i just adore the line Saffron Rare Threads from San Francisco.  it’s sassy, original, and timeless.  a really great look for the modern working gal (or general chic dresser).  their clothes fit really well and they create a nice mix of tailored looks and sexy jersey numbers.

and they’re celebrating FIVE years in business!  YAY!  i remember when they were just starting and the line just keeps getting better.

buyers:  i’d check them out.  they have a great price point, a great mix of basics and items, and everything is locally made.

shoppers:  they’re having a SALE until November 1st.  Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% off (includes sale items too). Enter the code weare5 when checking out online to enjoy your discount.

Congratulations Saffron Rare Threads!

i thought it would be fun to write about actual boutiques!  and in light of the screwball economy – thought i’d chat about a lovely discount boutique in San Francisco called My Roommates Closet.

the concept is simple – it’s billed as a “boutique outlet” – with new merchandise at 50% of the original retail prices.  it’s like one giant sales rack.  boutiques that need to make room for new goodies can consign their overstock with MRC and at the end of each month they’ll receive a check for all items sold (at 50% of the MRC sale price). 

as a shopper – it’s a wonderful way to find those items that are just a wee bit out of your price range for at least 50% off.  the sizes are a little choppy – since these are just those few items that didn’t sell through at their original home.  but it’s a way to discover wonderful bargains and consider yourself lucky if you locate an item you had longed for at your favorite store!

as a boutique owner – this is a great way to move merchandise and bring in some cash.  perhaps you chose wrong for your clientele – sometimes an item simply needs a new home with a new set of shoppers to sell quickly.

finally – the shops are gorgeously appointed.  not your typical grungy second hand store.  you’ll feel you’re in another high-end boutique but with much lower price-tags.

if you’re a boutique owner looking for a place to deliver your unsold merchandise, contact the gals (Cate & Suzanne) at MRC to see if they can help you.  they currently work with over 35 botuiques in San Francisco, New York, and LA.

here’s another quick-n-easy tipsy for you.  this tipsy is great for online, B&M stores, designers – anyone selling anything, really!

and it’s geared towards making people feel good about spending in a recession.  and it’s something we can all relate to:  instant gratification.

while perusing the J. Crew website (by the way – loving their new design team), i noticed a link that reads:  Instant Gratification (under $100).  i like that.  i think it’s a grand idea.  who doesn’t want a little IG when shopping? 

here’s my thought:  get your fancy fonts and whip up a quick sign that indicates the IG sentiment and shows what $ amount that means to you.  i personally think a $20 & under makes a whole lot of sense.  it’s a cash purchase, no credit needed.  it barely makes a dent in a wallet or paycheck and is pretty easily justified.  cluster your items in the desired price range (or plop some older items on sale to move ‘em), add sign, and voila!  you have happy customers.  happy customer return.  good stuff all around.

if you need help making a sign – let me know!  i’m not a graphic designer but i do have some skills and a lot of cool fonts!

i get so giddy when i walk into a Container Store.  it makes we want to organize!  and oh how nice it is to be organized with little drawers and baskets and files and…containers!  especially when they’re in fun colors and styles.  and even MORE so on sale.

the entire store is 25% off.  yes – the entire store.  if you ever wanted to get newly organized – now is the time.  enter “cluttercrew” at checkout if shopping online.

here’s a few of my favorites for boutiques:

1.  acrylic jewelry display – just lovely and simple so the jewelry can shine!  and the bracelet is only $9.99 during the sale.

2.  pivoting jewelry display - cute on the check out counter – fill with inexpensive items like lipgloss – or $10 rings and fun little brooches.

3.  large tint stacking drawer - great for storing extra size t-shirts and sweaters in your back room.  you can organize by designer/style, etc.

4.  brocade metal accessories – your store is a store – but it’s also your office.  no reason why your office organization shouldn’t be tres chic!  check out the whole range of items – so cute!  (these would also be cute as displays in a stationery store)

5.  mini magnetic strip - could be really cute in a dressing room to post photos and pics from magazines…or just as a place behind the counter for your personal use.  i love these.

 

happy shopping!  not sure when the sale ends….but have a  happy 4th of July everyone!  may your sales go off the hook  like pretty fireworks…