FROM her shop tucked away on Warwick Street, Worthing, Lorette Sprackling sells a range of women’s clothing, jewellery, and accessories.

“I have got something for everybody, and I’m changing my stock all the time,” says Lorette who opened Bijou Boutique almost three years ago.

“Because the shop is really small, I can’t take a lot of stock in at the same time.”

Winter wear includes jackets with detachable faux fur collars, jumpers, capes, and reversible macs, as well as a selection of matching trousers and tops, and party dresses.

Lorette always looks for items that are not commonly found on the high street.

One of the product lines she is most excited about, and new addition to the range at Bijou Boutique, is the highly versatile Robell trousers, which are already proving very popular with customers.

“They give a lady a really flattering look because there is no zip. They have a fabulous stretch and tuck everything in; you go down a dress size,” explains Lorette.

“They come in two lengths, regular and cropped, which for the shorter lady will fit like a full-length trouser.”

In Worthing these trousers are exclusively available at Bijou Boutique, and come in a range of colours including charcoal grey, black, and navy, in dress sizes ranging from six to 34. Lorette will also be selling these trousers in a variety of brighter shades for the Spring/Summer season.

Lorette also sells a variety of winter scarves and patent handbags, while the jewellery includes long necklaces, sparkly costume jewellery, and adjustable leather cuffs.

Loving clothes and fashion herself, Lorette admits Bijou Boutique is an extension of her own wardrobe.

She sources the stock from suppliers she connects with at the large fashion trade shows in London and Birmingham such as Spring Fair and Pure London.

“I’m buying every couple of weeks,” she explains.

“I buy what I like, and it’s worked well for me in the past.

“My market is the 25 plus age range; I’m not following trends for the young girls.

“I tend to stay away from buying what the other shops are selling to make me a bit different, and I don’t buy lots of the same thing, once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Bijou Boutique has amassed a loyal following of regular customers, as well as a stream of new ones.

The prices range from items under £10, to the most expensive, the reversible macs, which are £149.

“I know money is tight for a lot of people so I try to keep my prices as reasonable as possible,” says Lorette.

After a serious accident in which she broke her back in several places, Lorette was off work for two years, and this sparked a complete career change from managing the financing of Ford vehicles, to opening her own clothes and accessories shop.

She met her partner, and moved down to Worthing from Essex. This was when she discovered the shop now known as Bijou Boutique, was to let.

“I have always been interested in fashion - clothes, handbags and shoes,” says Lorette.

“When I first took on the shop I didn’t sell clothes, only accessories, and I have branched out into clothing.”

The challenges of running her own business have not discouraged Lorette, however, despite finding herself thinking about Bijou Boutique even when she is on holiday.

“I can walk to work along the seafront, and I often have regular customers pop in for a chat; I have met a lot of lovely people through the shop.”

Bijou Boutique is at 15 Warwick Street, Worthing. Call 01903 200422 or visit www.facebook.com/bijouboutiqueworthing.