retail spotlight : DARE Boutique

Today sees the launch of our new weekly feature 'retail spotlight', which focuses on independant retail outlets.This niche area has grown over recent years with the popularity for clothing that is individual and quirky opposed to the mass market styling of the high street. This is also evident in the rise in popularity of second hand and vintage clothing.

The British fashion industry is generally regarded as one of innovation and a breeding ground for new talent and predictions suggest that the shift from mass market clothing is set to increase. With this in mind we will be bringing you the 'low down' of some of the best boutiques the UK has to offer kicking off with Dare boutique based in Huddersfield W.Yorks ; the business is ran by joint owners Steven Lowther and Jo Lackenby....


How did the boutique begin and who came up with the name ‘Dare’?
Both myself and Jo my business partner
have a passion for independent fashion,
and we opened DARE boutique with the
aim for all our customers to “DARE TO
BE DIFFERENT” hence the shortened
name “DARE”


You also have your own label within the boutique
called ‘Jolaby’ who are the creative geniuses behind this?
Jo is the creator of Jolaby that began back in 2004. Which has now formed a loyal following not just within the local area, but nationwide due to the hand- picked boutiques that Jolaby stocks to.


How would you describe the style of ‘Dare’ boutique?
If I had to select a random assortment of words it would be: edgy, eclectic, stylish, unique, different, every fashionista’s dream.


Any future plans for the boutique or label?
Soon to be launching www.dareboutique.com which will be an e-commerce website which will enable our customers to purchase online. (As many of our customers travel some miles to reach us).

The Jolaby label is now launching the Injection Collection for high summer! With stunning styles and fantastic colour! View the Summer & high summer collections online soon at www.jolaby.com


Why should we shop at ‘Dare’?
Cause we offer the most stunning dresses for any occasion from Proms, to a day at the races. And if want to do a little shopping with no major occasion in mind we have tons of stunning daywear to choose from, along with footwear, handbags and funky jewellery.


Any comments or words to potential customers or new designers out there?
We love to find new talented designers to keep DARE Boutique fresh and interesting. Contact us direct at steven@jolaby.com or on 08456522291.......Get to DARE and “DARE TO BE DIFFERENT”



D A R E Boutique

157 North Rd, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, HD8 0RU

by Tanayha Mcleary

girl about town: denim look Leggings..........WTF!!!

It was a sad and lonely Wednesday when I decided after being dumped (by a species unworthy of a name check!), that I would go and embark on a bit of retail therapy. The day was pleasant enough (only had to wear a cardi!) so I headed down to London’s west end. After trawling in and out of most of the generic fashion stores oxford street has to offer and about 20 bags of crisps later (it helps the depression) I ended up in Topshop.

I know this is the first stop for many high street fashionista’s but I can’t stand the hustle and bustle of the place and the lack of size variety..............anyways! I was busy looking at the basic tees when I came across them, from the corner of my eye they shouted at me to look at them, feel them, be at one with them but I couldn’t help to be but horrified by them.I actually laughed out loud, I didn’t care who saw me but ‘denim look leggings........WTF???!!’, are they for real???

Even as I am sitting here writing this I am still scratching my head. I know the 80’s look is very popular now and high street stores are trying to give the punters what they want BUT they have to draw a line somewhere! I need to see the female form can actually look good in these and maybe...just maybe I will give them the innovative style respect they deserve.

As that day was quite a depressive day for me and this was the first thing that actually put a smile on my face all day, I decided to buy some and try them on at home (more fool me eh!). Now what I seemed to forget was I am 5ft 2” and a size 14. HOW did I even have the audacity to think this would help boost my confidence!?

The situation ended like this, the denim leggings and receipt back in the Topshop bag and me watching ‘sex in the city’ with a bottle of Vino and stuffing my face with a large bag of Thai sweet chilli crisps.

I wouldn’t say everything about the leggings were terrible, they felt comfy and had a nice fit and in two shades of dark light wash and a pop at £20 they are worth the money BUT ...this look is only good if your 5ft 10”, under a size 12 and oh yeah if you could rewind time back to the 80’s. I am passionate about style and a slave of fashion, I am also a believer in individuality but this was taking the mick mate.

Bought to you by a very distressed Tanayha McLeary