Online shopping find: Sequins and Sand

I love shopping online. And as it heats up and parking spaces become a premium, I love it even more. This is another in the weekly Styling You series that profiles some of the incredible independent online stores that are just a click away. You’ll love this one if you’re planning a beach holiday this summer.

Store

Sequins and Sand

Who

Anita McLachlan

What do you sell in your store? 

Resort wear for busy women

How did the idea for your store come about?

Finding ourselves beyond skimp (we’d outgrown surf shops) and not into frump (chains and department stores were very “ho hum”), we were bewildered and frustrated by the lack of simple, stylish beachwear for women over 35 … women like us. Having to traipse from store to store to find the right summer essentials was just not practical. So Sequins and Sand was born. It’s a one-stop-summer shop for busy women, where everything sold is hand picked, chosen for its fabulous fabric, colour, fit and versatility.

What’s is your career background?

Prior to embarking on raising a family and an online boutique, I studied radiography (straight out of school) and worked in project management (essentially in property). I like to mix it up, thrive on change and the thrill of the new.

Who is your key customer?

Women in the busiest stages of their lives. They usually juggle running a household, have a paid career and, more than likely, look after ageing parents too. They usually put themselves last and give themselves very little time to relax. Holidays are so very precious. As a consequence of all that, hormones that run riot and a bunch of other “life stuff”, their self confidence has taken a blow or two, so the thought of stepping out onto the beach in summer is quite intimidating. They’re  gorgeous and they need to rediscover and reclaim that.

How do you make it easy for your online customers to buy from you?

We offer free returns on all Aussie orders, free postage on orders over $150  (and $250 from outside Australia), we write loads of style and travel articles usually “how tos” and “fit tips”, feature “looks” to show how to put pieces together and we try to ensure most garments have their own measurement tables so girls can work out if something will fit. We’re always available on the phone, email, Facebook and Twitter to answer any questions girls might have to help them decide what’s best for them.

Do you sell in person or in a physical store as well?

No, we’re purely online.

List your current most popular products?

One piece swimwear (we stock Capriosca Swimwear … a fab Aussie label) and kaftans.

What’s next for your online store?

Other than continuing to hone our social media skills and conversations, we’re going a bit Hollywood and producing a series of videos to complement our swimwear. Every style will have a video showcasing its features with “fit tip” commentary. We’re also creating looks in a different way, to make it easier to see what goes together and be more informative. We think that offering tips and info is just as important as the items we sell, so girls can make an informed purchase with confidence. The home page will change to accommodate these initiatives. Hopefully women will find it useful and inspiring. It’s a waste of time just looking good, it’s got to be with purpose.

Styling You’s top 3 picks

1. Capriosca one-piece (size 10-26) $108 | 2. Striped jute beach bag $45 | 3. All for Kat printed smock dress $149

Have you found a great online store recently? Did it offer great products or service. Leave a comment below and let us all know about it.

*I was gifted the All for Kat dress above and a pair of All for Kat pants from Sequins and Sand in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.