Cheshire's Best Boutiques reveal what styles will be on your wish list this season

Some of the county’s finest boutiques reveal what should be on your fashion wish list this season

PAPILLON

Who are we? What do we specialise in?We specialise in dressing ladies for special occasions, particularly the mother-of-the-bride and groom and wedding guests.

What’s hot this season?Fashions in this field are less seasonal than in some areas of fashion. However, the Carole Middleton effect is still evident, with clean and simple lines often being preferred. But clothes choices often reflect personality and so styles which are more decorative, flamboyant and fun continue to be popular.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?Every outfit from Papillon is special and are for special occasions. We believe that they are for special ladies too, so every piece is a key piece, just as you are a key person!

Where to find us?30 High Street, Tarporley,CW6 0DX,01829 733851,www.sibelle.co.uk/papillon

LAUNDRY BOUTIQUE

Who are we? What do we specialise in?The Laundry Boutique is a privately owned mini chain of ladieswear boutiques in Chester, Stockton Heath, Altrincham, King St, Manchester and Portobello Rd, Chiswick.

What’s hot this season?Anything by Postcard from Brighton.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A python midi skirt with python oversized jersey top in lavender grey.

Where to find us?106 London Road, Stockton Heath,WA4 6LE, 01925 269 948,www.laundryboutiquestocktonheath.co.uk

CLASSY CHIC

Who are we? What do we specialise in?We are a boutique specialising in that very special outfit for themother-of-the-bride/groom, race wear, balls, proms; in fact any specialevent. We want you to feel fabulous in the outfit you purchase andleave Classy Chic feeling very happy with your decision and our help.

What’s hot this season?In the special occasion department lace is quite popular this season.In the daywear range, floral prints are going to be very popular. Don’t stop the flourishing of bouquets with clothing, be sure to accessorise with a beautiful floral handbag and maybe even jewellery which we also stock at Classy Chic.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?Either floral trousers or a skirt, as this can be worn with many tops whichwould already be part of the wardrobe.

Where to find us?9 Glynne Way, Hawarden, CH5 3NS, 01244 509848

PAUL HOWARD MENSWEAR & FORMAL HIRE

Who are we? What do we specialise in?Paul Howard is a family-run business specialising in menswear and formal hire. We recognise that fashion doesn’t stand still, so we provide more options than ever before for men who want to express themselves through their choice of clothes, whether it’s high quality tailored clothes orelegant casual wear.

What’s hot this season?Colour and lots of it! From everything from trousers and jeans through to coats and jackets, there’s a rainbow of colour available this season.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A good fitting quality suit. There’s a real surge in quality tailoring this season. After the boom of ‘dressing down’ more and more people are realising that a suit is still the best way to make a good first impression.

Where to find us?50 Market Street, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 7AD,0161 427 2600, www.paul-howard.co.uk

SI BELLE

Who are we? What do we specialise in?We are a ladieswear boutique which offers you a wide choice of casual and smart casual clothing from some of the most highly regarded designers and fashion houses. Our brands include Marc Cain, D.Exterior, MaxMaraWeekend, Airfield, Beate Heymann, Elisa Cavaletti, Save the Queen, dtlm, Armani Jeans, Escada Sport and many more. Our speciality is making you look good. No, not good - stunning!

What’s hot this season?Short waisted jackets, with button, or zips, or open. Femininity is evident with floaty and fine fabrics. Black and white is perhaps more common this season. Prints in aboriginal or South American Indian designs appear in several collections.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?Your key piece is going to depend upon you, your current wardrobe, your tastes, your plans for the season and so on. But Si Belle will do their utmost to find you something that is perfect for you and which will make you look good and give you value way beyond this season.

Where to find us?50A High Street, Tarporley, CW6 0AG,01829 733251, www.sibelle.co.uk

WALL STREET

Who are we? What do we specialise in?Established in 1991, Wall Street is a ladies boutique that offersaffordable fashion for the discerning customer.We have great staff whoare friendly and are happy to help you find just the right outfit for anyoccasion. Our range caters for everyone, from the more reasonablypriced b.young, whose focus is on sharp designs and carefully balancedcolours, to Stills, whose mission is to bring unique fashion brands tothe world with craftmanship in every hem, stitch and embellishment.We also have a fabulous range of accessories including bags, scarves,shoes and jewellery.

