complicated? I have a HUGE appreciation for the thousands of designers creating fashion for us all. Every one of them is putting themselves out there for all to see. It’s a very vulnerable thing to do. So, now when I shop, I am way more aware of things like quality of construction, effort put in to marketing, the person behind the product. I expect a lot, but I also totally appreciate a job well done. 

I am in Serious Trouble

Hello,

As many of you may or may not know, I have a jewelry problem. I love it!! All of it! You CANNOT have too much jewelry. If it's shiny & sparkly I'm all over it. Well, since starting The Buzzz I am in close proximity to lots and lots of jewelry...that I want! I'm still thinking about earrings and a necklace from Green Eyed Lady, and that was months ago!! I have not added them to my Buzzz Wish List because they mostly carry one of a kinds, and I don't want anyone else to buy them.

The Style Buzzz is our latest addition to the website. I'm following lots of stylists on every Social Media there is. Guess what they post, blog, tweet about? That's right, Jewelry! So you can see how I'm in trouble. I need a job to support my job, or I need to win the lottery, but that hasn't happened yet. So I might have to add a page to the website just for jewelry, it's kind of inevitable. I don't know why it's taking me so long.

Anyway, here are a couple of designers who's jewelry I lust after. You may have heard of Powerbeads by Jen (they are on the Wish List-there are a lot to choose from), I first saw them in Chantilly Blue in Kennett Square. Love them, and want many different colors. They remind me of the bracelets Anthropologie used to carry when they just had a store or two. Anybody else remember them? I still have mine, they are a bit stretched out, but I still have them.

I found the next two jewelry designers on Instagram, which is now a bad place for me (until I win the lottery of course). Pearl Love Jewelry uses gorgeous pearls and gives them a modern, almost sporty look. They make pearls look cool. I'm not a huge pearl fan, but I am all over these pearls. Then there's Rockabella Jewelry, made in Hawaii. This jewelry is sold in all the high end resorts & hotels in Hawaii, and was featured in the 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. One of my favorite pieces is the Coordinate Bar Chain Bracelet, it is the perfect gift to commemorate any special occasion.


I found Margaret Elizabeth's fabulous jewelry on Facebook, I want every piece. She uses a lot of big stones and druzy which is one of my favorites. Then there's the Mae Movement, you definitely cannot just have one. Each bracelet is hand crocheted in the Katmandu Valley of Nepal. They come in lots of great colors and look great stacked with other pieces.

Last but not least, I found some jewelry I can afford. Have you seen the Flash Tattoos yet? They are so cool! The bracelets look fantastic stacked with other pieces. They add that extra shimmer to what you are already wearing, but definitely make a statement all their own.

You see what I mean? How fabulous is all this jewelry?!? Anyone want to give me a loan? Tell me which ones you like.

Tish Boutique Accessories

Shopping at the Beach - part II by Elizabeth Tucker

Hello,

Boutique Buzzz is very happy to introduce you to our Guest Blogger this week, Elizabeth Tucker - creator of the stylish phone carrier Eye-Pocket http://eye-pocket.com/. We hope you enjoy her shopping adventures at the Beach as much as we did!

  
  On Wednesday I kicked around Bethany Beach for a little timeout from the sun to do some shopping. My first stop was one of my favorite boutiques in Bethany, Sanpoula's. Great selection of bright, beachy fashions; tons of handbags and beautiful shoes. They have lots of great sales going on. Find them on Facebook at Sanpoula's. 

Next I wondered over to Lighthouse Station. The Palms is in that corner shopping center, as well as Yuppy Puppy... to bring your favorite pet home a beach souvenir! I was excited to discover a great new boutique called “haven blu.” I enjoyed spending some time chatting with owner Jen Vernon about her new store. She just opened this season right before Memorial Day. I was impressed by her selection of upscale, unique dresses, tops and bottoms. In my opinion, a much needed addition to Bethany’s shopping selection. You can find them on Facebook at haven blu. I highly recommend stopping in when visiting Bethany.

Wednesday I took a drive down to Fenwick Island and took a peak into another favorite of mine, Paco’s Paradise. I always enjoy browsing their selection and unique, dressy sandals. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary with lots of merchandise on sale.

On our last night at the beach we spent some more time in Rehoboth & I found a store called Just Dance Boutique. Everything in the store was 35% off, and handbags were 50% off. They had a great selection of casual, fun dresses and quite a few really pretty handbags.

Late July into August seems to be a great time for shopping at the beaches. Since the end of the season is near, all shops are offering generous sales and bargains. I only wish I had had more time to explore the plentitude of boutiques to be found.

Shopping at the Beach - Part I by Elizabeth Tucker

Hello,

Boutique Buzzz is very happy to introduce you to our Guest Blogger this week, Elizabeth Tucker - creator of the stylish phone carrier Eye-Pocket http://eye-pocket.com/. We hope you enjoy her shopping adventures at the Beach as much as we did!


Every year our family has the pleasure of vacationing in Bethany Beach, DE. One of my favorite activities, besides sitting in the sand, eating piles of blue crabs and embarrassing myself at miniature golf, is the shopping! The great thing about staying in Bethany, is the proximity to Rehoboth, Dewey, Fenwick and Ocean City, Lots and lots of retail options!

Sunday I did a little shopping In Ocean City, MD. The boutique shopping is slim in OC, but I did find a great little shop called “Fashion For Less.” They have four locations; you can find their stores at www.fashionsforless.net. They have a fun selection of inexpensive items such as watches, purses, hats, scarves, costume jewelry and cosmetics (nail polish, hair chalk, etc.).

On a super quick trip to Rehoboth Tuesday I had a few minutes to visit Tiger Lili on Rehoboth Avenue (https://www.facebook.com/tigerlilirehoboth).  Always a nice selection of dresses, jewelry, handbags, and other cute tops and bottoms. I picked up a great beachy dress on sale for $29.00!

