ABOUT THE COMPANY

BOUTIQUING™ - Trademark for a company dedicated to discovering the best boutique shopping experiences in local areas, directing shoppers to them and serving the needs of boutique store owners. The act of using Boutiquing™ products and services make it easy to enjoy and support local boutiques.

Boutiquing™ was born out of a necessity Co-Founders April and Erin saw in the lack of representation boutiques have in the online community. After working in and each managing local boutiques, their eyes were opened to the challenge small businesses face in creating an online presence and the competition of ever growing mass market retailers. They saw difficulty on both sides, with boutiques shoppers like themselves unable to find unique boutiques and boutiques unable to find new shoppers.

Boutiquing™ serves as a bridge between local boutiques and their customers. Shoppers get up-to-date listings of boutiques in their area, current sales, parties, Boutiquing™ Shopping Events and great giveaways every week. Boutique store owners get access to the Boutiquing™ network of dedicated boutique shoppers, training in cutting edge technologies, marketing support, and an opportunity to connect with other boutique owners.

The process is simple and straightforward. Taking into consideration location, decor, merchandise, and customer service Boutiquing™ determines whether they would shop in a particular boutique and then refer it to a friend. If the answer is yes, a "Boutique Pique" is created for the boutique on www.Boutiquing.com™. Boutiquing™ receives no compensation for these Boutique Piques and typically visits the boutiques anonymously. The main goal is to bring attention and exposure to boutiques so their customers can find them, and support this vital part of our retail landscape. Read more about Boutiquing™ Approved Boutiques here.

Boutiquing™ strives to deliver value through their experience coupled with a relatable review approach and creative writing style. The hope is, readers will be encouraged, inspired and educated to shop local boutiques and that boutique store owners have a reliable source for information and support.

~ Happy Boutiquing™!

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Copyright 2009 Boutiquing.com™. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior written consent.

Blind Boutique Shopping

By: April Madigan @ Boutiquing™

Yes, there certainly is such a thing as blind boutique shopping. Almost as nerve wracking as a blind date, blind boutique shopping can make even the most fab boutiquer feel a bit apprehensive. I admit, I am mighty comfy in my own regular boutiques. I know the lay of the land, I can predict a price point, I know there are mirrors in the dressing room...put me in uncharted territory....I get a little nervous.

You must have felt this too...otherwise, why would we need to research these little stores, except to get a little peek inside so we can prepare ourselves! I am all for an adventure, but I am never one to go unprepared. Anyone who has spent the day with me knows, deep in the Mary Poppins bag lies everything that could possibly be desired, times two - nobody likes to feel left out ;)

At Boutiqiung™ we research, shop, and assess the best boutiques around, so boutique shopping is easier than ever. Just learn about the boutiques that make you curious in the comfort of your own home on www.Boutiquing.com™ and when you are ready - pick a few to add to your regular rotation. And don't forget to let us know how it goes! We want to keep track of all of our new boutique matches.

~ Happy Boutiquing™!

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Boutique Local

By: April Madigan @ Boutiquing

I often daydream about my great boutiquing adventures...the small streets of Venice (all I have to say is....LEATHER), traversing NYC in search of that dress I saw in the magazine, the winding adobe lined streets of New Mexico, where I found my favorite, last for a lifetime, AMAZING belt...and a Halloween costume for my daughter – why not? In all of these experiences I reveled in feeling like one of the locals, chatting with shop owners, admiring their culture, and soaking it all in.

I am pretty sure very few of us are in a position to gallivant around Italy this year...and if we are, there will probably be no shopping, but I am comforted to know that I can continue having these experiences right here. Boutiquing in Laguna Beach, while comfortingly familiar, still takes on a vacation with the best of them feel – especially right now – gorgeous weather AND ample parking – nice! I also plan to head to previously undiscovered boutiquing destinations. I am excited to take in the beach scenes and relax while boutiquing for a day in Huntington Beach...sounds like an escape to me. Now is the time to rediscover the hidden gems we are surrounded by...and an added benefit...you get to come back anytime you want...no zip lock bag toting through security required!

Why Boutique Now?

By: April Madigan @ Boutiquing™

Everywhere we look, retailers are cutting jobs, reducing store hours, and closing multiple locations, if not closing completely. If this is what the "big guys" are facing, imagine what your favorite local boutique is up against. We have a real opportunity to make every dollar spent count right now. If there were ever a time to rally behind our local businesses, the time is now.

One look at the Orange County Register's OC Retail blog, and it is clear that many shopping options will be no more by the end of the year - or sooner.

Yikes. Target is great and all, but please let's hope there are other shopping options this time next year. So, buy that gift card for your coworker at her favorite boutique. It kills two birds with one stone! If boutique shopping makes you think of snobby shop girls and pricey price tags - fear not. A new and long overdue crop of customer service focused help has arrived at nearly every boutique around - and the prices are noticeably reduced across the board.

Don't forget to support and spread the word about your favorite little boutique - think of it as your own "local boutique stimulus plan" - and yes, you may quote that to your husband when justification is necessary.

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Would You Pay More?

By: Erin Hall @ Boutiquing

Raised by a savvy, frugal, fashion loving mother, I was taught to shop by a motto…You can buy one thing for a hundred dollars or you can buy multiple things for a hundred dollars. Being a young girl who liked choices and variety, I would always hunt for discounts so I could buy more. Yes, I choose quantity over quality at least 98% of the time (with the exception of my first pair of acid washed Guess jeans). What I did not realize was a root ideology formed and flourished well into my late twenties. I believed, for the same amount of money, it was more righteous to buy multiple inexpensive pieces that one expensive piece.

