We present our A-Z of Lancashire's best boutiques where you'll find everything from shoes and clothes to jewellery and accessories.
Amabo
Who shops here: Anyone looking for statement pieces; whether it’s for lunch with friends, to dress up for dinner or someone looking for a fabulous accessory to give an outfit a new look.
The labels: Airfield, Nice Collection, Armatic Chic, Passport, Kapalua, Gelco, Squadra Blu, Bulatti, Nour London, Miss Chic.
What’s hot: As the only stockist of Airfield in the area its range of sporty but glamorous clothing will be popular here. Amabo’s top trend tip this autumn is wearability – don’t buy anything you can’t think of a dozen places/times you would wear it; a touch of fur, a good deal of colour and a dash of denim are in store now. Buy one item you love, wear it and feel fantastic.
Where to find us: Amabo, 43 Clifton Street, Lytham, FY8 5ER. 01253 734764, www.amabo.co.uk
Browse
Who shops here: The woman that wants seasonal trends, information and personal shopping advice with excellent service.
The labels: Weekend by MaxMara, Cheap & Chic Moschino, Paul Smith Black, Armani Collezioni.
What’s hot: It’s back to black this season. Elegantly slim, full or cropped classic trousers make a welcome return, teamed with a splash of pop colour. Versatile staples such as the fitted shirt and a wool blazer will be smart moves to make this season.
Where to find us: 42 King Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2EU. 01200 426293
Cachet
Who shops here: Regular customers at Cachet include several local celebrities including Shobna Gulati who plays Sunita in Coronation Street as well as a large customer base all over the world who buy through the website.
The labels: Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Ugg Australia, Australia Luxe Collective, Irregular Choice, Fly, Miss Sixty, Vagabond, Bibi and Havaiana.
What’s hot: This season knitwear and fur is very strong and this is also coming through in footwear and accessories. A few star styles this season will be seen in collections from Australia Luxe Collective, Vivienne Westwood and the ever-faithful Ugg Australia.
Where to find us: 22 Union Street, Southport, PR9 0QE. 01704 537555, www.cachetshoes.co.uk
Checkmate
Who shops here: Women from aged 30 upwards who are discerning shoppers looking for something different and who expect to be served in a friendly, helpful environment.
The labels: Oui, Crea, Pause Caf�, Eva Linka, Bleu Blanc Rouge, Joseph Ribkopf, Heyman, Mac Jeans, Presen, Vera Mont and many more.
What’s hot: Orange is coming through as the accent colour for autumn/winter. The slim trouser, boot and tunic look is still extremely strong, especially the sleeveless tunic layered over a T-shirt or polo.
Where to find us: 69 King Street, Whalley, BB7 9SW. 01254 824814
Chique
Who shops here: Ladies looking for personal service when choosing that special mother-of-the-bride outfit, special occasionwear or cruisewear.
The labels: John Charles, Condici, Ann Balon, Frank Usher, Michael Ambers, Cabotine, Gold by Michael H, Gina Bacconi, Kapalua, Steilmann, Pause Caf�, Tuzzi, Bernshaw.
What’s hot: The bandage dress will be the leading style for party dresses this season. John Charles or Condici are likely to be the top choices for the mother-of-the-bride this autumn and the Gina Bacconi label for parties and special occasionwear.
Where to find us: 37 Beach Road, Cleveleys, FY5 1EG. 01253 867048
Cudworths of Cleveleys
Who shops here: Ladies across the generations; that have their own business; who travel and appreciate and understand good tailoring and quality, from sixth form students tograndmothers looking for a perfect wedding outfit.
The labels: Basler, Lucia, Faber, Gold by Michael H, Personal Choice, frank Lyman, Chianti, After Six, Loft & Collage, Sommermann.
What’s hot: Look out for soft jersey dual colours and statement knitwear from Germany this season along with stylish coats from Italy and Germany. Basler coats are sure to be popular due to the quality design and cut.
Where to find us: 123-125 Victoria Road West, Cleveleys, FY5 3LA, 01253 852641. Also Cudworths of Lytham, Market Buildings, Lytham St Annes, FY8 5LW. 01253 738091, www.cudworths.co.uk
Eloise
Who shops here: Lots of well known people and celebrities shop at this ladies boutique in Formby although staff remain tight-lipped as to who.
The labels: Includes Elisa Cavaletti, Raffa, Linea Raffaeli, Jora, Ya Ya and Supertrash.
What’s hot: This season look out for eclectic mixes of styles and designers; if it looks good wear it. We love the Italian Elisa Cavaletti collections – it’s stylish, fabulous quality with exquisite detail and is likely to be the best seller this season.
Where to find us: 33 Church Road, Formby, L37 8BQ. 01704 833999,www.eloise-fashion.co.uk
EQ Woman
Who shops here: Customers come in all shapes and ages with a few things in common; they appreciate honest advice and expect a happy, relaxed, unpressurised and positive shopping experience. Above all customers are looking for fashionable, ageless clothing at affordable prices.
