1. C
hristmas is a time of love and hap-
piness! That one time of year that
guarantees family gatherings and
lots of food. Christmas shopping;
a time of stress and despair! That one time
of year that guarantees long queues and
debates over whether to buy the perfume gift
box or play it safe with vouchers!
Each year the entire nation goes into a frenzy
of buying the perfect presents for everyone
on their shopping list and with all the big de-
partment stores and retail giants providing a
variety of money saving offers it’s no wonder
we all flee to the high street.
Whilst some of us are organised and start
collecting presents a few months in advance,
others wait until the weekend before but no
matter if you are super organised or incred-
ibly last minute there are always doubts as to
whether the recipient already has that par-
ticular item or if someone else has gotten it
for them!
This year why not take a different approach.
Drive past the Trafford Centre and walk away
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
As Christmas is just over the horizon, here at VIVA
we offer an alternative to the High Street shopping,
something small, unique and even more special...
“Paris,NewYork,Milan,theyallhavechiclittleneighbour-
hoods devoted to boutiques and the treasures inside them
would make amazing Christmas presents”
from the high street, head to the suburbs and
have a mooch down the lesser known streets;
you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. All
over England there are so many amazing
boutiques that get forgotten about because
the national retailers are cheaper and less
daunting.
It’s something we, as a nation, have yet to
really discover but look to the other fash-
ion capitals of the world; Paris, New York,
Milan, they all have chic little neighbour-
hoods devoted to boutiques and the treas-
ures inside them would make amazing
Christmas presents.
But that’s not the only reason why they love
boutique shopping; the service you receive is
second to none.
As boutiques are independently owned and
often run by the owner, it is in their advan-
tage to provide the best service they can.
Many have ‘little black books’ with all their
customers’ details so they can call if a cer-
tain piece comes into stock. Shopping in a
boutique is almost like having a personal
shopper as the staff are there to help you
which is extremely useful when you’re a guy
buying for your mother/sister/girlfriend.
The 3 Eleven boutique in Hale prides itself
on its customer service as they really like to
get to know their customers and offer little
extras like alterations. They blog daily looks,
fashion week reviews, style tips and anything
else fashion related to give you more advice
and support whenever you need it.
Established two years ago, the owners set
up shop straight out of their fashion buy-
ing degree and with the buying knowhow 3
Eleven stocks some of the best brands in the
world from American Retro, Lauren Moshi,
J Brand to Sass and Bide, Vintage 1 and
ChloBo.
With the variety of brands available, 3
Eleven is the perfect place for mother/
daughter shopping and for those who
aren’t brave enough to face the shops
www.3elevenboutique.com has finally
launched and offers everything that is in the
boutique (their website also runs competi-
tions with fabulous prizes).
In keeping with that one-on-one service is
Richard Smith, located just by Kendals. Spe-
cialising in men’s suiting, Richard Smith of-
fers tailor made services to get that perfect
suit. During his time at university Richard
worked for Armani which is where he devel-
oped his love for fine clothing and his ‘noth-
ing is too much’ attitude.
He will go above and beyond to find you
what you’re looking for and make sure that
you leave feeling happy. The best thing about
Richard Smith is his gift and accessories
department; cravats, bow-ties, handker-
chiefs, ties, scarves and cufflinks.
All handmade, all available in the colour
and fabric of your choosing and can even be
personalised with Swarovski Crystals.
Just round the corner in Barton Arcade is
one of the longest running boutiques Jil >
3:Eleven
Runway
Vicky Martin
Runway
Richard Smith Bespoke
Vicky Martin
Jil & Phil Black
Each To Their Own
Phil Black
3:Eleven
Richard Smith Bespoke

2. 0161 834 5160
Jil BLack
& Phil black
BARTON ARCADE
S
S
jilblackwomens@gmail .com
Black. Jil and her partner Phil set up shop 18 years ago and pride
themselves on stocking one of a kind pieces from independent
European designers that they have come across on their travels.
Jil has recently stocked new designer Eliza Cavaletti and the Diva
London label offers some stunning party dresses. Downstairs in
menswear one-off shirts, t-shirts, jackets and jeans can be seen
from Claudio Lugli, Florentino and Le Brave.
Following the theme of one-off pieces is Runway where their
Alderley Edge and Knutsford boutiques has a New York punk vibe.
The only designer they stock is Manchester leather designer Boda
Skin; everything else is handpicked by owner Sharon who bases
her buying choices on her own trendy grunge style.
The most compelling thing about Runway is the fact that they
restock the entire shop every month. Granted, Runway will
always have the basics such as leather jackets, jeans and tops but
the unique bits come in on a monthly basis keeping it fresh and
ahead of the trends.
The reason for this quick turnover is to avoid shoppers wearing the
same outfits as each other; something they dislike about the high
street and one of the main reason they opened a boutique.
A new boutique to grace Manchester is Vicky Martin which is just
across the way from Jil Black in Barton Arcade. Her gorgeous
dresses would make great Christmas presents and at reasonable
prices too!
Once again the customer service is high end, meaning you won’t
be stuck in there for ages with no clue and no help. All the clothes
stocked are Vicky Martin designs and, as a favourite with the
Manchester celebs, you could see your favourite soap star wearing
a similar dress on the red carpet.
Each To Their Own, also in Barton Arcade opened in Septem-
ber and currently has stores in Sheffield and Leeds. The idea
behind the boutique is to give local designers the chance to
showcase their collections; one of which is the owner’s own label
Alex Christopher.
His very British designs have created quite a following amongst
men and women and, as his pieces are limited edition - one of a
kind types, they are never around for very long so regular visits
and snap decisions are a must!
So now you know a little more about boutique shopping and where
the best boutiques are you have no excuse not to give it a try this
Christmas...it could even be a New Year’s resolution! ■
A tailor made suit from Richard Smith
would be the perfect individualised gift.
Year in year out Jil Black always stocks
amazing fashion.
The leathers, the vibe, the clothes
at Runway are perfect.
Got to stop by 3:Eleven the customer
service and clothes are impressive.
words: Hayley Ashworth photos: Andre Buenacosa