Tis the Season for a Holiday Party

Good friends step in when they know you need help.  And my dear friends Sally and Jamie of The Style Lobby noticed that Zoe's blog was, well, not very bloggy lately.  When they asked if I'd like for them to do a guest post for me, I think I said "Yes" before they even finished the question!  Jamie styled some of Zoe's favorite holiday pieces and Sally applied her excellent photography skills.  I may turn over Zoe's blog to them full time! :)  Read on:

It’s nearly that time of year again. I love the excitement of upcoming holiday parties, but I’m usually longing for a night at home by the fire place by mid-December. Part of the stress comes from uncertainty over what to wear, so it helps if I have a few pieces in my wardrobe to make at least that part easy.

A few years ago, I had a friend who was invited to the White House Christmas Party. She was looking for something to wear, but any of the more formal dresses I could loan her were sleeveless, and she needed something with sleeves for the party.  (Knowing Mrs. Obama’s penchant for baring her buff arms, I wonder if that restriction went out with the previous administration.)  This Renee Arnez dress would fit the bill perfectly—completely covered up but still alluring and beautiful. Better than that, it was on the sale rack! (I’m not entirely sure it will still be on the sale rack, I’m thinking I might need to own this one!)  Even though it’s a fairly simple black dress, I feel like the drape of this piece is the true statement, so a small, sparkly pair of John Wind earrings was really the only accessory it needed.

Sadly, I don’t have an event requiring a floor length gown, so even though I might need this beautiful sale rack find in my closet, it’s not going to meet my holiday party needs.  I tend to choose something more versatile when I’m holiday party shopping.  While it’s totally appropriate for the office, this red Trina Turk dress has enough presence to be a standout after hours, too.  A golden Alexandra Satine clutch takes it from professional to party, and a bracelet, also from Trina Turk, and a pair of ADMK earrings add just enough sparkle.

While the red dress is a versatile party piece for someone who works in a corporate environment, I usually choose to go with separates that I can use in my (not so corporate) everyday life.  These black rosette jeans from Red Engine are a staple piece with a little added flair, and I am in love with this aubergine blouse from Rebecca Taylor.  I have a feeling that I’d have to put this one on a schedule so that I didn’t wear it all the time!  Throwing on this furry blazer from Velvet makes the outfit extra special. Finished off with some more ADMK earrings and a deep lip gloss from Haughty, I’m ready to head to the party.

A Grown-Up Surprise

Oh, hey blog...long time no see!  I've been just a "little" busy lately but that doesn't mean that I don't think of you (and feel guilty) every day.

In thinking about this blog post I realized that, as a grown up, I don't have very many good surprises.  Bad surprises, yes.  They seem to pop up with regularity.  But no honest-to-goodness, I wasn't expecting that, how fantastic! surprises.  They are few and far between.  Until now.

There seem to be a plethora of sample boxes out there.  Birchbox.  Barkbox.  Julep.  Nature Box.  The list goes on and on.  But did any of them apply to me?  One day in August, I was reading blog entries from a great site called DC Ladies.  One of the writers mentioned the PopSugar Must Have Box and I was intrigued.  This looked like it had possibility!

I didn't want to go in too deeply without knowing if I would like it, so I signed up for a 3 month subscription.  They initially told me I wouldn't receive my first box until October but they had some subscriptions lapse in September so I was able to receive that box as my first of three.  And I was hooked.  Finally, I had something that would surprise (and delight) me!!

Jim has even gotten in on the excitement of seeing what has arrived for the month.  He informed me last week when I called home to say I was on my way that my October box had arrived and wondered out loud what was in it.  Here is how it looks when it arrives in the mail.

The anticipation was killing me...but I always open it slowly (to make the surprise even better)!

The pink pamphlet provides details on each item in the box.  And what an awesome box it was!  Imagine my delight when I saw the Jane Tran bobby pins like we carry at Zoe (love some hair jewelry!)

Each box normally has some kind of food, some cosmetics, a book (I know, like I need more books), and other fashionable things.  I was doubly excited when I found that they had included the SAME HAIRBRUSH that we featured on Alexandria Stylebook from Bellacara!  Talk about being on trend - the ladies of Stylebook know what we are talking about! (Make sure to sign up for our email list here!)

