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Ladies 'tis the season to get fancy

ZuZu Fashion Boutique can help you sparkle during the holiday season

The holiday party season is upon us and it's time to get glam.

"For holiday in particular there's always going to be that shimmery, sparkle, silver, gold--bling but not overdone," explains Tracey Baker, owner of ZuZu Fashion Boutique on Dunlop Street.

Baker says her customers set the trends but holiday fashion is always classic and fun.

"Women are looking for comfort with unique style, a bit of flare and some value. They appreciate quality and they appreciate prices that are affordable," said the stylish Baker. 

Like its owner, the ZuZu Fashion Boutique is warm and welcoming without pretence located in one of Dunlop Street's classic old buildings that has high ceilings and exposed brick. 

The clothing racks feature eccletic pieces ranging from sumptuous sweaters, unique tops, hip but comfortable pants, accessories and bags to complete any look. 

The customer base is mature women but there's something for everyone with fine taste and individuality.  

"We have a lot of transitional pieces, so day to evening, something that may have a bit of sparkle in it in the day could have a little bit more when you change up the top or add the shoe and the jewellery is key, always," explains Baker. 

Shopping can be stressful, especially trying to find an outfit for a special holiday occasion. 

"Add a little sparkle clutch. You can do a beautiful big earring with minimal neck jewellery or something really statement around the neck with a smaller earring.  It's all about balance. Not going too far overboard with it."

Baker has natural style but owning a boutique is new territory for the former "corporate girl" who lived and worked in the heart of Toronto's financial district for 25 years.

She grew up in Barrie and moved back four years ago for family reasons.

She loved the ZuZu store and was working almost full time when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.

After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Baker returned to work at the store when she learned it was being sold.

She had never considered owning a retail shop but jumped in and now five months later is loving it.

"I've always loved fashion. I enjoy it.  A lot of women don't. There are women, believe it or not who don't like to shop.

That's where ZuZu really shines is helping those women put a look together and feel good about themselves."

Baker and her staff, Mary Catherine and Della, consider themselves fashion advisers and say their clients really rely on the trio for help. 

A lot of their jewellery and clothing lines are Canadian designed if not Canadian made.

The lines include Code Vitesse from Toronto.

"She's got a beautiful holiday look. If you're going to a something that's a special event, a gala, a holiday fundraiser, that's an opportunity to really glam it up," said Baker.

After going through many changes in her life, Baker is happy to be home in Barrie and thrilled to be a downtown shop owner.

She is proud of her business and how the downtown is changing.

"It's on a upswing now. We just need people in Barrie to give us a chance and see what's down here."

If you're not shopping for yourself, ZuZu has many items that would make great Christmas gifts. 

ZuZu Fashion Boutique is located at 25 Dunlop Street East. 

 


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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