Hello to all the lovely and stylish people who read my blog.  i just want to thank you for reading and commenting and enjoying my musings on retail and clothes and jewels and the like.

I’m adoring a (somewhat) new jewelry line that i’ve become involved with called Stella & Dot.  and i’m happy to pass on a 25% off discount to you – my blog friends!  Enter FAMILY09 at checkout.  Good only Nov 25 – 27.

There are so many lovely items in this collection that i’m crazy about – thought i’d point out a couple of my favorites to add a little “somthin’ somthin’ ” to your holiday wardrobe.

i jsut got the Heirloom Bracelet for myself and it’s stunning.  it really looks like a vintage piece that’s been handed down for generations and ended up in your jewelry box.  it fits a little loose – has a slightly heavy feeling – as if it’s real diamonds!  it’s very decadent.

the Adrienne Chain earrings and sexy hanging from your ears.  kinda glam, kinda rock-n-roll and very eye-catching.  adds great sizzle to a simple and sleek outfit. 

the Natasha Bib necklace is a true show stopper.  it’s mix of fine bead work, sparkly gems, pearls,  and silk flowers make it hard to stop staring. 

And though all of these will add pizazz to your holiday outfit – keep them circulating on regular days too!  a tank top and jeans never felt so special when paired with any of the above (but please – not all!).

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

xoxo

~kate

in these tough economic times – i think it’s a wonderful idea to band together with your neighbors and host a simple event that gets people circulating throughout the stores. 

in Portland (where i live) - there are a plethora of events that encourage shoppers to visit groups of stores within a vicinity or neighborhood and shop local.  some ideas i particularly like include

 - fashion by flashlight – stores stay open late periodically and provide lite snacks/drinks and specials

 - East meets West Passport  – for Black Friday – a group of stores on the east and west sides of a section of town created a passport that provides discounts at each store. if you visit all stores – you’re eligible to save at any of the participating stores for the remainder of the year.  and naturally, there’s a shindig!

 - The Big Reveal – i love this concept!  this was an event from last year – but it was all about revealing the holiday windows the day after Thanksgiving (please – let’s let this holiday shine!!)

 - Pop-up Shops – there are so many empty store fronts downtown from big-box retailers taking a hike.  so the landlords donated (yes – you read that correctly!) the space to groups of small, local designers for the holidays!  what a great way to add life and spirit to empty buildings – while supporting local talent.  thanks to the folks at Portland Fashion Synergy for spearheading this project!

And then of course there are lots of Tree Lighting Celebrations, Holiday Parades/Festivals, Art Walks, Craft/Designer Fairs and Sales! i’m pledging to shop local this year- it’s sooooooo important that we support small business to keep the creative and entrepreneurial spirit alive!

What amazing ideas and celebrations are you doing or attending this year?

i just have to comment on one of my all time favorite designers (since it’s my birthday!).  the spring 2010 collection is why i fell in love with Trina Turk over 10 years ago (and was spending more than i could afford on a pair of crazy pants!).  the colors are vibrant, bold, sublime.  the prints are crazy, colorful, retro.  the styles are sexy, original, timeless.  but mostly, the clothes make me smile and dream about living a lifestyle that involves cabana boys, large sunhats, incognito sunglasses and cocktails.

this Wildflower dress is so bold and delicious.  perfect for beachy cocktails and a pair of flippity flops.  some crazy large hoops would complete the look.

then there’s the preppy girl on the boat.  you’d be the skipper for part of the day – and the rest would be spent giggling with the captain and sipping wine as the wind whipped through your hair.

this look reminds me of something you could throw on after a long day of work (or shopping).  a couple friends are coming over to enjoy beers on the patio and you’d be the perfect backdrop for the garden in these whimsical stripes.

peruse all the lookbooks for a variety of fantasies come to life.  and pray that a store near you buys your favorites!!

buyers:  if you don’t carry this line and it’s available – i strongly recommend it.  even though the prices are a little higher – it always sold quite easily.

shoppers:  these looks won’t be available until after March (sigh) – but there are plenty of yummies to shop for right now!

they say diamonds are a girls best friend.  well – i say diamonds are gorgeous and all – but that metal made to look like a diamond is a much more interesting, modern and conflict-free friend.  Stephanie from Metalicious creates stunning faceted metal ”gemstones” that sparkle and delight in a totally unique way.

the earrings studs are perfect (and if you have an infant or small child – you may need to put your dangles and hoops in a drawer and just wear these until those grabbing hands find something else to do).  in a variety of traditional cuts (brilliant, emerald, oval)  and available in sterling silver and shiny vermeil.

and then there are the modern rocks rings.  it’s like having all the glam of a diamond – but with a little more edge (and a lot less moolah!).  served up in a variety of cuts and colors – these lovelies look amazing when stacked.  heck – i’d stack them with my real diamond!  that’s some serious POW!

though i’m focusing on the Modern Rocks collection- there are plenty more amazing goodies to be found at Metalicious.  From organic inspired looks – to perfectly cast circles – everything is as the name implies:  metalicious!

retail buyers:  contact stephanie:  metalicious@yahoo.com for line sheets and order info (hurry up for holiday orders – she’s having a baby very, very soon!)

shoppers:  you can buy online at Metalicious.

as my closet slowly fills with one Veronica M dress after another – i ask myself:  where was this line when i owned ooma??  it would have fit in so perfectly!!   i guess i feel the need to pass on the goodness that is easy to wear, looks great on the body, and comes in a lots of pretty patterns (my secret recipe for style success).

from the foxy (and foxier!!) to everyday ease – the line just works.   i’m ga-ga over the one-shoulder dress (retail $94).  it’s so subtly sexy – and forever appropriate.  since many people don’t wear them – it’s fun to stand out in the crowd.  i’d wear it out for cocktails (keep the jewelry simple – just earrings and a cool cuff bracelet – or cocktail ring.  no necklace.  i repeat:  no necklaces with one-shoulder dresses!).

a good wrap dress should be in every one’s closet.  it’s great for work – a date – or drinks – it’s comfortable and flattering.  i especially love the palette of this dress (retail $96).  i’d accessorize with a multi-strand gold necklace.

but when you’re ready to pull out all the stops – either at your company’s holiday party – or a chic winter wedding – this is the dress ($120 retail).  you don’t have to worry about freezing or tugging on an annoying strapless bodice.  just walk in and let your legs do the talkin’.   haven’t we all dreamed of wearing a slit-to-there dress (like they do on the red carpet)?  it makes quite a statement.  and i think it would be amazing with these earrings (only $39!!).

now – if only i were 8 inches taller…..(sigh).

here’s the deal:

buyers:  contact the company direct.

shoppers:  shop online or find a store near you (and i’m sure you’d love any store that carried this line!!)

oh! did i mention how great the fabrics work with pregnant bellies (gotta love the stretch!).  yep – a new baby is on my horizon!!