We all need a little (good) surprise in our lives from time to time!

The Double Standard

I've heard it all my life - "No white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day."  After doing a little research, I ran across this explanation for the oft-repeated fashion rule from the blog Stylitics.com:

"[The rule] comes from a time when “summer” was still a verb and the elite class would leave the city at the start of the season, vacation wardrobe in tow, and return only post-Labor day to the drab suits of the urban working class.  By the mid-20th century, the “no white after Labor Day” rule had become a hard and fast way to draw class lines and educate the “nouveau riche” on the prevailing etiquette of the time."

I'll confess - I have a double standard when it comes to the "wearing white" rule!  You can find me wearing it as early as possible in the Springtime (I may have even been known to wear it in early April!)  Yet these last few weeks of August have found me squeezing in every opportunity to wear white slacks and white jeans.  It is as if I'm preparing to say good-bye to a dear friend!  

I'm apparently not alone.  The blog goes on to show a graphic (from Style.com) that indicates the "wearing white" habits of their fashionable readers.  The results may surprise you.

How do you approach wearing white?  A rule follower?  Or a rule breaker?  (or like me, a rule "bender"?)

College Fashion

Yesterday, my Twitter Feed and Facebook News Feed were full of college move-in pictures.  It brought me back to that day many years ago (notice I'm not saying HOW many years ago) that I moved into my dorm room in Barrett Hall at The College of William and Mary.  The next several days were a whirlwind - getting to know your roommate and hall mates, registering for classes, finding your way around, deciding if you wanted to rush a sorority.  And, of course, deciding what you wanted to wear to your first official day of classes as a college student!

Of course, we all felt quite grown up (or we pretended to be, anyway).  A few weeks into our tenure, as a group of us were walking back to the dorm from the dining hall, some upperclassmen fell in with us and started talking to us.  "You're Freshman, aren't you?", they said.  "Uh, yes," we replied.  "How could you tell?"  Laughing, they said to us "Well, first off, you all carry purses.  No one carries purses beyond the first month of their freshman year.  And you actually look as if you care about what you are wearing.  You'll be in sweatpants and sweatshirts within a couple months."

Our bubble burst, we considered their words.  We WERE all carrying purses.  (I was carrying this one. And yes, I had multiple covers that could be interchanged).  And we weren't wearing sweats.  I'm not kidding, I think we all ditched our purses that very evening.

We were not your typical Southern Football School.  We didn't dress up for football games.  I once had a date to a UVA game where I dressed to the nines, including a hat.  But a W&M Football game found us in shorts and t-shirts.  What I see on the UGA campus when I attend games in Athens looks like a fashion show!  

I often wonder, how do Freshmen women (and college women in general) dress on campus?  And can you pick out a Freshman girl from the way she dresses?  And is it regional?  Do women dress differently in different parts of the country?

Can Smart Women Be Beautiful?

As a female technology professional, I am often asked my opinion on well-known women in the field.  This can vary from my thoughts on Sheryl Sandberg's book "Lean In" to the decisions made by Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer.  Recently, Mayer ignited a firestorm by posing for Vogue.  Here is her picture:

The woman who sparked heated conversations on her two-week maternity leave and her decision to end the "work at home" policy at Yahoo was at the center of controversy again.  Because she chose to pose for Vogue Magazine.

I'm not going to talk about my thoughts regarding being a female in a male-dominated field.  Ask me to coffee and I'll be happy to share at length my thoughts (and it may surprise you, but many of them are positive).  But as I read some of the commentary around this photo, I thought to myself "Would I do it?"

1)  Would I wear the shoes?  Yes
2)  Would I wear the dress? Yes
3)  Would I pose for Vogue if ever asked? Yes, in a heart beat (although I would be horribly nervous!)
4)  Is it wrong for a smart woman to love and care about fashion and style and want to embrace that side of herself? No

I am in the unique position of living in both worlds.  And some of the comments from this CNN article (here) frankly amazed me.    I make decisions and distinctions every day to keep my worlds separate.  But I don't every lose my sense of self in the process.  And if Vogue came calling, I would definitely answer the phone!

What are your thoughts?  Was this appropriate?  Or not?

