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British author and editor Justine Picardie is set to deliver a special daytime lecture ahead of the release of her new book, Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture. Justine is the author of six books, including her critically acclaimed memoir, If the Spirit Moves You: Life and Love After Death, and the international bestseller, Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life. She is a contributing editor to Harper’s Bazaar, having previously been its editor in chief. She was formerly a journalist for the Sunday Times, a columnist for the Telegraph, editor of the Observer Magazine, Town & Country, and features director of Vogue. Ms Picardie will be coming to Framsden Hall for a unique event during the of Spring 2022 in aid of Ormiston Families. Her new book tells the story of the enigmatic woman behind Christian Dior: his beloved younger sister Catherine, who inspired his most famous perfume and shaped his vision of femininity. A heroic member of the French Resistance, who was deported to Germany during the Second World War, Catherine Dior was also passionate about gardens – and roses in particular, which she cultivated as a key ingredient for Dior perfumes. She says: “I’m delighted to be able to support the vital work of Ormiston Families, and I’m looking forward to talking about Christian and Catherine Dior in such an enchanting setting. They had a mutual love of creating gardens, and discovered solace in the natural world, so it feels timely to be sharing their story with an audience who appreciates the beauty of Helmingham Hall gardens.” Lady Tollemache, President of Ormiston Families, said: “Securing Justine for our special ‘in conversation with’ event is so exciting for us and we are incredibly grateful that she has decided to share insights into the book with our audience even before its official launch. “Ms Picardie is exceptionally well respected for her work as an author, as an editor in chief, and also as someone who has such incredible knowledge about fashion and society throughout the generations.” Mandy Errington, Owner of DJV Boutique said ‘We are delighted to be sponsoring this event, DJV Boutique encourages women to be more confident and expressive in their personal style, so the theme of Miss Piccardie’s book launch is most fitting and exciting.’ Watch this space for future updates!  

It's always such an exciting privilege when you are asked to participate in an interview! I can safely say that there's never a dull moment in the retail scene, especially with the dramatic shift in shopping patterns and not to name the set backs due to the pandemic. As retailers we've had to become more savvy with our business proposition and fortunately we have sustained trade by demonstrating resilience and determination at DJV Boutique.  Personally, becoming one of top 100 #also female entrepreneurs this year has been a huge honour and provided so much support and insightful opportunities to me as an individual so being interviewed by the them was not only a personal but great experience - thanks for the opportunity!  You can catch the interview on Facebook HERE

We are so happy to announce that DJV Boutique Ipswich has been nominated for the 'Best Women's Store category' hosted by the Muddy Stilettos 2021 Awards! To help get us to the final stages we'll need your votes, please! Just click and search for the Best Women's Store  https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/nominate/womens-fashion-store/ You'll receive a unique link (to your email address) to enter DJV BOUTIQUE for your vote to be counted. Thank you in advance. Nominations close 22nd June 2021. We really appreciate your help which may get us to the finals if we're lucky! 

FASHION TO FUNDRAISING: IPSWICH BOUTIQUE IN NEW CHARITY PARTNERSHIP Ormiston Families, who support families in the East of England to become healthy and resilient with services covering family issues from mental health to probation, has partnered with DJV Boutique in Ipswich in a bid to raise vital funds and awareness of its work. DJV Boutique who has been part of Ipswich’s retail scene for nearly a decade will aim to raise awareness of Ormiston Families and their work by inviting customers to add a donation of 50p, £1, £2 or £5 to their bill and by selling Ormiston Families face masks from 21st June. The boutique will also encourage donations via its dedicated Just Giving page and through additional fundraising activities and events. The owner, Mandy Errington was listed as one of the UK’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs by f: entrepreneur in January 2021 and is a well-known small business ambassador and businesswoman. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the charity is seeking to strengthen its ties with the local business community to support them to continue their work with children, young people and families, after a year in which fundraising events and activities were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Vicky Matthews, Philanthropy Manager at Ormiston Families, spoke of her delight at the new partnership and its importance: “It is very exciting to launch this new partnership with Mandy and DJV Boutique. Ormiston Families greatly values their support, and we are looking forward to working together on the activities announced and more exciting plans to come!” Mandy Errington, the owner of DJV Boutique, echoed Ormiston Families’ joy.“We’ve always been keen to support local charities as a means of ‘giving something back'. We are looking forward to fundraising for Ormiston and also seek the support of our shoppers and supporters to help make a difference collectively. Ormiston Families is our nominated charity 2021-22 and we’re proud to be in partnership with them” The partnership represents a fantastic opportunity for Ormiston Families to promote its work to those living within the communities it seeks to support. Ormiston Families services include Breaking Barriers, a support service for young people who are struggling to cope with the imprisonment of a loved one, and YouCanBe, an early intervention service designed to help young women with low self-esteem create bright futures for themselves. You can donate directly via our dedicated JUST GIVING PAGE HERE or call in to purchase some face masks or top up your shopping bill with a donation.

