Hello! It’s been eight weeks since Love at First Sight Vintage opened its’ doors in Southwell, and let me tell you - watching your dreams unfold and come true before your eyes is an extremely surreal and magical experience, one that I can’t quite put into words. I want to begin by saying thank you. Thank you to each and every one who has popped in, browsed, admired and purchased. Thank you to all who have followed my journey online, maybe even from afar, and thank you so much for your kind words, and for spreading the word around the town and beyond.

As you may know by now, my boutique is located beneath A.J. Richardson hair & beauty salon, which is where I get my hair done. I’m sure every woman agrees that the relationship you have with your hair dresser is extremely sacred, and they tend to know a lot about you! One day, I was sat in the chair, having my foils put in, discussing how desperate I was to open a shop, but how expensive and impossible it is to rent one in a decent location. Jo, my hair dresser, and Amber, the owner of the salon, who I’ve known since I was little, jokingly suggested that I set up downstairs in the basement. Of course I didn’t think they were serious, the basement sounded dark and scary and most likely full of spiders!

A few days went by, Amber said she’d had a light bulb moment, and insisted that I take a look around the basement. I could immediately see the potential in the space, we were on the same page. Don’t get me wrong, it was pretty hideous, and spiders had definitely made themselves at home, but the lighting was good, it didn’t feel damp, and with a bit of a makeover, I knew it could be completely transformed. Amber generously made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, and allowed me to do as I pleased to execute the vision I had in mind. I’m so thankful that she believed in me. It helps that we both love pink.

We completed the renovation in 3 weeks, which was actually 6 full working days. When I say we, I mean me and my family, who always go above and beyond to help and support me. My Nanar, aunties and uncles, cousins, and of course mum and dad. Together we painted (a ridiculous amount), hunted for second hand furniture and fixings, filled cracks and holes, hemmed curtains, upcycled, merchandised, drilled, scrubbed, polished, and laughed a lot. The before and after pictures speak for themselves, but it’s truly amazing what you can achieve with experience, a good imagination, and a brilliant team to keep you motivated!

I had my doubts. We’re tucked away from the main road, so I was worried about foot fall, and although Southwell has a bustling high street, I wasn’t sure how well received it would be by the locals, as my demographic and audience has tended to be students and teens until now. I knew this would either be a complete disaster, or a roaring success, definitely nothing in between. As someone who is over-cautious and hates taking risks, I was nervous and apprehensive about turning this dreary basement into a boutique. But my gut was telling me to be brave and trust that my passion, experience and pride in what I do will bring people in no matter what.

Fast forward to our grand opening on Saturday 12th July, hundreds of people showed up. The boutique was absolutely buzzing with excitement. Bags and shoes flew off the shelves, the queue for the fitting room never seemed to go down, my phone wouldn’t stop pinging with notifications! Seeing and hearing how much people were enjoying the shop, and watching as they fell in love (at first sight) with their vintage finds. Immediately, I started to recognise the same faces coming in virtually everyday to see what’s new, many customers have already filled their loyalty cards!

Customers loving the shop on opening day!

I love what I do, I’m absolutely madly, crazily in love with vintage, and it’s been such a privilege to share it with so many of you. I’m open 4 days a week, and the remaining 3 are spent travelling all over, sourcing the very best pieces to restock with. It’s been non-stop, but in the best way, who needs a day off when your job is shopping and making things look pretty?!

I’ll be honest, the imposter syndrome hit me hard. I knew this would either be a complete disaster, or a roaring success, definitely nothing in between. As someone who is over-cautious, doesn’t deal well with change, and hates taking risks, I was nervous and apprehensive about turning this cobweb-filled basement into a boutique. Each morning I get a little bit nauseous as I imagine ‘what if no one comes in today?’, but within the first few minutes of opening, someone comes in for an mooch and reassures me.

Before I finish writing, I want to give a few special mentions to…

The customer who has purchased 7 Paul Smith Swirl Print bags… and a few pairs of PS shoes… oh and other things too! You’re so kind and deserve all the Paul Smith in the world, he should make you an ambassador.
The lady who casually brought in 2 bags full of 90s Italian designer bags and shoes, I’m talking Gucci, Prada, Armani, Jimmy Choo, and let me buy them! You’re so stylish and I want to be you when I grow up.
My landlord (Amber), who reinvests my rent money straight back into the shop each week. In our defence, this was inevitably going to happen.
The customer who told me she’s never bought anything second hand before, and this is the thing that converted her! What an honour to have opened your eyes to the wonderful world of preloved. She’s since been in 4 times.

Thanks for reading, I just wanted to share how eternally grateful I am. Pinch me. In fact don’t, I never want this dream to end! Southwell, you’ve been so welcoming, I promise to continue providing the best, highest quality, vintage for many years to come. Please keep sharing, recommending, reviewing, and shopping! Lots of exciting things are coming up as the season changes, our Autumn/ Winter collection is in store now, we’re relaunching our online shop in a big way very soon, and we’re planning our Christmas events and celebrations. Stay tuned xx

Thank you forever,

Lottie xxx

Thoughts & Thank yous from the Boutique…

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