waaaaaait for it....waaaaait for it.....

Nope. Spring's not coming. But luckily, some people are holding out hope, and getting spring clothes. In the grey pre-spring misery that is damp New England, some people, men and women, and even children, are holding out hope that wearing white, gold and perhaps, even aqua, will some day be an attainable goal. As we muddle through another 45 degree day, let's all brave the future together. Ladies, may I recommend the We 2 Are 1 silk wrap top or dress-I know I'm getting involved heavily in that one, and perhaps the Flight Plan cardigan to ward off any chills. Those appear the hot sellers, but with over 30 color options, you will not see yourself coming and going. And the knits light enough to get you through summer. Which I think we're heading straight for, like a melting iceberg.

The fat lady sang.

A very late post show report-I have found the floor in the store. Phew. That was some hootenanny. The Delamar was just lovely, jam packed, and fun. I want to thank everyone who helped make the show such a wonderful time and turnout, from the lovely Grace and Sage, who said "Of course, a grass edged runway-we're happy to help you make that a reality, Jen", the awesome backstage dressing crew from Ward(the best crew ever!!), the hair team at Ryan John who may still be recovering from the 14,000 teens and preteens that swarmed on them Friday afternoon, of course, the gorgeous models, who are as lovely inside as out, Matt and his portable studio, Cafe Lola and Health in a Hurry for saying yes, we will, to the crowd, that made it possible for me to be delivering a $3.000 check to the Fairfield Library later this week, and most of all, to The Delamar, for being such a gracious host. I look forward to many more fun nights there, and I must say, that bed in the model's changing room? That was very hard to walk away from at midnight...

Spring?

I know, it's cold, it's rainy, it's..Spring in the northeast. My remedy? Shiny. a little metallic goes a long way to relieve the drab outlook. I'm seeing everyone embrace it as well-the metallic tints, the slight lurex in a cardigan, the shimmer of a bronze skirt-it's enough to get you through April showers. Even when they're snow showers...

10..9..8..

It's count down to showdown. I mean showtime. Except shows are like a brawl with yourself. You have to beat your best self of last season. You have to do it on budget. You have to stay sane so your modeling and sewing and intern companions don't roll their eyes and mutter about you TOO much, and you have to keep energy level of a crackhead without looking like one, because no one really wants a crackhead to dress them.Although I'm told it happens sometimes. I'm so excited about the new collection. It's risky, bold, different from my past, but still truly wearable. So much so that pieces are selling while they're still in pieces on the cutting floor. So hopefully, I'm onto something. Come see the whole thing on March 25th, at the Delamar Hotel in Southport-tickets are moving and space is limited, so get them while they're still around, or you'll have to wait until next season, when I give this season a smack upside the head.

Spring Clean-Up

I'm thinking of putting one of those lawn care signs in the store window. You know, the kid you see in the yards of pick-up truck running, leaf hauling manly-men. Except it applies to your closet. Because no one has time to fuss and fumble-when it's time to hit the pavement, the nightlife, the train to work, we are all almost always running late. I see it in myself, and I see it in my clients. So make it easy on yourself, and make great choices-clean lines, amazing fabrics, great silhouettes, and lighten it all up. No flowy, floppy, hippy crap-clean it all up, make it right, make it look like it can handle the mess the world is right now. Fitted, but easy to move in, fluid, but precise. A great hit of beading on a fun chemise that goes day to night. The surprise hit of cornflower blue and navy twisting together in a one shoulder silk cocktail dress that begs for a spin on the dance floor. The crisp line of a sheath with a cool square cut armhole, that will make a deal, and then buy he drinks. Do it clean, you know what I mean?

Navy really IS the new black

I'm dripping with navy here. I don't even like navy, and it's all over the place here, and it looks fantastic. I always associated navy with uptight conservatism and helmet hair, and that is so very much NOT what the navy pieces I'm working on are now. There's a beaded bodice long sleeve gown with a bare back, a fluid georgette draped gown with a moving giant, slit, and a sassy short shadow stripe chiffon over periwinkle charmeause dress, and all sorts of slate(the color, not the online news sight) leaning navy for day that looks fresh and modern. What gives? Maybe it's the change from tired, dry, dull, everywhere black. For evening, I know it's the idea of not being another person in a black dress at whatever event you're going to, a flock of crows at the bar, but maybe not being up for being the girl in the red dress, especially if it's a long dress. But a tall drink of water in Saphire? Now that sounds like a vision...

i like to party?

i was talking to a friend going to the shows, who said "all anyone wants to do is make evening gowns". Which is so true-so many times you wonder "who will wear this that doesn't get it for free at the Oscars?" But someone came in for a gown today, and I nothing but what I'm doing for Spring seemed fresh. I'm so excited about Spring, all the rich blues and metallics and glam. But I also know, I've got to wake up the next day and go to work. So the answer for me-great dresses. Zip and be done with it. And keep going until the next day. And a jacket that gets you through day after day. Come see it all at the Delamar Hotel, March 25th