Whiz Biz: Olivia's Closet Boutique

NAME: Olivia's Closet Boutique

OWNER: Doni Orsini

ADDRESS: 22411 Antonio Parkway, C-220, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688

PHONE: (949) 713-7001

EMAIL: info@oliviasclosetboutique.com

WEBSITE:OliviasClosetBoutique.com

HOURS: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday by appointment only.

EMPLOYEES: two parttime employees.

WHAT'S NEARBY: , Saki Sushi, Dana's Party Supplies,

WHAT'S THE SCOOP: If there’s one thing Doni Orsini knows well, it’s fashion. She’s been fortunate enough to turn that passion into a successful business, Olivia’s Closet Boutique. Nestled on the second story of the Plaza Antonio shopping center in Rancho Santa Margarita, Olivia’s Closet boasts the latest quality women’s fashion at affordable prices.

A Reno, NV native, Orsini has always had an eye for fashion. She spent 10 years as a flight attendant before pursuing her real dream: bringing affordable fashion to women. More than six years ago, Orsini started Olivia’s Closet Boutique, named after her now- 8-year-old daughter, Olivia. Orsini focused primarily in denim at first, doing in-home parties for women all over the Southland. From there, she expanded her inventory to include dresses, tops, sweaters, accessories and more. After operating out of her garage, Orsini found it challenging to juggle clients with a family at home. About 18 months ago, she secured a cozy retail front on the second floor of the Empresa Shopping Center and has been operating out of there ever since.

A Coto de Caza resident, Orsini  is a long time south Orange County resident. “My goal is to bring affordable, quality fashion to women; there really isn’t a huge selection of quality fashion in south Orange County,” she explains.  “Even in these tough times, women still want to look nice, and it can be hard to find quality clothes at a decent price. A new top or pair or jeans can make a woman feel more confident about herself.”

Orsini’s clients range from teenagers to women in their 70s. “I try to keep this in mind when selecting my inventory,” she says. A big part of her job entails “shopping” for inventory online, selecting new inventory from various vendors around the country; she receives new shipments several times a week. “My inventory moves pretty quickly,” she adds, gesturing around the store. “I’ve got new things in all the time.”

Orsini has two parttime employees who work in the afternoons so she can spend time with her three children. Her son, Jake, 15, attends Santa Margarita Catholic High School; son Logan, 12 and daughter Olivia, 8 attend Serra Catholic just down the road. In her spare time, Orsini enjoys the beach, family time, and—yes—shopping.

WHAT'S UNIQUE: One step inside Olivia’s Closet and it’s easy to see what sets it apart from other boutiques. Charming black and white printed curtains sweep the cheery windows, dainty black chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the neatly displayed merchandise gives the place a “just right” feel.  The clothes are trendy and colorful, yet not too bright. Fashionable, sparkly accessories sit just off to the side of the counter, waiting to be paired up with an outfit or two.

Orsini has carried a variety of denim brands over the years, including Miss Me Denim, Reused, Vigoss Jeans and more. “Finding quality denim at affordable prices can be tough,” she admits. She carries a variety of sizes and styles, making it easy for a woman of any age or shape to find a great fit.

Orsini has done little advertising for her business, thanks to her established customer base and word of mouth referrals. “I am really grateful to the community for their support over the years,” she says.

Unlike most large clothing retailers, Orsini offers a unique and intimate shopping experience to each of her customers. She is available as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant, helping her customers pick out that “just right” outfit for a special occasion. “Sometimes women come in the night before a big party and need something quick,” she says. “I’m happy to help them find a dress or an outfit.” She also offers after hours shopping by appointment.

Orsini’s customers aren’t just women; she also serves men looking for that something special for their partner. “I have one customer who calls me and just tells me to put a few things together for his wife. He doesn’t even see the merchandise; he just trusts that I’ll put something nice together. So far,” she adds with a laugh, “his wife has never returned anything!”

Much of Orsini’s business in the past has come from private events and fundraisers. “I’ve been involved with many causes, including school fundraisers and places like Habitat for Humanity,” she says. She gives a percentage of her sales from the event back to the charity or organization, and has had tremendous success with these types of events.

WHAT'S NEW: Orsini admits that, in this rocky economy, the retail game has definitely changed. “It’s been hard at times,” she says. “Everyone is on a budget these days.” She knows women want to stay looking good even when times are tough, which is why she tries to keep her prices as reasonable as possible. Fabric, particularly knits and denim, has gone up tremendously in price over the past couple years, another indicator of inflation. This makes finding inventory tricky, but not impossible.

“I find items I think are really cute but aren’t sure they would sell because of the higher price,” she says. She tries to constantly keep her customer base in mind when buying from vendors.

As Orsini watches one business after another close in the southland, she knows she’s fortunate to be where she is. But with her keen eye for fashion, her optimism and her carefully selected, affordable clothes, it’s easy to see why she’s a standout in these tough times.