I Don't Own Yoga Pants

Well, until now.  I do own yoga pants...I think - I'm still questioning it.  But let me explain.

I've wanted to get back to some type of structured exercise for some time.  And I had heard a great deal about The Barre Code, located in the Del Ray area of Alexandria.  One Sunday afternoon, I stopped in and met the owner, Amy, and was impressed by her and the facilities.  So last Sunday night, I decided to take the plunge and buy a 10 lesson package, figuring I could determine in that amount of time if it was for me or not.

Determined to jump right in, I registered for my first class on Monday evening.  Womp Womp.  I was wait listed!  On Monday, thinking that it was a possibility that I might make it off the wait list, I grabbed the first few items I saw in my "exercise clothing" drawer and headed out the door.

A quick check of my email just after 5 pm revealed that I had made it off the wait list and into that evening class.  And it started at 6:30.  Time to jump in the car and take off like a mad woman for Alexandria!  I made it in time to change into the clothes I brought with me....and then I realized I had a problem.  The bottoms were ok - Nike tights that I used for other exercise classes and running.  But the tops.  Oh, the tops.  I had a pink sport bra and what turned out to be a red tank top that was actually a pajama top.  Made even worse that it was a Christmas pajama top with two reindeer kissing on it.  (And lets not talk about the fact that I had brought no shoes to change into - rather than going out into the parking lot in my high heels, I chose to put on socks).

Note 1:  Whenever I am with someone and we see someone who is wearing ill-fitting or unmatching exercise gear and the person I am with makes a derogatory comment, I always say "Well, at least he/she is trying!!"  When I looked at myself in the mirror in class that night, I just had to say "Well, at least you are trying!"  (And hope that my classmates were saying the same thing).

Note 2:  When I told both Tara and Alexandra about this, they were both ashamed of my fashion disaster.  I promised them it would not happen again.

Pressed for time, I did not get the chance to check any of the local stores for the appropriate exercise wear.  I found myself in a Lululemon.  Kind of like a craft store, I felt like an impostor.  But I took a deep breath, tried on a couple items, and left with a top and pants that seemed appropriate.  And I said to myself "Did I just buy yoga pants?"  I checked their online store - my top is definitely a yoga top.  I think the pants could qualify as running pants.  That's what I'm telling myself anyway.  (Not that there is anything wrong with yoga pants.  I just never pictured myself wearing any.  As I always say "Never Say Never")

I looked much more stylish in my Friday class.  By the way, I do love it and really recommend it if you are looking for a great, challenging workout in the Alexandria area.  But, as always, it made me think.  Why couldn't I easily find workout clothing in a local store?  Where could I find it?

I have taken steps to get approved as a reseller of exercise clothing for three different lines.  I'll pick one to see if I can satisfy an unmet need for my customers and women in Alexandria.  And try to make sure I don't go to class as a fashion disaster anymore!

What Kind of Shopper Are You?

Some of you may remember when magazines had quizzes.  Your answers to these 10 questions might tell you anything from what type of prom dress you should buy to the type of man who was your ideal mate to the sort of home you prefer.  They were affirming and, even more so, entertaining.

If I were to write one of these quizzes, I would write one to ask "What kind of shopper are you?"  My first question would be "Who do you prefer to go shopping with?"

As you can imagine, I have the opportunity to observe lots of different shopping styles.  And while shopping is intensely personal and each person approaches it in her own unique way, there are some trends.

1) With a partner or friend - This is probably about 45% of our shoppers.  Spouses, a significant other, a good friend, a co-worker, or even a son/daughter!  This shopper is then split again by those who value the opinions of the person with them and those who are secretly wishing the other half of their party would go on down the street to Ben & Jerry's!

2) On her own - We probably have another 45% fit this category.  She might be enjoying a leisurely hour to herself, be on a mission for a special piece, or simply prefer her own feedback to someone else's.  I must confess that I am this type of shopper.  If I feel comfortable with the salesperson, I might interact with her and discuss possibilities regarding shoes or accessories but if not, I will keep to myself.  That's why we like to give each customer their "space" at Zoe.  If we feel you'd like interaction, we love to work with you.  If not, we understand that you'd like to browse or try on in peace!

