I am a big fan of shopping in boutiques because I love the personal service you get there. Department Stores are great but they do lack the personal touch.
Nothing beats a boutique, where the owner has personally chosen her stock.
I shop a lot in Malahide and have written before about some of my favourites. You can check out my posts on Paula’s, Ology and Mark Cain.
I am not averse to looking further afield, because you can find different labels and more variety.
Online Shopping
However, the pandemic has forced even reluctant online shoppers like me to shop from home. But I miss the personal touch. I miss the entire experience of visiting the shop. And I am not good at it. It is so difficult to judge sizes. Plus, I need to touch the material to see if it is heavy or flimsy.
The successful boutiques have their websites, but also offer advice and help on the phone.
Charisma Fashions
Charisma Fashions in Charleville, Co. Cork since 1994 went online four years ago, but the pandemic forced them to upgrade even further their online presence. If you browse the website, you can see that the owner Maria chooses brands that cater for women of different ages. She tells me she has a loyal following from the area and further afield.
Maria started off as a beauty therapist with Clarins and also holds a style and image certificate. This is, of course, an added advantage and helps to connect with clients on a personal level, knowing what shape, colour and style will complement individuals.
Not everyone can judge from a website what might suit them and so Maria is available at the end of a phone to help. She got in touch with me recently and asked if I would review some of her collection.
I was very impressed with the website, which I found easy to navigate. And there were labels which were new to me such as Cecil, Street One and Brakeburn. And then also more familiar ones such as Freddy Jeans and B Young.
The range of accessories is pretty spectacular with a wide variety of hats, scarves, handbags (lots of backpacks and cross-bodies), footwear and Quay sunglasses listed.
Prices are very reasonable and there are some sale items going for a song.
What I Wore
My first choice was this Cecil Sand raincoat priced at €129 99. I was attracted to the colour and the wonderful details. And let’s face it. We all need a raincoat or two in our wardrobe and this one has it all. I was told that these were German and generously sized, so I could have sized down. I opted for medium; small would have been better.
Similarly with the Street One faded green dress €69.99 (below), I went for a medium, but a small would have been perfect. I love the paisley print and it is extremely comfortable to wear. I just added the belt to give it some shape. If I had size 10. I would have left it loose.
The boots are two years old from M&S and the belt is about 40 years old from the first suit I ever bought. Wish I had the suit now.
I was immediately drawn to the colour of this Brakeburn cardigan at €59.99 (below). Soft and comfortable to wear (organic cotton), it would be a perfect addition to any wardrobe. This time, the 12 is a perfect fit. Here, I paired it with a Coast top and Next flares, both several years old. Animal print belt and shoes finish the look.
And finally I had to show you these white Docs. I ordered 7 and am usually 6 1/2 and 6 would have been plenty big enough. But they are seriously comfortable and make a bit of a statement. Priced at €50, buy these for your daughter and you can borrow them. I was very impressed at the incredible bargains in footwear on the site.
The jeans are from Paula’s Malahide and the shirt is an old Top Shop purchase.
So pop on over to www.charismafashion.ie and have a look at their website. As I said earlier, it is very easy to navigate and if you want advice then you can phone and talk to Maria 00353 (0) 63 21855, who can help you with sizes and styling.
Happy Shopping
Love Hilda x
Love the white doc martens! Great price too! Because I cant stand long due to EDS, I dont often shop in the stores, but I do miss popping into certain places. I enjoy boutiques too. Great pieces, that green dress is lovely on you, love the belt with it.
Have a great week Hilda!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I miss shops so much…
I am in love with that dress/boots combo! Beautiful!!
I really like the dress with the belt Hilda. Updating a classic style item with accessories can really up-date it. The boots are very cool! xx
Thanks Laurie. I had fun with the clothes. And the boutique has great choice.
I LOVE the dress! It’s absolutely gorgeous. And the outfit with the red is to die for and don’t get me started on those white boots!! I love everything!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Hilda, I really love your dress and how you updated it with your vintage belt. But, the raincoat has won my heart! the detailing is fantastic!!!
Thanks for introducing us to this new shopping experience!
Rosemary
Thank you Hilda
For the the lovely review. I appreciate the positive and honest feedback.
I am in the fashion trade 27 years this year and I still love what I do .
Our brand are good fitting so most clients are delighted to go down a size .
Thanks again Hilda
Kindest regards
Maria xx
You are very welcome Maria and congratulations on your lovely shop and website and continued success to you.
I am one of the lucky ones to live in Charleville, and I love Charisma. I have bought many outfits there, my most recent purchase was a Street One coat that I love. Friendly and welcoming, Charisma deserves all the praise it receives.
Hi Mary. Thanks for leaving a comment. Yes you are a lucky woman. It is wonderful to have such a fabulous boutique in your town and hopefully now others can find it online also. I am very impressed with the website and the variety of stock it carries
I love to shop online, especially since Covid! Love the paisley dress! I’ll definitely check Charisma out. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Michele.. xx
You know those boots would have been a perfect copy in my outfit today on my blog with Kate’s original look!! They are amazing!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Love the red cardigan and white Docs! x
Thanks Gail. xxx
I wish I lived near you to enjoy Charisma Fashion!
Online shopping is how many of us shop these days but I hope with vaccinations and social distancing in 2021 we can get back into the stores.
I love the paisley dress!
You have such tiny feet!
I wear a 9.5 shoe or 40 in Euro!
Hugs!
Robin
Fabulous pieces Hilda! I love the red cardigan and the white DMs! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
It looks like you did quite well with your online shopping. I, too. much prefer in-person shopping so I’m glad that the stores in my area have been open for several months now. Thanks for joining my link-up.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com