A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across the blog of a girl embarking on opening her own boutique and blogging about the process. Since that is something that I want to do in the future, I was immediately intrigued. The boutique, Ooh La Luxe is now open for business and full of cute items. The boutique carries a variety of clothing from the labels Cohen Camden, Egoist, Jae Basilio, Plastic Island, Va Va Voom and Voom. Some of my favorite pieces are the Voom by Joy Han Luxe Babydoll Dress, Egoist Double Top, and the Plastic Island Twist Back Dress, which are pictured above from left to right.

Kim, who is a FIDM graduate, was kind enough to answer some questions for me about her boutique, the process of going from student to business owner, her summer must haves, and fashion in general.

Logical Harmony : Have you always been interested in fashion, or did the interest start at a particular point in your life?
Kim : It’s always been there. When I was really young, used to make costumes out of grocery bags (paper and plastic). And then when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade I started outlining barbie dolls on paper so I could make fashion “sketches”. I did go back and forth between which path in fashion I wanted to take, but it’s always been there.

Logical Harmony : What inspired you to start your own boutique?
Kim : Well, as I mentioned I had a couple of choices for fashion industry careers. Initially I wanted to be a designer, but when I enrolled at FIDM I decided being a boutique owner would be the best avenue for me, so I changed my major before school even started. Then for a while I thought I wanted to be a showroom rep, and I even considered styling for a while, as well as product development (which was my major). But this path is right for me because at the end of the day, I love to shop, and I think of myself as someone who is helping other girls find great pieces that help them standout in the crowd a little bit, and look and feel young and sexy.

Logical Harmony : So far, what has been your favorite experience during the process of opening your boutique?
Kim : Definitely the buying process! That was like a dream come true. Researching new lines, going to trade shows to find up and coming designers, and then hitting the showrooms and picking out what merchandise to carry; I loved every minute of it because it was like being on one big shopping spree! But at the same time, it’s sort of nerve wrecking because I had to interpret future trends and anticipate what others would like, and what pieces would (hopefully) be flattering on a large segment of women. All the stress is worth it though.

Logical Harmony : Who are your personal fashion inspirations?
Kim : I prefer down to earth, more accessable fashion brands, like what you’ll see in my boutique, opposed to some of the higher end, avante garde designers. Those lines are fun to look at, but it’s not really what I have a passion for. But my favorites of the moment are Elie Saab, Monique Lhulier and Rami Kashou, who some may know from Project Runway. His work so feminine, detailed and sophisticated; he has the type aesthetic that really speaks to me. And I always enjoy Cavalli.

Logical Harmony : What trend do you love?
Kim : Right now I’m loving all the shaped skirts that are in style! Like bubble mini skirts (we’re carrying two from Plastic Island in this style) and paper bag waist skirts. Unfortunately I’m not carrying any of those, I hope to find some cute ones for the fall, but I just went to a wedding about a week ago and I bought this super high waisted, paper bag waist skirt with huge teal embroidery around the bottom. My town isn’t all that fashion forward and Im sure most people didn’t get it at all, but I loved every minute in it!

Logical Harmony : What trend do you wish would go away?
Kim : You’re expecting me to say leggings aren’t you? Well I’m not because I still like them with boots; so sue me! If I had to pick something to disappear it would probably be high waisted jeans or extremely baggy trousers. I don’t care how fab your figure is; no one looks good in mom jeans. They look like denim diapers, or like something that just stepped off of Charlie’s Angels. And sometimes wide leg slacks are pulled off well but so many people are running around in these and they’re not tailored right, plus they’re just a bit too baggy, and it looks too masculine for my taste.

Logical Harmony : What is your favorite item from Ooh La Luxe’s current inventory?
Kim : Just one? That’s tough. There are about five that I’m absolutely obsessed with. I think I would have to go with the Egoist Double Top. I’m still psyched that I found that piece. None of the other boutiques have it, from what I’ve seen, and it’s so quirky but cute; the type of thing you wear when you want lots of compliments, because you know you’ll get them! And it’s a shame but Egoist no longer exists; they merged with Plastic Island. There are also two amazing Jae Basilio dresses coming out next week that are just too cute!

Logical Harmony : What items and/or designers/brands would you like to carry in the future?
Kim : Good question since I’m constantly looking for new designers. I had a complete list, but as soon as I saw the fall collections I had to start over; they were all pretty disappointing. I do have my eye on Chulo Pony and BA&SH, I’d love to get Rami Kashou in the store and I’m still on the fence about Lauren Conrad. And hopefully I’ll come across a good denim line!

Logical Harmony : What are your must have items for the summer season?
Kim : 1. A great pair of tailored, dark denim shorts. You can dress these up or down, and it looks more put together than wearing cut offs or something of the sort.
2. Basic jersey day dresses. As many of them as you can get your hands on. I had to keep one of the Voom Giraffe Dresses for myself; it’s wickedly cute and it feels like you’re wearing a night gown.
3. Bermudas or walking shorts in white and khaki. Great basic pieces.
4. Strappy leather flats (gladiators!) or leather thongs. Go the extra mile and pay the extra money, it’s a million times better than those plastic thongs.
5. Soft tanks and halters in bright colors like teal and yellow, or floral prints.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 9:43 am and is filed under Fashion, Shopping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.