Guest Post: New York Buying is Fun and Hard Work!

Renee and I enjoying dinner in Manhattan at a favorite restaurant, Trattoria dell'Arte, after a hard day at market.

Hello, my name is Laura Castleberry.

We found a shoe line I LOVE!

Renee has honored me by asking me to be a "guest blogger" upon returning from the NYC buying trip (or more appropriately, buying marathon!)

The fountains at Columbus Circle.

I always thought it would be great fun to observe and understand the buying process. How and why Renee chooses what she chooses.

I'm trying on some possibilities from Ivan Grundahl.

Don't misunderstand, going to "market" was fun, but it was intense, overwhelming, exhausting fun.

We ordered this cool color-block sweater from Ivan Grundahl.

This is not the place to go without a plan, a purpose, and a lot of energy. Selections had to be made quickly and decisively. Renee spent all her travel time planning her strategy to maximize every moment at the market.

Ivan Grundahl sweater and blouse. This line was one of my favorite finds.

I heard the vendors ask again and again, "Who is your customer?" Believe me, I think Renee knows us better than we know ourselves! Every purchase was carefully thought out with her customers (us) in mind.

One of many Suzi Roher creations.

The merchandise Renee selected had to meet her high standards of quality and comfort, as well as functionality and affordability. The logistics of getting her selections to the store in a timely manner was mind boggling as well.

Out of hundreds of designs, this is the Suzi Roher belt collection we selected.

One of my favorite parts of the experience was meeting some of the designers (geniuses) who create these beautiful pieces! I met Suzi Roher (belts) and Amy Leiner (jewelry). I even got Suzi Roher's autograph!

A new crinkle jacket from Sun Kim. It's black and silver menswear dot fabric.

After all the excitement, the trip home was more work for Renee, filling her budget, tying it all up, and planning for delivery scheduling.

On our walk to dinner one evening, we discovered rural art in an urban setting. This gas station was converted to a field of sheep! Only in New York!

Whew!! A lot of work goes into those treasures we purchase at the Renee's. Now I know why we love it all. Renee puts thought and care into every item we discover at Renee's. Renee's is like a well-curated art gallery. Thank you Renee!

Laura is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, Washington.

What to Wear in New York

My husband Bill came with me to New York. Here we are in Times Square. 

Dear friends,

Last Friday before I left for a shopping trip in New York City for Renee's, I went on a shopping trip AT Renee's. Honestly I am not a shopper. Some of you have told me you don't enjoy shopping, and I can relate. But I wanted to experience Renee's from your point of view and see what I could come up with for my trip, so I got some help from Marlene. 

On the plane with Laura, who also came along. 

We had our traditional first dinner in the city: salad...

...And calzone with boats of tomato sauce. Yum!

This is what I ended up purchasing at Renee's before the trip. 

I ended up with one pair of Silver jeans and one pair of FDJ black pants for bottoms. Usually I don't bring jeans because I don't think they are comfy but these jeans have a lot of stretch, and they feel like sweats. Seriously. Plus, with a new marbled wash, they look hip! Already a rep asked me what jeans I was wearing. And they cost less than $100!

For layering pieces I got a blackTribal long tank top and a topaz-colored Nic and Zoe tank top. I also brought along a tan Majestic tank top that is part of my go-to weekly uniform. 

One of my "toppers" is an FDJ longer denim jacket, which I will wear today. It's going to be great because the fabric is thin and stretchy, and perfect all day for September weather in the city. The jacket goes with both bottoms. 

Prairie Cotton for lounging. 

For lounging in the apartment at night I chose a thin tunic top and crop pants from Prairie Cotton. I love this! Talk about comfortable. But I also feel stylish wearing this! If I put a scarf with my jammies I could even run to the corner store for milk and cookies! :)

Silver jeans, Nic and Zoe cardigan, Tribal long tank top, Asian Eye scarf, Fly London booties. 

Another topper I chose is a long sweater cardigan by Nic and Zoe. I like the fall color. This goes with both the jeans and the black pants. I wore this outfit on the plane.

         My final topper is a big shirt by P Taylor. 

I brought along one sweater from my own closet, my running gear, and under garments. Everything I brought easily fits in my carry on. I will wear each bottom three times and each topper twice. The best purchase I made? By far, the booties from Fly London. I am wearing them all day every day. My feet are happy. And we must be walking at least 20,000 steps per day. Second best? Three scarves by Asian Eye. I haven't left the apartment without one of them. Other buyers ask what brand of scarf I am wearing. My outfits look polished with a scarf addition. My hair stayed dry when a little drizzle rained down. 

I feel comfortable and fashionable in New York! What more could a woman need?

