With decades of experience to draw on, Susan Dowes, owner of Genevieve, has the expertise to help the mother of the bride or groom look their very best at the wedding or find the perfect ensemble for a christening, special occasion or a day at the races.
We get people ringing from across the North who have visited just about every shop there is looking for an outfit and after talking to them about their needs they end up coming to us in Carlisle says Susan.
What we give them is time: time to discuss what they want, to try on the clothes and to feel comfortable and confident in what we help them choose. I never let them leave in something that I can tell they don’t feel comfortable in. I tell them it’s no good ‘making do' .
If what they have chosen for the big day isn’t right you will not feel good and that will come through when they see the photographs. If you look and feel right, you will enjoy the day so much more."
Susan took over Genevieve, in Warwick road, 14 years ago after working in the bridal for 20 years
I was fancying a change into mothers of the bride and groom, occasional and casual wear and I popped into Genevieve for a chat one day and the owner just happened to tell me she was selling up.
It has been a ladies shop since the 1900s and is well established. I love fashion and it is so rewarding helping ladies decide what suits their shape, size and skin tones, which do all change over the years.
It literally is retail therapy and people go away feeling so much better about themselves after talking with us and finding the perfect outfit.
Genevieve stocks an extensive range of clothing in sizes 8-24, offering beautiful fabrics from soft chiffons to stunning silks and crepes, with matching accessories including shoes and bags.
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am-3pm, private appointments of one hour-90 minutes can also be booked in advance any day of the week. Contact Susan on (01228) 524506, 07887724552 or email susan@genevieves.co.uk.
