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Fashion, Fizz, and the Latest Trends at Venue 16 We’re excited to share that DJV Boutique recently took part in the 12th edition of the Suffolk Fashion Show! Directed by the talented Pammy Styles and her team, this annual event brings together Suffolk’s best independent fashion brands, and we were thrilled to be part of the action. Hosted at the glamorous Venue 16, the evening was filled with fashion, fizz, and a lively audience eager to see the season’s top trends. DJV Boutique was one of Suffolk’s selected independents on the runway, and our collection definitely made an impression. We showcased an array of standout pieces, blending bold trends with timeless favourites, which were met with enthusiastic applause. It was a fantastic opportunity to show off the latest looks that will be gracing wardrobes this season. In addition to celebrating local style, the evening raised vital funds in support of St. Elizabeth Hospice, making it a truly rewarding occasion. It was an honour to be part of this prestigious showcase, alongside other incredible independents and designers, all coming together for an unforgettable night. A huge thank you to Pammy Styles and her team for their incredible direction and to Venue 16 for providing such a stunning backdrop. We can’t wait to return next year with more exciting looks! For those who couldn’t attend, visit DJV Boutique to explore the collection that hit the runway – and get a taste of the trends everyone’s talking about! Where style meets inspiration 

Today, DJV Boutique proudly marks its 12th anniversary, celebrating a journey of passion, creativity, and resilience. Despite changing trends, our commitment to offering individual and inspirational fashion bags and accessories to Ipswich has remained unwavering. We are honoured to have received numerous awards, each reflecting our dedication to quality and unique style. These accolades are not just trophies but symbols of our hard work and promise to deliver exceptional fashion to our valued customers. Our success is deeply rooted in the continued support of our dedicated customers, supporters, and followers. Your loyalty has sustained us through challenging times, and your enthusiasm for our collections and engagement at our exclusive events have been the cornerstone of our vibrant community presence. A heartfelt thanks to our DJV family and friends who tirelessly support us behind the scenes. Your help at events and constant encouragement are invaluable. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of bringing you the best in fashion. Thank you for being part of the DJV Boutique journey. Here’s to the next chapter filled with style, innovation, and community spirit!

Hello from DJV The holiday season is upon us, bringing the joy of celebrations, of gatherings with friends and those closest, all in the spirit of the much-anticipated festive fashion. While traditional Christmas jumpers have long been a staple, there's a growing trend towards embracing a more stylish and sophisticated approach to seasonal dressing. In this article, we'll explore the shift from conventional to contemporary festive style, delving into a world of glitter, silky satins, and chic winter outerwear for those picturesque winter walks. Ditching the Jumper Bid farewell to the predictable charm of holiday sweaters and consider infusing your festive wardrobe with elegance and refinement. While the classic Christmas jumper has its place in the heart of tradition, there's something undeniably chic about opting for sleeker, more sophisticated knitwear alternatives. The Allure of Glitter and Silky Satins Step into the limelight with the alluring sparkle of glitter and the luxurious sheen of silky satins. Glitter, once reserved for the daring and avant-garde, has found its way into mainstream fashion, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make a statement during the holiday season. Whether it's a glitter-infused blouse, a shimmering skirt, or even a pair of dazzling heels, incorporating this festive touch adds an element of glamour to any ensemble. Silky satins, on the other hand, exude a timeless and refined aesthetic. Consider a slip dress or a blouse in a festive hue like deep red, emerald green, or midnight blue. These fabrics effortlessly capture the season’s spirit while elevating your look to new heights of sophistication. A satin midi skirt paired with a soft knit sweater creates a perfect balance of comfort and style. Winter Walks in Style As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, outdoor activities like winter walks become an integral part of the season. Elevate your winter walk wardrobe with coats featuring faux fur collars and stylish wraps. A classic coat with a faux fur-trimmed collar provides warmth and a touch of luxury. For a more modern and fashion-forward approach, consider a tailored coat in a bold colour like plum, mustard, or even a deep shade of burgundy. A faux fur collar adds a touch of opulence, making it the perfect companion for winter strolls through snow-covered landscapes. Wraps, whether in the form of a chic shawl or an oversized scarf, are versatile accessories that add a layer of sophistication to your winter ensemble. Opt for rich textures and experiment with patterns and prints to showcase your style - whether it’s for walking the dog or taking a stroll. This festive season, break free from the constraints of tradition and embrace a more stylish and sophisticated approach to your holiday wardrobe. Whether it's the enchanting allure of glitter, the luxurious feel of silky satins, or the practical yet stylish winter outerwear, there are countless ways to infuse a touch of modern elegance into your festive fashion. So, step into the spotlight and celebrate the holidays with a wardrobe that reflects your unique style and personality.

