Super Bowl Update

Number one trend for fall? Burgundy coats. Hmmm...

Dear friends,

Coming to you from a buying trip in New York City, I got to thinking about fashion trends. (Imagine that!)

I regularly hear questions like this from you: What is the latest trend? What is the color of the season? What is the go-to style in pants?

Let's just go ahead and get this out of the way right at the beginning. According to Glamour mag (and it IS a different list depending on who you ask), the five top trends this fall are:

1. Wine color. Okay, I will concede this one. You can pull it off with class and style. And we did.

Aquatalia pumps. Wine-colored waterproof suede. In stock at Renee's now. Model: Vickie.

2. Harness belts. Really? Looks time consuming, confusing, and constricting to me.

How did she get that harness on? And why?

Looks just awfully uncomfortable. Reminds me of an old mental hospital contraption. Or worse. Nuff said!

3. Head to toe floral, including shoes. Again, really? I would feel like I was wearing a costume. Oh, I forgot. Maybe that's the point. For some people. How 'bout you?

Floral costumes, head to toe. Really, who makes these lists????

4. Horse print tops. Goes along with harness belts. I would classify these as "Worst Sweater Wednesday" sweaters.

Horse head sweaters.

5. Contrast collars. In my humble opinion this belongs in the "meh" list in the New York Times magazine. "Not hot, not not, just meh."

Here's a contrast collar for you. Let this be your only one. Please.

I suppose I'm a tiny bit skeptical when it comes to what's "hot." I will also admit I'm reserved and prefer the understated.

Truth be told, sometimes I think the media creates hype to get us to spend our money. Fashion magazines need you to support their advertisers so they in turn keep supporting the publication.

We are smarter than that, though, in Everett, Washington. Right?

A designer may create a few outlandish items to draw attention. He wants you to buy his line, so he *creates* a trend. He is climbing the ladder of fame and fortune. To get to the top, he needs a lot of buzz.

My hackles immediately raise up when a rep tells me that the item they are showing me is the "it" thing for next season. I hear scare tactics: if I don’t order it, you will go somewhere else. (Will you?)

Therefore, I don't really adopt new trends and styles quickly. These come and go. I am too practical. My personal value is "Buy good things, own them a long time."

In keeping with the "top 5" list above, I've decided to make my own list. For those of us who don't care about the latest trends, what's our good stuff? That's easy.

1. Suzi Roher belts. In-store now. These make you look and feel great. Ask some customers who wear them. Maybe they'll comment on this post. I'll give you their contact info (with their permission) if you call me. Made in Canada.

Suzi's daughter helped me place an order yesterday.

Here she is modeling one of her mom's belts.

2. Olbrish handbags. In store by September 30. A stunning product of art and engineering. Each bag architecturally designed and made by hand in Berlin.

Can't wait for you to see this line!

3. Graf and Lantz handbags. In store now. Worth every penny. Satisfaction guaranteed for years to come. Made in the USA.

Co-owner Daniel Lantz's design ideals are based in the marriage of understated luxury and traditional techniques.

4. Tees by Tina. In store now. Perfect layering tops. Great colors. Versatile. Practical. Made in the USA.

Yesterday Tina herself helped me put together a new order.

5. Jianhui jewelry. In store by September 30. Special. Different. Fun. Made in London.

I met Jianhui on Wednesday.

6. Sympli. In store now. GrEaT for travel! Slimming. Comfortable. Rich color. Made in Vancouver, Canada.

I love working with Kathy from Sympli .

7. Amy Brill sweaters. In store now. Each sweater made by one person in upstate New York.

Creator and owner Amy Brill herself tells me all about her design philosophy.

9. Susans. In store spring 2013. Casual, artistic collection that fits real women. Made in Berkeley, California.

Susan lives in Berkely. She has family in Bellevue, Washington.

Also: Majestic tops, Prairie Cotton collection, Stehmann pants, most of the lines you find at Renee's, really. I have met and talked with the owners and designers (usually one and the same) of these companies. These are real people who care about what they are doing. Just like I do. And just like you do.

So, do we really need to care about trends? The media likes to pontificate on fashion. Many of us are intrigued. I'd rather not. A new color here and there suits me fine.