3) With a group of friends - If I had to guess, I'd say our remaining 10% falls into this category.  In some cases, everyone is trying things on and modeling for each other and in others, maybe 2 or 3 are shopping seriously while the others are providing moral support and opinions! Shopping is a social activity and they consider it a great day out with friends.

What kind of shopper are you? And why?

5 Days, 5 Outfits

Today was the final day of work for a dear friend and valued co-worker at my day job.  People showed their love and appreciation for her in a variety of ways, including gifts of all types.  But being so fashion and style focused, I just had to share my favorite gift with you!

A self-confessed tomboy who nonetheless loves pretty clothes, my friend has always said she struggles to put together the right combination of clothing and accessories for work.  In order to start her off in her new job in style, three friends got together and outfitted her with clothing and accessories to cover the first 5 days in her new job (plus a bonus outfit to wear to go out with her husband next Friday night to celebrate a successful week at her new company!)

Each day's outfit was wrapped with care in tissue paper, tied with ribbon, and included a card outlining how it could be worn "as is" or combined with other things in her wardrobe!  Included in each day's package were outfit appropriate earrings and accessories!  She may have a lot of things on her mind as she adjusts to a new commute and a new work environment next week, but she won't have to worry about what to wear!

It really made me think about gift giving in a different way.  We all notice what our friends wear - why not give them something to accent that great skirt or pair of jeans?  And tell them you were thinking of that favorite piece in their wardrobe when you purchased it!  

When The Boss Sets The Style

In last Thursday's Wall Street Journal, there was an article discussing CEO's setting fashion trends for employees.  There was even a bullet point list outlining ways to "Translate Boss Style".  Pictured below, Amy Barton, women's senior editor at online retailer Gilt, says she mixes formal and more-casual items, emulating women's editorial director Tracey Lomrantz Lester - who says her snakeskin Christian Louboutins are her "go-to work shoe.". (Yes, they would probably be my go-to work shoe if I owned them too!)

It started me thinking where I've looked for work style in my career.  My first style icon was my Mom.  Not only did I get to shop the local boutiques with her as a little girl, but I got to see how she dressed for work every day.  When I was in Junior High, the school was within walking distance of where my parents worked.  It was always such a treat to walk there after practice or an event and ride home with them.  My first stop would be to see my Mom (to check in and see what she was wearing, since she often wasn't dressed for work when she sent us off to school) and then park myself in my Dad's office to do homework until it was time to go home.  Mom was always crisp, professional, and on point.  Never do I remember anything about her wardrobe being any less than perfect.

Unfortunately, my career choices didn't always provide many female icons to emulate.  In fact, as I prepared to write this blog post, I could only think of one female boss (outside of a part time retail job I had in my later twenties to supplement my clothing budget) that I've had in my entire career.  The fields of lobbying, manufacturing, and technology don't typically lend themselves to female leaders!

But trust me, I always looked.  I looked at the women who had been a success, even if they were in other areas of the company.  I was once told "Dress for the job you want.  Not the job you have."  I took it to heart.  I occasionally found "fashion mentors".  My style grew and changed over the years as I matured and got to know myself better.

The article does stress that "...while taking cues from the boss, it is important to maintain a distinct individual style."  I believe that is true of any field.  But my favorite quote was this one - "You never have to apologize for dressing up." (Chip Swearngan - First Data Corp)

Who are your style icons?

The Meaning of It

So sorry to disappoint you.  Not a post of The Meaning of .....Life.  I'll save that for another day!

Today's post is going a little further on Monday's post about jewelry.  As I mentioned, I really am an observer of what people wear.  And I have several friends who I have never seen without a particular piece of jewelry, even if they have it layered/combined with something else.  I was brave enough to ask them about the meaning of their pieces.  I love their stories.

One of my friends always wears the most beautiful, delicate necklace.  When I asked her about it, she told me that, when she was a teenager, her mother bought her the single diamond from Tiffany's (her mother also had one).  She loved it and its simplicity so much that about 20 years ago, she bought the one she has now and has never taken it off (with the exception of having to have a recent repair to the chain after pulling on it a bit too hard).  The single diamond Tiffany necklace is pictured below - beautiful, isn't it?