Part of feeling good during the holiday season is making conscious choices about the items you want for yourself and effectively communicating your wishes to others. Here are the top 5 tips to help you do just that: Create a Wishlist: Start by creating a wish list of items you'd like for yourself. This can include specific gifts, experiences, gift cards or donating to your favourite charities. Having a wish list can make it easier for you to communicate your desires to friends and family. Consider shopping in person: When you shop in person you can take advantage of a more personable experience. The main benefit is that you take the guesswork out of making the right choice and also try before you buy! This will not only save time from searching endlessly online for that ‘potential’ perfect item which can sometimes lead to returns as something has arrived not as expected! Prioritise Quality Over Quantity: When choosing items for yourself, consider the value and quality of the items rather than accumulating a large number of things. This can help reduce clutter and promote a more conscious and minimalistic approach. At DJV you can find a series of well-priced high-quality clothing and accessories that will stand the test of time. Take Time to Decide: When considering a purchase, whether it's for yourself or others, don't rush the decision. Give yourself some time to think about whether it aligns with your values and needs. At DJV you can opt for booking a styling session and boutique experience, to allow more time to assess what is best for you in the long term. Create Physical and Mental Space: Make room for conscious choices by decluttering both your physical and mental space. Clearing your surroundings can help you focus on what truly matters, and clearing your mind can enable you to make thoughtful decisions. By creating a wish list, communicating your desires, and practising mindfulness, you can make choices that align with your values and promote a sense of well-being during the holiday season. Remember that Christmas is an excellent time to prioritise self-care and conscious decision-making, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season to the fullest. Visit us in-store or online to find the perfect gift for those you love this Christmas. All of our items are selected with care and sourced from trusted, reputable brands to ensure you invest for the longer term (quality v quantity), which means less waste and a more eco-friendly wardrobe! Shopping with DJV Boutique means that you continue to support our small business as well as invest in the local economy.    

Cosy Knits and Cosy Nights! Introducing Home Jewels. Co. as our latest in-store brand and guest blogger. The team at DJV would like to express a warm welcome to Home Jewels Co. and to mark the launch we would like to provide some tips on how to get cosy on chillier evenings as the nights draw in. The answer lies in creating a warm, inviting space that reflects the beauty of the season. Here are some tips on how you can transform your home into a snug haven. Warm up your colour palette One of the easiest ways to bring that comfy feel into your home is by updating your colour scheme. Consider a theme around the home, which incorporates rich tones (reds, deep oranges, golden yellows, and warm browns) this will help to build an inviting atmosphere inside. Consider adding a splash of these colours with throws, pillows, blankets, rugs, or even wall art. You could also change your curtains for ones in a warmer hue. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, why not give a room a fresh coat of paint? A deep orange or burgundy wall can instantly make a room feel warmer. Layer up for comfort Winter is all about layering up with stylish knits and getting comfortable as the temperature drops. DJV is certainly set for the season with their exciting new collections. Creating layers with different tones can automatically change your look and feel. Discover DJV's exclusive range of winter warmers & inspirational fashion and accessories to inspire you VIEW OUR COLLECTION. Light up your space As daylight hours become short, lighting becomes an essential part of creating an inviting atmosphere. Start by swapping your bright, cool-toned light bulbs for warm-toned ones. This simple change can instantly make your home feel warmer and more welcoming. Consider adding table lamps or floor lamps to dark corners to create a soft, ambient glow. You can embrace the change of season by making these simple changes to your home decor and wardrobe. About Home Jewels Co. In just a few short years, Home Jewels Co has quickly become a household name. Established in 2017, this independent UK-based soy candle and wax melt company has been designed and catered for the eco-conscious consumer. Using 100% organic soy wax, essential oils, and phthalate-free fragrance oils, Home Jewels Co produces the indulgent fragrances many have grown to love. https://www.homejewelsco.com/ What DJV Boutique's owner says " I love the transition of home and wardrobe at this time of year. I’ll be using some of these tips in-store too! When it comes to candles and home fragrances, I am a big lover of Vanilla and consider this a timeless scent, especially in my living space. However, I am looking forward to trying the Gingerbread fragrance by Home Jewels Co. which is perfect for the festive season. Visit us in-store at DJV Boutique to see the full range of soy candles. These make the perfect ‘ethical’ gift choice for yourself or loved ones."