The labels: Sticky Fingers, Masai Clothing Company, Jackpot, Ronen Chen, Summum, Broodie Cashmere and Kapalua.
What’s hot: Knitwear features heavily in our autumn/winter collection from light knits to luxury cashmere; tank tops to chunky winter cardigans. Natural colours like ice blue silver and camel have been reintroduced along with new colours like cherry, lavender and military. Best sellers this year will undoubtedly be Masai tunics which are perfect for layering with cotton basics, warm knitwear, leggings and boots.
Where to find us: 36 King Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2EU. 01200 426400,www.eqwoman.com
Estilo
Who shops here: A wide variety of clientele from young girls looking for prom wear to ladies that lunch and the odd actress from television looking for something glamorous to wear to award ceremonies.
The labels: Frank Lyman, NYDJ Jeans, MOZA-ik, Evalinka, Nueva, Steilmann, Tony Bowls Evening Wear, Pink Label to name a few. The accessories range included Claudia Canova belts and handbags and Gaby’s Jewellery.
What’s hot: Key trends for this season include below-the-knee skirts, capes and clocks and fur trimmed knits and jackets. Lace trimmed dress add a touch of romance while its looking like Frank Lyman and NYDJ Jeans are likely to be best sellers here this season.
Where to find us: High Street, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7RB. 01706 656155, www.estilonorden.co.uk
Eve Lingerie
Who shops here: From women to teenagers looking for their first bra to great grandmothers; basically any woman who wants good fitting lingerie.
The labels: Lepel, Prima Donna, Marie Jo, Wacoil, B Tempted, Freya, Fantasie, Panache, Chantelle, Passionate, Fauve, Curvy Kate, Charnos, Ted Baker, Kiku Kimono, Waxx, Bathhouse, Moontide, Miracle Suit, Kunert & Hudson Hosiery, Urban Knit scarf socks and slippers, Damella Nightwear Body Wrap shapewear.
What’s hot: Navy bras and slips; navy is a really popular colour this season. Coloured patterned tights and New Bodywrap Shapewear come patterned for luxury.
Where to find us: 19 Fleming Square, Blackburn, BB2 7DG. 01254 696680 and First Floor, Maureen Cooksons, George Street, Whalley, BB7 9TH. 01254 823422, www.myevelingerie.co.uk
Fine Feathers
Who shops here: Smart ladies of any age have been shopping at this ladies boutique in the picturesque village of Tarleton, some for more than 40 years!
The labels: Olsen, Gina Bacconi, Gold by Michael H, Macona, Eugen Klein, Gardeur, Pomadora and Emereco.
What’s hot: Look out for a mix of knitwear and smart casuals this autumn/winter; best sellers this autumn will be knitwear and dresses.
Where to find us: 65 Church Road, Tarleton, Near Preston, PR4 6UQ. 01772 813130, www.finefeathers.info
Finesse
Who shops here: Ladies over 40, who want something they won’t see in the high street stores, make up the main customer base here.
The labels: Apriori, Gina Bacconi, Cavita, Chianti, Ellbi, Emreco, Gelco, Lebek, Marble, Monari, Mozaik, Nueva, Doris Streich are among the stock here.
What’s hot: Prints feature strongly this autumn/winter with burnt orange and greys being the popular colours for tunic dresses as well as maxi dresses and seperates. Black and red will feature again but also grey and plum too.
Where to find us: 241 Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 7PA. 01706 218962, www.finesseladieswear.co.uk
Flamingo
Who shops here: Catering for the modern woman’s hectic lifestyle Flamingo provide complete wardrobe solutions for all occasions, from casual wear to wedding outfits and everything in between, aiming to provide the perfect shopping experience tailored to suit each individual’s age, style and budget.
The labels: Condici, Ian Stuart, Linea Raffaelli, Ispirato, Luis Civit, Betty Barclay, Gerry Weber, Joseph Ribkoff, Fred Sabatier, Fille De Sables, Frank Lyman, Bernshaw, Evalinka, Gold by Michael H, Gina Bacconi, Marcelino, NYDJ Jeans, Presen, Peruzzi, Tuzzi, Vera Mont, Fee G, Irresistible, Elata shoes, Darci Mae, Spanx.
What’s hot: Dresses are still extremely popular this season and teamed with a stylish bolero jacket are a firm favourite for weddings.
Where to find us: 67 Liverpool Road, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 9XD. 01772 744277
French Design
Who shops here: The lady who deserves the best!
The labels: Betty Barclay, Bleu Blanc Rouge, Crea, Elisa Cavaletti, Gardeur, Indies, Joce Ridings, Luisa Cerano, Mado, Masai, NYDJ Jeans, Olsen, Save the Queen and Via Appia.
