It’s that transitional time of year when the days are getting a little chilly but we’re not yet fully into heavy duty winter clothing. If you don‘t want to be seen in the same clothes as everyone else particularly for that special occasion, ditch the High Street and head towards quirky Gandy Street in Exeter where you will find the hottest designers at independent Iris Boutique.
Run by mother and daughter team Marion and Nichola Harbinson The name ‘Iris’ originates from beloved mother and grandmother who was sadly lost to cancer.
Iris Boutique has gained a loyal following by providing the latest collections at affordable prices coupled with a very personal and enjoyable shopping experience. As soon as you step into the gorgeously intimate interior of this two –storey boutique, you are welcomed with warm and friendly smiles from the small but dedicated team.
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| Nichola and Marion |
Marion and Nichola’s retail experience means they are in tune with their customers’ needs and as this develops their buying is getting more exciting each season.
This season expect to see a collection of prints and textures mixed with natural and sophisticated deep burgundies, earthy taupe’s, electric blues, midnights and oiled blacks. When buying they tend to purchase in small capsules, starting with their core basics such as a good fit quality trouser, neutral knit cardi, basic layering tops building within colour ways so the collection mixes and matches together, then adding highlight pieces such as unique and interesting prints and textures and dresses- everyone needs a chic little number. They find this style of buying works well for them but also for their customer. “The clothes work beautifully together and so it is easier for our customers to put together an outfit” says Nichola.
Marion and Nichola stock many contemporary brands from across Europe including; Turnover, Stills from Holland, Lauren Vidal from Paris, Part Two and Noa Noa from Denmark, Jonny Q Jeans from Italy and new this season Elisa Cavelletti a sophisticated and funky Italian line with intricate details of beautiful buttons, charms, lace work and ruffles in an array of stunning colours blended with mixed denims; fabulous signature white blouses showcase the collection of dresses, waistcoats, jackets and knits.
From Lauren Vidal you will find fabulous print net and jersey dresses, skirts, boleros, chunky knit cardis and wraps each beautifully layered and combined to create stunning wedding outfits or worn separately to add an individual twist to easy jean wear or velvets from Jonny Q. To the other extreme they have strong electric blue tops and giletts set against midnights and oiled black denims, with interesting details such as sophisticated studded leather jackets and over the knee boots from Unisa brilliantly on trend for this season. The gillet is the perfect outer wear for autumn and those milder winter days. When the weather turns more wintery use as a mid layer to insulate against the cold and still be in hot style.
Creating a core wardrobe needn’t be boring but needs a realistic understanding of who you are and how you lead your life.
Focus on clothes that:
- Give you a maximum amount of wear eg jeans, trousers or skirts, tops, knitwear and outerwear.
- Are smart enough for work but casual enough for private life
- Layer without creating bulk
· - Are transitional pieces that cover more than one season
· - Combine well together.
Keep fabrics plain, patterns and stripes reduce the number of times a garment can be paired. It is best to add interest with accessories e.g. interesting jewellery and scarves that finish and set the style. Once a core capsule has been achieved exciting, unique prints and textured highlight pieces can be added.
Jumper and jersey dresses can be layered over jeggings and boots dressed down with chunky knit outwear and scarves for day and transformed into evening by replacing these with tights, heels, neat little jackets and fabulous statement jewellery. Marion said’ In essence our outfits and clothes can be put together in any way that is suitable for your occasion.’
Marion a water colour artist has an instinctive eye for colour and form, Dartmoor and the surround countryside has always been an inspirational place to her. Nichola studied fashion and textiles at Exeter collage followed by Ba Hons in Creative textile design at the University of Huddersfield. Exeter has always captured Nichola’s heart with its relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere, beautiful Cathedral, the calming tranquillity of Exeter Quay, and the unique and intriguing Gandy Street where Iris Boutique is located .