Award recognition is a great way of raising the profile of our business and we have been fortunate enough to have gained several accolades and awards during the past 10 years of trade. DJV’s journey started on Norwich Road in Ipswich, then eventually led to our expansion and relocation to our current location in Cox Lane in 2018. Over the years, we've been fortunate to build a loyal clientele with those who seek inspirational and individual styles to help them stand out from the crowd. Our clothing is best described as 'daring, jazzy, and versatile’ aka our name DJV! We are all about contemporary, stylish, and trendsetting fashion and continue to lead the way as an established independent retailer in Ipswich. Our mission is to provide our customers with individual and unique style options. We also offer style advice to our shoppers to help eliminate the guesswork when they shop with us. Instead of them browsing through a rail and wondering what is best suited, they will automatically benefit from our expert styling tips and fashion advice. Those who wish to invest further can book a full-style package whereby our stylist will dedicate more time to help create the most flattering look for you personally (which includes colour analysis). FIND OUT MORE. I am particularly proud to share that I've been shortlisted for three prestigious national awards: the Drapers Independent Awards, the Boutique Star Awards, and the Great British Businesswoman Awards, for 2023. This recognition comes after a rewarding year for us in terms of acknowledgement, as I was honoured to be named the self-employed/freelancer of the year 2023 at the Federation of Small Business (FSB) Awards in March. Throughout the years, I've managed to navigate DJV Boutique through various challenges, including the economic downturn, the pandemic, and the ever-evolving landscape of the high street. It's immensely gratifying to see that our efforts to meet the needs of our customers in Ipswich have been acknowledged by reaching the final stages of these prestigious awards. It's a privilege, and I'm truly grateful for this opportunity to represent our boutique on a national stage and give credit to those who continue to support me on my retail journey. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to my amazing team and loyal customers who have contributed in so many ways – support which is integral to this success story! READ THE ARTICLE IN THE IPSWICH STAR.

