BEHIND THE BOBBLE

BEHIND

Owner Lindsay Rando of Bobbles and Lace can beautifully style anyone who walks in, from teenage girls to senior clients. With over 25,000 followers on Instagram, Bobbles and Lace is a prominent and popular women’s boutique in the northeast. Over the last 14 years, the business has blossomed into a chain of locations across New England.

Looking back, Rando recalls her fashion dream began when she was a little girl. Growing up surrounded by strong and self-sufficient women lit her spark for independence. These women included her single mother and fashion-driven grandmother. Her constant visits to her grandmother’s shop inspired her passion for clothing and her entrepreneurial drive.

“When I was growing up, my grandmother opened up a consignment store in Marblehead called The Treasure Chest. My first memory is me designing a mannequin in the window,” said Rando.

Her humble beginnings taught her about the importance of affordability in fashion, which she has since carried over into her brand. However, back then, she hadn’t put the pieces together that she wanted her own business just yet. Rando explained that Bobbles and Lace was completely unplanned. She was living in California, with her fiancé, now husband, working in the modeling and styling fields. Rando quickly realized she wanted her own influence in the industry.

“I grew up without a lot of money. I learned that fashion should be fun and accessible for everybody, and not many models of that exist,” said Rando. With a vision and a little bit of money, she created her first business. Using $70 of their savings, Rando constructed a small pushcart with an umbrella, bought an array of unique jewelry, and she wheeled it over to downtown LA.

Upon her return to the east coast in April of 2008, Rando opened her flagship store in Marblehead, MA, reminiscent of her grandmother’s business. This entrepreneurship soon grew into an empire. Bobbles and Lace expanded into seven other locations: Andover MA, Boston MA, Newburyport MA, Newport RI, Portland ME, Portsmouth NH, her newest location just recently opened in Westport, CT.

As a styling boutique, the brand prides itself on offering chic, modern fashion at an affordable price. With everything from clothing and jewelry to shoes and bags, the boutique truly does pack a punch as a one-stop-shop for everything trendy. To formulate how to put it all together, each location has trained stylists eager to bring your fashion fantasy to life. Rando reiterates that employees at Bobbles and Lace are not salespeople; they are specialized stylists. This unique form of styling is not exclusive to any certain demographic or age group. Store demographics vary depending on location, and, as Rando explained, Bobbles and Lace is proud to assist a large range of clients. However, she says the typical “Bobbles Girl” is a mid 20s, young professional who has “outgrown Forever 21, but doesn’t want to go to Saks.”

“A lot of the girls we help, start with us in high school, and then they go to college. From there they get their first job, and we help them look professional,” said Rando.

While the clothes are not designed specifically for Bobbles and Lace, Rando handpicks every single piece sold in stores. She is constantly traveling across the country to find new and exciting gems that will cater to her unique clientele.

From bachelorette parties to baby showers, and wherever life may take their clients next, the versatile boutique offers it all. In addition to the inclusion of all age ranges and styles, Rando holds strong beliefs in affordable, accessible fashion. Just like the average consumer, she has an issue with excessive price tags on clothing.

“I have a problem with buying $300 designer jeans, especially with trends, and everything changes. If this was a business of classics, I could see that, but it’s not. Modern fashion is fast” said Rando.

Styling a wardrobe that each customer will love is truly the end goal. Rando wants her clients to look and feel their best. Accessible fashion for their diverse clientele means inclusivity in sizing, which Rando and her stylists always take into consideration. When asked how the business approaches sizing, Rando assured that there is something for everybody at the boutique. She emphasized that their styling is all about how the clothing fits, and a label is really just a label.

“Don’t ever look at the sizing. It’s more about the fit. I can be a small and I can be large,” said Rando.

Along with the racks of self-expressive apparel, each store features a beautiful interior design with modern influence. The warm and open concept floor plan is a perfect space for clients to comfortably browse and shop. There isn’t any judgment or intimidation, just a bubbly, positive ambiance for all women. The welcoming environment of Bobbles and Lace is exactly what Rando envisioned, and she expressed how grateful she was to see it come to fruition.

Within their shiny white walls on Newbury Street and brick interiors of Newburyport, Rando values having an extremely close relationship with each one of her clients, and she emphasizes creating long-lasting relationships with each woman who steps foot through her door. Having such a tight-knit business approach sets Bobbles and Lace apart from the rest.

“We live in a world of relationships, I wanted a place where people could come in, and be like ‘Lindsay, what am I wearing today?” said Rando.

Looking ahead to the future, Rando says there is a lot in store for the business. However, these improvements are still on track with the same values the brand has now. Rando values the special niche of chic, affordable fashion that she has gathered, and Bobbles and Lace never wants the personable vibe of their boutiques to go away, no matter the evolution. Rando says she “never wants to stop evolving and growing.”

What Lindsay Rando started on a street cart in LA, isn’t going away any time soon.

“I hope to make [Bobbles and Lace] a household name with my $70,” said Rando.

@bobblesandlace; bobblesandlace.com

Ava Neeley