Once youve made the decision to start a boutique there are many initial questions that you may be asking yourself on how to begin. Taken all at once these questions can be overwhelming, enough so that many people return to their jobs and just dream about what they could have done instead of venturing onward. Instead of giving up take the time to sit down and write down your questions. This way you can decide which aspects are most important and focus on those first. These may be questions such as:

1. What kind of boutique do I want to run?
2. What will I sell and where will I get it?
3. Where will I locate my boutique?
4. How will I finance my boutique?
5. How will I get customers?

These five are some of the biggest questions and the ones that will be discussed here.

What kind of boutique?

This is one of the most important questions to answer as it will determine the answers or at least the right direction to look for answers for the other questions. In order for a boutique to be successful it needs to fill a niche in the community where it is being opened. This does not mean that it has to be the strangest idea that you can think of, but that you need to take a moment and look around the area where you are thinking of starting your boutique. What kinds of shops already exist there? What is missing? Your niche is in that space of what is missing where you will provide the best customer service and prices for what you choose to sell. For example there may be many clothing stores in your area, but nothing specifically for teenagers interested in reasonably priced hip hop clothing. This is a niche you can fill.

Once you determine your niche write it down on a piece of paper. This will be the start of your business plan.

What will I sell?

Having determined the niche you wish to fill it make take a little research to decide what inventory belongs in that niche. Check out websites and, if possible, talk to some of your potential customer base and see what items they are looking for. In our Hip Hop example some of the items might be the following:

Nike Air Jordan shoes
Fleece Hoodies
Military style jackets
Multi pocketed jeans
Multi finger rings
Head rags or bandanas

You may not choose to carry everything that goes on this initial list but it will give you an idea of what you are looking for.

Where do I get it?

There are many options for where you will acquire your inventory. You will need to research your local wholesalers and manufacturers to see what they carry that you can invest in. As well in most major cities there are markets that are designed to bring together manufacturers and small business owners. A little research will help you determine what cities near you have such markets and when they are open. Cities like Los Angeles may have consistently open markets while other cities may only have a specific weeklong show. Get on the lists for these shows and attend. While you are at the show take your time to make sure youve looked over all the possibilities at that show before you put in orders and begin to acquire your beginning inventory. Think about colors and cuts that you want and order in appropriate quantities. Most manufacturers will require that you buy at least four pieces in any given style per color. Do not buy more than this as it will be too much for an opening shop and keep your options simple the first time out. You want to have a full boutique, but not break the bank on your first shopping trip.

Where to put your boutique?

When deciding where to locate your boutique you will want to consider several things. First of all you will need to decide if you want your boutique in a mall or a shopping center. A mall guarantees a certain amount of traffic because of the location, but also requires that you work within the rules of the mall including hours of operation, pricing and possibly shop design. A shopping center gives you more flexibility but requires more work in advertising to drive business to your store. If you want to be in a mall you will need to contact the mall in question and get from them leasing information and mall requirements. The same is true in the case of a shopping center, but you will be inquiring of the Landlord for lease information. It takes approximately 30-90 days to prepare a shop for opening so you will want to negotiate for at least 30 days of

- A Great Looking Suit. Every woman should have one great looking suit. You can wear the suit to job interviews, client presentations and the important meetings to impress your boss and your clients.

A dark suit that looks good on you is a great classic thing, and a great investment.

- A Nice Pair of Pants. Everyone has a great, favorite pair of pants. These are versatile pants that you can wear to the office, and you can dress them up a bit and wear them out as well. They are usually dark and made from a material, so that they can last for a while.

A great pair of pants can be worn in the winter with a nice sweater and in the summer with a summer blouse or a dressy top.

- A Little Black Dress. Every woman should have a little black dress. This is a dress that you look and feel gorgeous in. This is a dress you can use any time there is a last minute party or a reception that you didnt have the time to buy an outfit for. Your little black dress will save you every time.

- A Great Blazer. A great blazer is also a very versatile piece. It can be worn with pants to the office, it can dress up your regular jeans, your sometimes you can wear it with the little black dress, just in case you get cold. Sometimes a grey or a dark blazer is appropriate. Other times, it is a brighter blazer that will go with the rest of your things, and will add a little color to the rest of your outfit.

When shopping for a blazer, take into the consideration other things you have in your closet, as well as the fact that you will be wearing it for a few years.

- A Great Coat. A stylish coat goes a long way – you can wear it to work, you can wear it to parties, you can wear it on top of the little black dress to the opera or theater.

Once you have the classic pieces, you can buy cuter, trendier pieces to match, and to wear with them. For example, bright blouses will look great with your dark, classic suit. Enjoy putting together your classic pieces and matching them with the rest of your things.

Take the time to find out what style best suits you and your body shape. Find out what is popular this year. Trends change drastically every year and you want to be the new girl.

Before Shopping for 2007 Prom Dresses

It is always a good idea to look through up-to-date magazines such as Seventeen, Prom Magazine, and even bridal magazines. You would be surprised at the different fashions you will see and the great ideas from the models in these magazines. If a dress really catches your eye, tear out the page and take it with you when you go shopping for your gown.

Another timesaving step is to take your measurements before you go shopping. Jot down your height and weight. This will give you more time to look. This information will come in handy when you decide to go online and shop.

Knowing how much you have in your budget and which price range best suits you will also save you time.

Shopping for Your Gown

Once you have jotted down your measurements and have set your budget, its time for the fun part. SHOPPING!!!! Go to every dress shop that you can find in your area or you may have to shop out of town. Visiting different shops will give you an idea of what styles are available this year.

Try on several different dresses at each shop to help you determine what style and color suits you. If your budget is low, check out the outlet stores and thrift shops in your area. You may be surprised at the dresses carried by these shops. Bridal shops are also a great place to shop for your prom dress.

When choosing your prom dress, you want the dress that best suits your figure. Always buy a dress that fits you now. Do not buy a size smaller and hope that on prom night you can fit into the dress. When shopping for your prom dress, it is best to shop at stores where the employees can help you and give you advice if needed.

Bright, bold colors seem to be the trend at this time. These colors tend to be eye-catching and bring color to your face. Beads and jewels draw attention by catching the light on your gown.

Keep in mind your undergarments that you will need to purchase such as a strapless bra or corset. You may want to purchase these items before you shop for your dress so you will have them available when you try on gowns.

Remember, keep your options open. If you have shopped til you dropped and still have not found that dream dress for your 2007 prom, you can go to a tailor shop and have them design a dress just for you or surf online at your own convenience.