when you want to arrive looking svelte, confident, stylish and sexy…you wear Eva Franco.  it’s all about the feminine wiles.  a little modern mad men woman – retro styling mixed with contemporary fit.  the fabrics are luxe, the looks to die for. 

i used to carry this line at my boutique and every piece was the object of many an “oooh” and “ahhhh”.  if you need a last minute wow dress – they still have some immediates available for fall/holiday.  however, i’d like to share some of my favorite looks for Resort/Spring ‘10.

Behold the Cecile Dress.  wow!  this is a sexy one!  and yet very classic.  it’s perfect in black – but also comes in a vivid blue and a demure beige.

I also love the Olympia Dress in coco dots – this has the ability to what i call “flaunt and cover” – bringing out all the curviest parts of your body, whilst magically whisking away any “issues”.

My third favorite peice in this collection (and trust me   – there are many more gems!) is the Athena top.  loving the vivid sapphire blue with the edgy nailhead details.  i’d style this with some white jeans and distressed gold shoes.

Buyers:  Dying to get this collection in your boutique? contact Melanie at Pulse Showroom.  all deliveries are available.

Shoppers:  wondering where to buy these fantastic items?  check the store locator on the website or shop online!

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!!

ahh…i have such fond memories of my LBO (life before oscar).  there would be several invitations to swanky parties and my biggest concern was: what will i wear???  i’d experience the joy of shopping for the perfect dress (followed and/or preceded by the amazing shoes and the fabulous jewels). 

those shopping needs are merely on hold…as i’m sure there will be a time when the holiday party won’t involve plates of cookies and a gaggle of adorable toddlers (which is it’s own brand of fun, don’t get me wrong!).

the thing that makes me sorta sad is that i can’t justify the purchase of a dress from the new Hollywood Collection from Melanie Renee.  oh so yummy!  the silks, the colors!  the feeling that you’ve walked onto the set of Mad Men.  my goodness, this is good!

check out thesexy (but elegant) Estelle dress (retails for only $160! how ’bout that?)

(the model even bears a vague resemblance to Betty Draper, no?)

and the Tilly blouse is your own personal variety show:  belt it, wear it loose, tuck it into a hot new pencil skirt.  and of course, wear it year round because it’s a fabulous white shirt (that retails for a friendly $85).

Seriously, there is a lot to love in this tiny collection from Tanya and Melanie.  And i am so happy that this line is from San Luis Obispo  – where i went to college and had the most fun.  Contact the gals today to get your last minute holiday orders in!  let’s support our indie gals making their dreams come true (and giving us such glam style).

mmmm…i discovered Kelly Lane  towards the end of my tenure at ooma.  her designs were fresh, eclectic, eco-friendly and original.  exactly what i was looking for.  Kelly got her start in graphic design (she has not one – but two degrees!) - and you can see the energy of color and graphics come through in her clothing designs.  in fact – one of the things that attracted me most about her line was the tag line , “clothing with color“,  as most of you know how i utterly adore color.

Her collections are small, well-edited and fun.  the intersection of bold solids and colorful prints breaths wonderful life into her garments.  i especially love that she provides 3-4 color ways per garment which all hang together beautifully.

the Fall 09 collection is inspired by the colorful whimsy of carousels.  now that’s inspiring to me!  perhaps a little different than the trends in the mags – but that’s what excites me about indie designers (and boutiques!) following their own vision.  

the quality and attention to detail is phenomenal.  prices range from $45 – $110 wholesale.  minimum opening order is $750.

and don’t worry!  if you’ve just discovered Kelly Lane – there is still time to place an order for Fall.  email Kelly  quickly – as the deadline is 8/15 for 9/15 delivery and 9/3 for 10/15 delivery.  the full collection of 16 sillouettes can be ordered in any color for the delivery of your choosing. 

if you’re like most retailers – you likely ordered light for Fall – given the uncertainties of the economy.  this is a great time to try out a proven designer that may be new to your neighborhood!  it’s like trying a new flavor of ice cream – you’re almost always pleasantly surprised.

i adore my son like i could never, ever, EVER imagine.  he’s the funniest, most charming little lovebug i’ve had the pleasure to meet in my life.  it’s only when i see dresses as cute as Mette that i yearn for a little girl.  my goodness – they are so fun, bold and bright!  they are the very essence of summer fun embodied in a dress.  fresh, modern and totally cool – i kinda wish i could wear one!

Kristen is the designer and her daughter, Hadley is the precocious model.  Be one of the select few to carry this line in your own store – Kristen will see what sort of collection she can drum up for you – as many of her fabrics are vintage – so only small runs are available.

**also – these dresses have great longevity given the cut and style…making them an easy sale.  in fall – suggest customers put on over a cute long sleeve shirt, add some tights and their little doll is set to go!