What’s hot this season?So many trends to choose from this season – graphic prints, colouredjeans, metallics and leather.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A statement jacket

Where to find us?Wall Street, 8 Lawton Rd, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire , ST7 2AF,01270 883 465;

23 High Street, Sandbach, CW11 1AH, 01270 761 594; 34 Hospital Street,Nantwich, CW5 5RP, 01270 620 015

ASPECTO MANCHESTER

Who are we? What do we specialise in?We specialise in independent fashion within a mainstream market.

What’s hot this season?Our hottest brands this season are Barbour, Y-3, Adidas Originals, Edwin Denim and Money Clothing.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?One of the most iconic actors of the 20th Century, Steve McQueen was also a star member of Team USA’s 1964 International Six Day Trials squad. He was never seen in anything but a range of Barbour International jackets. Any one of this collection of jackets, tops and graphic tees are available at Aspecto, all with a definite touch of McQueen’s sense of style.

Where to find us?Corn Exchange, Manchester city centre

VICKI ALLEN

Who are we? What do we specialise in?As an independent ladies’ fashion boutique, in this computer age we are proud to offer personal service and a wealth of knowledge and experience not available on the internet. Working face to face with customers enables us to tailor our buying with the customer in mind.

What’s hot this season?Coloured trousers, be they classic cut, chinos or jeans, plain or patterned, as long as it’s colourful, anything goes. Not your Daughter’s Jeans have some great prints this summer.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A coloured pair of jeans; Michele Magic or Oui Moments. I am spoilt for choice!

Where to find us?205 Ashley Road, Hale Village, 0161 941 1627, www.vickiallen.co.uk

PRETTY FLAMINGO

Who are we? What do we specialise in?We are Pretty Flamingo ladieswear boutique in the heart of Stockton Heath.

What’s hot this season?Pretty Jazz pumps in pastel shades

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be? Lightweight jerseys for layering

Where to find us?112 London Road, Stockton Heath, WA4 6LE,01925 211130www.pretty-flamingo.co.uk

CRISSAN

Who are we? What do we specialise in?An independent ladies’ clothing boutique, established for over 20 years, where you always receive friendly personal service, together with quality, individuality and style for those ladies who feel let down by the high street.

What’s hot this season?Colour is the key: from vibrant mix-and-match holiday separates, pastel jeans and striking yet adaptable occasion wear.

If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A nice crisp embellished shirt to wear casual/smart, to dress up or dress down.

Where to find us?23 Church Road, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7JD,0161 485 3154, www.crissanclothes.co.uk

VERITY PLUM

Who are we? What do we specialise in?An independent boutique for stylish women who love to wear great clothes in size 16 and above. Our labels include Anna Scholz, Marina Rinaldi, Elena Miro, Doris Streich, Alain Weiss, Verpass, NYDJeans.

What’s hot this season?Seductively soft fabrics and shapes, with fabulous textures and embellishments such as lace, fake fur, velvet and sequins.

If I could buy one key piece this season what should it be?We think our best seller will be a very elegant midi-length pencil skirt from Elena Miro, worn with chunky knits and boots, or styled with a tailored shirt and hourglass waist-cinching belts.

Where to find us?9 Minshull Street, Knutsford, WA16 6HG, 01565 755577

ANDREA CLAIRE

Who are we? What do we specialise in?Andrea Claire is a friendly boutique offering collections from around the globe in sizes 10-20. As well as everyday pieces and occasion wear there’s also an instore Joseph Ribkoff studio.

What’s hot this season?Monochrome and eye popping colours feature strongly, with touches of luxurious lace in occasion wear.

If I could only buy once key piece this season what should it be?We love this Joseph Ribkoff dress. It’s a great staple for all occasions. This one certainly ticks all the boxes.

Where to find us?59-61 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, SK8 7AA,0161 485 3331, www.andreaclaire.co.uk