Happy 9th Birthday to us today   9 years of fabulous fashion and the encouragement to keep us here. Thank you to each of you who shop with us, work with us, supply to us, follow us and support us! We simply wouldn’t be here with out you  It's a real privilege and something not to be taken for granted when so many businesses (across all sectors) have experienced such a torrid time and we're no exception to this. However, fortunately - we continue to find ways to pivot our business, stabilise and remain relevant. Finding ways to adapt and safeguard our small business remains top of our agenda and we look forward to serving the community for many more years to come.    

As a small Independent retailer we're always on the look out for ways to keep our customers engaged with us to make them feel that extra bit special. DJV's services are all about adding value and providing something exclusive. Since our re-opening in June (after lockdown), many have enjoyed returning to the Boutique and for those who prefer private shopping appointments (like our lovely regular pictured here) benefit from half an hour to themselves with us and receive styling tips to help them with making the right choices. For something more in depth our STYLE REVAMP packages are ideal for individuals requiring more in depth styling advice, guidance with the best colours for them and their body shape analysis.  Our exclusive GIFTING SERVICE is an ideal way to minimise stress when shopping for gifts for any occasion. Why not GET IN TOUCH with us to explore more and discover the DJV Boutique difference!

We're so happy to launch our reopening campaign and at the same time mindful that this hasn't been an easy time for any of us. So, the idea behind the brights is to excite our customers again when they visit us at DJV. We hope the colours will uplift everyone and bring some colour back into our lives. We continue to survive to thrive with your help - thank you all for your continued support! DJV Boutique reopening Monday 12th April at 10am!   See you soon :)

Explore the Power of Positivity in Business with Mandy Errington, voted one of the UK’s top inspirational women (Small Business Britain) 2021 as part of Women’s International Day 2021.  What opportunities do you see in 2021 for young entrepreneurs? “There’s never been a better time to consider launching a brand or something you’ve always dreamed about. There is an abundance of support out there to take advantage of." Are you motivated to make a change and if so what kind? "I’m passionate about saving retail on the high street. A bustling high street brings together people and creates diverse, resilient and vibrant local communities and job creation. I’m hugely focused and driven to continue to champion the high-street and build upon the Shop Small, Shop local drive!” What advice would you give entrepreneurs starting their first business? “Starting a business is both exciting and unnerving. My advice is to do lots of research, always establish your market and the demand for what you are planning. Find your own USP and niche."   

Why is the 8th of March so important? Well, we're here on this day to celebrate International Women's Day. The recognition and celebration of women from all backgrounds, ethnicities and professions - all united together to embrace one another's strength and agility. It's also a poignant time of year when individual women can reflect on their own successes. Today we encourage you to acknowledge and reflect on someone who has made a difference to your personal or professional life. As you know at DJV Boutique, we love empowering women through our collections and Style Revamp Packages. Seeing you, our customers feeling confident, happy and complete in the styles we lovingly cherry pick for you every season gives us the greatest satisfaction. Today is all about YOU, so please enjoy 10% on us! Just enter WOMAN when  you checkout to claim your discount - DISCOVER MORE HERE.