How To Wear Color

Last weekend we had our Cartise trunk show, which means “color” in French. It made me think about color and its effect on our spring fashion choices. Wow – so many choices!

Look on the bright side. You will find bold blouses, bright colored pants, and soft pastel shorts. Find a dress for spring in color blocks. Red and black is an elegant way to wear the trend. Coral is an easy color for almost everyone.

Finish off your spring color bonanza with red: Bright, cheerful, styling RED!

Spring Market Highlights

I spent the last few weeks off and on in NYC at so many markets. The weather has been what I call “sprinter” – winter and spring combined. The good weather sure made my final spring buying trips much more fun.

The spring Intermezzo Show is a smaller, edgier show that I love. The next week I shopped the accessories show, a large three day event showing bags, jewelry, and scarves (which are still a very big accessory item, by the way). Then, I finished with the gift show and the Atlanta market. Whew! I am so happy to be back at Bella.

Here are some highlights from those shows.

TOP 5 TRENDS FOR THE MODERN WOMAN:

COLOR – More than ever. Color block, neon, and true shocking, bright, vivid color. This designer trend screams spring in Florida.

WHITE – White and more white. White pants paired with navy, white on white with a touch of bright color, white dresses, white linen. Clean fresh white. Again, the designers must be thinking of us in Florida.

NAVY – Finally navy can shine. There are even good navy shoes! Pair with chartreuse.

ITALIAN TYPE PRINTS – these colorful prints look like Versace. Very old Europe.

ACCESSORIES – Two key pieces: First, large playful watches at every price point. This trend has been here for a year, but is stronger because of the neon and bright color palette. Second, fun and easy jewelry – enamel bracelets and earrings, bangles with sparkles. This look pairs perfectly with the above trends. Delightful!

Enjoy spring. It never looked so good!

Modern Glamour

One of the best things about being an owner of a specialty store is finding new designers. Sometimes they are just breaking out. For the next two days, Marty Alterman will be in our store and she is just that.

Her collection is geared for the woman on the go – going to the gym, the carpool, then on to a black tie event. Do it all using her pieces, all washable and perfect for travel. Sounds not really possible? That is exactly why I love finding a new inspiring designer.

You have to see the collection and see Marty put it together. Words just can’t do it!

7 Things You Need But Don’t Own

1. Bright neon scarf

2. Color block sandals

3. Statement dress – totally different from anything you ever owned

4. One big chunky piece of bright jewelry

5. Colored jeans

6. Striped top or dress – Stripes are in!

7. Shorts in a primary color, i.e. red or royal blue

Say Cheese!

I often hear women say, “I hate to have my photo taken.”

Well, years ago I got some photo tips. I think they have helped me, so I will share them with you.

 

1. Smile like you mean it. Think of something funny or something that you really love to think about. Then, put the tip of your tongue behind your top teeth as you smile. It will keep the double chin look to a minimum.

 

 

 

2. Breathe out as the photo is taken, relaxing you. It will show on your face.

 

 

 

 

3. Stand to a slight angle; never rest your arms against your body. Angle them back, bring your legs together and break your knee slightly. Hands should be around your hips to minimize that part of your body.

 

 

And finally, take off your name tag and please put down your drink.

A Perfect Pair

How do you find the perfect pair of pants?

Well, it is really easier than you think. First of all, give yourself some time in the dressing room. Then keep these points in mind:

Classic trousers – Hips should be your first consideration. Classic pants should just skim, not cling.

Cropped pants – Still and always in style. Heels are the way to keep this style from making your legs look shorter. Petites should hem this style of pants to just below mid calf and skip the cuffed versions.

Wide leg pants – I think this is a great style for curvy girls. Full legs create balance to hips and behind. Petite ladies want to stay away from this pant. Too much volume.

Skinny – Still the rage. They can be very elegant, or be very easy and casually glamorous. Pair with a slouching larger top, and anyone can pull this look off.

Things To Love About December – #5

This may be my top reason to love December. Music.

Joyous music filling our cars, our stores, and our homes. Celebrating friendships, stopping to sing aloud. Yes, December is different.

Things To Love About December – #4

Stolen moments:

In December, moments are more precious. Maybe we should measure every month like we do during the holidays.

We spent the weekend at a hunting lodge in the hill country of Texas for a family wedding.

Ahh…A memory, a moment, finding peace in a busy world.

Things To Love About December – #3

Bewitching things…the very special little details people do this time of year.

This is a butter snowman. Really! Butter! What on earth could be better?

Finding more happiness each day is easier in December.

Things To Love About December – #2

If you could, would you take all the work out of Christmas? Would you want to have everything done for you? No, my guess is that you would not.

To me, some of the season’s joys are the things we call work.

I spend time alone decorating, pulling out the ornaments that have special meaning from past holidays, seeing the tree become a beautiful part of our home.

When the days seem too full, when I am over committed, I remember I love this time of year. Pay attention and enjoy the moment.