Can I still be stylish in an ordinary tee or simple top?  How do I dress it up?

Everlin: It’s totally possible to look good in a simple tee or top.  I love it!  (Opps..especially when I’m feeling ‘lazy’ to spend too much time dressing up).  Just look at this A-list celeb’s effortless styles.  A printed T-shirt can be dressed up by pairing with a really nice jacket.  Or, dress up a solid-coloured tee by wearing a chunky necklace.

Combine denim shorts with a tuxedo jacket, add the right accessories and you’ll be ready for a multitasking day!  That’s what I often advise to clients …… it is the easiest way to mix and match your clothing for a casual wear yet looks so professional.

Get some ideas from the photos taken on Fashion Show I have recently attended — how a casual wear could be possible, trendy and up to date to share with your clients.

If you thought Fashion Week was just about models and pretty clothes, then think again.

I love the rush and the sudden inspiration you get from shows that you don’t expect, so you have to be organized to face it.  In my experience, I’ve also observed that the strongest evolution comes whenever you let it arrive unconsciously.  Fashion Show, for me, is about the obsession with renewal – those radical changes and the perpetual evolution some brands try to adhere to.  So what do you do as Boutique Owner?  Do you too like to reinvent yourself obsessively?  After all, it’s all about the change which does inspire my work.

A photo of me taken on Fashion Show

Dear Everlin,

I would like to open my own boutique – where would be considered a better location, *X or Y?
*The actual location was not mentioned for confidentiality purposes.

Dear Subscriber,

I am sure that you have done research of both the X and Y location to open a boutique.  Have you listed down all the pros and cons of your research?  Most importantly is to include demographic research of the location.  For example, research who is your potential targeted consumer.  I do mean in specific – would it be young ladies, working ladies or housewives?  What is their buying and spending power?  Why is this important? basically this helps you to decide on what types of clothing lines to stock in.

I’d probably thought that for a new boutique owner, it is important to identify your niche in boutique which mean specialize on just a few clothing lines for a start or rather target certain group of consumer i.e. working attire, baby clothing’s, men clothing’s, ladies prom gown etc.  This positions you to have your own unique selling proposition in the location of your choice with several other boutiques around.

Everlin

Be able to setting up booth and displaying products attractively at booth indeed a challenging task.  Comparing to a boutique shop the display of booth has to take into consideration of easy to pack & unpack (those days our booth was at outdoor and we need to ensure that we can pack very quickly on rainy days).  If your booth is at indoor i.e. shopping mall, it is not that bad after all but like you said, still need attractiveness.

So, today let me just focus on displaying jewellery at booth setting.  There are various types of rack/display that you can use – here are some of the pictures.

I personally prefer the table glass top display (especially if your jewellery price range is at high side, need to make sure it is securely locked while being displayed elegantly).  Take a look, there are many options.

If you have a spacious area for display, you may consider using table top or cabinet types to display jewellery.

Meanwhile the following is a jewellery box which is very suitable for safekeeping special or limited jewellery collection.  The advantage of using the jewellery box is that you can have a more intimidate service with your client because you’re showing each and every jewellery collections.

I’d like to buy a bag that stands the test of wear and tear.  And I’d like it to be a stylish one.  Ms.Everlin, what would you recommend?

Everlin:  Ever thought of buying one made of nylon?  Nylon is often used for products such as umbrellas, raincoats or windbreakers.  It’s washable, doesn’t crease much and is pretty tough.

Even there are some bags designed intentionally to look crease   Some types are even waterproof.

Thanks to the sporty look being hot on the runways now, being seen with bags using nylon, nylon mixes or other types of hardy materials is stylish now.  So, that means you get both beauty and function.

I’ve recently fallen in love with this Prada Gauffre.  Well, I know it has been out there for a while (not the latest) but that’s the beauty where it does not get out-of-trend so quickly — ever green!

Hope that I have helped you to decide.  ~Everlin.

PradaGauffre_Creme Bag

PradaGauffre_Black.jpg

What is your impression about boutique clothing industry in Qatar?

As I am now in Qatar (having a cup of cappuccino at a coffee house) observing the people and boutique shops in one of the big mall.   Ladies are generally and culturally wearing black gown, covering from top to bottom.  It made me realized that opening boutique requires some degree of research and study about culture and its diversity of people in the country or even city.

Would people care to dress up elegantly under the layer of black gown?  Remarkably, they do dress up as I read and just talked to some people locally.  I witness with my own eyes …..

We often talked about understand your clientele/ but the question for today is, how much do you understand the culture of your clientele especially if you are non-local boutique owner of the country, or if you are opening boutique in various countries.

Enjoy learning different cultures and we’d appreciate the uniqueness discovered!

Everlin

How can I move from day into evening without going home to change?

Dressing up the standard black suit with a change of blouse, shoes and accessories will always work.  Another better suggestion is a streamlined knit dress you can dress down for work, up for evening.

The best part:  It doesn’t have to be black.

I’m on the road very frequently.  Can you help me assemble a wardrobe that travels well?

Knits are the obvious answer because they pack well and resist wrinkling.  Keep your basic pieces neutral – black, cream, grey or tan – then choose two fashion colours each season to update your basic looks.

Pack a black suit and trousers with a twin set, a couple of spare tops and a few accessories in compatible colours and you can easily spend a week away from home.

Fashion Designer
Khoon Hoi, 39

Known fondly as a fashion maverick with a flair for fluidity and distinction, his designs make an impact at both local and international fashion events.  Khoon Hooi;s collections are available in major shopping capitals like Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, Tokyo, New York and Beverly Hills.

From the start

“I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer.  In Standard Five, I loved pretty things, I liked to draw and make clothes for paper dolls.  My grandma also inspired me.  She made her own “kebayas” (traditional wear for Muslim) for festivals.  Her work was so fine and beautiful; it inspired me to pursue a Diploma in Fashion and Textiles.

A day in the life of a fashion designer….

“I spend most of my time in my office doing production.  I come to the shop if there is an appointment with a client for a tailor-made item which involves discussions.  Otherwise I spend my time designing.  Twice a year, I create ready-to-wear items for my Spring/ Summer and Fall/ Winter collections.  This is an enjoyable time for me because I get to throw ideas and inspiration together.”

Plans for the future

“Well, I would be dying for fashion, so I plan on being in this line until that day comes!  I will work and create until the market says it doesn’t need me anymore.  It’s possible to continue to do this as long as your keep up with the market and look five years ahead and follow upcoming trends.”

Words of wisdom

“You need to have infinite passion for this line of work – and live and breathe fashion!  It’s not easy to achieve and you have to spend more time, money and energy than other jobs, so you much really love fashion enough to be willing to make that sacrifice.  You also have to be humble and polite.  If you are humble, people will teach you more.  People can be nasty in this industry, which is scarily small by the way, so it is really important to be nice.”

Highlights

“My favorite part is seeing the results finally come together.  Imagining and creating a piece of clothing is the result of teamwork.  When it turns out the way I had in mind, it makes me very happy.”

Lowlights of the job

“Looking at numbers drives me crazy!  I run the company, so I have to – but when the accountant shows me figures, I shake my head.  I’d love to just focus on the creative side!”