10 years of indie biz life

Here’s me in my first HQ in Spain 10 years ago when I’d just launched

The Stellar Boutique. 

July 2009, back when the internet was still a bit of a mystery to me, I only really used it to book flights, I never shopped online and I didn’t even have Facebook! I know, I mean…wtf?

All I knew was I wanted a fashion & vintage shop. I’d originally intended to have an actual physical boutique but when it fell through at the last minute (after investing in and even decorating the shop) I was devastated. A friend suggested I opened an online shop instead 
‘it’s the way of the future’ she said, 
‘internet shopping? Surely it’ll never catch on’ I said! 
The thought of it just didn’t excite me as much and, as a total technophobe, I had no clue where to start. 
Thankfully I heeded her advice and set out on this arduous yet rewarding journey, learning as I went and making a string of mistakes along the way too. 
To say it’s been a challenge is an understatement, there have been highs and lows galore. Running a small business on your own (on a shoestring) is tough, it’s full of difficult decisions, obstacles, problems, long days & late nights and anyone with an indie biz will know that sometimes the business has to be juggled around an array of part-time jobs just to stay afloat! 
One summer my shop was one of 5 jobs I had on the go in order to buy stock and pay the bills! 

There are times when you lose faith in yourself and question your abilities and there have even been moments when I considered throwing in the towel and getting a regular ‘secure’ 9 to 5! 

But this is not a violin moment, on the contrary!

 
To anyone considering starting up their own business, my only advice is to just go for it. As long as you’re passionate about what you do and are prepared to dig deep and work hard, you will get there. I’ve still got a long way to go and a lot to learn but I am loving every minute (most of the time) and to everyone who’s ever bought anything from me I thank you from the bottom of my heart! You have made this whole journey possible 😘

Ok, enough of the Oscar-style speech, better get back to work 👩‍💻

 

We are 10!

Woohoo I made it

🙌🏼🎂🎈

The Stellar Boutique is 10 years old today!

To help me celebrate this milestone birthday and to say a massive thank you to all my lovely customers I’d love to give you 10% off storewide from now until Sunday.

So come and join the birthday party, fill your cart with all your favourite things and use code ‘happyten’ at the checkout to get 10% off everything

💋💋💋

TAKE ME SHOPPING HERE

Embracing Classic Design: A Guide

Classic design means a lot of different things. It means the Chanel tweed coat; it means the little black dress, it means the tan trench coat. In short, it means the styles that have withstood the test of time and continue to look exceptional when paired with more modern trends. 

To help you decide on which classic design pieces you should personally embrace, here is a rundown of all the garments that you need in your wardrobe today. 

Know Your History 

The first step to embracing classic design is to understand what makes a classic design. Spend a little time online or invest in a fashion book so that you can familiarize yourself with the most popular and timeless pieces that came out of every century. This way, you know what to look for, and which designs you like best before you start hunting for the perfect pieces to complete your wardrobe. 

The Pieces That Withstand the Test of Time 

When it comes to the classics, there are a few pieces that have not only withstood the test of time but are essential to any great wardrobe (capsule or otherwise). 

The Classic Trench Coat 

The classic trench coat can be worn in so many ways. It can be worn buttoned up with striking shoes for a noir look, or it could be kept open and paired with your Sunday jeans and a baggy sweater. Regardless of your sense of style, the trench coat will match it, and then elevate it. It’s lasting design means you should invest in the exceptional quality offered by trenchlondon.com so that it could be your faithful, beautiful companion for years on end. 

The White Buttoned Down Shirt

The white buttoned down shirt is a classic that can be hard to get right. When in doubt, choose a high quality piece that fits around your widest part, and then tailor it to perfection. 

The Little Black Dress 

Every woman should have a little black dress. This has been essential ever since Audrey Hepburn came on screen in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Though the exact style is up to you, your little black dress should be flattering to your shape. Consider getting it tailored if needs be. 


A Cashmere Knit 

High quality cashmere might be expensive, but when it comes to comfort and warmth, it cannot be beaten. Invest in one or two quality cashmere sweaters, and you’ll look exceptional and be cosy all winter long. 

The Slip Dress

The slip dress is the newest addition to this list, as before Calvin Klein popularised it, the slip dress was seen as an undergarment. It is a great, versatile piece that can be worn in winter and summer. 

When choosing classic pieces, you can invest in high quality, luxurious garments without worry. You will wear them again and again, year after year. In fact, it is in your best interest to invest now so that you can enjoy a beautiful, tailored-perfect look from the start and forevermore.