And it layers so nicely with pretty much any other necklace she chooses!

Another of my friends always wears a heart pendant.  When asked about it, she told me that her husband (boyfriend at the time) had given it to her as one of the first gifts in their relationship and she has only taken it off during surgery.  It is another classic, timeless piece that looks beautiful with everything.

And another friend always wears a Ruby ring.  When I asked her about the origin of this ring, she told me that it had been her grandmother's ring and from the moment it was given to her, she has always worn it - over 20 years!  Looking at it brings back fond memories of the woman who had worn the ring before her.  The ring she wears looks like this one.

I admit it - I am such a sentimentalist.  I love these stories.  And I love to imagine the possibility that people who shop at Zoe are finding "that piece" that will be something they wear for 20 years too.  I also love the fact that none of these pieces are "fad" pieces - they truly are classics. 

Do you have a piece of jewelry that you love to wear?  Tell me about it and it's meaning!

Accessorize Me

I have been thinking a lot about accessories lately.  And observing what people wear.  And I realize that we mostly fall into three categories:  1) Creatures of habit/meaning, 2) Neutral lovers and 3) Mix and Match.  Sometimes we cross categories but we can pretty much predict where we fall on any given day.

I will tell you that I really want to be a Mix and Match girl.  But I'm pretty much a blend of Creature of Habit/Neutral lover.  So what do I wear on a daily basis?

I still wear a watch.  Jim gave me a beautiful art deco watch about 10 years ago and I don't go without it.  The one pictured above is very close to mine.  I recently read a popular blogger's post on Instagram that questioned why anyone would wear a watch except as a fashion statement.  I do still look at mine to tell time! And I don't feel fully dressed without it!

You'll pretty much always see me wearing my Chan Luu Hematite Wrap Bracelet on my right wrist.  It was the first thing that I appropriated for myself at Zoe so that I could show customers how it looks and works.  I even had to have it repaired after a year and half of constant wear (remember this post?)  Although I like to wear other bracelets sometimes, I always feel a bit lost when I'm not wearing it.  (Like I'm cheating on it!)

A recent addition to my wrist is this beautiful hematite cross bracelet from my Union Street neighbor Mystique Jewelers.  The owner, Liz, had always admired my Chan Luu and told me about the cross bracelet when it arrived.  The hematite, along with the black CZ in the cross, is the perfect compliment to my wrist!

As far as rings go, I always wear my engagement and wedding rings along with a Tanzanite and Diamond ring that I purchased as a gift for myself at Ajanta Jewelers in the Virgin Islands (similar to the one above except I have an Emerald cut for the Tanzanite stone).  Whenever I look at it, I am transported back to a wonderful vacation.

I get a little more adventuresome when it comes to earrings and necklaces but I gravitate toward Zoe's designers Katie Bartels and ADMK Jewelry.  But I tend more toward neutrals and things that I can mix and match with lots of other colors.

Where would you categorize yourself?  And why?  More on accessories later this week...

I'm Too Old To Wear That

Have you ever heard anyone say that?  Have you ever said that yourself?  If you've ever felt that way, did you know that with a few enhancements, you can change the look of almost any piece to be what you feel is age appropriate?

Yesterday, Tara had a customer admire our Contrarian Swanny Sheath Dress (which I absolutely adore)!

But she said "Oh, I think I'm too old to wear that."  Upon finding out she is a Middle School Teacher, Tara suggested that she could buy it for the classroom, toss a cardigan over it and wear it over leggings as a tunic!  The customer loved the idea!

See something you like but are wondering if you can pull it off?  Let us help you!  And never say "I'm too old to wear that" again.

P.S.  We style ladies from their teens to their 80s.  You are never too young or old to shop at Zoe!

Rushing The Seasons

Why are we always in a hurry for the next new, exciting thing?  Why can't we just enjoy and savor the season we are in?  But it is human nature.  Always looking for new, interesting, better.

In past seasons, I have tired of the current season at Zoe.  The colors and styles that I was so in love with when they arrived reach a point of "Oh, I'm so ready to be done with those pieces - they need to find a home."   I will say that this Spring and Summer, I have remained enamored with the beautiful colors and styles.  The designers truly outdid themselves.

