Hayley Brown | Owner of Style Systers Clothing Boutique

I have known Hayley for a couple of years now through a Cheshire based network group. Hayley is always wearing a dress perfect for the occasion and is so much fun and energetic, it’s hard not feel the vibe to smile with her. Here, she is going to tell all about her successful online clothing boutique and what ticks her boxes when it comes to choosing her own clothes.

Describe your occupation and what it involves.

I am the owner of Style Systers, an online women’s clothing boutique. The business was started as a pop-up shop and house party business with an emphasis around making shopping easy and fun, surrounded by your best cheerleaders - your friends. As covid hit, the business couldn't continue in its original form but the amazing support of those that had hosted parties in the past and the sudden demand for comfy, working-from-home-wear meant that there was an opportunity to pivot, and the Style Systers was born!

How did you get into the fashion industry and why?

I’ve loved fashion from being a teen if not earlier when I think back. I loved the style of my own parents who stood out from the crowd and gave me my first experience of shopping in gorgeous stylish shops such as In-Wear Matinique in Manchester, on a Saturday afternoon. I was one of the rare children that actually wanted to borrow her Mum’s clothes. My own daughter, Mollie, would be mortified at the suggestion.  I have always been known where I live as the 'Gok' of the village, and I love nothing more than receiving a message from friends asking for help on what to wear for a specific occasion. That said, I can’t take full credit for Style Systers. I am truly blessed to have some amazing friends and one knows me better than I know myself. I work with Tracy Griffiths, the owner and chief connector at The Business Network Chester and she actually suggested we started the clothing business together. Once it was up and running, she said, 'This is you 'H' not me, so now you can carry on alone'. She knew before I did, that I would love it and I’m so grateful for her vision and genuine belief in me.

Do you feel people respond in a certain way to how you dress?

I absolutely do yes! I am not saying that your wardrobe defines you, but I do believe that an outfit can change your mood and rightly or wrongly, I do think that people can form opinions based on an outfit. I’m old fashioned in that respect, I believe in a school uniform and how that representation of your school makes you feel, although I do respect that it’s not always a positive feeling. I still think you should be 'smart' for an interview but ultimately, I believe more in fit and feel, knowing how to flatter your shape and wearing colours that bring you joy - that will have a positive impact on those around you.

Do you think it’s easy to find a style that suits you?

I don’t think its necessarily easy but once you have found it, it makes shopping so much easier. It also needs to evolve with you and your lifestyle. There is so much help and advice now around building a capsule wardrobe and how to then inject certain pieces depending on your needs. Do you put an outfit on and feel comfortable would always be my question; no one wants to look good in the mirror but then dread sitting down or walking due to feeling restricted.

Do you think clothes are important when it comes to work?

I think clothes are important at work if you want them to be. Personally, working from home I’m often in joggers and a sweat but I wouldn’t want to dress that way in an office. I think an outfit, particularly a comfortable one that fits right can empower you, but I also think getting dressed for work shouldn’t be stressful. That’s just unnecessary and not a good start to the day. 

What is your first memory of enjoying clothes and do you think that shaped your future choices?

As I’ve said earlier, I have fond memories of shopping in Manchester with my parents, I loved Kendals as it was then. I think my first memorable outfit was a pair of 1980s velvet pedal pushers with a high collar blouse, which we called the Lady Di blouse, funny that they are back in now.  I think I have a classic style but with an injection each season of a current trend, but I am not trend driven.

Who inspires you when it comes to dressing with style and why?

Oh, there are a few! Current day, I absolutely love the chic style of Olivia Palermo. I don’t think Grace Kelly’s style will ever date, but the all-time goal has to be Iris Apfel surely?! Who doesn’t want to stand out from the crowd exuding joy and colour in their 90s? I definitely won’t be hiding behind a beige twinset!

See Hayley’s latest collections by visiting her website here Style Systers

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