Posts Tagged ‘Spring 2010’

Spring’s (Scary) Stark White

February 8th, 2010

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Black Halo Paris Sheath

Black Halo Paris Sheath

I spent last week unpacking the spring orders at my boutique.
It’s generally a happy occasion when I remember, “oh yes, I ordered that. “
But then every so often – and any buyer should admit to this – there will be an “uh, I hope people like this” moment. Which is what I thought when I opened this season’s version of white.

I’m not talking just white or bright white.
I’m talking put-down-the-teeth-whitener-you-are-glowing white.

Is it practical? Will people embrace it?
Will people buy it??

I did a couple of pairing tests.
One of my favorite looks is crisp white against browns or tans. The very stark white of this spring looks uneven against earth tones. This shade of white will pair best with blacks, primaries and metallics.

And with the primaries, this spring’s white is strongest with graphics prints. Florals looked unnatural when paired with the unrealistic white. A more subtle white – one that might actually be found in nature – would pair much better. The metallics however, look fantastic with this shade.

Piazza Sempione Sheath

Piazza Sempione Sheath

Burberry Hooded Jacket

Burberry Hooded Jacket


Marc Jacobs Satchel

Marc Jacobs Satchel


Maybe it when it warms up
someday (a gal can dream), it won’t seem so dramatic.

A few years ago, I felt the same way when I opened a box full of bright orange bags. My initial reaction was “are these meant to be caution cones?”
It took a day or so, but I fell in love with that color.
And that color turned out to be my biggest seller – ever.

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One Pair Fits All

January 6th, 2010

Do you have a great pair of sandals that you wished you had in every color?
Chicago’s Annie Mohaupt has solved your problem without draining the bank account: Mohop Shoes.

Annie Mohaupt

Annie Mohaupt

Made in Annie’s Logan Suqare studio, the Mohop Shoe (aka., Infinity Sandal) is a wooden wedge platform that you wear with whatever ribbon makes you smile. And since the wooden wedge is both a major trend for the spring and environmentally friendly, this is the shoe to have.

Each shoe comes with 5 ribbons (you select the palette) and you change it up to suit your fashion needs. You can also let your imagination go wild – buy your own ribbons, add other pieces (I’m thinking vintage costume jewelry), whatever strikes you. The Mohop website has a ribbon-how-to page for inspiration if you get stuck. Last summer Mohop even had a Facebook contest on tying Mohops – I’m convinced this is because Annie wants you to have as much fun with your shoes as she does.

Beyond the fashion, the shoes are amazing. Since Annie is an architect turned shoe designer, when someone says Mohop shoes are architectural, they really are. Being a builder, Annie figured out a design (patent-pending) to let the ribbons be changed easily, to let the ribbons give when they need to give (eliminating blisters), and to provide support for the entire foot.
So many options

So many options

How to order:
Choose Height
Low – about 1”
Mid – about 2.5”
High – just under 4”

Choose Wood
Maple
Cherry
Walnut

Then choose toe shape, size, and select your 5 ribbon set.
There is also a limited selection of Mohop sample shoes available on Mohop’s esty.com page.

I just ordered the mid-heel cherry, Maryam with the neutral ribbons, can’t wait!

www.Mohop.com
www.etsy.com/shop/mohop

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Make the Most of Sales Season

December 16th, 2009

We are well in to sales season and indications are that major retailers will be going deeper on markdowns this weekend. When the deals heat up, it’s easy to get excited and buy things that we may question later. So from a boutique owner’s perspective, I’m going to share what to look for in the sales section.

Tory Burch Spring 2010 Photo by Peter Stigter

Tory Burch Spring 2010 Show Photo by Peter Stigter

First spend some time in the new arrivals section. What do you like there? Then go to the sale section and try to find something similar. Often the best items have been updated from last season. You may be able to find something very similar at half the cost.

Then think about colors that will be significant for the spring. Equestrian is an emerging trend for spring while unusual shades of brown – cognac, sandal, saddle – were a growing trend for this past fall. Any items in these browns from the fall collections will be marked down but will go nicely with the resort and spring collections just arriving in stores. That makes something in a tan or saddle brown a pretty good buy.

Derek Lam Spring 2010

Derek Lam Spring 2010

Blues are one of the best places to score a great deal right now. Navy was a strong color for the winter and blue is remaining a core color for the spring. The shade of blue for spring is slightly lighter, but the navy will still work nicely.

Another major spring trend is desert inspired colors. Think of anything that reminds you of the desert – turquoise, the colors on a coral snake, or the hues of a desert sunset. If I were to see something on sale in any color of the desert, I would take a closer look at it.

There will always be things on sale that we buy just because we love them. The dress you waited for to be marked down, or the random funky piece that just spoke to you will always be worth it. But if you are looking to do some major sale purchasing a little homework is in order.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous sales season!

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