ANDREA HART is living the dream of many women - by taking charge of a stylish shoe and handbag emporium.
The 33-year-old manager of Moda In Pelle shoe boutique sees bold, fresh and unashamedly feminine designs fly out the door every week. Moda sells a mix of shoes, sandals, boots, bags and accessories with a resolute party edge - glamour girls Katie Price and Girls Aloud are reported to be fans.
"Our average customer base is probably aged 30 to 45, but we get a lot of younger people coming in for the Saturday night shoes," says Andrea. "It's great when someone gets a colour or style they've been searching for - that's when you get the best reactions." The first floor Princes Square store is the only Scottish branch of Moda In Pelle, a Leeds-based firm with 29 UK stores.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SHOP? It's a sexy, sassy boutique. It has quite a relaxed atmosphere, it's a comfortable place to shop and it's very pink with contemporary lines. All our shoes are branded Moda In Pelle. Tiffany Earrings We have in-house designers and they are made in factories in Brazil, Spain and some in Italy. Lots of people come in for matching shoes and bags, and this season is great for vibrant colours.
WHAT'S YOUR BESTSELLING PRODUCT? We have an amazing shoe called Tyrie, which is a court with a five-inch high heel and a platform sole with a knotted front. We have it in black satin, ivory for brides, leather pewter and a stunning fuchsia pink. It retails at L70. IS THERE A HOT MUST-HAVE ITEM?
The Mildred bags are popular - they cost L30. They're patent oblong-shaped bags with a clasp, and we've got them in fuchsia, turquoise, black and beige. It's a clutch Jewellery Brooch bag with a hidden metal strap inside. WHAT'S YOUR IDEA OF RETAIL THERAPY? Shopping somewhere with unobtrusive but attentive service from staff with a good knowledge of the product they're selling. And also to be able to spend lots of money at the same time! NAME YOUR FAVOURITE GLASGOW SHOPS AND WHY? I tend to gravitate to Replay, Wish and All Saints. A lot of customers come in after buying dresses in Wish in Clyde Street and we help them match their shoes. All Saints provides good quality, fashionable products. BIGGEST RETAIL WEAKNESS? That's easy - handbags and shoes. An occupational hazard! I spend whatever money I've got free on them.
I can't say no to shoes and bags! I buy trainers from different shops but I tend
embroidered patches to buy all my other shoes from Moda In Pelle now. I worked in Cruise in London before so I got my hip designer shoes when I worked there. I'm not so much brand-oriented now - it's more about knowing what I like. WHAT'S YOUR BESTEVER BUY? When I worked in London there was a second-hand designer store nearby, and I got a cashmere Fendi evening bag for a steal. It's great. I love it so much. It goes with absolutely everything.
WHO IS YOUR DREAM CUSTOMER? That's an easy one - Imelda Marcos! Jordan uses our Brighton store an awful lot and in here we've had Amy Macdonald, and Paolo Nutini shopping with his girlfriend. HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP GLASGOW STYLE? It depends whose Glasgow you're talking about.
The thing about Glasgow style is that it's so personal. Whether that's right now trends or timeless, it's all here. People really do love to dress in Glasgow. That could be wee guys in tracksuits - it's all style in the end.
STYLE ACCORDING TO YOU? If it feels good, run with it. It depends on where I'm going or what I'm doing, but I dress accordingly in a way that makes me feel good. I'm very
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