EXCLUSIVE  READER OFFER - 3 for 2 DEAL with free shipping! USE code DJV SHOP HERE Melissa Neisler Dickinson and DJV Boutique's owner Mandy talk about the menopause and what YOU can do to regain your confidence and comfort.  Tell us about yourself, Mel, how are you supporting women entering and experiencing the menopause? I am Mel the founder of the Menopause Vitamin Company, I have become a trusted voice and support for women going through this new phase of life. My own experience with menopause inspired me to create a company in my 50s that provides support, and a pure all-in-one nutritional supplement. I understand the challenges women face during this challenging time and I believe that with the right support, every woman can enter this new chapter with confidence and without fear. Thanks to menopause ambassadors such as Davina McCall, Dr Louise Newson and many more, there is so much more awareness and information available than our mothers and grandmothers ever received, however, there is still a lot of stigma and outdated information that needs to be updated, especially regarding HRT. What immediate steps can women take if they are struggling with the symptoms of menopause (list some key ones). My first suggestion would be to ask to speak with a nurse or nurse practitioner who specialises in menopause at your local doctor’s surgery, I often find the nurses have had more recent menopause training. I would urge you to Download the N.I.C.E guidelines and read through them before your appointment so you feel fully informed. There are some great resources and groups online too: Download the Balance App to track your symptoms so you can share these with the nurse or menopause specialist. Explore the up-to-date information you can find on the Menopause Charity Website Join Melissa’s Menopause Support Group UK on Facebook Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a private menopause specialist via the British Menopause Society For further menopause information visit my menopause information page   What impact do you see with your clients regarding the physical and psychological changes they are experiencing? There are so many but the most common I hear are increased anxiety, hot flushes, lack of sleep and motivation and libido. These alone are very difficult to manage and often distressing. It is also very common to experience increased anxiety and depression which can make the simplest of tasks very overwhelming. Lack of motivation, energy, and drive leads to a feeling of worthlessness. Brain fog and cognitive issues that impact confidence, affecting work and home life. Thinning hair, dry itchy skin, ridged nails, stiff joints, and vaginal dryness are just some of the physical symptoms that can cause low self-esteem. None of these should be taken lightly and there is much you can do to manage the symptoms and improve your general mental and physical wellbeing. What steps can women take to protect their identity and mental health when experiencing this change? The first step is to recognise what you are feeling is normal and that you are not alone, secondly that there is support and help to overcome these issues, whether that be through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or more natural methods such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) nutrition, supplements, exercise, and mindfulness. Most workplaces now have a menopause policy too so if you are struggling, speak with your line manager. Finally, you do not have to suffer! The earlier you get support for your symptoms, the sooner you can feel like you again. Mandy’s thoughts: Melissa has covered some very important points, many of which my own clients are experiencing. We hope this helps and wanted to add some tips in relation to your wardrobe to help boost your confidence and comfort whether you are at work or at the gym! Breathable fabrics: Hot flashes and night sweats are common during menopause, so it's essential to choose clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials. Additionally, looser-fitting clothes will also be more comfortable throughout the day. Layer for comfort: Start with a lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer and add removable layers like cardigans or scarves that you can easily take off if you get too warm. Consider your underwear: Look for bras and underwear made from soft, stretchy materials that provide adequate support without causing discomfort. Consider your accessories: Add hats, scarves, and quality bags to add style to your outfit without compromising on your comfort.  If you would like to learn more about Melissa’s product designed to support women during menopause, please visit her website www.menopausevitamincompany.co.uk Don't forger; MELISSA IF OFFERING OUR READERS AN EXCLUSIVE 3 for 2 DEAL with free shipping using the code DJV You can also find her on all social media plus join her support group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155302578344890  

We've been Shortlisted in the Drapers Independents Awards 2023 ‘Community Champion' Category. It is a huge honour to have made the finals after Drapers announced that they received a monumental number of entries this year!The criteria we had to meet;Has the person, team or retailer gone above and beyond to support their local community over the past 12 months?What impact has this had on the community?Our response; “We firmly believe that we have provided a vibrant community setting for over a decade as we continue to invest in our business to provide an attractive shopping environment for our customers. We enjoy rewarding our customers and take pride in supporting local charities.”As a small business we have been fortunate enough to have received numerous accolades and business awards over the years. Such recognition has contributed to help raise our profile and to keep us in the limelight as retail award winners.The team here at DJV Boutique are simply elated to be Drapers Awards finalists and proud to represent our region. The overall winner will be announced at the finals in September.

DJV Boutique, has reached its 11TH YEAR and we couldn’t be more grateful to YOU our customers and supporters for helping us to reach this milestone - a sincere thank you. Such contribution is integral to our success and we are delighted to have established ourselves over the years as an award-winning independent retailer. The secret to our success…? We pride ourselves on delivering individual styles in fashion for your ultimate style inspiration, meticulous attention to detail and delivering first class service.  Running a business does not come without its hurdles and obstacles, however we are fortunate through our determination and valued support to remain resilient.  Watch this space for DJV's future updates, new product launches and up and coming plans. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come!