Top Fashion Trends: Who Needs 'Em?

Number one trend for fall? Burgundy coats. Hmmm...

Dear friends,

Coming to you from a buying trip in New York City, I got to thinking about fashion trends. (Imagine that!)

I regularly hear questions like this from you: What is the latest trend? What is the color of the season? What is the go-to style in pants?

Let's just go ahead and get this out of the way right at the beginning. According to Glamour mag (and it IS a different list depending on who you ask), the five top trends this fall are:

1. Wine color. Okay, I will concede this one. You can pull it off with class and style. And we did.

Aquatalia pumps. Wine-colored waterproof suede. In stock at Renee's now. Model: Vickie.

2. Harness belts. Really? Looks time consuming, confusing, and constricting to me.

How did she get that harness on? And why?

Looks just awfully uncomfortable. Reminds me of an old
mental hospital contraption. Or worse. Nuff said!

3. Head to toe floral, including shoes. Again, really? I would feel like I was wearing a costume. Oh, I forgot. Maybe that's the point. For some people. How 'bout you?

Floral costumes, head to toe. Really, who makes these lists????

4. Horse print tops. Goes along with harness belts. I would classify these as "Worst Sweater Wednesday" sweaters.

Horse head sweaters.

5. Contrast collars. In my humble opinion this belongs in the "meh" list in the New York Times magazine. "Not hot, not not, just meh."

Here's a contrast collar for you. Let this be your only one. Please.

I suppose I'm a tiny bit skeptical when it comes to what's "hot." I will also admit I'm reserved and prefer the understated.

Truth be told, sometimes I think the media creates hype to get us to spend our money. Fashion magazines need you to support their advertisers so they in turn keep supporting the publication.

We are smarter than that, though, in Everett, Washington. Right?

A designer may create a few outlandish items to draw attention. He wants you to buy his line, so he *creates* a trend. He is climbing the ladder of fame and fortune. To get to the top, he needs a lot of buzz.

My hackles immediately raise up when a rep tells me that the item they are showing me is the "it" thing for next season. I hear scare tactics: if I don’t order it, you will go somewhere else. (Will you?)

Therefore, I don't really adopt new trends and styles quickly. These come and go. I am too practical. My personal value is "Buy good things, own them a long time."

In keeping with the "top 5" list above, I've decided to make my own list. For those of us who don't care about the latest trends, what's our good stuff? That's easy.

1. Suzi Roher belts. In-store now. These make you look and feel great. Ask some customers who wear them. Maybe they'll comment on this post. I'll give you their contact info (with their permission) if you call me. Made in Canada.

Suzi's daughter helped me place an order yesterday.

Here she is modeling one of her mom's belts.

2. Olbrish handbags. In store by September 30. A stunning product of art and engineering. Each bag architecturally designed and made by hand in Berlin.

Can't wait for you to see this line!

3. Graf and Lantz handbags. In store now. Worth every penny. Satisfaction guaranteed for years to come. Made in the USA.

Co-owner Daniel Lantz's design ideals are based in the marriage of understated luxury and traditional techniques.

4. Tees by Tina. In store now. Perfect layering tops. Great colors. Versatile. Practical. Made in the USA.

Yesterday Tina herself helped me put together a new order.

5. Jianhui jewelry. In store by September 30. Special. Different. Fun. Made in London.

I met Jianhui on Wednesday.

6. Sympli. In store now. GrEaT for travel! Slimming. Comfortable. Rich color. Made in Vancouver, Canada.

I love working with Kathy from Sympli .

7. Amy Brill sweaters. In store now. Each sweater made by one person in upstate New York.

Creator and owner Amy Brill herself tells me all about her design philosophy.

9. Susans. In store spring 2013. Casual, artistic collection that fits real women. Made in Berkeley, California.

Susan lives in Berkely. She has family in Bellevue, Washington.

Also: Majestic tops, Prairie Cotton collection, Stehmann pants, most of the lines you find at Renee's, really. I have met and talked with the owners and designers (usually one and the same) of these companies. These are real people who care about what they are doing. Just like I do. And just like you do.

So, do we really need to care about trends? The media likes to pontificate on fashion. Many of us are intrigued. I'd rather not. A new color here and there suits me fine.

I could be mistaken. What are your thoughts? Seriously, are you more interested in fashion and trends than I'm allowing? Perhaps I'm in the wrong line of work. I've been thinking about writing a book about owning a clothing store... I have lots and lots of stories I could tell...

Missing you all and sending love,

Renee

p.s. I've been laughing out loud as I write... I'm like a crazy person! I think it's time to get back to the real world.... I miss my swimming!

New York Diary: Exciting New Finds!

Designer Jianhui and me

What an inspiring day in New York! I saw a collection of lines juried for boutique owners and buyers like me. What a pleasure to meet and with owners and designers themselves, and listen to them describe their vision, designs, materials and manufacturing processes.

Jianhui

I loved Jianhui's jewelry.

He creates bold necklaces made from hundreds of tiny ultra-light and heat retaining recycled wood blocks...





...or rope...

...or silk-covered chain. Colorful and creative, these necklaces are fun!

Then I met with Susan Kirschner. Her contemporary clothing line incorporates architecture, texture, minimalism and patterns to create comfortable apparel. Located in Berkeley, California, Susan has worked with the same sewers for over 20 years.

Here is the new spring green color I saw everywhere. Fresh! This German line is called Elemente Clemente.






What a cool new handbag line: Olbrish! From Berlin, Olbrish is an award-winning contemporary handbag collection featuring architectural shapes and sturdy hardware. These one-of-a-kind high quality bags are made with the finest Nappa leather from Germany.

Although Sympli is not new to Renee's, it has become one of Renee's staple collections. I love working with Kathy, who has been in Renee's and met many of you at a Sympli trunk show a few years ago. She helped me put together a new collection for spring today.

Well, I must stop here and get ready for another full day here in New York. I've loved hearing from you. Your comments and your "presence" are huge motivators as I wade through thousands of collections for you. Thank you for joining me here! Check in again tomorrow for the latest finds, just for you, all the way from New York City to Everett!

With love,
Renee

Hit the Ground Running!

Renee's is carrying classic, cool Pendleton this fall!

"Hit it!" That's what you yell when you are ready! ...for the boat to pull you up on water skis, or to get the band to play... And I'm shouting that from the store today, where I'm back after some enjoyable summer time off. We are ready for the fall season at Renee's. Here are some photos to whet your appetite.

Bodil plaid gauze smock.

Aquatalia wine-colored suede pumps.

 

Sympli wrap top and skirt, color currant.

Baabaazuzu jacket. One of a kind.

Baabaazuzu vest. One of a kind.

Graf and Lantz waxed canvas bag, Raw Earth Wild Sky top, Asian Eye scarf.

Nic and Zoe collection.

Nomadic Traders fuschia boiled wool vest and mock neck sweater.

Nomadic Traders turquoise boiled wool vest and mock neck sweater with Asian Eye scarf.

Mark your calendar. Our Asian Eye scarf show will be back just in time for the holidays on Nov. 30 and Dec. first.


Please stop by soon and get a taste of fall at Renee's. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon.

With love,

Renee

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.