Category Archives: Apricot Lane

New Apricot Lane Boutique in Fort Collins Featured in Biz West

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A veteran of the technology industry in Northern Colorado is making a radical career change, planning to open a women’s apparel boutique in Old Town Fort Collins.

Judy McLean, who had been web-development manager at meat processor JBS USA in Greeley, will open Colorado’s second location of the Apricot Lane franchise on April 15 at 119 W. Oak St.

“I have an entrepreneur spirit and I was tired of forcing a square peg into a round hole. It was time to follow my heart,” McLean said. “I’ve received great support from others who have made similar moves. This new journey feels natural.”

The store will replace Fine Art and Frame Co., which on March 1 will move its gallery and showroom across the pedestrian mall to 148 W. Oak St. Its frame shop, however, will remain downstairs at 119 W. Oak, with an entrance on the south end of the building.

Although Apricot Lane is a franchise, McLean said she will have the flexibility to tailor her women’s clothing and jewelry selections to local tastes. The 1,900-square-foot space is being decorated with brick walls, chandeliers and comfortable seating.

McLean chose the spot to tap into the “exciting and eclectic” vibe of Old Town. “I want that same feeling of anticipation to continue when they walk into my shop.”

Apricot Lane will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

Vacaville, Calif.-based Country Visions Inc. opened its first Apricot Lane store in 2007. It now supports more than 75 franchise stores in 29 states, with plans to open 15 to 20 more each year. Its other Colorado location is at the Shops at Southglenn in Centennial.

Fine Art and Frame Co.’s new showroom “will be an expanded venue of local, regional and international art for the public, corporate and in-home showings,” said owner Wendy Foster. “We are reinventing and diversifying our business model to improve and cater to our clients’ interests as we remain integrally involved in the art community.”

Founded more than 20 years ago, the business caters to hotels and resorts; health-care facilities; corporate offices and private residences, providing access to artists, custom framing; installation, certified appraisals, cataloguing and documenting of art collections advice about proper care and conservation of artworks, and art-restoration services.

Originally Posted on BizWest.com by 

 

Valentine’s Day Outfit Inspiration

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and you may be stuck trying to figure out what to wear. The perfect outfit can make a huge difference whether you’re staying in snuggled up at home, going out for a night on the town with the girls or having a special intimate night with your sweetheart. We've collected different outfits for every occasion so that you can look and feel sexy, romantic and chic. Whether you want to wear all white, all pink or a pop of red -- Take a look at our Valentine's Day inspiration. Be Mine woman posing Image Source: Song Of Style  All-White-Outfit-Ideas-Day-Night-Summer-Style-Must-Have-32 Image Source: FashionGum.com Heartbreaker White-Red-Outfits-For-Women-2-700x1050 Image Source: Weddingpartyapp.com How-To-Style-Red-Trendy-Red-Clothes-1-700x1030 Image Source: FashionGum.com Cuddle Sesh woman posing 3 Image Source: Pinterest woman posing 2 Image Source: Pinterest Table For Two lace-and-locks-petite-fashion-blogger-floral-off-the-shoulder-dress-02 Image Source: Lace & Locks themysteriousgirl.ro-larisacostea-6881-20151123 Image Source: The Mysterious Girl  Ladies Night All-Black-Outfit-3 Image Source: Justthedesign.com woman posing 4 Image Source: The Fashion Guitar Crushing on Pink style-icon-hanneli-mustaparta-in-pink-dress-dusty-burrito Image Source: Brands Exclusive Pink-Dresses-8-700x1000 Image Source: FashionGum.com

5 Ways To Wear Plaid Shirts

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Plaid just tends to be one of those trends that never go out of style. We saw bold plaid taking over the runway for the Spring 2016 collection and many celebrities are seen wearing plaid in a million different ways. It's usually one of my favorite things to wear during fall and winter because of how many different things you can do with it. Normally considered cozy and casual, here are our 5 favorite ways to wear plaid shirts. How-to-wear-shirt-around-the-waist-2 Want to get that 90's grunge look? Tie your plaid shirt around your waist. Add some fringed shorts or ripped jeans, converse or Doc Martens for that casual look or dress it up with heels. Image Source: Lovely by Lucy how to wear skater skirts 14 You can make a mens plaid shirt look ultra feminine by tucking it into a skater or fuller style skirt. Add tights for the ultimate winter look. Image Source: Furious Squirrel BEVERLY_H Throw an oversized plaid shirt over a tight dress or even a summer sundress and add thigh-high socks or tights and boots. Image Source: Daily Mail Woman Brown Coat Create the preppy look by layering your plaid shirt underneath a sweater. You can either leave your sleeves and collar tucked in or can pull them out. Image Source: Extra Petite Woman White Coat Want to add extra warmth? Stay comfy and casual by layering your plaid shirt under a cardigan or dress it up by layering it under a blazer. Image Source: All Women Stalk

Longtime Franchisee Adds Apricot Lane Boutique to the Mix

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Linnore Gonzales, owner of an Apricot Lane franchise in Centennial, CO was recently interviewed by Business Opportunities. Where they learned how Gonzales’ prior experience has helped her succeed, what her plans are for the future, as well as what advice she has for potential franchisees.