I could be mistaken. What are your thoughts? Seriously, are you more interested in fashion and trends than I'm allowing? Perhaps I'm in the wrong line of work. I've been thinking about writing a book about owning a clothing store... I have lots and lots of stories I could tell...

Missing you all and sending love,

Renee

p.s. I've been laughing out loud as I write... I'm like a crazy person! I think it's time to get back to the real world.... I miss my swimming!

Luna Luz 3/4 sleeve silk organza dress

Dear readers,

Yesterday I said I wished I could bring all of you to New York with me. Later I realized: you ARE here with me! I think of you EVERY moment I am searching through at all the selections and making decisions here at market! You get to re-live the experience when you shop at Renee's!!

I am soooo excited about Day 2 finds for you. But I don't have a lot of time to write; I need to get back to work and make the most of my shopping opportunity. The photos have to do the talking today. I'll be back again tomorrow with more news from New York.

With love,
Renee

Sarah Pacini silk taffeta skirt and sweater

Sarah Pacini

Sarah Pacini shoulder sweater

MycraPac reversible hooded coat

Louben cashmere jackets

Stehmann pants rep

Comfy owner

Majestic. Look at all the tops I have to look at to find the few you end up seeing!

Majestic cashmere discussion

Tina explains her line to me; again, so many tops to choose from!

Tees by Tina group selected. Arrival: March 1st.

Tees by Tina group selected. Arrival: March 1st.

Wooden Ships sweater discussion about colors to choose

Dear Readers,

On a recent visit with my sister Lori, she asked me to help organize her closet. After weeding out the dated items, we had trouble making outfits. And then it hit me. A few basic layering tanks and tops is all Lori needed to round out her wardrobe and create instant versatility.

Who knew that layering tops--so basic and so inexpensive--can be so vital in a wardrobe? They brighten up your clothing, broaden your apparel selection, and create a more versatile closet. They are the “worker bees” of your wardrobe investment.

Try Tees by Tina from Renee's. We just received a brand new shipment for spring. Pair these with your jackets and sweaters to expand your wardrobe instantly. Slip them under everything from dresses to other tank tops.


Layering your clothes is a way to look chic and keep up with the latest trends in fashion. One or two will do the trick.


Tees by Tina is a one-size-fits-most seamless apparel collection. These tops are essential basics for any outfit and every woman. Each style, designed and made in the U.S., is ultra-comfortable, and their amazing array of colors are spot-on trend.


Don’t like fitted tops? We’ve all experienced wearing clothing that tends to “creep up” over time. Tees stay perfectly in place. Stunning as stand alones or lightweight enough for layering without adding extra bulk, they “hold you in” but still allow you to breathe easy.


What about you, dear readers? Have you found yourself returning to the same layering tops over and over? What is your most useful style? Is there a design that could add versatility to your own wardrobe?

Trying is believing. Give yourself options to wear with everything. Layering tops should be the “backbone” of your wardrobe. If you don’t have any (or if yours are looking tired) get a little pick-me-up! Put your clothing investment back to work for you with new tops from Tees by Tina today!

With love,

Renee

Hello, dear readers! I'm excited about another new line Renee's is carrying this fall called Tees by Tina. I found this fantastic, seamless layering brand while I was shopping for you in New York last month.



Tees by Tina is a one-size-fits-most seamless apparel collection featuring wardrobe essentials "for any outfit and every woman." Although you may normally object to wearing fitted tops, you might change your mind after you try these! Their versatility, reasonable price and comfort might be just what you need to spark up your wardrobe.



The tops are long in length, and they don't ride up. Supremely stretchy, these tops stay in place and are stunning as stand-alones or underpinnings. In addition, Tees by Tina is all manufactured in the USA.



One size? Trying is believing! This product has an amazing stretch, so it is very comfy. You will be amazed at how well it fits.



Best of all, these quality tops are well priced. We are selling the tanks for $36, the 3/4 sleeve scoop neck tops for $48, the long sleeve mock neck tops for $60, and the leggings for $38.



Try on this new line for layering next time you come in. You'll get great value for your dollar, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!



Thank you for your support!
With love,
Renee

p.s. We are looking forward to our fall Open House next Thurs., Oct. 20 from noon to 6 pm. Receive a free gift with any purchase. I hope you can come! More details next time, right here.