But now the Fall pieces are starting to arrive.  (Let's not discuss the lunacy of Fall clothing arriving in July - that's a whole other blog post).  And I look at them and I start to imagine the crisp Fall Saturday afternoons.  The purple and red top with dark denim.  That amazingly cozy sweater with the leather belt.  And, although it goes against everything in my nature, I long for Fall.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Whenever I do something new (or something I haven't done in a long time), one of the first things I think about is "What should I wear?"  On Sunday, I was preparing to go to my first Nationals game since baseball returned to Washington.  (I know, shameful that it has taken me this long to go.  I've been kind of busy.)  I most recently went to a baseball game (Mariners) in 2005 in Seattle when I worked there.  So it has been a while.

I used to worry solely about the fashion aspect whenever I went anywhere.  Sporting events included.  My thinking got changed slightly when I was angsting about what to wear to a college football game in the late 90s.  One of my male family members (who shall remain nameless) said "Sue, It's a football game, not a fashion show."  Ouch.

But it did make me think....I can look nice but should make sure I'm comfortable.  And dressed appropriately for the weather.  So back to the Nationals.

1) I knew it was going to be hot (1:35 pm start).
2) I wasn't 100% sure of our seating arrangements - would we be in the sun?
3) I didn't already own any Nationals garb and wasn't going to spend money on any beforehand
4) I should at least attempt to dress in a color appropriate scheme (red or blue or white)

I started with the easy part - bottoms first.  I originally thought about wearing my white Red Engine Jeans but had to nix the idea of long pants in the heat.  My second choice was a pair of tan khaki Bermuda shorts.  That dilemma was solved.

But what to wear on top? I have a lot of Red, but much of it is either long sleeved (for UGA football games, naturally) or branded with a different Washington sports team (I have some Caps tops).  None of it seemed quite right.  So I went to one of my favorites - a lightweight, cotton Rebecca Taylor Top from last summer.  Layered over a thin Chan Luu cami, and I had the basics taken care of.  Pair it with Michael Kors Red flats from The Shoe Hive and a UGA Baseball cap, I was good to go.

The day was hot and the game was long but exciting!  It felt so good to be back at a baseball game again!  And I felt appropriately dressed!  My one regret?  Not having a Cincinnati Reds cap on when I met one of my childhood sports idols George Foster!

Fly Away

A friend's recent travels as well as my own last month were a stark reminder of just how horribly some people dress when they go to the airport!  Sometimes, it is so bad, you just want to shield your eyes.

My parents were of the generation that dressed up to fly.  My first flight (to Cincinnati at the age of 6), I was outfitted in my Sunday best.  There is even a home movie of us boarding the plane and then disembarking (things were a LOT different then.)  My Dad was really a personal YouTube.

Even as fashion norms have changed over the years, I've always tried to mix comfortable with professional.  It really is possible to look nice AND feel good at the same time (without resorting to wearing your pajamas and UGGs).

Some of my favorites:

An easy, draped cardigan.  (Yes, my summer sweater obsession continued).  This is the perfect layering piece.  Put it on when the plane or airport is over air conditioned.  Take it off when you reach your warm, sunny destination!

A flattering top can be paired with shorts, a skirt, jeans, or slacks.  The fit is structured but loose - you can look nice while still hoisting your carry-on bag up into the overhead bins!

I'm always a big fan of nice clothing that doesn't wrinkle.  And it can be hard to find!  But throw this Tencel jacket on over your favorite comfy tee or cami and you've got the best of all worlds.

A maxi dress can be a great travel staple.  Allows for easy movement (as you just might find yourself running through the airport to catch that connecting flight) as well as can be worn again out to dinner or to that evening beach cocktail soiree.  And such easy packing - they don't take up much room in your suitcase on the way back!

So don't be "that girl" that everyone is talking about in the airport (for all the wrong reasons)!

Warm Me Up

I love to be warm.  I was made for the hot, humid weather of DC.  But I wasn't made for air conditioning.  Let me explain.

I grew up in a house without air conditioning.  My parents built their house in 1960, the year they got married.  Air conditioning would have consisted of a window unit at that time (and that isn't something that they found necessary).  Plus, they lived in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,421 feet.  A summer day over 90 degrees was a once a year event.  Why have air conditioning?  When you don't have something, you don't miss it!