Why did you choose the Apricot Lane Boutique franchise?

I have always been a believer in the franchise model as shown in my past and present businesses. I have always been intrigued by the fashion industry and was happy to come across Apricot Lane and thrilled to find out that it is a franchise!

How long have you owned a franchise?

I purchased the Apricot Lane Centennial location from a former franchisee in November 2014. When I moved to Colorado in 1994, I had the opportunity to be introduced to the world of franchising. I bought an independent paint your own ceramic studio that I converted into a Color Me Mine franchise. I owned and operated three Color Me Mine locations for 10 years. I also owned a long-term part time staffing franchise, 10 til 2, for 7 years and presently own an interior decorating franchise, Décor & You as well as women’s magazine franchise, HERLIFE Magazine.

Why did you decide to get into franchising?

Franchising allows me to be in business for myself but not by myself. I love to be able to get the support of the franchisor and have access to a proven system without having to re-invent the wheel to find success. The advantage of a bigger organization is a huge plus. The opportunity to learn not just from your franchisor but from all the franchisees in the organization is something you will not get when you are an independent business owner.

What were you doing before you became a franchise owner?

Before I became a franchise owner, I worked in corporate as an Asset Manager in a real estate investment trust company in New York. I still have a position in a very prestigious Denver company as Director of Risk Management but having franchise businesses allows me to be diversified and still run successful businesses.

What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?

For me my challenge in owning my Apricot Lane franchise was to be able to understand how to run and operate the business in a short period of time. We took over November 1, 2014 and needed to make sure we merchandise accordingly to be up and running and ready to face, tackle and take advantage of the holiday season.

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?

Take advantage of what the franchisor can offer. Always remember the reason you picked a franchise business. Hire wisely. Learn to delegate and trust your employees so you can concentrate on areas that will build and make your business a success and not dwell on areas that will not bring in the income. Do not forget the marketing. It is important to be out there and continue to build and market your brand.

What’s next for you and your business?

Increase profitability and make Apricot Lane the go-to boutique in Colorado for high style fashion.

This article first appeared on the Business Opportunities website on January 6, 2016.

5 Style Rules To Live By In 2016

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Starting this year, we have announced that we are free from the rules of fashion. No longer held captive by all of the outdated and backwards general truths and rules we used to obey. Fearing trends that aren’t pretty or prints that clash are a thing of the past. It’s time to make some critical and necessary changes to our closet!

So with renovation as our inspiration, we have 5 style rules to live by in 2016.

1. Don’t Dress For Your Body Type

We’ve never thought it was a good idea to dress a certain way to flatter your body type or shape, agreeing to the idea that the only fashion tips to follow are the ones that make you look thinner. So in 2016, we are so excited to see skinny everything be put aside and comfortable body-breathing trends like wide legs and oversized everything taking over. Come 2016, put aside what you think about what’s flattering for your body type: Bold is the new skinny.

2. Don’t Feel Confined to Having to Dress Your Age

This year we had a couple of 80 year olds labeled as style leaders both of high fashion and street wear, proving that age should never be a limitation on your style. Go ahead and wear the costume jewelry or crazy retro prints if you want. There is no better time to do you.

3. Don’t Follow Fashion Trends Blindly

Yes, trends keep changing, and fashion keeps changing. Although we don’t think that it’s a bad thing to keep up with the times, you should never forget your own personality. How you dress shows the world who you are. Confidence is attractive. Wearing the right clothes plays a huge role in how you feel, and the worst thing that you can do to yourself is to be uncomfortable in something that you are wearing. We are living in the moment where personal style is art, take this opportunity to experiment, explore, and create your own unique look. Then selectively adopt trends in a way that feels true to who you are.

4. Maintain Your Wardrobe

As we’ve seen with this year’s ’70s and ’90s looks, clothes are constantly going out and coming back into style. With this knowledge, it’s important to ensure the longevity of our clothes. Start the year off right by taking some of your clothes to the tailor and make sure to read the care labels to ensure proper care. If there are pieces you no longer feel like you love it may be time to donate them.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Lead

Don’t be afraid to be the best-dressed girl in the room. If you take the time to care about your appearance, it’s going to happen at some point. It may take some getting used to because you may feel overdressed but learn to embrace it. You may feel that people are treating you differently, but the differences will be surprisingly positive.