Lifestyle Blog

Monday 21 October 2013

The Best Yard Around ....


Anyone that has already visited Princes Charles’ Poundbury development in Dorchester will know the vast assortment of houses and buildings that in inhabits. Aside from its residential areas, there are many hidden treasures to be found in the form of delicious eateries and bespoke gift stores, and one that I can never resist taking a peek into goes by the name of Yard.



 Yard is owned by Vicki whom has numerous years worth of experience in the world of buying after opening her first store at just 17! It is know wonder the shop oozes sophistication, style and was Drapers Fashion Award Winner in 2012.

On arrival you are greeted with a warm smile and the offer of a cup of coffee (which when visiting Yard be sure to accept as it is made in a proper mug... far more satisfying then a franchised coffee that is often thrusted at you with a grunt).
The welcoming shop assistants make you instantly feel at ease, and are a far cry from those stuffy boutiques in which you feel constantly out of place and quite frankly make you feel that your making the place untidy.

Yard’s collective array of beautiful clothing, accessories and wonderful trinkets makes it the perfect destination for a little Christmas shopping, or an indulgent bit of retail therapy.
New stock continuously hits the store, and as a lover of fashion the thought of being able to grab a gorgeous new item so accessibly is every girls dream.
Vicki’s expert eye means all her stock is bang on trend, super stylish and offers so much more then regular high street stores. Fashion brands such as Great Plains, Part Two, Masion Scotch and my personal favourite French Connection can all be found in Yard providing another reason why I love visiting this shop.

Being a girl against online shopping having these brands on my doorstop means I can have the pleasure of  holding the fabric between my fingers, and actually seeing what I am getting for my money.
On your next visit to Yard I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and would love to hear what you treat yourself to J

Knowingly I do rather like hopping on my little soap box and having a little rant about things that simply make me grumpy.
Whilst doing a blog post on a fabulous independent store I feel it relevant to finish on this little note…….
With a high street that is so obviously thinning it is more important then ever to support our local independent retailers as without customers they simply cannot exist!
Two little shops I have had close personal connections to have sadly had to close their doors over the last couple years ( No im not bad luck Cheeky J ), blamed for the rise in internet purchases. Whilst I know this is an issue that is on the increase and therefore only likely to get worse many locals I have spoken to are saddened by the closures, yet when asked if they shopped in the shops are replies were often no !

Whilst I am not asking you to never make an online purchase ever again, I am asking you to consider utilising your local shops more and ensure they are here to stay.
So being Dorchester’s answer to Mary Portas lets ensure these shops continue to thrive and allow us to explore their treasures first hand.
Which local shops are your faves?

Love Liv ..xXx


 Here are a few piccys of the gorgeous shop.......