As I've gotten used to air conditioning in my adult life, I've gravitated toward spring and summer sweaters as great primary or layering pieces.  But I find that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for sweaters.

When I opened Zoe in Spring 2011, I had a selection of sweaters from one of my creative favorites, Lia Molly as well as sweaters from Laurie B.  They sold reasonably well.  The next Spring, Lia Molly had ceased large scale production and the selections from Laurie B were slower to sell.  Something was up - why weren't they selling? 

I had to reevaluate my product mix.  And bring in only six sweaters for Spring 2013 - three from Velvet, two from Graham and Spencer and one from Tracy Reese.  Most of the cardigans have done well but the others have not.  I was especially surprised this fun layering sweater from Velvet wasn't more popular.

It had the neon accent at the bottom, could be layered over many color combinations and worn with everything from jeans to a skirt to dress slacks.  So what did I miss?  What are your concerns with this sweater?  Help me make good buying decisions when I shop for Spring in September!

P.S.  Are you shopping your Independent Retailers this week?  Make sure to collect your experiences to share with me!

What is Pre-Fall?

Before I owned a store, I would have asked the same question.  It's hot.  Summer has just started.  What on earth are you talking about?

Another of my confessions...in my previous life, because I was always so busy with work, I usually did a major shopping trip about twice a year (typically Spring and Fall).  And I shopped whenever I traveled (always had to pick up a fun piece from a local boutique wherever I happened to be).  But I didn't particularly pay attention to "seasons".  I knew what I needed and when I could carve out time to shop and that drove my purchasing habits.

When I started shopping for Zoe, my second market visit introduced me to the concept of "Pre-Fall".  As I've researched the topic online, it really seemed to gain prominence as a "seasonlet" in the 2009/2010 timeframe.  As you know, there are two major seasons - Spring and Fall.  And we shop for our stores in the converse of those seasons (I bought for Spring 2013 in September of 2012 and I bought for Fall 2013 in Spring 2013).  The other Seasonlets (I love that word, by the way) are Resort, Summer, and Winter/Holiday.  I bought for Pre-Fall when I bought for Summer in January in NYC.

These seasonlets are much smaller collections that the large Spring/Fall collections.  Pre-Fall was created by designers to fill that period between Spring and Fall.  (Although personally, I still have a hard time thinking Fall clothes in our 100+ degree July days!)  Most Pre-Fall clothing is of lighter weight but tends toward the darker, richer colors of Fall.  And they can often be a preview into the direction the designer is going with their Fall collections. 

Not all of Zoe's designers create Pre-Fall collections.  The larger designers like Rebecca Taylor and Tracy Reese do as does Zoe's new designer (Pre-Fall arriving in July).  Some of my favorites from our recent Pre-Fall arrivals include:

I have seen this Rebecca Taylor dress on at least 3 body types and it looks STUNNING on each one.  I am in the process of re-ordering because this one is the one amazing dress you just have to try!

This Tracy Reese dress is a fun update on a classic look.  You can button up the sleeves or wear them long!  I confess I am coveting this dress.

Oh Rebecca Taylor - how I love your feminine creations.  This luxurious lace dress is not only gorgeous, but comfortable.  And a solid panel in the upper back adds an edgier twist to a classic.

This Tracy Reese lace front shift is a great weight - perfect for that late August, all through September weather!  And with football season coming, you know I have to start preparing for my Red and Black weekends!

Don't be afraid of Pre-Fall - embrace it!

I Love Skirts

If you've been to Zoe, you can tell I love skirts.  And it is so wonderful to have an outlet for the fun, feminine fashion statement that a skirt can be for you.  I have to confess that I spent much of my career life dressing very conservatively - tailored pantsuits (think Hillary Clinton), knee length skirts with matching jackets, monotone colors.  The skirts at Zoe are anything but!

I loved this Beth Bowley Retro Paisley Skirt so much that I had to get one for myself.  With all the different colors in the skirt, I'm able to pull out a different look depending on the shoes, jewelry, or top that I pair with it.  And it is just so comfortable!

