This boutique is a partnership among childhood best friends Amy and Jeanne, they combine their fashion perspectives to complete the look and vision of Ivy Blue Boutique.
Ivy Blue is a chic and sophisticated boutique stocked with covetable clothing, designer handbags, and vintage jewelry. Located in Manhattan Beach, California. One of the most cherished towns, right on the Avenue. At Ivy Blue you'll find effortless staple items with the best cut and style. You'll also discover that you can dress your best in the most unique fashion without having to go to Beverly Hills to get it. Ivy Blue is definitely a true gem in our own backyard. This store also features leading edge brands, premium denim, up and coming designers, and also carries the hottest fashion trends in the South Bay. This store has a friendly vibe, and not to mention the best customer service! I'm telling you now, your wallet doesn't stand a chance in this adorable boutique.
Shop leading designers at Ivy Blue like: - Alice + Olivia
- Current/Elliot
- Elizabeth and James
- Corson
- Textile Junkie, and much more!
IvyBlue.com - All the best in women's designer clothing
If you ever get a chance to shop the store itself you MUST check out their large selection of the best vintage jewelry i've ever seen. Plus it's the perfect compliment for your new Ivy Blue outfit. Ivy Blue not only sells women's apparel, but also happiness. Check out the exclusive interview below with Co-owner of Ivy Blue, Amy Newman. AD: When did you become interested in fashion? A: When I was living in San Francisco eight years ago, that's when I was more interested in opening a store. I wouldn't necessarily say fashion, but I grew up going to a Catholic School where you wore the same thing everyday. To aspire to be different was instilled in me then.
AD: Who would be your fashion role model/Icon?
A: Audrey Hepburn, just because she had such a classic, simple, beautiful style.
AD: What's your career or educational background in the fashion industry?
A: My background is in science and that's what I did for 12 years. I learned this by watching, learning and doing a lot of research. Being more action driven and something I had a passion for rather than something that was necessarily a career. I didn't have a background in fashion at all, and I've taken really no classes.
AD: What are some major setbacks that you've had in this particular business, that you had to overcome?
A: We were delayed in opening for about a year and a half, and during that time is when the market fell apart. The recession started, so that was a major setback. Coming from opening a thriving store in San Francisco, then coming to Manhattan Beach trying to mirror that, in a situation that was completely different. Which made me more aware of the quantities I was bringing in. It forced me to really ask myself the question, what do my customers really want? Because consumers are not buying frivolously anymore.
AD: How long have you been a business owner?
A: This particular business for two and a half years, and the boutique I had in San Francisco was four years. So collectively I've been a business owner for six and half years total. AD: What inspires you to keep up with the current fashion trends? A: You just kind of get a sense for what's going on in the market place. I think for me what really drives me more than anything is what my customers are looking for. I try to look at what my customers looking for and base it off of that.
AD: From an aspiring boutique owners perspective, what are some challenges you've had along the way?
A: Doing this on my own and not having a background in it. Along the way and when I was trying to get started and creating my own vision I had so many influences that told me this is how it has to be done. There's a method to this A, B, C, D, E, and I didn't want to look at it that way. I believe that everything comes as a step approach, you get to one step and to go further you take another step. It doesn't necessarily have to be the way everybody else is telling you it has to be. That gave me a lot of strength, because I felt like I was developing something different in myself. I didn't have to do it the way everyone else said I had to do it.
AD: What are your beauty secrets?
A: I try to not to have too much alcohol, and I don't smoke. I try to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
AD: What's your favorite item in your wardrobe?
A: My favorite item would probably be a plain white tee.
AD: What motivates you to come here everyday to continue to do what you're doing?
A: The customers definitely!
AD: What are you wearing today?
A: I'm wearing a plaid Elizabeth and James a pair of Current/Elliot Leggings and Golden Goose Boots.
Current/Elliot Leggings IvyBlue.com - Top Designer Denim
Golden Goose Boots