Stylin in the Grocery….Part II (Including What I Bought)
UNIQUE. It’s the best word to describe Dessie’s Boutique owners, Thaddaeus and Colette. Everything about these two superwomen is UNIQUE.
“We have always wanted to do things different,” said Colette. She went on to explain that they did not desire to open a New York or Dallas boutique, but a fabulous boutique with the big feel of Las Vegas. “We don’t want our customers to go other places and see themselves there. We want our place to be completely different from anywhere else.”
When the grocery store opportunity was presented to these ladies, it just felt right. They knew that ladies do not have a lot of time on their hands, and to offer one-stop-shopping might be appealing. They were right…it has been appealing and surprisingly enough, it is not a place of cheap fare. Colette said, “Our customers know quality and beauty. They recognize they are getting a good deal for top of the line merchandise.”
“Today’s woman is not one dimensional,” said Thaddaeus when explaining why they have such a variety of merchandise in their small location. “She needs to look great no matter what the occasion. A pair of jeans can be made stylish.”
They only buy one of each piece of clothing they carry. “We want our customers to feel special, unique, and not see themselves on any other woman,” Thaddaeus said. “Who wants to look like someone else?” She told me that as I posted pictures of their clothing, it would soon be gone, and no one else in San Antonio would have another one. But, she does encourage customers to come tell them what they like and their needs, and she can track down a UNIQUE look just for them.
Unfortunately, customer service is UNIQUE to some businesses this day and time, and it is a key component of the success at Dessie’s Boutique. But, the crème de la crème perhaps are the shopping bags. Colette hand paints every single one and they are all different. She is the mother every other mother scoffed about, because when her children were in school, she would hand paint a different lunch bag every day! No two bags at the boutique are the same and she will even take special orders for special occasions.
Both ladies kept discussing how they needed more space. Yes, for merchandise, but I could also see a kitchen-type table and chairs as a boutique addition, because the conversation is rich! And that would also be UNIQUE!
Love the Colors!!! And I can easily wear this tunic for casual with jeans!! |
What a wonderful discovery you have made. I think the whole thing is terrific but it's a long commute from Tennessee. Darn
Thank you for featuring me. That is really sweet of you. This boutique is such an amazing idea. I love that they have unique pieces, and such a great range of sizes. Thaddaeus gave really great styling advice. The key is being yourself, and wearing what you love.
My Heart Blogged
What a unique place.
If you're going to have a shop someplace where gazillions of people will pass through it seems very smart to stock small quanitities of items.
Nobody would want everybody to recognize this or that item as what they saw at the grocery store!
I got a kick out of the painted lunch bags. Is it paint or watercolor marker? I used to use my stamps on my kids and my own lunch bags!
What a great outfit you picked! I love number 5 – I always try to dress with that thought in mind!
What a fantastic find Pam. It has it all.
Wowwwwwwwwwwwwww.
You have an eye for good things.
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Super cute top you got
My grandmother used to take me shopping at this clothing boutique in our small town. I shopped there from age 0 to Soph in high school. When I was in about 8th grade I was trying on something and made the comment that I hadn't ever seen anyone wear something like that before. The owner said to me, " you need to set the trend not follow it!"
That advice has stuck with me ever since.
Brett
I absolutely love turquoise. It's such a great color. You found some amazing pieces. Those shoes are fab and red toe nails are great next to the blue stone!
xo,
Tracy
"HAVE COURAGE! Be the one to start the trend, not follow it." — So true!
The tunic has so many beautiful colors in it and those shoes are cute, cute, cute. Love the idea of a kitchen table in a boutique!
They definitely ARE different…so cool to read the next installment of this awesome story:)
The tunic is gorgeous! It sounds like a lovely shopping experience. I gotta agree with Jucy C, it'd be a long commute from little ole TN, but we could sure use more boutique influence here.
Wow, I always love turquoise and the touquoise was perfect for your print. Very well done!
What a neat post!
Great interview and your outfit shines! And I loved what was said about hats!
Love your style and love those shoes!