JULY 4TH 2013 - A WHITE HOT SUMMER BEGINS

FERRAGAMO BECK CAMERA BAG - WHITE CROCODILE - $17,000 AS SEEN IN VOGUE- ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE CALFSKIN - $1,790.00 - A PERFECT "RUNWAY" BAG ON THE WAY TO HER SUMMER VACATIONOFF THE (SEASHELLS)SHELVES

 Light those sparklers and raise a glass as the Summer of 2013 is upon us!  As sale winds down and Fall merchandise arrives, be strategic about contacting your best clients to visit the boutique.  Many elite fashion shoppers have disappeared for the season.  The Summer homes are open,   and children and grandchildren are visiting.  The focus is on yacht clubs, tennis games, and rounds of golf.   I just spent a long weekend on Nantucket island off Massachusetts and one thing was clear in this playground of the rich and famous - "GONE FISHING" is the mentality of the month.   As I left the island on Monday morning, I noticed one clear pattern:   Husbands made the morning commute via private planes or puddle jumpers to go back to Boston and NYC, but super chic wives in LuLu Lemon RTS (Ready-To-Stretch) gear stayed put.  These ladies have begun their seasonal rest in the homes they look forward to visiting all year.   While these ladies are doing the most important job of caring for their children during the holiday, there are so many moments to capture her attention with just the right email or mention, if you are friends on social media.   These ladies are busy, OXFORD BLUE ON OPTIC WHITE VARINA - THE PERFECT POP FOR A COLORFUL CAMO DRESSbut at the same time, they have all the time in the world for a few moments of retail therapy via a smartphone. QUILTED WHITE JACKET AND CAMO DRESS - CHRISTOPHER KANE - AS SEEN IN VOGUE The Vara L'Icona website would be the perfect distraction while she waits for her match to begin, or that latte to be foamed.   If there is absolutely no reaching her while she is at the beach, make sure you know her schedule and invite her to the boutique when she does venture back to reality.   Many ladies come back every week or two to take care of errands that just can't wait.   Make a stop at Ferragamo one of those "Must Do" moments for her while she is back in town!  The very best husbands can also pick up something special for that special someone on his way back to paradise as well!!   What sounds like an extravagance to one can be a necessity to another.   (Plan your emails or text messages wisely, there is nothing worse than Summer Spam).  

As fashion professionals, we always have to be thinking backwards and forwards.   Thinking ahead because we know what is coming two seasons from now, and thinking back because you should have that mental rolodex of items your ladies have already purchased.   Cherry pick the newest pieces that merchandise right into her closet.   The newSUGGEST FERRAGAMO SPRING RUNWAY PIECES IN MOSS OR BEIGE TO WEAR BACK TO "CAMO" PRINTS FOR FALL camo trend is a great example.   The Spring Summer Ferragamo Runway collection had pieces that would take this Camo dress featured in Vogue to a totally different look for Fall.   A Moss or Beige colored jacket would make this playful look, super chic and slightly more serious for Fall.   *Keep your client relevant as you build her wardrobe*

LEGACY OF LUXURY 

What a woman wears can speak volumes about her attitude, her social status, and of course her overall style.  A little black dress, a finely tailored jacket, or a peasant skirt - each conjures up very specific images and attitudes.   One big seasonal trend is just as iconic, but is not limited to any one piece.   Wearing White.    A crisp white blouse, just washed enough white jeans, or the smooth white leather handbag above all create the same effect.   The purity and simplicity of white makes everything else pop - but at the same time is neutralized by this "lack of color" color.    The Ferragamo BECK camera bag was the star of Vogue's GARDEN STATE accessory story for June.   The powers at Vogue felt this bag was iconic for the Summer.   In the same story a beautiful embroidered white leather Jacket set against feminine camoflage looks dreamy.   Keep white in mind as a way to balance a colorful or loud print.  ** Many clients look for the right shoe or bag to compliment the super trendy retro prints happening now.  **Next time, suggest a white handbag or shoe.**

ALSO WORTH NOTING - STYLE ICON OF THE SEASON - of the many details to take away from the new Miley Cyrus video -"We Can't Stop" - wearing white on white is one OPTIC WHITE ON OPTIC WHITE VARINA - DESTINED FOR MILEY CYRUS?of them. MILEY CYRUS WORKS WHITE AGAINST BLOND WITH GOLD HARDWARE IN "WE CAN'T STOP"  This 80's and 90's inspired video is a visual orgy of style and optical illusions.   Miley Cyrus is all grown up and YOU WOULD BE SHOCKED at some of the women who are watching that video! Trust me, it is not just tweens and twenty-somethings taking note.   With over 47 million views in just a few weeks, "We Can't Stop" has broken the record as the most watched video within 24 hours of it's debut.   While you might dismiss Miley's music as teen-pop, make no mistake - Ms. Cyrus has the biggest names in music and celebrity styling behind her sound, and her look.  How interesting to watch Miley make her grown up declaration to the world.  Even when trying to be "raunchy" and "shocking" in this soft porn / ck one / hip hop spoof - "We Can't Stop" is hypnotic and beautiful - and Miley is beautiful. (Some have nicknamed her "Baby Angelina").   Interesting, I remember when another former Disney child prodigy came of age... her image didn't seem as sophisticated, but just plain DIRTY, but that girl was "Beautiful" also!    *Don't be shy to suggest head to toe White ensembles for your coolest clients*  

FERRAGAMO TIME

PINK SUEDE D'ORSAY - $875.00 With such a long legacy and so much luxury, the Salvatore Ferragamo heritage is celebrated in iconic objects with sophisticated style around the world.  The beautiful details of a finely crafted women's shoe make up one of the most celebrated creations in the fashion world.   In the recent decade, a perfectly proportioned handbag has become almost as iconic.   A sophisticated duo that are must haves for the well heeled collection are available this Fall.   A D'Orsay pump is one of the sexiest shoe styles ever designed.  The vamp of the shoe is cut away to expose the arch of the foot, making it a perfect shoe to wear when the weather is fair, and whenVARA GINNY - MINI-FLAP CLASSIC IN MORNING ROSE (LIMITED QUANTITIES) - $625.00 feet are sun kissed by Summer.. or soon after.  The pink suede D'Orsay with oversized bow available now is simply beautiful.   The perfect companion?  A mini classic flap bag with a Vara bow.  A mini handbag is a must have when traveling.  In addition, it's one of the hottest trends (again) in the accessory world.  I don't need to mention how spectacular a white dress or pair of white jeans would make pink pop - like Fireworks! 

Happy 4th of July!!