When buying items for Wild Gardenia Boutique, I of course consider my budget, what has sold in the past, quality, and price, but I also take a very personal approach to selecting my merchandise. It’s important to me that I put thought and attention into every item in the boutique. Check out the questions I ask myself before making a purchase for the boutique:

1. Would I wear this item?

First and foremost, if I am not excited to wear the product, I do not purchase it for my store. I view my boutique as an extension of myself, my style, and my closet. I am a true believer in being authentic and if I do not like something I will not encourage others to purchase. Moreover, if I am not excited about a product, I know that I will struggle to style and market the product. My personal favorites in the store at the moment are The Regal Dress, The Dipped Blouse, and the Blackwood Purses. '

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2. Would others likely purchase this product?

Here the business brain kicks in. If I realize that most people would not be interested in purchasing the product, I know that having it in my store would not be viable. While thinking about if others will enjoy the product, I wonder if my friends would wear these items happily (and without obligation). I also wonder whether models at my shoot would be excited to wear the items. Although I do consider the market for potential purchases, I really give more weight to whether I would wear the item. Maybe this makes me stubborn…
Two items in my boutique at the moment are the result of me giving more weight to my opinion than others: the Celeste Mogador eye brooches and the byVinnik opera coats. I can see potential customers being confused on how to style them or where to wear them. This is an issue I seek to resolve during photoshoots, post to social media, and blog posts. I’m glad that I trust my gut on these items, they are truly special.
3. Is the product unique?
I want to avoid selling items that customers will likely see everywhere. When customers purchase items from me, I want them to know that they are making a special purchase that will capture attention from others when worn publically. I also feel that most people have plenty of basic clothing and foundational pieces (do you really need another pair of jeans?) and should instead push themselves to try something new and different. I want my customers to feel excited about their purchases from Wild Gardenia Boutique and confident while wearing our items.

3. Can I style this product multiple ways?
If a product is limited to one use or style, what’s the fun in that?! It is also wasteful to wear clothing for a few times before discarding it or relegating it to the back of your closet. I want customers to have quality pieces that they can use time and time again. If you ever need a style suggestion, please reach out to me. I’ll certainly help.

4. Does the product have extended sizes? Is the manufacturer a conscious business
It is important to me that the straight and curvy styles in my boutique are even. I never want one size category to feel ignored or second. I also want to make sure that I’m supporting companies that are on the smaller size, like Wild Gardenia, and that they treat their workers well. One example is my peacoats from Pissenlit. I like how these coats are quaility products made by a women run local company in DC.