The Process

I struggle to find things to talk about on this blog- i always feel like it should have a theme...or a certain angle to it. But, life isn't organized like that, so I am writing this blog about this crazy process of opening a storefront!

I have been running Ali J Boutique as a traveling boutique for three years, but not until about 6 months ago did I feel the push to expand into a storefront. It seemed way too impossible, with my husband and my 4 kids being priority. BUT!! God has sure showed me that what I thought would make it impossible are the very things that make it possible!! A husband who is so supportive, can run the house as well as I can or even better, and friends and family who are so willing to help it is incredible. I have learned how to ask for help and not feel bad about it!!! And the kids- Ethan and Emri are so excited to help mommy in the store (when I can...) and Crew and Ayla are very flexible and love to hang out with Grandma. So there it is! I have gone through a journey already and I haven't even opened yet! But, I am now EXCITED not SCARED to begin. The Lord runs my business just as He runs my life, and I am completely relieved, because I know He has great blessings in store!!

Ali J Boutique will now be open Fridays and Saturdays, 9-5!! Come in for a warm welcome, a positive atmosphere, and helpful staff ready to please. I say "thank you" in advance for supporting this venture and in that way, supporting my family.

Thank YOU!!!!

It is getting REAL...

Hello!! I am so excited as I write this!!! Okay, excited, nervous, scared, happy, CRAZY BLESSED!!! I am officially a Boutique Storefront Owner!!!! I am moving Ali J Boutique into the "old Big Store" space in New London. The building is now called Midtown Plaza.





I can't believe how God is making all this happen...My sign is up!! Check it out!!








Also, since it is Girlfriend's Night Out in New London tonight, Wade and I worked hard the past two days to get my windows pretty :)

Here is an attempt at a picture, but until we get light inside, there is a pretty bad glare. More pics to come!! Or, come out tonight yourself and SEE IT!! I will be there, handing out business cards (AND CHOCOLATE!), weather permitting ( stay away rain!!)

I will keep this blog updated on the progress....also check http://www.alijboutique.com/ for updates.

Blessings!!!!

Alison

New website...New Venture!!!

The ~WEBSITE~ is back up!!! http://www.alijboutique.com It is cute, simple, and pretty much just informational at this point. BUT! It is a great start! Keep checking back to see a more definite date than "mid-summer" for....

ALI J BOUTIQUE THE STOREFRONT!!!!!

I feel so blessed that my dream is coming true. This is a definite God-breathed adventure, and I would love to share it with you all (all 5 of my readers...hah!) sometime. It truly is awe-inspiring, and trust me, not because of anything I have done. I am so proud that He is President of my company. Couldn't do it any other way....and the ride wouldn't be near as exciting!!

That's all for now- on we go!!!

~Ali

CrAzY SPRING!!!

So, ladies, I can safely say this has been the craziest, and yet most BLESSED Spring I have had with Ali J Boutique!! I did my homework....I booked myself out....I asked, hired, or begged wonderful people in my life to help me....and I have had a great time so far at Expos, women's events, and Home Parties!! Wow- so many people have been so good to me, i can't even tell you how wonderful it makes me feel :) Special thanks to Linda Larson, "Ma", who set up a special event at Melvins on April Fools Day for a bunch of her daughter (Cari Huisinga)'s friends who represent different companies. It was honestly a blast. It is people like her, who take a genuine interest in my business, that make me feel so humbled. Honestly. And people like Karen McLaughlin, who had one of my first home parties, and makes a point to come out and support me. Also, Sharon Nelson, Deb Wessling, Sue Sunde. And Kim Kleven, Diane Hagedorn, Janelle Cockrell, and Billie Madsen. And Brooke Lien, Amy Combs, Elizabeth Johnson. And Lynn Stier. Oh- there are so many- and I FEEL SO BLESSED!! Ok- this has turned into a big "thank you fest" but, that's the way I feel right now. SO!! THANK YOU CARI HUSINGA!! RACHEL ELMHORST!!! NIKKI FRIESE!! ERICA GAHLON!!! JOANNA LIEN!!! BECKY VILLNOW!!! AND LASTLY, BUT NOT LEAST BY ANY MEASURE, MY MOM!!! MY MOM-IN-LOVE!! AND MY DEAR SISTER, DANI. Thanks. Whew. I feel better now :) Love you all. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you. Alison

FaShIoN FRiDaY Take two!!

(yep- i know my post is black...and plain...but someone pointed out it is easier to read that way, so to accomodate, this is my "new look" :)

Here are the results from week two of the fashion weeks...wish i had more time to do fashion chat! But, I just posted my schedule and as you can see, I am pretty busy (it doesn't even show the home parties I do!!) So!!

For Day 1, Best Color....I think I see the common thread...we ladies get our "best color" by taking other ladies opinions, but also because of our own preferences. Personally, I think I have worn every color possible, but there are some I am sure that don't look so hot. I am guessing I shouldn't wear orange...or sage...but, don't you dare try and take away my teal, lime, or jewel tones right now!!! I am a mom of four toddlers- I have muscles!!

