A Note from Renee: February 2012

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Five Easy Steps to a Wardrobe You'll Love!

1. Be a minimalist. Get rid of closet clutter. If you haven’t worn it, give it away. If you can’t give it away, store it in a box where you can’t see it.

FDJ mini stripe capris.

FDJ collection.

2. Update your pants. Find one or two pair of pants that are comfortable and fit well. Wear them like a uniform. Renee’s is a pants expert. Our selection is huge right NOW. Let us make this easy for you. Renee's 2012 spring go-to brands: Stehmann, Louben, Tribal, Equestrian Designs, Ethyl, FDJ, Nic + Zoe.

3. Invest in neutral layering tops. Black, white, ivory, tan, red. Crewneck, scoop neck, v neck. Long sleeve, sleeveless. Layering tops are the worker bees of your wardrobe. I love my layering tops! We have a big variety to choose from NOW. Renee's 2012 spring go-to brands: Majestic, Tees by Tina, Focus, Sympli, Nic and Zoe. Today we received a brand new collection of Majestic and Focus knit tops.

4. Own one or two pairs of comfy shoes that can go with everything. One flat and one short heel should do the trick. Renee's 2012 spring go-to brands: Fidji, Naot, Madeline, Nicole.

5. Stock up on a few scarves you can toss on to make your outfit sing. Renee’s is known for our scarf selection. Renee's 2012 spring go-to: Asian Eye.

Bonus step: Embrace fresh possibilities. Try something new.

Act on these five simple tasks and you can enjoy getting dressed every morning!

Share your journey with us. Which steps have you already taken to attain a wardrobe you love? What tips can you add?

With love,
Renee

P.S. There is no better time to shop at Renee’s than March or April, when our selection is at its very best.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Saving the Best for Last! I ♥ Annette Görtz!

Dear Reader,

Yesterday was my final day in New York City. My only appointment was at the Annette Görtz showroom in lower Manhattan. This avant garde, understated and elegant line is my personal favorite, and it didn't disappoint. Annette’s attention to detail is amazing and flawless. Every design element is intentional. Her creativity is always fresh. How she consistently stays inspired is impressive.

Each time I view the new Annette Görtz collection I leave with renewed commitment to the line, recognizing that the value of her talent, fabric quality, fit and beautiful construction is unmatched. In almost twenty years of buying, I have never seen anything like her artistic and extraordinary collection.

After the appointment it was time for lunch. By happy chance the renowned Gramercy Tavern is located just across the street from the Annette Gortz showroom!! We had a fabulously delicious lunch there. The week in New York culminated on the last day into a perfect ending to a successful buying trip!

Now I must get busy working on my orders. Thanks for joining me on our trip to New York. I was so happy to have you along! You are invited to join me again next time!

Stop by Renee’s so we can chat about our experience. See you soon!

With love,

renee

Our serendipitous find for lunch: the Gramercy Tavern!

Compliments of the chef: beef barley soup. Wow!

The curry sea bass on a bed of spaghetti squash was so irresistible I tasted a bite before I took the photo.

Friday, February 24, 2012

New York City Day 3: Selecting the Best for You!

Black Halo Jackie O dress

Dear Reader,
I love documenting "our" New York visit. And I especially enjoy hearing from you! Your feedback about which pieces and brands resonate with you will influence my final buying decisions. Thank you! Keep up the wonderful, inspiring comments!

Over the years I have heard many of you say that you don't like to shop. That's why you visit Renee's. I put a lot of time, care and thought into every item you eventually see at Renee's, from lines chosen to colors and sizes selected. Every piece at Renee's was hand chosen for you. I am your personal shopper!

There is not much play time here in New York when I'm on a buying trip. After I spend the day at the show, in the evenings I review and organize my notes, pore over photos and study the information. I rarely turn in an order right when I see a line. I edit my choices and pick the best of what I've seen. I will start writing my orders on the flight back to Seattle. After that, I'll spend a few more days filling in my budget, asking questions, and finally, turning in orders.

I have one more shopping day here in the big city. In the meantime, I've posted photos and information from my favorite lines I saw yesterday. Which lines and items are your favorites?

Sending love,
Renee

Black Halo booth

Black Halo models

Black Halo for spring.

Suzi Roher herself helps me choose your belts!

Belt discussion with Suzi Roher and her daughter.

Choosing your LillaP knit tops.

LillaP top

Raw Earth Wild Sky rep demonstrates a top that ties.

Putting together your Liebeskind bag collection

Lots of decisions to be made, with help from the experts.

Peace of Cloth pants. New line, fabulous fit, quality fabric and easy style. This pant collection will become a favorite.

Peace of Cloth

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Your Trip to New York City, Day 2

Luna Luz 3/4 sleeve silk organza dress

Dear readers,

Yesterday I said I wished I could bring all of you to New York with me. Later I realized: you ARE here with me! I think of you EVERY moment I am searching through at all the selections and making decisions here at market! You get to re-live the experience when you shop at Renee's!!

I am soooo excited about Day 2 finds for you. But I don't have a lot of time to write; I need to get back to work and make the most of my shopping opportunity. The photos have to do the talking today. I'll be back again tomorrow with more news from New York.

With love,
Renee