New Neston women's clothes store focused on style and sustainability

Friends Hilary Large and Sue Byrne had been talking about opening a clothing store for a number of years, but finally decided the time was right to leave successful careers in fashion e-commerce and food production, to create a store that they say will cater to women of all shapes, sizes and budgets. After securing the premises in September last year following a lengthy search, Wardrobe at The Cross is due to open on Neston High Street on March 31.

Formerly the site of Hunters Estate Agents, the premises have undergone a 16-week renovation to create a bright and welcoming environment featuring hand picked collections of women's clothes, jewellery and accessories.

Both Hilary and Sue are trained stylists and feel that their experience can be a useful resource for women who may have fallen out of love with their clothing due to changes in their bodies.

The store will feature a mix of well-known brands and emerging local designers. (Image: Cherish Forever Photography)

Hilary said: "We find that a lot of our friends go through the menopause and they lose their confidence and their ability to find styles that suit them.

"Quite a lot of women lose their identities because their bodies change so much through hormones or through having kids, they almost forget themselves. We want to be able to say to them: 'Come in, we will do a styling session, supporting you to find shapes that suit and help you if you've got that big event coming up.'"

Alongside new clothes, Wardrobe at The Cross will also have a focus on sustainable fashion through quality pre-loved items and rental options.

"It will be beautiful, quality products rather than fast fashion, products that customers can love and treasure. If they have a little less money in their budget then there will also be items available to rent.

The shop will also offer rental and pre-loved options. (Image: Cheshire Forever Photography)

"We understand that there will be women who can't afford to buy a £250 or £300 dress, but they might be able to spend £50 to rent it. They will be able to come in and say, 'It's this event and this is what I need' and we will be able to help them."

The 46-year-old says that Wardrobe at The Cross will have a mixture of brands across its new, rental and pre-owned sections, from heritage fashion like Missoni, Issa London, Self Portrait and Karen Millen, to younger emerging designers like My Essential Wardrobe, Gem Lettuce jewellery, The FIKA edit and Coster Copenhagen.

Offerings like IBU Jewellery - a hand crafted Bali-based brand with committed living wage employment practices - and Beyond by Vera - a sustainable slow-fashion brand whose designs feature the heritage craft of screen-printing - will also feature, giving customers access to unique pieces they are unlikely to find elsewhere.

Hilary added: "The mission is to inspire, to show how women can feel reinvigorated, make sustainable choices and learn about styling and dressing for their body shape."

Wardrobe at The Cross will officially open at 25A High Street, Neston on March, 31. More information is available through the store's website: https://www.wardrobeatthecross.co.uk/ or follow: wardrobeatthecross on Instagram.