Camilla Skovgaard

Have you checked out shoes at Camilla Skovgaard? Well you need to. They are absolutely amazing. They go for around $500 and I want them all. I love the jagged edge rubber sole.






Photo source: shopbop.com

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang has quickly become my new favorite designer. His unique looks are fabulous. I first took notice when every shoe that I gasped over in every fashion magazine I read was by Alexander Wang. That prompted me to seek out his clothing line. Gorgeous. Here are just a few of my favorite pieces from his ready-to-wear for Spring 2010. Proceed with caution if you're a little hippy attempting his bulky arm or strong shoulder look. Make sure the pairing bottom is super sleek and fitted.






Photo source: style.com

Great dresses from Victoria

Victoria Beckham is already a style icon so why not throw her hand into fashion design, and she is doing an outstanding job. I found these dresses in her Spring 2010 line to be great for work, an evening out to dinner and/or dancing, or whatever you can muster up. Victoria Beckham's dresses are classic, sexy, and interesting. I love wearing dresses in the spring and summer seasons don't you?!








Photo source: style.com

Trend Alert

Denim jackets are everywhere this season. I know another 80s trend the designers decided to revive, but this piece can add some charisma to a simple outfit. The store I work in is carrying them so I pulled my old one from my closet and it looks pretty darn close to our new one. Looks like cropped is the way to go with them this season or in a boyfriend style. I think it's a great alternative to a cardigan or basic black jacket yeah? I like these examples below.



Photo source: style.com

Office wear

If your office is a little more fun and creative I found some great pieces from Balmain Fall 2010 that you should incorporate into your wardrobe. I just love a good suit. A good suit commands respect, and you just feel powerful in a good suit. Balmain does it in festive fabrics that still look very professional, and the tailoring - to die! If you don't like the idea of being matchy matchy, Balmain does some vibrant jackets that you can pair with a slim leg solid pant or pencil skirt. I am really digging the military inspired jacket Christophe Decarnin does for Balmain too. Okay I had to show these boisterous dresses. They're a little short, but I can imagine them being worn to a holiday party paired with black opaque tights, and I'm just loving the strong shoulders.



Photo source: style.com

My favorite trends for Spring 2010

A lot of us still have huge amounts of snow on the ground, but the fashion calendar does not care. Spring collections are now in stores so with that I have picked out some of my favorite trends for the new season.

1)Sequin was hot last season and it continues to be. Even adding just a little bit of it is great for jazzing up any outfit.
2)The big shoulders '80s trend is bigger and better in our modern times. It gives the little top or dress an extreme look that will make you command attention.
3)Skinny pants are great. They're so comfortable yet fashionable.
4)Earthy tones such as Beige and White were everywhere on the spring runways, so if those colors wash you out you may need to make your way to the nearest spray tanning salon, or head to Sephora to pick out a complimenting blush.
5)The boyfriend jacket is still a hit. I love it to wear with a shift dress, shorts, or skinny pants.
6)The military inspiration is my favorite. It's just a fun look that you can dress up or down.

Photo Source: Style.com

Target Market

My target market for my independent boutique is women who want to look good day and night. My customer is working in a professional setting where dressing the part gains her good recognition. Aside from work, she likes to be out of the house doing stuff. She's 23 - 39 years old who loves to shop but appreciates customer service. She is up on the latest fashion trends, but not obsessed with owning too many trends in a given season. Classics and staples are a must-have.

Cool enough for DKNY

Donna Karen has done it again. She has created clothes for Fall 2009 that are beautiful, grown-up, and simply classic. I loved the color palette this season: greens, reds, grays. Great wool fabrics in tweed, houndstooth, plaids. You'll definitely be nice and warm in these clothes while looking fabulous. She did a sexy pencil skirt that hits below the knee that I have to have. The short leather jacket is a no brainer - everyone must own that! Oh my God, the coat is a dream, but be careful wearing it if you're carrying some extra pounds as it could look shapeless on some. I may suggest belting it if you're a size 10 or more.


PhotoSource: Style.com

Sound check

I am so bored with the music that comes out of the majority of stores and boutiques these days. Everyone is playing Lady Gaga, Rihanna, or Jay-Z. Don't get me wrong those are a few of my favorite artists too, but how about a change of pace? I've decided to put on Fashion TV in my store. For those who don't know, Fashion TV is its own channel with non-stop fashion shows to music, and fashion entertainment. The models usually walk to trance and electronica music, which is what I'll be playing in my store... Something to view (other than clothes) and listen to!

Proenza Schouler

I want these dresses from the Proenza Schouler spring 2008 collection. Volume is everything!




I want these shoes from the Proenza Schouler spring 2008 collection. I have an ankle fetish, I hope my customers do too!



Photo source: proenzaschouler.com

Boutique location

I now know that I do not want my boutique to be located in a mall - indoor/outdoor doesn't matter, no malls! I would definitely achieve more visitors from a high traffic mall, but I want a specific clientele to visit and shop at my boutique. My current employer is located in a mall and the store is a boutique type store, but our customers are not so boutique-ie. They (but not all) don't seem to understand or appreciate our motto of customer service. They (but not all) don't seem to understand or appreciate our motto for perfect presentation. I believe at a different non-mall location we'd attain less clientele but clients who would more than likely spend time with us, build a relationship, and thus spend more money. Plus, the rent at our mall is ridiculous!

Roberto is Perfecto

I love this Roberto Cavalli dress. This is apart of his fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection, where floral prints were everywhere. But you don't have to love flowers to love this dress. Its bustier bodice is a flattering fit, and I love the flare from the hip down to the mid-calf. This dress is perfection and it's cotton, which tells me that it is also comfortable.
Photo source: CoolSpotters and Coutorture

Looking for a jacket

I've been searching for a jacket this spring, which inspired me to post this blog. There were so many fun, gorgeous, vibrant jackets on the runway for spring/summer 2009 in many shapes and sizes. I love the standard classic trench coat at Burberry where they tweaked it with the color fading. Military style is everywhere this season and looks flattering on most body types. Cropped is charming, and you cannot go wrong with leather... Even the futuristic style at Versace.
Photo source: Fashion Week Daily

Moschino

Dresses at Bottega Veneta

I love dresses. Especially now that the sun is out and temperatures are up; what better way to express yourself than with stylish pieces that display whatever amount of skin your heart desires. Over at Bottega Veneta the dresses for Spring '09 ready-to-wear are to die for! The pieces I chose from the brilliant collection this season are classic with some edge. Lots of quality cotton fabrics with intricate details. The silk chiffon is light and flowy, and cut in the most figure flattering ways. Do not get me wrong, there are pieces that are body conscious. There is one dress that nearly looks like a potato sack with pockets, but on the right (tall, thin) body this dress speaks volumes and is one of my favorite pieces. He worked with a lot of neutral colors this season, which allows you to focus on the true style and cut of the dress.
Photo source: New York Magazine

Spring '09 at Zac Posen

Zac Posen is one of my favorite clothing designers. He is creative, innovative, takes risks, and this season he's done it again. Posen is known for dressing beauties on the red carpet, but I found some pieces in this season's collection that convey confidence and sexiness when worn in everyday life. He has designed pieces that are great for work and play, which can play a vital role when dressing. The more curvy girl may want to stay away from some of his dresses this season as he has created a lot of volume in that area. I love the shorter length on some of the skirts and dresses. The flowy tops are a fun and flattering fit. He used color and embroidery so well (as usual) this season. Here are some of the pieces from this collection I would buy for my boutique.
Photo source: fashionweekdaily.com