Another Mom/daughter power team (like here), Jennifer Gray and her daughter, Shaughnessy Chow-Domos, co-owners of trendy, Yaletown boutique Jennyfleur loves… I had a chance to chat to these two lovely ladies about their boutique and their fashion highs and lows. 

SSM: Tell me about Jennyfleur Loves, how it came about, where your name comes from and the aim of your boutique?

JG: We thought of the name originally as it is a take on the name Jennifer – we just liked the name – and because the boutique is filled with all the things that we personally love.. we wanted to share our finds and the things we love with our friends and customers. Jennyfleur Loves… is owned and run by my daughter Shaughnessy and myself. We are completely hands on and every item in our boutique has been personally chosen by us – we spend quite a bit of time carefully choosing brands and styles that we would actually wear ourselves. Both of us love to have a little bit of a unique style, so we are constantly searching the globe to find those things to suit both of our taste. It seems to work, because we have a broader approach to fashion as it comes from both of our perspectives, therefore our store appeals to other mothers and daughters just like us.

SSM: What sets Jennyfleur Loves… apart from other Vancouver boutiques?

JG: We are always looking for unique brands and trends and never play it safe when it comes to fashion. Our buying is not limited to any particular geographical area – if we find something special- it becomes a necessity to have in the store. We are also conscious of the fact that not everyone has the same budget, ensuring that there is something for everyone. We carry everything from clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags, nail polish as well as fun little gift items. You can spend as little as $9 or up to $1600. Many of our clients pop by to purchase gifts for their moms, daughters and girlfriends because they know that can find something within their price range that they won’t find anywhere else. Customer service is very important to us – we want everyone who walks through our doors to have an amazing and unique experience. We welcome those who simply want to drop by for a chat over a cup of coffee or a beverage which we always keep on hand. We want to create and comfortable and friendly environment for all our friends and customers and most of all we like to keep it fun! We are just a phone call away any time -  even when we are not in the store we are happy to answer questions.

SSM: One of my favourite activities was shopping with my Mom, Jennyfleur seems to specialize in providing for Mother and daughter – how do you bridge the gap of style and age?

JG: There are alot of trendy moms out there – just because you have kids doesn’t mean that you have to lose your individual style. Our customers range in age from around 13 to over 70. Not only do we get moms and daughters, but grandmothers as well. There are certain looks that will work for any age  – for example a mother or a daughter might like the same jacket but in the end, each will style the look completely differently to suit their own age group and personality.

SSM: Who are some of your favourite designer that you stock right now that would suit a Vancouver Mom?

JG: DV by Dolce Vita is one of our favourite brands for every day living because it is fashionable and affordable at the same time. Whitney Eve injects femininity into all her pieces allowing them to be worn in a casual setting to a more formal setting. We are looking forward to carrying many new brands in the fall, Cameo, Style Stalker, Finders Keepers, Maison Scotch.  And of course the biggest trend this summer in footwear is TOMS shoes – which every mom needs. As well, We are going to be carrying TOMS for little ones as well in October.

SSM: What are your favourite trends we are seeing this summer?

JG: The maxi trend seems to have taken over and we are loving it!

SSM: What are your personal key staples in your wardrobe?

JG: White sheer button up shirt and wide leg trousers, Jeffrey Campbell Shoes.

SCD: Pants, white button up shirt, Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

SSM: Do you and your daughter ever share clothes, if so what items?

JG: YES! We share just about everything – except shoes only because our feet are different sizes.

SSM: Biggest fashion purchase regret?

JG: Acid wash denim way back when… I can’t even look at the new version of it today!

SCD TNA pants

SSM: Vancouver Moms often have a clothes allowance, if we were to splurge and invest in something, what would you recommend?

JG: Both Shaughnessy and I agree that having a classic handbag goes a long way in completing your look. It is well worth the investment and depending on the bag, should last for many years.

SSM: What are your best selling products at the moment?

JG: People are crazy over TOMS shoes right now – they are affordable, comfortable, fashionable and with their one for one program where they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased, Vancouverites appreciate all those things. Our Wildfox Couture baggy beach jumpers have been a great seller – they are so soft!

SSM: What items should a simply stylish Mom never be seen in outside of the house and gym (my biggest gripes are Uggs and Lululemons)?

JG: Well, you have just said a couple of our gripes as well, but besides that we both agree Crocs  – they should be saved for the garden only!

SSM: Finally, a fashion minute with you both:

Favorite shoes:

JG & SCD: Fluevog, Jeffrey Campbell

Favorite stores:

JG & SC-D:Topshop, Bloomingdales

SCD: All Saints

If I was attending the Oscars I would wear:

SCD: Zuhair Murad

JG: Marchesa – I love the glamour!

Favorite magazine:  Vogue Italia

Shopping is:  A complete high for both of us – that is why we do what we do with a passion.

Last purchase:

SC-D: Felix and Andriks ear cuff from our store

JG: Jeffrey Campbell Page One Suede Wedges

Favorite clothing era:

JG: The 1930′s and 40′s – I love to watch all the old movies sometimes just to see what they are wearing. I have to say I also have a place in my heart for the 1960’s as well.

SC-D: The 1960′s – Givenchy!

My inspiration:

Both: The Sartorialist

Thank you ladies for your time and best wishes with your fabulous store!

Readers; have a lovely weekend, I’m off to Bowen Island for two days, what are your plans?

xxo, SSM

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Gray and frockon