Off for another day of shopping for YOU!!!  Thank you for this opportunity!

With love, 

Renee

Don't Walk. Fly!

Dear friends,

I'm so ExCiTeD to be writing to you again. I get to introduce the new girl in town! Meet Fly London!

Although the footwear brand has been around for awhile, it's new for Renee's this fall. And you are going to love wearing these. Why? Believe it or not, Fly London is both stylish and comfortable.

In stock in black.

Is that even possible? Yup. Thanks to sturdy wedge heels, roomy toe boxes, soft leather uppers, comfy fabric linings and cushioned foot beds, the moment you dip your toes in these houses for your feet, you'll know you can live in these shoes.

In stock.

I love stuff that lasts, don't you? According to their website, "Fly London styles are modern and eclectic, yet the designers aren't strongly linked to a particular season or trend." Now that sounds like us!

In stock.

A friend of mine walked into Renee's one day last spring wearing her Fly London shoes. They just looked great. That's when I knew we needed this brand in here. I love hearing about the brands you love.

We need to take care of our feet, but we want to look good, too. And we want something a little different. Fly London is your ticket. This footwear is for those who don't want what everyone else is wearing.

Coming soon to Renee's.

Here's the fun part. The shoes come in a yellow box adorned with a big fly. An ugly fly. Weird. I must admit, though, the emblem is growing on me. Plus, it's easy to recognize. To put it nicely, what a creative logo!

I've been writing to you about one great item each week at Renee's. You got the jacket, the pants, the layering top. Now ya need the shoes! The bomb footwear, Fly London will accessorize your new outfit perfectly!

Coming soon to Renee's.

No matter where you choose to strut your stuff this fall, Fly London will help you get there looking, well, FLY!

With love,

Renee

P.S. Next week I'll be writing to you from New York City. Although I won't be writing every day, I will fill you in on my favorite finds, fun trends, and the latest colors. Stay in touch!

Tops to Wear With Your New Jacket and Pants.

Tees by Tina. Layer two tanks for a colorful look you'll love. Longer length keeps you completely covered.

Dear Friends,

A couple weeks ago I told you about Necessitees one-button jacket for only $98. This jacket  is appropriate for any occasion. Seriously.

Necessitees chocolate one-button jacket with Tees by Tina tank in spice and Asian Eye silk scarf.

Last week I posted about your go-to pant for fall. Guaranteed. You have not lived until you've worn pants by Equestrian Designs.

Equestrian Designs jacket with Tees by Tina tank in cream and Sun necklace.

The way I see it, now you need tops to go with your jacket and pants. My personal recommendation? Tees by Tina!

Here is the textured "Wave" top. We have this in stock now.

I love Tees by Tina. Unable to find the perfect tees to take her from working out to work, Tina came up with some styles of her own. Her nylon and spandex seamless tees stay perfectly in place...no rolling!

Nic and Zoe sweater and pants with Tees by Tina tank in pebble.

I spoke to Tina about the advantages her tops offer. Here's what she has to say in one minute. (If this embedded video does not show up in your browser, click this link to hear Tina herself talk about her tops.)

How do I wear them? Tees by Tina can be worn as a stylish standalone, are fabulous for layering and are perfect for your work out. Wear her tops for a smooth and lengthened look every day. The tank top straps are just wide enough to cover your bra straps.

Tees by Tina textured top and skirt with leggings, denim jacket and scarf by Asian Eye

What colors do they come in? Lots of colors! Right now we stock cream, black, white, pebble, peony, crimson, spruce, spice, storm, beehive yellow, calypso blue, butter cream, and raspberry. We also carry her dresses, skirts, tights and textured tops.

Tees by Tina white tank under Jill McGowan blue and white stripe blouse with Silver jeans.

One-Size-Fits-Most...Really? Yes, really! Their seamless yarns have been designed with high levels of stretch-and-recover capabilities so that no matter your size, they fit. Try one and see. These also make perfect gift because you'll always choose the right size.

This wardrobe essential features a flattering neckline and can be worn from day to play.

Where are Tees by Tina made? We are proud to say Tees by Tina are made in the USA.

Next time you need a fantastic layering piece to broaden your wardrobe, try Tees by Tina, featuring seamless styles that keep their shape and stay perfectly in place.

Friends, if you haven't been to Renee's lately, you must stop in now. Our fall stuff keeps rollin' in and then right back out. Don't miss out on our latest arrivals.

I can't resist showing you our new awning with our updated logo!

Next post: Renee's store makeover update, new category, and more!  If you are enjoying these posts, please forward to your friends. Thanks. See you right back here next week!

With love,

Renee