WFH Routines Day in the life of a boux buyer



Dreams of working in the fashion industry? Or perhaps you just fancy a change in career and want to know exactly what buying entails? We caught up with our Boux buying team to get a little insight into a typical day working from home. Continue reading for their top tips, favourite Boux pieces and more!

Rachel Harley – Chief Merchandise & Buying Officer
(The Boss) 💪

”Rachel



How did you get into the industry?

I studied Spanish and Business at university so I always knew that I would love to do a commercial role in my career; and after a year of banking in Madrid in my 3rd year at University, work experience in a top London law firm, I realised that I had always had a love of fashion - so combining business with my passion for product felt right. I applied for a role at Topshop as a Merchandise Admin Assistant, worked my way up from there & have never looked back!


What do you love most about your job?

The variety and how fast paced it is. Working with product, understanding how future trends impact buying habits, and knowing our customer is key. Also ensuring we are focused on our future strategy so we keep the brand evolving.


How would you describe your workwear style vs your wfh style?

In the office I often wear knitted dresses and boots or a blazer and jeans teamed with high heels. Working from home, I love to feel comfortable but still opt for looks that combine fashion and function to get the best of both.


What hero piece from Boux can’t you live without?

The Sia range! They are part of our new Boux Lounge sub-brand that allows us to lounge in comfort and yet still feel chic.


What lingerie style/range most accurately describes you?

The Bouxtique range - I love the Laurelle range which has gorgeous lurex lace and intricate detailing. Confidence starts from within, so wearing great lingerie gets you in the right frame of mind for the day ahead.


How have you adapted your role to wfh?

My main focus is to try to have some sort of structure - so i start by working out to feel energized. I have also created a designated working space for myself. We use Google Meet to catch up with the teams and our suppliers, as it is so important to stay in touch. It’s also important to take the odd break too!


What do you love most about working for Boux?

I have always wanted to run my own business so working for Boux gives me the opportunity to do just that. It’s very satisfying when new ranges come out and you see the sales numbers being so positive. It is very inspiring to work with such a passionate team as we all live and breathe Boux.


Tips for aspiring buyers?

I would say get as much work experience as you possibly can and build your network. You never know how one conversation can lead to another and maybe a job opportunity. Be brave and really show your passion. Also be prepared to put in some hard work!


What does your buying role consist of - what are your main responsibilities?

As Chief of Buying & Merchandising I work very closely across most parts of the business; including with design ensuring we have a commercial range that encompasses our brand DNA and tone of voice! I oversee the end to end process of sourcing our products, range building the collections with the teams and much more. I also work closely with Marketing to ensure we are set up operationally to support any business wide campaigns.



Nia D & Kelsey M - Assistant Buyers
Liv B - Buying Admin Assistant
(The Superstars)

”boux


How did you get into the industry?

ND - I always had an interest in fashion so I did a fashion buying and marketing degree at De Montfort University which gave me great insight into how the industry worked and a better understanding of the route I wanted to take. During the course I did a placement year at O’Neill in Holland; I worked as a buyers assistant which was not only an amazing experience, but taught me a lot and confirmed that buying was definitely what I wanted to do. My degree and industry experience put me in a great position to get my first job at Boux Avenue!


What do you love most about your job?

KM - The product and the fast pace – you get a lot of pride when you have been there through every part of the development process from range planning to seeing the product in stores and online!


How would you describe your workwear style vs your wfh style?

OB - My style is FUN! (in and out the office) I like to feel my best in the clothes I wear, which is shown by the colours and prints I choose. In the office I like to have fun with neon oversized shirts, different coloured jeans, rainbow sweaters and fluorescent blazers (nevertheless my favourite heart fur hooded dressing gown is ALWAYS ready for me on the back of my chair) WFH is also amazing as I get to wear a different piece of Boux Lounge every day! I love feeling comfortable in my skin and these pieces definitely allow me to do so.


What hero piece from Boux can’t you live without?

ND - It’s hard to find full support bras which are pretty as well so I definitely couldn’t live without our range of DD+ bras. The Poppy embroidered balconette is my new favourite, it looks amazing and is also super comfortable. The twisted slider slippers are my go to, especially now it’s getting colder!


What lingerie style/range most accurately describes you?

KM - A full support bra – supportive & reliable but doesn’t compromise on style


How have you adapted your role to wfh?

OB - Structure is key! Adapting wasn’t easy, but I feel I have found the best ways to stay in the zone.
1. Putting on a bra! It makes me feel like I am dressing for the day rather than moulding into a couch potato
2. Stopping for a lunch break. Although not always easy/possible, I like to have a lunch break to restart my brain, and fuel it with the energy it needs for the afternoon.
3. Zoom is my new best friend, and I love that I can speak to any of my team at any given time via this!
4. Making sure I switch off in the evenings ready for the next day. Whether that’s seeing a friend, binge watching Netflix or online shopping (shh), it helps my mind switch off and refresh for the day ahead.


What does a typical working day look like for you?

ND - No day is the same! It can be anything from sourcing and developing new products, to analysing sales, negotiating prices, carrying out fit sessions and approving fabrics. It’s so important to be reactive to the market so we are constantly researching the latest trends as well as competitor analysis. I work very closely with merchandising, design and tech as well as ecom and marketing to ensure every range is optimised.


What do you love most about working for Boux?

KM -The inclusivity of our brand – in our product and in our working environment. I love that everyone has a voice, no matter how small.


Tips for aspiring buyers?

OB - Intern, stay on the ball, keep updated with the news (fashion related and non) and don’t give up! If you are 100% sure you want this to be your career path, you will make mistakes and learn from them. Be patient, kind and loving to yourself, and you will get there.