If you don't yet know about Contrarian, you are missing out!  This former Alice & Olivia VP designs some of the best skirts in the business.  This 3 Pleat skirt has a thin navy pinstripe that can pair with almost any color.  And the lightweight cotton makes it perfect for the hot Southern summer.

I have to confess that I have an obsession with the orange/coral colors this season. And the Contrarian Willie Wide Pleat Skirt just feeds that obsession.  The combo of cotton/silk makes for an easy wearing, easy packing skirt that can be dressed up or down.  And its got such great movement - it makes you want to twirl!

You know I love Rebecca Taylor.  And this flare knit skirt is no exception.  An easy way to wear white, it can be paired with anything in your wardrobe.  We only have one left (Size XS) so I wouldn't wait if you would love to add this skirt to your closet!

As we think about Fall, more skirts are on the way.  I got this Rebecca Taylor leather skirt and jacket for myself.  Would you wear it?

It may be the only thing making me look forward to Fall! 

Skirts really are so versatile - you can change the look of them by pairing them with a t-shirt, a jacket, or a sweater.  And don't feel like I used to feel - that your skirt and jacket had to be purchased as a set.  Stop in and let us find the perfect skirt for you!

It's Time to Pack

I rebel in very strange ways.  Of all of my idiosyncrasies, the one that probably drives Jim the craziest is my inability to pack for a trip until the 11th and a half hour.  And here I am, ready to travel tomorrow evening and have I even gotten a suitcase out yet?  Nope.

But, my argument always is "I'm thinking about what I'm going to take.  I've packed in my head."  (Please note that I use this rationalization in other areas of life as well.)  I do have a busy weekend coming up - I'll be at the Atlanta Market for the day on Saturday and then driving to my Mom's house on Saturday night.  I'll spend Sunday with her and with my brother, his wife, and my niece and nephew before getting on a plane and flying back late Sunday night.  And because I won't be coming home before going to work on Monday, I also have to have an outfit for Monday (and to top it off I have a presentation that day too!)

The factors are comfort, style, and a small suitcase.  So what am I going to take?

For Market on Saturday:

This Amy Matto Ellis Shirt Dress is so stylish and comfortable and the perfect weight for a hot Atlanta summer day.  I have a neutral scarf and Nude LK Bennett Pumps that I'll pair with it.  And I'll still be dressed to go to dinner with my Mom when I arrive in Athens that night.

Sunday with the Fam (and Travel that evening):

I would LIVE in my Red Engine White Cinder jeans all Summer if I could.  I'll be wearing them on Sunday along with one of my favorite Rebecca Taylor tops and Michael Kors red flats.

Monday's Presentation:

Why, my Kathlin Argiro Pink Python Wrap Dress, of course!  There is no better dress to pack for a trip.  And I can leave my matching black LKs in the car since I won't need them until Monday morning.  Always have to conserve room in the suitcase!

See, I'm packed!!

Who Do You Dress For?

Recently, through the Twitter feed of @corporette, I found a link titled "Kind of an awesome essay from a woman tired of being told she "doesn't have to dress up for work"".  Having been asked the question "What are you all dressed up for?" many times, I had to read the blog post.

The general premise of the article was the perfect expression of how I feel (but I will note that the language and the tone were not typical of the way I would share those thoughts!)  I've linked to the article here but just be aware that while I condone the message but not the delivery!

Key points:

1) I dress for myself.  Period. And I encourage you to do the same.  Don't dress for your friends.  Don't dress for your husband.  Dress for you.  If they like what you wear, that is icing on the cake.

2) Be comfortable.  Your definition of comfortable.  And that doesn't have to mean a Sloppy, I belong in a "People of Walmart" photo comfortable.  I love when the author says "Maybe I'm comfortable going home and putting on a ball gown." 

3) I wear heels.  And I like them.  My feet were ruined by years of ballet.  Heels aren't going to harm me much more than that.  Often, I feel more comfortable in them than I do flats.  (I have a whole other post coming on shoes!)

She included this photo (note - I wouldn't wear this one to work.  But I actually know someone in the fashion business who would!)

 
Dress for you - you'd be surprised how wonderful it feels.

Note:  If you don't already read the Corporette Blog, I highly suggest it - http://corporette.com/