We KIWI girls have been obsessing over the recent series on Channel 4 starring Mary Portas called 'Mary Portas: Secret Shopper'.

If you haven't seen the show before then it's about how expert Mary Portas goes to run-down business' or business' who aren't giving good customer service and helps them turn everything around and improve their ways including their attitude to the business and to their customers.

An episode that particularly caught our interest was the third episode where Mary helped a young boutique owner who had a very mixed target demographic (a target demographic is the type of customer you'd like to reach) , was displeased with the way her business was going and was very rude to customers (e.g shouting 'no refunds!' at one customer and practically calling another an idiot). Mary helped her with her target demographic, making it suitable for young women, and she also was very polite and friendly to her customers in the end.

Us KIWI girls pride ourselves on giving good customer service and we've decided to make a list of the things that we hope you'd expect when visiting us at either our Guisborough or Yarm shop.

1. Service with a smile - we're a pretty friendly bunch already but we hope that impression comes across to our customers too!

2. Inquiries - if a customer inquires about a certain item we will always try to help them as much as we can.

3. The customer is always right - pretty self explanatory but it's very true

4. The shop floor is never empty - there will always be at least one person on the shop floor offering a helping hand

5. Politeness - we won't say things in a rude tone or manor to you and will always be polite when explaining policies, about products etc.

We've had many good reviews on both of our Facebook pages complimenting us on our customer service (which put big cheesy smiles on our faces!) so we hope if you shop/have shopped with us that you have the same experience and enjoy your visit too.

Do you think we've missed anything in our list? What do you think makes good customer service? And what did you think of the Mary Portas series if you've caught an episode so far?

We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments :)

Kiwi x

If you like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram (Links in the 'About Us' tab) then you will know that we have had a brand new batch of Pretty Little Doll bracelets! Pretty Little Doll is a brand that we have stocked before, the bracelets and rings are always fast sellers.

Here's a few pictures of the PLD Jewellery just incase you haven't seen them yet:

All that seems to be on everyone's minds today is the BRITS. We at Kiwi loved the BRITS last night for many different reasons.

For one, the BRITS is always a great awards show that many people look forward to watching every year.

Secondly, celebrity fails are ALWAYS good entertainment. Whether that's the 'selfie queen' herself Kim Kardashian failing to take a selfie after pressing the lock button instead of actually taking the picture (really?) or Madonna stealing the show with her spectacularly tragic fall when being dragged down some stairs by her own cape and still managing to get back up and carry on like the true performer she is (we know we shouldn't laugh but she says she's ok and let's face it, it was pretty hilarious).

But Lastly, without a doubt one of our fave things about the BRITS is the red carpet fashion, and we're going to show you just a few of our picks for best dressed celebs from the BRITS 2015.



Taylor Swift is well known for her simple styles but rocking them well and she proves just that in this black dress with a touch of red detailing. Her style is simplistic yet classy and we love that she doesn't even need much jewelry to make the outfit stand out or look completed. Amazing.



Pairing some tailored trousers and shirt with a pair of heels and a hat, Cara Delevingne takes cool to a whole new level!



Little Mix seriously stand by the statement of girl bands bringing girl power. Even though they all look absolutely fab separately, them holding hands but still leaving enough room to show themselves off just combines their power into one. And even though they all are absolutely nailing it, we have to say that Leigh and Jade (on the right) have our fave looks out of the group!



Although, similar to T-Swift, this is a very simple look that presenter Caroline Flack has gone for but we are loving it! It even has a bit of a punk look to it with the leather look material and the bold smokey eyes?



Fearne Cotton is a bit like marmite in the sense that her fashion sense isn't always some people's cup of tea, but we think she absolutely nailed it last night in this cute as heck dress and statement gold heels. (Not to mention her hair and make up, just yes Fearne!)

So those are our fave looks from last night, but what about you? Who's style were you loving? We'd love to hear in the comments!

Kiwi x


Disclaimer: We do not own any of the pictures used in this post, all rights go to their original owners.