For Day 2, What to wear when the weather is not too cold, but not warm either?? Most of you said Scarf (atta girls), a light coat (like a TRENCH?? ME WANT ONE!!), and a couple said vest. I think vests are tricky. I like the two i have had for three years from Gap Tall because the are long and have a tie around the middle. For anything that is slightly puffy, I love it when it comes with a tie. Gotta show the shape, gals!! If it doesn't, I would be very tempted to add a belt. Yep, that's what I would do!!

For Day 3, Legwear in winter? leggings, yep. tights and boots, yep!! I love the convo we had going on about wearing pants with skirts. Hey- anything goes!!!

For Day 4, Girls Night OUt!! I went with yep, Steph, a shirt, skinnies, boots, and a scarf :)

Thanks for participating Ladies!!!! Here is what I plan to do with the results....If you responded, you get 30% off an Ali J at any Ali J Boutique show you come to!!!!! Check the schedule to the left, I will keep adding dates as I get them!! Or, you can save your 30% for the store. Thanks so much!!!

fAsHiOn FrIDaY!!!!

Okay Ladies! Here are the results from 6 days of Fashion Questions on Facebook:

Day 1: Which is your fave cut in jeans: skinny, boot cut, slim, flare, or wide leg???

The consensus???? Boot cut comes in first, but some of you are non-discriminatory and love all the styles. And there was one shout out the the increasingly popular Pajama Jean. My only dislike about these "jeans"?? The name! Come on- couldn't they be called Fancy Pants, or Skinny Minnies, or Jeggings....oh wait....Hey- isn't it great that these days, ALL cuts are IN STYLE?!? I love that!! Uh-oh, does this mean I am going to be stuck in this era, and my kids are going to have to do a closet intervention in about 10 years? hmmmm....

Day 2: Which hair style has been your favorite over the years??

I only had one response for day 2 (thanks, Karen!) so this tells me that we women are never satisfied with our hair. Okay, that may be an extreme assumption, but isn't it true? We get it cut, and it is really cool for like, 3 hours. Then walks in a friend with a really cute new wedge cut, and suddenly you feel like you are sportin' a mullet! Case in point? Jennifer Aniston's response to her all-time popular cut, "The Rachel": "How do I say this? I think it was the ugliest haircut I have ever seen." according the the February issue of Allure magazine. Okay, I get it. (Karen, still waiting for that photo :)

Day 3: Is it okay to wear open toe shoes in pictures?

This question came about because my sweet mom thought it was a "rule". Like no white before Labor Day (Is that the rule? Does anyone follow it???) So, I am so glad to see the overwhelming opinion is YES!! Cuz I want to be rockin' some toe cleavage! (Hey the other bridesmaids get to have the OTHER kind, so...)

Day 4: What is your go to date outfit?

Everyone answered with an accessory- scarf, more jewelry, etc. And a great pair of shoes! Let's face it- heels are hard to wear all day long, so if we can be taller for a few hours, it actually will work. Unless you are going to a wedding. Then, I suggest you invest some $$$ into a great pair of well-made sexy shoes, or you will be the one getting her toes stepped on and sticky because your feet will be ~naked~ Some shoes I like? These:

Sofft Brand St. Germaine. $112. Cute floral detail, sturdy enough heel without being chunky, and the inside is like walking on marshmallows. NO kidding!!

Day 5: What type of scarf gal are you?

All I have to say for this one- thanks for the subtle hints, gals, you know you have the hook-up :)

Day 6: More important: being trendy, or dressing to your shape??

You said either "shape" or a "bit of both". I really like Karen's answer. As women, we have such different shapes that we need to find the styles that flatter us. I am so passionate about women finding the clothing to fit their curves, and not trying to make a certain size or brand or style forcibly work on them. YOU are not the issue if your clothes don't fit, THE CLOTHES ARE!!! Let's give ourselves a break, and if it doesn't fit, pitch it!!!!! oh, and be trendy with accessories! totally.

Day 7: Trendy Cowgirl style belts with buckles.

Sorry if this was a tease, but I am getting them in the future. I promise you will LOVE THEM!! I haven't seen belts this cute since my mom rocked some pretty awesome ones in the '80s. I had to wrap them around twice on my 6 year old waist, but I still LOVED them!! So, here is a "teaser session"

YOU LOVE THEM, YOU REALLY LOVE THEM!!

Thanks so much to the ladies who gave their opinion....now, to all of you who DIDN'T...you just may end up on this blog, famous! So, Keep the opinions comin!!! :)

~Ali

New VENTURE!!!

Hello!!! I am launching a new project on my blog, and facebook, and Twitter....phew!!! Basically, to be really involved in all three, and use this Social Networking stuff to the MAX. It sounds overwhelming, but I am determined to be OrGaNiZeD!!!! Let's see how this goes... I am stretching myself- the techy stuff isn't my forte- I lOVE doing SCARF SALES and hanging with the LADIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, I am learning, and it will be ~fun~ SO!! I will be posting on here as often as I can, about sales, new things I am learning for my business, and on Fridays, I will do a Fashion session, where I take all of your facebook comments on my Ali J Boutique page, and consolidate and expand on them... HERE WE GO!! JOIN ME IN THE FUN!!!