Let's Play Dress-Up!

Helping you is my favorite part of my work. I like to give you my undivided attention. As I was thinking about this, Marlene suggested we might offer individual "fittings" to our customers. "Let them set up an appointment with you like models do before our fashion shows," she said.

I thought that was a great idea! And I'd like to try it out! With you!

So here's the plan: Email me at reneesclothing@yahoo.com to make an hour-long appointment with me. Choose any time and any day that works in your schedule.

Before you arrive I'll select from our colorful new spring arrivals with you in mind. I'll also check the sale rack, the accessories, shoes and jewelry that might go with your collection. I'll gather whatever I think will look great on you.

When you come in you can try on what I've selected. That's it! It's that simple. We can decide together what items look best on you based on your feedback.

Bring a friend(s) with you to watch (the fashion show) and give opinions. Or I can arrange a fitting for them, too!

There is no charge for the service, and no obligation to buy anything. Just have fun, ("let's play dress up!") and try something new.

Ready? Email me!! reneesclothing@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

New spring arrivals now in from Nic and Zoe:

Back from the Big Apple, Fashion Week in New York

I was inspired while shopping for you in New York City this week! I came home feeling energized and excited more than ever about the clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories finds. I can hardly wait until you can see them, too!




It’s a given that Renee's provides classic, quality apparel. On the other hand I like to introduce you to new and innovative items that you haven’t seen anywhere else. After all, a boutique is all about unexpected finds and beautiful surprises in a collection of clothing you love to wear.






So what were some of the highlights? Jewelry artist Amy Leiner, whose original designs are earthy yet colorful, describes her jewelry as "a unique blend of color, balance, texture and style." Her pieces will top off an understated outfit perfectly. In recent years, Amy was invited to sponsor such events as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Emmy Awards.




I couldn’t pass up the cool shoes and boots from Donald Pliner and Aquatalia (new!).
Ian Mosh’s collection from the Basque Country in Spain was also spectacular.





Of course Annette Gortz, the German designer is always a delight. Her ever beautiful and avant-garde clothing is the best.

I found a new German handbag line called Liebeskind, which I loved! I also ordered special pieces from Louben, Sympli, Vanilia, Planet and Fabrizio Gianni.



It was my pleasure to search through thousands of lines for the perfect outfit, shoes and accessories for you in New York. I just know you are going to love it, too! Thank you for allowing me to shop for you in New York City, the most exciting fashion city in the world! Stop in soon to see the many new and colorful spring arrivals.

What Would We Do Without Cotton?

I love cotton. It's a natural fiber. It's soft. It breathes. I can wash and dry it. It gets softer with every wash and wear…

I am worried about cotton. I worry because cotton prices have risen to a 140-year high and are rising still. I think I've taken my favorite fabric for granted!

Cotton is a seemingly innocuous fabric. It is my every-day, reliable, old standby. It has been readily available and reasonably priced. Although cotton is not usually thought of as a luxury fabric, I myself think of it as a luxury fabric. But I wouldn't tell my vendors or reps that. Then they could justify the rising prices…


Why are cotton prices rising? Some of the reasons, according to reports: weather-related production problems, rising costs, restrictions on exports from India, and rising worldwide demand for cotton.

There are some options. We can hedge against rising prices -- at least for now -- by shopping the packed sale racks for replacements at Renee's! What to buy now? I would suggest jeans, dress shirts, socks and underwear, and organic cotton items.

If you want to future-proof your clothing budget, browse your wardrobe for pieces that are likely to need replacing in upcoming months. You might even stock up on a favorite piece. End of season sale prices are excellent, and the styles aren't going to change that much over the next year.

In the meantime, I will continue to offer you soft, comfortable cotton products. Photos of yesterday's arrivals are below: Basic Threads (all cotton, made in California) and Canadian FDJ Jeans. Come in to take a look.

Fondly,
Renee

Perk Up Your Wardrobe at our Winter Clearance Sale

Here's an opportunity for you... All of our fall and winter items have been reduced!

