the name conjures up something cool, yet fun:  Feisty Elle.  and the product delivers.  vibrant designs, rich colors and unusual materials make this jewelry line from San Francisco stand out in your jewel case.

the felt line caught my attention – as i’ve never seen anything like it.  the designs are laser cut with modern precision – but in delicate, organic forms.  i think this line would appeal to a broad range of clients – and the prices are lovingly affordable (w/s ranges from $12.5 0 – $18).  not only does Leslie work with felt in amazing new ways – but she also does some cool designs in bamboo too.

not sure about trying a new line?  i know the economy is a toughie – but from a consumer POV – i’m personally always on the look out for something interesting and new.  so try them out!  and guess what – the designer, Leslie Yang,  is graciously waiving her opening order minimum(a reasonable $150) for those who mention “the Proprietress” when placing their order.

handbags.  you gotta love em.  and you’d be wise to sell them! almost every woman uses one almost every day!  now that’s a cost-per-wear that can be wonderfully justified.  and we need many bags for many reasons.  you have your work bag, park bag, weekend bag, dress-up bag, your clutches, your totes, your hobos, your satchels.  i could go on and on, but you get the picture.

and there are tons of amazing bag designs to carry in your store.  from whimsical fabric bags to luxe leather.  to itty bitty chain mail bags to shimmery clutches with rhinestone clasps.  mmmm…  but how do you display them?

the easy ones have a gusseted bottom that allows you to prop up on a shelf with no more than a few wads of paper.  but what about a shoulder bag with a long strap?  how about a flat clutch?  there are many ways to display them without them falling down (i used to hate that!) – and here are a few simple ideas.

knobs & hooks

knobs are great – you can put them anywhere on the wall and then just hang a bag on it.   and there are so many wonderful knobs – that it’s easy to find something to match and enhance your decor.  if nothing else – you can simply paint a basic wood knob to match your color scheme.

here are a few that i think are extra special.

1.  Anthropologie   = they always have lovely vintage inspired hooks and the like.  they tend to have a feminine flair too.  a lovely grouping of these would be quite attractive.

2.  cool knobs & pulls – a huge inventory of choices.  i like the shape of this cherry knob (again – this could be painted) and the price is right!  many of these knobs are less than $3.

of course, there is always the option of your local hardware store  – where i’m sure you could find something simple and functional.

plate stands

decorative plate holders are a clutches best friend.  not only do they get the props they deserve – but they are elevated off the shelf/table – which automatically makes them feel more special.

there exists a huge variety of these – but i think a simple lucite or metallic frame works best.  The Plate Lady seems to have everything you could ever want to order in this category.

vintage shops are another great place to find these.  once again  – you could paint the wooden stands to match your decor or provide a pop of color (i’m getting this idea of all black bags displayed on colorful knobs and stands).

coat racks

there is no reason why a handbag can’t hang out on the coat rack.  it’s a great place for all sorts of things to hang on (scarves!  chunky necklaces! actual coats!).  Chiasso has some nice modern standing and wall racks.  i think this one pictured is very sleek and sexy.  Coat Rack Shack has a nice selection as well.

and of course  – these can be  wonderful for hats & umbrellas too.

Purse Hangers

i’m sure you’ve seen those amazing little doo-dads that allow you to hang your purse on the table at a restaurant or bar? well – there’s no reason why you couldn’t use them to display bags are your store as well.  they’d be cute at the front of a center or side display table.  plus – you could sell them as well!  i know Hot Hang-ups can do custom and small batch wholesale orders.

And then there are the Handy Hold Alls  – from Sarah Shaw.  i actually bought a couple of these to hang on the wall and use as a display at ooma.  naturally – everyone wanted one – so i ended up carrying them year-round (they make really great gifts and sell like hot cakes).  it’s nice when you can sell a display!

 

any other ideas about how to display handbags?  please comment below and share!

as the name implies – Absolutely Audrey – these lovely shoe clips are inspired by Audrey Hepburn and the era of ladylike style and debonair fellows.  where gloved hands danced and feet were adorned in classic pumps with pretty sparkles.

 

i think these shoe clips, designed by the lovely Crisa, are utterly genius.  it’s like getting a whole new wardrobe of shoes for around $20.  add to your plain ballet flat, your pumps, even the top of a boot!  whether the look is mod, glam or fun – it’s a great way to bring a dose of style to your feet without spending a fortune.

a great seller in both shoe stores and stores that carry apparel and/or accessories.  they are a no-brainer purchase  – and easy to display.  whether an everyday client, a prom-dress shopper, a bride….the shoe clips work with a variety of customers.  they also make great girlfriend holiday gifts (retail for only $12 – 30!).

and now the good part:  make a comment here with the name of your favorite shoe clip from Absolultey Audrey’s website and you’ll be eligible for a FREE shoe clip set (designers choice!) when you place a wholesale order with Crisa (one lucky winner).   PLUS – she has offered free shipping with orders placed through August (just mention the Proprietress).

perusing Etsy, as usual and found these lovely things to share….i’m feeling the summer vibe of peacocks and flowers….enjoy!  contact the designers if you’re interested in selling their wares or purchasing for your own pleasure!

 

1.  Decorette – darling wall decals – i’m very fond of the peacock

2.  Miss Bee Designs – lovely flowers expressed in felt and tulle

3.  Mod Dot Textiles  – oh my!  a fabric-lovers dream!

before i opened my boutique, i was a DIY kinda gal.  i was once provided an assistant and i didn’t know how to use her!  i always thought i could do things faster and better myself.

but when i opened ooma, i realized that though i may be able to do it all – i wouldn’t be able to do it all really great.  so i hired some people to help who were better at their skills than i was.  this made for a much more productive business.

i never heard of Whizbang in my retail days – but one of my readers, Jackie, who owns Nana  in DC wrote to tell me about her experience with the Retail Mastery System.  most of the time i’d ignore an ad for something like this – thinking it was a ploy to rid me of my dollars and wouldn’t do much more than i could.  but when i hear from an actual business owner about her positive experience – my ears perk up.

Apparently – you can sign up for free tips (which i just did!) so you can get a taste of the program before you buy.  this is how Jackie started with the program and she experienced her strongest sales day EVER by following a tip.  this prompted her to try out the system

according the Jackie – the system has helped her cut her COGS by over 14%.  apparently, the Inventory Mastery Programwas by far the most helpful.  this helped her learn “the correct way to monitor the levels of inventory and mark down items in a timely manner.”   She is amazed at how much these adjustments in inventory and marketing ideas are sustaining her business during the recession.

now – i’ve never seen this program with my own two eyes – so i can’t endorse it based on my own experience.  however, i like that Jackie is having a really profitable response.  i know inventory was one of my “wing it and see” areas of management and i’m sure i could have improved had i known more about it.

has anyone else tried this system?  any other great tips?