you may have seen the cuteness that is  kate quinn organics at a sweet local baby store.  but did you know they also have a lovely women’s line?  and maternity?  and a new layette line called Plum Bunny?

let the amazing organic onslaught begin!

with so many simple, modern and colorful “basics” to choose from – this line fits in nicely with most apparel stores.  whether you sell women’s (or maternity) and want to add a few baby basics for gifts  – or – if you just want to add some quality cotton looks from an independent designer – this is a great line to add to your store (and wardrobe!).  the prices and terms are very reasonable.

here’s a little sample from each line to whet your appetite.

kate quinn organics main line(for baby/toddler).  i think this little striped  jumpsuit is tres cute.  good for boys and girls too (available March).

Maternity Line – a nice simple t-shirt with a fashionable puffed sleeve – in clover & plum (available March)

Women’s Line – love the simple lines of the bell sleeved tunic (available now)

 

Plum Bunny – this is a new line launching this July.  only the sweetest and softest organic cotton for the tiniest people we love!  inspired by european lines – the colors are softer and all items are made of pointelle and sweater knit.   the double sweater blanket cape is lovely.

check out the website to see more of the line. there are so many wonderful items!  for baby they create clothes, bibs, blankies, crib sheets and more!

buyers:  kate quinn organics offers a generous wholesale program designed with you in mind.  after your intitial order – no minimums! plus – they can create custom gift sets especially for your store.  call 888-952-4206 to get started!

shoppers:  you can buy directly from their website!  big sale going on through the weekend (ends January 31)!  25% off ALL kate quinn organics line purchases!  use code NEWBABY2010 to receive your discount at check out.

first of all – i really enjoy typing “2010″ and i also like saying it.  twenty-ten.  much snappier than “two-thousand and nine”.  and speaking of snappy – one of my most favorite trends of 2009 that i hope continues the journey through 2010 and beyond is the ladylike sex-appeal of the Mad Men style. 

i”ve always been a sucker for retro.  and i adore thinking about a time when women wore dresses most of the time.   so feminine, so pretty, so refined.  the body looks amazing in little sheaths and pencil skirts.  not only do they harken to the feminine mystique – they are also quite powerful.

i love this Milly sheath from one of my fave portland boutiques, Mabel & Zora.

the full skirts worn by the ‘nice girls’ of the era are also a lot of fun – especially when scaled down for modern times.  belts that enhance the waist are a simple, elegant way to create shape.

loving the bright sassiness of the Lady Belle dress from my fave retro maven, Trina Turk.   perfect for an outdoor spring wedding.

and then of course, there is the skinny cropped pants – a perinneal spring favorite for me.  always chic and carefree with a pair of flats and sexy, sexy with heels and a jaunty scarf around the neck.

love this cute pair from Nanette Lepore  (her fit is dreamy and you gotta love that the modern styles come with ample stretch!).

the thing about these styles is they aren’t really trendy – they’re classics.  you’ll never have buyers remorse and they rarely end up at the consignment shop – preferring to hang in your closet for the long haul.

i’m thankful for the show Mad Men not only for entertaining me – but for bringing this style back to the forefront of fashion.

call me old fashioned – but there it is!  i love this style.

trends, trends..they come and go….

and there is one big trend from 2009 that i hope dies a quick and sudden death.  the Gladiator Shoe/Sandal/Boot.  i know, i know….loads of people bought and wore these  – including a mass number of celebrities.  but to me, these shoes just looked prehistoric. 

wouldn't these be cute with a loin cloth?

of course, the very definition of  gladiator is a a person (usually a slave, captive or professional combatant) who entertains the public by engaging in mortal combat.  isn’t that the height of femininity?  actually, the definition works on a small scale:  for those who hold their feet captive in these abundance of straps, the pubic gets to watch your feet die of discomfort.

how about a nice brown platform pump instead?

i mean really.  is there a single pair of gladiators that can be called comfortable?  my motto used to be “style before comfort” but that has changed drastically since i became a mom of a mischievous toddler. 

nice tan lines!

however, regardless of my personal shoe wardrobe, i think the primary reason i hope this trend dies is that i think the majority of shoes that fall into this category are simply unattractive.

wow! these look extra comfy!

i would place a strong bet that most gladiator shoes will be lined up on the  Goodwill show racks by summer.

next up:  trends i hope stay for the long haul….

what trends do you hope will disappear this year?

sigh.  it’s the dawn of a new year yet again.  this is when we resolve to lose weight, eat better, save money, etc.  or perhaps you’re looking for a new look – hairstyle?  wardrobe?  lipstick?  it’s all about ringing in the NEW.

so don’t neglect your business!  whether your business is a store front or a website – perhaps it’s time for a little freshening up.  ideas are limitless – but here a a few that are easy to implement and will hopefully provide a new (and successful) outlook for 2010 that both you and your clients will appreciate and adore.

• paint your front door a new color – or if that isn’t appropriate – get a plant, new open/close sign or something chic to welcome your customers.
• mix things up – literally.  if you have your racks and table situated “just so” – perhaps move them around – make it feel like a new experience to shop in your store (note:  this is also a great idea for your home!).
• replace the carpet/floors in your dressing rooms.  or add a rug, cute new seat, perhaps some artwork?  anything to make your regulars smile and take notice!
• and speaking of artwork – perhaps you can showcase a local artist or friend’s work on your walls – either on the sales floor, behind the counter, in the dressing rooms  – or even the bathroom.  a great way to add flair while helping a new artist gain exposure.
• create new accessory displays – whether a cute towel rack for scarves or a set of hooks for necklaces/belts/purses…..it’s a small and inexpensive way to add something new.  this one from Urban Outfitters is cute.

• try a fun new fixture – perhaps it will inspire new types of merchandise?  i adore this rotating bookshelf from PB Teen.  pretty adorable.

 

What are your ideas for freshening up your store (or home) this year?  i’d love to hear em.  Please comment with your brilliance!

Hello lovelies!

I hope you enjoyed the merriest of holidays and are ready for a wonderful 2010.  i think this will be a year of renewal, revival and re-energized success.  i also think this will be a year filled with interesting creative endeavors – and i can’t wait to write about yours.

but to kick off the new year – i’m going back to tradition.  my own tradition (and that of many a resort collection designer) and desire to don navy blue, white and brights come January.  i’m usually sick of the dark and dreary weather (and often the clothes get a little darker, deeper) and the crisp contrast of the navy blue with white makes me think of spring ahead.  of course, i like to toss in a few bright colors to keep things fresh and fun.  this palette includes kelly green and sunshine yellow – two of my favorite colors.

in case you’re interested in investigating (or buying) any of these items – here’s where you can find em!

ENJOY!

 - Converse sneakers @ Zappos (i love these  – my whole family has these in green) $45
 - patent belt from Boden(great year round – and on sale!  woo hoo!) $42
 - Michael Kors  white watch(this is so sleek and cool – dontcha think?) $250
 -  highlighter necklace from Mod Cloth (perfect for going into spring/summer too) $23.99
 - Milly navy striped top from Bloomies (i used to carry this line – impeccable) $175
 - Josefina Boyfriend Jean from Revolve (love me some tight cropped pants – so gamine) $169
 - Tulle yellow coat from Nordies (this is on super sale – get it while you can!) $33.90
 - Kate Spade bag from Amazon (this tote pulls it all together – and goes with so much) $230

Voila!