They were also running a jewelry sale, buy one, get one half off. I considered buying this pretty elephant cuff bracelet, but didn’t... now I’m sort of regretting it! Tiger Lili now also has an outlet location in the Bayside Outlets, Rehoboth.

I also took a quick peek into Cleo’s Boutique, (247 B Rehoboth Avenue, www.cleosrehoboth.com) which I adore! They were also having a great sale. Lots of beautiful new items for fall - boots, sweaters, dresses, and more. 

Stay Tuned for Part II Coming soon!!

Playing With Friends

Hello,

I must say I am having a great time meeting all of the Boutique owners in and around Chester County. You all are great (at least most of you, like 50%). Haha, just kidding, everyone I have met with and talked to so far has been FABULOUS!! I love to shop so I am enjoying being in and out of these Boutiques that I have never been in before. I highly recommend it! They are all so different, with their merchandise, backgrounds, price points, views, experience...I could go on and on.
   It's also interesting learning the dynamics of different towns. I must say that is not something I miss. Who is selling what, for how much, who is staying open late, opening early, having what event. Now it's spilling into Social Media. Who likes who, comments on, shares, on what Facebook pages or twitter accounts. If all Boutiques make it a goal to share, comment or tweet on their neighbors pages a couple times a week it would be good for everyone. Let's do it!! What do you think?

The Buzzz

It's All in My Head

Hello,

What is the first word you think of when you hear the word Boutique? Expensive, snobby, helpful, affordable, I'm not going to lie, my first thought has always been expensive. Over the last couple of months I have found that the word expensive no longer fits. Granted there are high-end Boutiques, but most of the Boutiques I've been in and out of lately in and around the Chester County area are not outrageously expensive at all. There are numerous Boutiques with very affordable merchandise. This is going to be a problem for me. My bank account was much bigger before I figured this out.
  There are all kinds of sales throughout the year, great sales with large discounts, on fabulous merchandise! Blink Boutique in West Chester and Polka Dots Boutique in Paoli have permanent sale racks, full of great buys! I'll let you in on a secret, all you have to do is follow social media to know when the sales are, many Boutiques post their sales on Facebook, Twitter, even Instagram. If that's too much Boutique Buzzz will certainly keep you in the know, just check out our sales/events calendar. Now we just have to figure out parking.

The Buzzz

It's a Small World

Hello,

As I am in the starting phases of building Boutique Buzzz I am meeting, and speaking with lots of new people, as would be expected. They funny thing is that some of these new people aren't really new. I am finding I have met them before in some way, shape or form, traveled in the same circles, been at the same events, or have even done business together. Surprisingly, it only takes a couple minutes of conversation to find this out. I don't really know why I find this funny, I probably should have expected it, right? I mean, I grew up in and around Chester County, it's been a loooong time, why wouldn't I know people? Anyway, it is fun figuring out how you are connected, reliving old times and catching up on old friends. I had a great time speaking with Colleen at Green Eyed Lady and Steve at May 23 Online, along with Atticus of course. I'm looking forward to speaking to many Boutique owners, new/old friends and acquaintances. Although after writing this post, I'd still be surprised if it happens again.

Boutique Buzzz

Fashion for the Cure

Hello,

I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous charity event last night called Fashion for the Cure, which benefited the Cathy Miller Cancer Fund and The HOPE Lodge. What a great local event! Held at the Concord Country Club, Fashion for the Cure had all the necessary ingredients needed for a successful fund raising event. There was a silent auction where I noticed a donation by Ashely Austin Boutique in Kennett Square. There were lots of local vendors, it's always great to shop for charity. The dessert table and the coffee bar were hard to resist, I even noticed a few models digging in. The main event was a Fashion Show with local Boutiques such as Polka Dots Boutique, Kaly Clothing, and Englund's Apparel to name a few. The models did a fabulous job and I think it's safe to say they made the night. Watch this video and I'm sure you will agree.

 The Buzzz

Is a Hello a must?

Hello,

I have been in and out of quite a few Boutiques lately, and I have to tell you a cheery hello when I walk in, or any acknowledgement at all for that matter is greatly lacking. One day I was in and out of many quaint little Boutiques and two out of three of them did not even acknowledge the fact that I was in their store. It's not just employees either, there has been an owner or two on the floor when I've walked in. Being in retail for many years I understand that sometimes it get crazy and you can't speak to every single person that walks in the door. Not the case in any of these circumstances, unless two customers at once is considered crazy. If that's the case you are in serious trouble.
  Customers should feel welcomed when they walk into your store. Greeting them with a hello, or even a friendly smile easily accomplishes that, and let's them know you are there to help if needed. They will be more likely to come back, and more importantly to BUY. After all, isn't that why you are all in business? On a daily basis sometimes it's easy to forget that the most important job you (and your employees) have is to focus on every customer that walks in the door. Engage them, find out what they need and sell, sell, sell!

P.S. It also cuts down on theft.

Intro to the Boutique Buzz!

Hello,

This is the first Blog post for the Boutique Buzz. I have started this Blog, Website, and Social Media Campaign to help enhance the Boutique Shopping experience. I would looove to go to one website, or Facebook page to get all my local shopping information. What's New, What's Hot, and What's on SALE! That's our motto at Boutique Buzz, if that's what you are looking for this is the place for you! Coupons are my best friend when I shop, Boutique Buzz will have a full page of them! You can print out the coupons you want and go from store to store to use them. There is an events calendar where any Boutique can list their events, sales, and promotions, all in one spot! This is just part of all the great things happening at the Boutique Buzz! What Boutiques surrounding the Chester County area would you like to see listed? Let me know in the comments.

The Buzz