What’s hot: This season French Design predicts the top trend and their best seller to be the tunic.Where to find us: 24 Norbreck Road, Norbreck, Blackpool, FY5 1RJ. 01253 595615, www.frenchdesignblackpool.co.uk
Janet Isherwood Jewellery
Who shops here: If you’re after an engagement or wedding ring; special occasion gifts or would like a piece of jewellery remodelled, repaired, valued or a special commission made for you then this is the place to come.
The labels: As well as specialising in their own label other names to look out for here are Paul Spurgeon, Neissing, Rivoir, Atelier Gilmar, tezer, Tianguis Jackson, Kit Heath and Ortak.
What’s hot: Pieces of handmade jewellery in platinum or gold with curved organic forms set with lilac or purple coloured gemstones. Keep an eye out for the handmade white or yellow gold ‘Wave Bangle’ available here which forms soft curves around the wrist.
Where to find us: 32 Kay Street, Rawtenstall, BB4 7LS. 01706 831257, www.janetisherwoodjewellery.co.uk
Marc Cain
Who shops here: There is something for everyone here, in a perfect location on Lord Street the boutique attracts many different clients who are looking for a variety of looks from smart to very casual.
The labels: The main Marc Cain stockist for the North West; both the mainline and more casual sports collection are sold here.
What’s hot: Checks and lace feature highly this season but biker inspired leather gillets are also one of the top trends for this season. We have some amazing sheepskins and leathers; following a very cold winter last year coats are high on everyone’s list.
Where to find us: 92-96 Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1JR. 01704 513294
Marsden’s Leather
Who shops here: Customers come from all walks of life but are people who appreciate quality and want their purchases to last. We pride ourselves on selling good quality and reasonable priced items.
The labels: Include The Bridge, Radley, Tula, Yoshi and Texier while non-leather brands include OClock, Border Fine Arts and Steiff.
What’s hot: There is a move away from big bags towards more practical smaller styles this season. Anything by The Bridge, a timeless range with a new softer leather collection will be popular this season.
Where to find us: 13-15 Warner Street, Accrington, BB5 1HN. 01254 231879, www.best4leather.co.uk
Out of the City
Who shops here: Equestrian and country sports enthusiasts.
The labels: Barbour, Hunter, Joules, Musto, Berghaus, Aigle.
What’s hot: Barbour quilted jackets and Hunter wellies will be huge this autumn. Argyle knits are coming in from all the big brands this season, in knitwear, socks, hats, gloves, scarves and even an Argyle patterned welly!
Where to find us: Buckshaw Village, near Chorley, PR7 7EL. 0845 624624,www.outofthecity.co.uk
Stringers Department Store
Who shops here: This is a department store that has something for everyone. The contemporary fashion department is perfect for finding an amazing outfit for any occasion for men or women and help is always on hand from a team of personal shoppers.
The labels: Darling, SeaSalt, SuperDry and Tommy Hilfiger are new names that sit alongside old favourites (ladies) Crew, Esprit, fenn Wright Manson, French Connection, Great Plains, Hobbs, InWear, Jonny Q Jeans, Joules, Laura Ashley, Marella, Mexx, Noa Noa, Part Two, Whitestuff and (mens) Crew, French Connection, Joules, SuperDry and Whitestuff.
What’s hot: Chinos! Ladies pair them with super high heels for a statuesque status or roll them up and team with embellished flats for a casual daytime look. Men can choose them for a 9-5 look with a great belt and a crisp cotton shirt or work them off duty with a slouchy knit.Where to find us: Lytham, Lancashire, FY8 5LR. 01253 740700, www.stringers-lytham.co.uk
The Clothes Shop
Who shops here: Located in the bustling market town of Clitheroe, where independent boutiques rule the roost, The Clothes Shop is aimed at the modern woman with a classic and ageless approach to fashion.
The labels: Apanage, Bandolera, Fenn Wright Manson, Gerard Darel, Stephen Collins, Penny Black, Passigatti, Turnover and Olsen Mac Jeans.
What’s hot: Tweeds and statement knits. Following the last two extreme winters enveloping knits and coats are likely to fly off the shelves here.
Where to find us: York Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2DL. 01200 424203
The Trafford Centre
Who shops here: The Trafford Centre is the perfect shopping and leisure destination for everyone. With a large variety of designer, high street and department stores you are sure to find that new outfit, must-have item for the home or perfect gift you are looking for.
The labels: The only place outside Oxford Street where you’ll find Selfridges, John Lewis, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer together, plus designer brands and lots of large flagship branches of high street stores.
What’s hot: The top trend this season is ‘the empowered woman’. Soft feminie tailoring with a Hollywood Glamour twist. A floppy hat is a must have item to accessorise any outfit. Team it with a pair of tailored shorts, heeled boots, white shirt and a woolly cape for a wearable catwalk look.
Where to find us: The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA. 0161 749 1717, www.traffordcentre.co.uk
The print version of this article appeared in the September 2011 issue of Lancashire Life
We can deliver a copy direct to your door – order online here