When I was marking everything down, I was impressed with the many scarves that are left from the season. You bought tons of scarves last year, and we still have tons here, now marked 20% off--a whole "wall" of them.

Renee's must say goodbye to everything winter as spring is just around the corner!

I am preparing to go to New York on Friday; I'll be buying for fall. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. In the meantime, I've photographed more new arrivals below: Two Dog Island, Silver (Canadian line) white pants (also available in tan and denim), and Bryn Walker (Berkeley, California) linen and cotton. Two Dog Island (Seattle based) is available in bright cheery colors: pink, periwinkle, creamsicle, new navy, and more.

Stop in soon for best selection. We always enjoy seeing you...

All the best,
Renee

New Arrivals: Pajama Party!

Our new jammies have arrived!! And we love them so much we want to celebrate with a pajama party!

Munki Munki, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, creates the most comfortable and adorable pajamas you can find! Their whimsical prints, sewing details, and amazingly comfortable fabrics will keep you smiling. Whether they are a gift for you or for someone else, everyone will enjoy these perfect pajamas.






"Notions: sew what?" Poplin Floret Gown

This cotton poplin baby doll style gown in the sewing notion fabric is embellished with 21 delicate handcrafted florets ("yo-yo" details) covering the neckline for a unique vintage feel. Straps are equipped with ring and slider for adjustability and the perfect fit.



"Bicycles: that I Have Loved" Cotton Cami & Poplin Ankle Pant Set

Everyone loves Munki Munki pj bottoms! "We have received countless testimonials declaring simply: "I live in them," they write. The comfy waistband (elastic and drawstring, for a perfect fit) sits just at the top of the hipbone. The pants have a fuller leg and a boxier shape and a small slit at the ankle. Here we have paired the pants with a slim fitting camisole; it's made from soft cotton jersey and embellished with a tiny patch of printed poplin.





"Camper Vans: road trip ready" Cotton Tee & Poplin Ankle Pant Set

The slim fit tee and pant set makes for perfect lounging. The long sleeve tee is slightly shaped through the waist and hip and hits just below the waistband. Sleeves are extra long and slightly belled. A favorite motif is cut from the print and sewn on as a patch.






Munki Munki Signature Poplin Full PJ Set

Meant to be worn like a morning uniform, the pj shirt is ample and relaxed. It's a practical match to the ankle length pant. With so many of us working from home these days, not to mention the new baby boom, it's no wonder everyone seems to need several pairs of these pjs.





"Wiener Dogs: hold the mustard" Poplin Peasant Smock

Simply dreamy! The washed cotton peasant gown is detailed with a relaxed ruffle and side pockets. This is a vintage look updated for the modern woman.





Munki Munki. Perfect pajamas! Come in soon for best selection.

Warm and Sleepy Regards,
renee

Will this be a Valentine's Day to Remember?

Do you have a romantic rendezvous plan for Valentine's Day? New York or Hawaii? Las Vegas? or even ...Seattle? Valentine's weekend starts in three days!



Here's an idea... Wow him by donning a feminine new dress! The Marilyn dress in red at $108 might do the trick, or what about the sexy number in sophisticated beige at $95? Of course there is a little black dress, too, but why not surprise him with a bright and pretty color?



Wearing a dress would be out of the ordinary and fun! Slip on a pair of heels, adorn yourself with some sparkly jewelry, throw on a shawl, and you'll be ready for a fun night out on the town.

Make this Valentine's an event to remember. Be sure to stop by Renee's! We'd love to help make all your dreams come true!

Best,
renee


"How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss, and all was said." ~Victor Hugo

Viable Options to American-Made Clothing

Yesterday I talked about the priority I place on looking for American made products when I shop for you. The flip side of this coin is finding items that are responsibly made abroad.