So what did this mentality cost me? Money. Wasted money. How many times did I buy four $25 tops on sale that didn’t fit just right but I couldn’t pass up a good deal? What if I had used that same $100 to buy a perfectly cut top that made me salivate just looking at it? It is no nobler to buy clothing at a great discount than full price when all it does is give a hanger in your closet job security.

About two years ago I read a small editorial about American buying trends and my mentality changed. Through reputable data and polling it was concluded that a vast majority of shoppers justify spending when they see “Sale” or “Discount". Subconsciously, Americans are driven to buy for the fear of missing a great deal. Here is what stood out to me most and I have adopted as my personal shopping mantra: To ensure you are getting a deal, and not just buying to buy, ask yourself this simple question, “Would I pay more for this?” If your answer is YES, then you are getting a deal…if it’s No, then you are buying with the wrong motivation.


Shop wiser, not more limited is my 2009 ideology. Refrain when it is not the right piece and wait for the score, that's how great wearable wardrobes are created. Remember it comes down to personal value. Does it fit right? Can you wear it with multiple pieces? Is it unique or a one of a kind statement piece? In this economy spending strategically is very important and that includes fashion. Don’t just buy because something is on sale and don’t NOT buy because something is a little pricey. Buy with your needs and budget in mind and don't forget the question is directed at YOU personally. This is not your mom’s, your best friend or the sales associates opinion, but “would YOU pay more?”

I’ve walked away from huge mistakes and therefore had the money to later purchase some of my favorite pieces with this new mentality. I hope this helps navigate your next shopping experience and enhances your wardrobe selections.

Boutique Shopping Strategies

Boutique shopping successfully is a true sport. I have had many days when I "scored" exactly what I hoped, and others when I "struck out". After a bit...okay A LOT of practice...I can share the tools for successful boutique shopping.

1. Team up. Boutique shopping offers many opportunities for fashion risks. Bring someone you trust to help you figure out which looks you really can knock out of the park.
2. Game plan. Put together a list of boutique possibilities, and start with a boutique you are comfortable with. It is always great to start a day of boutique shopping off with a successful stop. This will open you up to riskier stops without that "need" to buy something.
3. Take a time out. Boutique shopping should be done at a leisurely pace. Many shops just need time to really show you what is inside - allow time for great stories from shop owners and sales people. These are the experiences that make boutique shopping unique.
4. Take names. I cannot over emphasize the importance of grabbing a business card, or taking down the boutique's address and phone number. Many small boutiques are hard to find once you have left, and ALL of your friend's will want to know where you got that great jacket. Save yourself the hassle - get the info when you are there.
5. Get the inside information. If you fall in love with everything in a boutique, talk up the owner or sales girl. Find out when they put out new shipments, when they mark things down, and if you can - stop by regularly. Most small boutiques only get things once, knowing someone on the inside will keep you from missing the best stuff.
   

Now you have boutique shopping in the bag!

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Is Any One Else Bothered?!

By: Erin Hall @ Boutiquing

In the last two months I visited Dallas, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Now you must understand, I love going to new places, I love to experience the culture, the food and the shopping…ohhhh the shopping. But my travel excitement was instantly quenched when besides the dry, flat landscape; I realized it looked so similar to Orange County. Everywhere my eyes landed, it was the same visual, shopping center after shopping center full of large retail and food chain stores. I began to question the anger rising up on the inside of me. Why was this bothering me so much??

I was bothered because these large chains are pushing out the mom and pop small businesses. Everywhere you turn a small business is closing its doors while another T.J. Maxx opens up. You must understand I’m an avid supporter of small businesses, partially due to principal and partially due to selfishness. I like supporting someone’s dream, time and passion and that’s what I believe small business’ represent. I get excited when the owner/chef of restaurant personally comes out to my table and introduces himself and his food as if you were dining in his own home. I get excited when I’m able to purchase a one of a kind vintage Vatican coin necklace in a small boutique while the owner tells me about the designer whom hand makes each piece.

I am bothered because I think we are being robbed of experiences, connection and originality in exchange for systems, streamlining and profits. I don’t want to travel to a new city just to eat and shop at the same places I can at home. I want to create memories and acquire unique pieces. I want to wear jewelry that is noticeably different. I want to eat food that takes my taste buds on a journey with new flavors; I can’t do that in a sea of mass-produced locations.

A friend who is from Tulsa and an avid shopper recommended Utica Square in Tulsa as a shopping destination, so of course I eagerly anticipated my arrival. In my mind I pictured a cute little section of downtown Tulsa littered with one of a kind shops. As we parked in front of Starbucks instantly my excitement turned to disappointment when I saw Banana Republic, Saks, Pier One, Bath and Body Works, White House Black Market, American Eagle and Ann Taylor just to name a unique few (I can be quite facetious). There are great products in all of these stores, yes, but I wanted a boutiquing experience and I was irritated because I didn’t know where to go to find what I was looking for.

That’s the problem! The small businesses are hard to find. They don’t have a budget for large websites or expensive retail locations. They aren’t on Google and the hotel concierge doesn’t know where to find them. As a manager of 3 upscale boutiques in Orange County for five years, I know how hard it is to connect a searching customer with a unique boutique. I myself would become so frustrated when looking for new shopping ventures outside the mall. So here is our mission, to locate, promote and detail all boutiques, big, small, hidden and known. Starting with Orange County and then expanding, we will not stop till you know where to find all the best boutiquing experiences. Help us keep "Boutiquing" alive and well by supporting the boutiques and informing us of any that have missed our list.