FIND YOUR STYLE
As we age our body shape changes so what may have looked super-flattering in our 30s might not look just quite as good as we hit 60. Janet Bailey has the answer – Nomad. Photography: Kirsten Platt
Whether you’re a typical 20-something or a gorgeous grandma it’s sometimes difficult to find your fashion style.
Janet Bailey turned 50 at the beginning of this year and like many women of a certain age, she suddenly realised that she was struggling to find something that stood out from the usual high street fashions: “For the last four or five years it has struck me that everyone seems to dress the same. I didn’t want to dress like my daughter or for that matter like a grandma – I wanted to find a timeless style that suited my personality and my body shape.”
If that resonates – welcome to Nomad! Janet’s newly opened boutique that stocks a collection of desirable designers that totally understand women and their style dilemmas.
For the past 11 years Janet, has forged a reputation for her renowned bra-fitting service and lingerie shop Eve, so she knows a thing or two about body shapes and flattering fit: “My customers at Eve were always talking about how they struggle to get something nice to wear and someone to help and advise them on putting a look together, what suits them – and what doesn’t!
“At Eve we understand women, we listen to our customers so about 18 months ago I decided to do some research into certain fashion brands. I wanted styles that were ultimately flattering at a great price point.”
With an eye for details and a flair for putting together great capsule collections that work for a variety of body shapes, Janet launched Nomad (named after her grandchildren Norman and Madison) next door to Eve: “It is a great name for the shop as Nomads are constantly changing and moving on – our brands are going to do the same. We will be constantly moving and evolving.”
Janet’s carefully chosen, hand-picked brands are based on personal experience: “Many manufacturers sent me items so I could wear and wash them so I could see first-hand whether they would pass the test.”
While some didn’t quite make the grade, others now adorn the rails of Nomad, that is a superb blend of country chic and boho style.
Visitors will find the likes of Pinns pants, French Dressing jeans, Blue Pearl dresses, Anonymous and Grenouille – one of Janet’s personal favourites: “High street fashions are all sized differently, we all know that as it makes shopping so difficult.”
“I am a size 34J bust so finding a shirt that doesn’t gape, that fits well under the bust, that tapers and flares is difficult – Grenouille shirts are fantastic! They sent me a sample I wore and washed it and I was totally impressed,” adds Janet, who is also a fan of French Dressing jeans: “They are expensive but they have hidden support and they suit most body shapes. Teamed with a shirt and Chanel-style knitted jacket, it’s easy to get a look that will take you from lunch to dinner – still looking smart yet feeling totally comfortable.”
Stocking sizes 8 – 22 and many great-shape, flattering ‘free-size’ tops and kaftans Nomad, is not just for the curvier ladies: “We are finding that ladies are coming in and recommending us to their daughters and grandaughters, which is what happens at Eve.”
“We are here to give all our customers a really great experience. They like the idea that they get a personal shopper in the form of me – without an appointment! I am always totally honest. I don’t want customers leaving and regretting buying something that doesn’t suit them. I would rather them not buy at all – it’s about customers enjoying their new found style and coming back.”
Ever popular linen, loved by women of all ages, also features at Nomad: “We have lots of linen pieces that can be layered – but not obviously layered,” adds Janet.
Comfort teamed with style are Nomad’s watch words – Bogo skinny jeans come in a variety of spring colours and other enduring classics will continue to be updated so that customers can return time and time again to rediscover their favourite pieces.
“We can help them put together a capsule outfit with a few classic pieces to which they can add.”
Accessories to add the finishing touch to an outfit are also essentials at Nomad, which has Brakeburn bags, Peach shoes and sunglasses, Belissimo sandals and Truth Jewellery.
Next month Nomad will hold an Open Day when visitors will be able to see the great way Janet puts together outfits – and her customers will be modelling: “We have one lady who is 81 and she bought a long grey military jacket and dove grey fitted dress with a long necklace – she looked amazing! Absolutely stunning!
“It’s great when we see that – we really like to look after our customers and engage with them.”
NOMAD OPEN DAY
Sunday 3rd June 2018
Fizz & fashion
Nomad Clothing & Lifestyle
17 Fleming Square
Blackburn BB2 2DG
01254 679808
nomadclothing17@gmail.com
Open Monday to Saturday: 10am-4pm
Closed Bank Holidays