I trust the owners of Nomadic Traders, one of the staple lines you see at Renee's, to conscientiously make those choices for me. Len and Anna Schemin started Nomadic over 30 years ago in Berkeley, California. They still own and operate the business. This longevity is practically unheard of in today's apparel business.





Len and Anna "are very wonderful human beings in this planet. They are fair, family oriented, and supportive," said Giselle Perez, marketing director for Nomadic Traders. Giselle has worked for the company for 24 years and counting.

Giselle and I discussed the some challenges to American-produced apparel. "We are between a rock and a hard place," Giselle explains. Apparently most of the cotton grown in the US gets exported to China. On top of that there are not many companies left in the states who manufacture sweaters and textiles. Most of the skills and factories have moved overseas, and some "production almost has to be abroad."





The owners appreciate my American-made quest, and many of the knits are produced stateside. However when US production is not practical, they get the job done overseas to create a well-rounded collection.

From my perspective, Nomadic Traders is a company whose integrity I want to support. The employees who answer the phones are friendly and compassionate; the shipping is reliable, accurate and speedy; the merchandise is reasonably priced, and the owners uphold and promote the art and culture they've experienced in their many journeys.

They also give back to others. "We have always believed in giving back, and have donated to various charities for many years," they write. You can see a list of the charities they support on their website.

Best of all, you, the customers, have embraced Nomadic!

While I prefer to purchase items made in America for you, there are some other viable options. Buying from Nomadic Traders is one of them. Do you know of others?

Warm Regards,
renee

What's Important to You

Hello, there!

Today I will spend time in Seattle combing through lots of "stuff" to choose what else, dear readers, you might like me to add to the collection here at Renee's. You may know I do not consider myself a shopper. I was raised in a frugal, minimalist home. How ironic that I now shop for a living! I do this for you, so you don't have to!

Many of you have told me you rely on my decisions. While that is flattering, I also think of it as a huge responsibility, one I am still happy to grab hold of. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

While I am culling through what I can only picture as a huge haystack for just the right items, I often ask the sellers where the merchandise is manufactured. I try to support companies whose manufacturing is done in the U.S., and I am also fond of Canadian-made lines. I like to give my business to small, women-owned manufacturers when possible.

Recently I wrote a letter to the editor of the Everett Herald about American-made merchandise, and they saw fit to publish it. While not everything I bring to Renee's is made in America, the majority is. I will continue my search.

What else is important to you when you are shopping, dear readers? What do you mindfully and deliberately choose?

We received new items from Nomadic Traders (below) and Naot shoes (pictured above)!

New Arrivals for Spring at Renee's

Hi There,

What's that you say? You are tired of the long gray days of winter? You need a sign of spring to get you through this month?

Well, besides noticing the crocuses peaking out of the ground, you can check out the new arrivals at Renee's to rest assured that spring is just around the corner.

Last week we received bling full length and cute capri jeans from a Seattle-based company called Zenim.



































Nic + Zoe showed up with my favorite feminine sweater for spring, which I call "pink fluff."




















They also produced beautiful sweaters and coats in rich coral colors, and light-weight pants for spring.




















Other bright colors have been arriving daily: kiwi greens, sky blues, daffodil yellows, cotton candy pinks, bright turquoises, and more.

Last week on my buying trip for Renee's I spied cute, inexpensive jewelry and lightweight colorful spring scarves. Fun and inspirational, these items are sure to get you through the rest of our winter.

While at market I also ordered: jeans from Silver, Zenim and Dish; cotton sweaters from Mermaid; knit tops from Prairie Cotton and Cut Loose; a new, wide selection of Hobo handbags; and bold print dresses from Elana Kattan.

Best of all, I am so excited about a new, cute Jammie line called Munki Munki! You will see why I am so excited when you take a look here.

As always, let me know if you are looking for particular brands, styles or fabrics. When you discover new finds on your journey, clue me in on those, too. You are always the best source of my buying inspiration!

I can assure you, spring is on the way! In the meantime, come in and take a sneak peak at spring inside Renee's!

Warmly,
Renee