i once bought a cute little ball that when twisted open revealed a very soft and sweet smelling vanilla lip balm.   every time  i brought it out for use, envious eyes were upon me.  everyone wanted this sweet little surprise ball.

 

so of course i sleuthed them out.  i sold them in a fun apothecary jar at the counter and re-ordered & re-ordered again (and again).  they are almost a sure sale at check out.  people are attracted to their fun shape and they make a very quick (and inexpensive) gift at $7 retail. 

as a mom – i think they would serve a new purpose too.  a great “uh-oh – i didn’t pack any toys and we’re having a melt down in Trader Joe’s – thank goodness i have my lip balm ball will me!“  product (especially with my son – who happens to be totally obsessed with balls).

now they have even cuter designs than when i carried them at ooma.  check out the Twist & Pout Garden Party - very chic and girly floral prints.  i personally like the Decades collection with a 60’s mod sensibility.  Purrr-fection  has a more sophisticated palette.

check out their wholesale page for more info & contacts to place orders.

it’s no secret that i adore color.  walk into my closet and you’ll think you’ve stepped into the remnants of a rainbow explosion.  this is only one of the reasons why i’m smitten with ViviDot, a darling line of fabric covered earrings, necklaces, brooches and more.  the line has got some serious personality and i think her pieces would add fun & sass to any boutique.

the recession-friendly prices rock.  the line retails from $5 – 45 retail.  the result is an irresistable sale.  great gifts too!

and there is a sense of humor here that i dig.  for example – the “ouch” ring pictures an image of a band-aid.  kitschy – but cute.

the flower brooches are definitely my favorite item – i think they’d add just the right amount of pizazz to a jean jacket, a tank top, a lapel or a handbag.  whimsical  – yet modern – they have flair without being too girly.

When ready to place an order, you can choose from items in her store – or create custom items - for those who like a more tightly edited, personal selection.

i had the pleasure of (briefly) attending the 3 year anniversary party of one of my favorite Portland boutiques this evening:  Mabel & Zora (and a hearty congratulations!).

the party looked to be well-attended and the ladies were doing some serious shopping.  the service was impeccable, the merchandise was gorgeous and well-stocked, and the wine & cupcakes were sweet.

here are a few of my observations as to why this party was a success (other than it’s a popular store!):

goody bags were distributed to the first 25 guests

• this filled the store with guests right off the bat  – creating great energy
• the bag was filled with discount coupons from other like-minded & neighborhood stores – a great way to spread the love

there was a drawing for really cool prizes every 1/2 hour – but you must be present to win

• keeps people exactly where you want them:  shopping in your store (sadly, i had to leave to put my son to bed)

 

a hot item - denim – was 15% off.  not too big of a discount from the stores perspective (i’m sure they made up for it in volume ) but for merchandise that rarely goes on sale – this would be where i’d buy it!

the party was also on the same night of a monthly street fair - which draws a pretty large crowd.  all in all – a great way to celebrate, market the store, and hopefully generate a whopping amount of sales!

tell me about events & parties you’ve thrown – how have you made them work for you?

bags!  good lord they can get pricey!  and it goes with you everywhere – so it’s gotta be cool, stylish and unique.  who wants the same old bag that everyone else has?  usually the special ones come attached with a special price.

happily, in the case of LA designer Amy Hall  – creator of the fabulous amykathryn line,  the special price is super affordable (w/s range from $21 – $58!).  she has a thing for prints – which appear in all their glory in the linings (always a lovely surprise, in my opinion) – while the exterior palette remains on trend.

there are a lot of great bags in the Fall collection- including some cross-body styles, diaper/overnite/large bags and some really kicky everyday bags.  her new canvas bags are a great alternative grocery bag for the gal who likes to shop in style.  with a minimum order of only $300 – you’ll be able to test several styles at the incredible prices.  and as you are aware – price is a major motivator these days.

stand-outs include the fun Amaryllis Saffron bag ($39!) - in a rich, vivid mustard – the bag is quite versatile (comes with detachable cross-body strap).  i love that the printed fabrics are custom made and that the bags are made with animal-friendly faux leathers.

Contact Amy directly for line sheets and orders!

i adore my son like i could never, ever, EVER imagine.  he’s the funniest, most charming little lovebug i’ve had the pleasure to meet in my life.  it’s only when i see dresses as cute as Mette that i yearn for a little girl.  my goodness – they are so fun, bold and bright!  they are the very essence of summer fun embodied in a dress.  fresh, modern and totally cool – i kinda wish i could wear one!

Kristen is the designer and her daughter, Hadley is the precocious model.  Be one of the select few to carry this line in your own store – Kristen will see what sort of collection she can drum up for you – as many of her fabrics are vintage – so only small runs are available.

**also – these dresses have great longevity given the cut and style…making them an easy sale.  in fall – suggest customers put on over a cute long sleeve shirt, add some tights and their little doll is set to go!