A fashion stylist who has two successful shops in the Forres area, is opening a third clothes shop, after finding the ‘perfect’ property in the town centre.
Christine, who has Timeless and Country Man at Logie Steading will open Blussh at 114 High Street over the next few days, and we caught up with her to ask what’s inspired her confidence in the high street.
She said: “Mainly because the big glass windows! I’ve always wanted something on the high street and I’ve always had my eye on this particular store with wonderful windows to be able to display the skills that I have.
“I think with the high street booming, it was just nice to be able to bring something special here. At Logie, I’ve dressed a few women for occasions and parties and I’m quite specific about bringing stock that you can’t find anywhere else.
“A lot of the clothes we have are quite bespoke and unique to us, and we don’t bring in a lot of pieces, so you’re not likely to bump into someone else with the same outfit.
Passion for clothes
“It’s just a way of showcasing what I do as a stylist but also showcasing the products and just showing people that we can have the same finesse that I see in London, Italy or Paris.
“I just have a passion for clothes shops. I have a lot of clothes myself, and I just found that what you see in the high streets or what was in the shops was not what I was used to seeing as a freelance fashion journalist.
“We’ll have different products. I’ve just been to some of the top shows in Denmark and I’ve got some really exciting products coming through.
“I was keen to bring these products to the people. So it is all about giving back to the locals.”
Architectural background
She also described how her background in architecture not only helped her find the right shop, but continues to play a role in how she helps women and men dress stylishly.
“Before I came to this country, I was an architectural technician, so for me, finding a right building to suit what’s actually going to go into the store was very important,” she added.
“it’s such a fantastic spot and you can see it on all corners, and it means I am able to have the mannequins on display.
“As a former architectural technician, I’m all about design, how things fit on the body, and as as a stylist, that’s key to putting the right garments on a person. It needs to sit right.
The right clothes
“Women should be celebrated regardless what size they are, and as a fashion journalist and a stylist, I’ve worked with all sizes.
“Whether size 0 or size 28, all women are beautiful in their own right. But it’s helping them put on the right clothes to make them feel beautiful.
“I understand the design of the garment, so I know how it’s going to lay on the body, which shape is going to suit which person. So we’ve got short, we’ve got long. It’s all about finding the right products that fit.”
Christine said the three shops would work together to drive footfall between them.
“It’s a good way of showcasing Logie as well because I have people say that they haven’t been before. I have clients who struggle to get down to Logie.
“So it just means I can revamp the store to make it nice for day wear and casual wear. Something funky but trendy, which I think we all need and wear all the time.
Christine commented how pleasing it is to be dealing with local people every day: “The people of Moray and Forres are just beautiful, very lovely people. We’re here to support the local community and support the businesses.
She said she would be flexible and is happy to open late to accommodate shoppers’ needs, and offer one-to-one styling appointments.
An actual opening date is yet to be set, as she’s still to have the sign put up, and awaiting more stock, but Christine says if the door’s open, come on in.
