Latest Arrivals: Fidji Shoes and Summer Dresses

Grandma's memorial service in Ohio.

Dear friends,

Thank you for your condolences, kind comments, and words of comfort regarding my grandmother's influence in my life and her recent passing. Fortunately I was able to attend her touching memorial service in Ohio last weekend. I took time to visit with family and friends that I had not seen for a few years. I extended your sympathies to them; what a blessing all of you are!

When I returned I was greeted with many new arrivals in the store! I've taken a few photos to show you.

Fidji denim-colored shoe.

Fidji metallic brown sandal.

Because of your fantastic response to Fidji shoes, we brought in two new styles. Either style would look great with jeans or skirts and dresses. We've heard you: Fidji are the most comfortable shoes you've worn. Come in now to try them on, when all sizes are in stock.

Black Halo pebble crepe dress.

Black Halo dresses are simply beautiful. I present you with our first style (above)! I am so excited to have this dress line in the shop. The quality and workmanship is top notch. I could hardly wait to see it when I returned to the store yesterday. Need a little black dress? Try this one! It's featured in our window today.

Wind River dress and cardigan.

Wind River offered a beautiful blue and green print dress and skirt, and I couldn't pass up either of them. I ordered both the dress AnD a long skirt because the color was so pretty. I know you don't like to show your arms, so I also ordered cardigan sweaters to match! :)

Nomadic Traders dress and cardigan.

Here is a new printed dress from Nomadic Traders, again with a coordinating sweater to cover your arms...

Cut Loose teal green dress and cardigan.

This Cut Loose silk dress and matching cardigan are a stunning teal color. The big sash is flattering. The jewelry matches the dress perfectly. This one is also in the window today.

Elana Kattan long tropical dress.

Need a dress for a beach wedding? Here are two stunning printed summer dresses from Elana Kattan.

Elana Kattan knee-length dress and shawl.

I am so excited that dresses and skirts are back "in." They are the hit of the season. Yay! We think the pendulum is swinging toward femininity and dressing "up" a little bit more, right along with the improving economy.  Do you notice changes, either in the economy or in the way you (and others) are dressing?

Come in soon to check out the newest arrivals. We look forward to welcoming you when you drop in.

With love,

Renee

New York Finds, Day One

I found some fantastic, exciting new apparel, shoes and accessories for you yesterday, my first market day in New York City.

First on the list, colorful felt and leather bags by Graf and Lantz. Here one of the owners is telling me all about his bags. Felted wool (embossed or not) or canvas (waxed or not) and leather. Stunning!

One of my selections of canvas bags, above, will arrive in May.

This colorful group of felted wool and leather (above) will arrive in-store in August, along with the waxed canvas bags below.

Next up, Aquatalia shoes.

Wow! I hope you love these Aquatalia shoes as much as I do. I think I'm getting bolder. I ordered red shoes! These will dress up a pair of jeans, and look great when you wear all black. Aquatalia is not only functional luxury, but their suede is waterproof. This property is "built in" when the leather is tanned. Finally, technology catches up with shoes!

While I am in the Aquatalia show booth (above), I learn all I can about the product from the experts.

I love these colorful new coats above by Danish designer Ilse Jacobsen!! And she has rubber rain boots to match! These will arrive in May.

The most innovative, creative find of the day? Walleska Ecochicc, apparel, handbags and accessories handcrafted from recycled aluminum can tabs (above). I did not order this line. :)

The rep above explains all the features of her line, Bed-Stu. My selection of these rugged, urban canvas and leather bags sits on the floor behind her. These bags will arrive next month (March).

More shopping, this time at Mystree (above). You would not believe all the choices I make on your behalf! Fortunately, I am decisive. I have to make decisions as quickly as I can since there is so much to see.

One of the pleasures of going to market is meeting the artisans and designers. Here I am (above) with Teresa Goodall, designer of her own jewelry line. She and her husband live in Minneapolis. The jewelry I ordered from her will arrive next month.

Designer Amy Leiner and I work to put together a new selection of her jewelry for you, which will also arrive next month.

Buying a new legging line, Lysee leggings (above) and with the owner (below).

Talking with the owner of a new line called "Chalet," below.

New prints (above and below) from a favorite dress line, Elana Kattan.

I am always impressed by the creativity I see when I shop for you. There is so much to learn about all the lines, too. I wish I could bring all of you with me! I can't wait for you to see all of the wonderful finds I discovered yesterday.

And now I'm off and running on my second day in the city. Stay tuned for more finds...

Sending my love from across the country,
Renee

Sunshine and Summer Arrivals!

Gentle Souls comfy shoes.


Dear Readers,
A happy spring day to all! First, I'll get the business out of the way... To my lovely subscribers, if this post came to your email inbox, click on the blue title link to view the entire post in its correct format. The photos and captions look so much more beautiful that way! This will also enable you to comment and view others' comments.

Second, as promised, I drew a name randomly from all who commented on the previous closet cleaning post. The winner of 50 hangers and foam covers is Cindy N! Congratulations, Cindy. You can read that post and all the comments by clicking on this sentence.

Now, on to the good stuff! It's a beautiful sunny day! Let's celebrate! Including today we've had three whole sunny days in a row. We are going to be so spoiled!! And I say it's about time!

Do you want to brighten up your spring wardrobe to go along with the balmy weather? Take a look at what's new at Renee's, and then come in and try on our latest arrivals.


Nick and Mo sweet feminine sweater, Zenim crop jeans.

Nic+Zoe sweater, tank top, and pants.

Nic+Zoe
graphic button tank
and linen cotton
easy skirt.

Nomadic Traders
green and turquoise
stripe boat neck
tops, Silver pants
and jeans.

Nomadic Traders
green and turquoise
tops and breezy skirts.











Sun Kim grape
crinkle jacket,
Stehmann
pull on pants.
Elana Kattan
scoop neck top,
Comfy USA pants.







These lilacs were generously given to me
from my beloved neighbor Mary. Certainly these are
a lovely, sweet-smelling reminder of spring.

I hope you are enjoying your day! Happy sunny weather!

With love to you,

~Renee

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