Sam Hipperson from Love and Luxe tells SO Magazine why this summer’s collection is the hottest one yet…
After taking over the reins of Love and Luxe a couple of years ago, business entrepreneur Sam Hipperson has ensured this local fashion and accessories brand keeps going from strength to strength.
This is mainly down to her eagle eye for picking out stylish pieces that are affordable and easy to wear but also her commitment to ensuring Love and Luxe customers always have the best service possible and a great selection of items to choose from.
This summer’s collection, which includes an array of fabulous beach-to-bar dresses, divine statement jewellery, colourful tees and fine knits is proving to be the most popular yet.
“We are totally in love with this new collection and so, it seems, are our customers,” reveals Sam.
“A number of the dresses have sold out more than once and orders have exceeded all of our expectations. We are truly grateful for everyone that comes in and our customers are very loyal to us. I think that people like to buy from a small business knowing that the person they are dealing with really cares about their experience. We have so many fabulous comments about our customer service and this is how we measure our success.”
Sam explains that for Summer 2023 she curated a collection of gorgeous pieces that not only multitask but are beautiful to look at. Think soft fabrics, cool, swishy dresses and vibrant colours.
“Blues and pinks are the current favourite colourways, closely followed by neutrals. Dresses are always a firm favourite for the summer and people love that you can throw a dress on with some statement jewellery and be ready to go. We have some fab pieces at very reasonable prices – most retail at £20-30 – and all of our jewellery is presented in a luxury gift box, making it a fabulous present.”
Sam says she and her team are often asked how they choose their stock to which she responds: “Obviously appearance is the first thing and here we look for a combination of classic, stylish, pretty and playful. Then there are two non-negotiables we always have on our checklist. They are: ‘Can I wear this at least three ways’ and ‘will it be comfortable?’
When it comes to summer, Sam says the dresses she chooses are styles that can be worn with flip-flops, for a relaxed look, but also dressed up with heels and some sparkle for the evening.
“And given the unpredictable nature of the UK’s weather, it is also important that none of our dresses look out of place with a denim jacket and some trainers on cooler days. Versatility is key!”
Selecting pieces that are light to pack is another key factor for Sam. “This is obviously because it’s holiday time but it’s an added bonus if they don’t crease either.
If you’re on our website look out for the Freya, Phoebe and Ibiza styles as they are 100% cotton and don’t need ironing. We also have some stunning dresses in 100% viscose. This amazing fabric is cool to wear, soft to the touch, washes like a dream and, if hung straight away, the creases fall out. The Lara sundress is great and has been one of our best sellers so far this summer. The Mya has also been hugely popular as the fabric is light and airy, the sleeves can be worn up or down and there are no harsh seams or waistbands – great for a BBQ! We are currently restocking this stunning dress for the third time and pre-orders are filling up fast.”
Although Love and Luxe is an online business, Sam says that she and her team understand only too well that people like to try things on before they buy them. Therefore local residents have the opportunity to do this at any of the brand’s regular pop-ups.
“As well as these events, you always will find us, along with other local businesses, on the first Thursday of every month from 9.30am-2pm at the Nuffield Health Club in Tunbridge Wells. Coffee is available, entry and parking are free, and we also raise money for Lymphoma Action so if you come along you will be helping a good cause at the same time. What’s not to love?”
For more information visit www.loveandluxe.uk to view the collection and follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with new arrivals, offers and events.