Here at KIWI we've seen that a sure to be trend this year is hats. It is a trend that is already starting to emerge, especially floppy hats and fedoras.

Floppy hats this season are already an obvious fave between popular celebs including Vanessa Hudgens, Blake Lively, Hilary Duff and Lucy Hale, as seen below.

Have you ever felt like you just want to do something different with your hair and vamp it up a bit but have no idea where to start or feel like you don't have enough time on a morning to make the effort? Well the answer is simple and that answer is plaits (aka braids).

Plaits can be used in so many different ways and they are so good for a quick and easy fix for a more exciting hairstyle. Here are just a few ways you can use plaits:

1. Fishtail Braid

The Fishtail braid may seem a bit daunting at first glance but once you know how to do it, it's just as easy as a normal plait and it's a bit more edgier than just your everyday schoolgirl plaits. All you have to do is split your hair in to 2 sections, then take a small sections from one side and bring it over to the opposite side, then repeat from the other side, and so on and so on.

Here's a tutorial to show you how to do a standard Fishtail Braid - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyZkowmdZv8 and here is another tutorial on how to achieve a more texturized fishtail braid - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa3miI0DF7w

2. Milkmaid braid

This particular hairstyle was definitely a trend of summer 2014 but it's still a cute and easy up do for those days where you want your hair out of the way but you still want it to look like you've made a little bit of effort! It was also a favourite with popular Youtube star Zoella, here is her tutorial on how she creates the style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABbUI8R_tPk

3. Braid Halo

This hairstyle is definitely one for all you girls with longer hair but it's super cute and is good for pushing back your hair from the front of your face but still having your hair mostly down. This style is also a popular one with Zoella and she's done a tutorial for this one too here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf82HzwSK2s

4. 'Serena' Braid

I don't think this style has a name but I'm going to call it the Serena braid as it is a popular hairstyle seen on Serena Van Der Woodsen, one of the main characters in Gossip Girl. As you can see in the picture above this braid is simply done by grouping a random section of your hair back and plaiting it. It's simple, but unique and stylish. (Plus, if you're a Gossip Girl fan, everybody wants to look like Serena, right?)

5. High Pony Braid

This hairstyle is perfect for an everyday or glam look! All it is, is a high ponytail turned into a braid, and you can pull it out and roughen it up a bit to make it look a bit edgier! Here's a tutorial on how to recreate this look here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uJ4_Pc02FQ

5. French Braid

A French braid is always a classic and although it's a bit difficult to do it yourself (and do it well), once you get the hang of it it's a great up-do!

TIP: It's fab if you sleep with your hair in a French Braid as when you take it out the next morning you are left with beachy waves that are full of volume!

A French braid is just a normal plait and then you gradually add small sections into it, here's a tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yDEqP6FsQs


These are just a few hairstyles that you can do including plaits/braids. If you LOVE any these hairstyles and/or are planning on recreating them then we'd love to hear about it in the comments! :)

Kiwi x

1. Shoes

God knows us women love a good pair of shoes! And the great thing about shoes as gifts is that (as long as you know the right size) you can't really go wrong as our shoes size won't change.

2. Flowers

Going down the stereotypical route, there isn't much room to go wrong with a lovely bunch of flowers. To make it more special and personal, you can also find out their favorite kind of flowers.

3. Chocolates

Following further down that stereotypical route, you can also never go wrong with a big box of chocolates! (Unless, you know, your loved one is allergic or doesn't like chocolate or something, then that'd probably be a bad idea)

4. Jewellery

If you're wanting to splash out a little bit and treat that special someone this Valentine's day then Jewellery is always a good option, whether that's a necklace for your lady or a watch for your man! (Plus, you know what they say, diamonds are a girls best friend!)

5. Perfume/Aftershave

Perfume or Aftershave is also a pretty good (safe!) option, especially if you know your partner's favourite as that will make it a bit more personal and you know they will love it.

6. Handbag

We here at KIWI think that you can never have too many handbags, they are always handy and a great accessory to add to any outfit.


If you are near any of our shops on Guisborough or Yarm then here are some ideas we think would make fab Valentine's gifts: