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

New Trends to Update Your Spring Wardrobe

Dear Readers,

Give me my wardrobe basics and I'm happy. I don't want to stand out in a crowd wearing bright colors and complicated trends. I'd rather be admired for choosing subtle, sophisticated clothing that does not go out of style.

Nonetheless, "fashion" has its place. Subtle trends can update your wardrobe and give you new options. Here are some fashion trends you may see this spring. Which ones will you adapt?

1. Maxi, maxi, maxi. You don't have to look far to find long skirts. Paired with shorter tops, the look can be carried off by most any body shape.

2. Lace, layering and romance. Look for pointelle fabrics, don a belt over anything, and choose sheer or ruffle trims. You'll be spot on trend.

3. Golden yellows, beachey blues, and feminine corals and reds are the colors of the season. Another color trend? Colored pants.

4. Dresses and skirts are coming back. We all love our pants, but in keeping with the more feminine trend and the maxi lengths, you'll see more dresses and skirts this season than ever.

5. Scarves are still a hit. We seem to finally be adopting what the Europeans have known all along: scarves complete an outfit and make you look like you know what you are doing when it comes to fashion.

Right now I am headed to New York City to shop for you for fall. I'll try to keep you in the loop about the trends I see coming up. Don't worry, I won't abandon my "basics" concept. I'm always looking for great new staples!!

In the meantime, the photos in this post are newer arrivals you'll find at Renee's. Can you spot any of the subtle trends listed above? Are there any trends pictured that aren't listed above?

Sending you my best from the Big Apple with love,

Renee

Create Instant Wardrobe Versatility With One Top

Tees by Tina navy long sleeve mock neck top.

Dear Readers,

On a recent visit with my sister Lori, she asked me to help organize her closet. After weeding out the dated items, we had trouble making outfits. And then it hit me. A few basic layering tanks and tops is all Lori needed to round out her wardrobe and create instant versatility.

Tees by Tina python 3/4 sleeve top.

Who knew that layering tops--so basic and so inexpensive--can be so vital in a wardrobe? They brighten up your clothing, broaden your apparel selection, and create a more versatile closet. They are the “worker bees” of your wardrobe investment.

Tees by Tina antique lilac Monet tank.

Try Tees by Tina from Renee's. We just received a brand new shipment for spring. Pair these with your jackets and sweaters to expand your wardrobe instantly. Slip them under everything from dresses to other tank tops.

 Customer Michelle Zimmerman models our latest arrivals.

Layering your clothes is a way to look chic and keep up with the latest trends in fashion. One or two will do the trick.

Tees by Tina olive stripe tank under FDJ denim jacket with Stehmann pants.

Marjorie Baer necklace, Asian Eye scarf, Liebeskind handbag, Fidji shoes.

Tees by Tina is a one-size-fits-most seamless apparel collection. These tops are essential basics for any outfit and every woman. Each style, designed and made in the U.S., is ultra-comfortable, and their amazing array of colors are spot-on trend.

Tees by Tina navy stripe tank under Nic and Zoe sweater with Stehmann pants.

Asian Eye scarf, Liebeskind handbag, Fidji shoes.

Don’t like fitted tops? We’ve all experienced wearing clothing that tends to “creep up” over time. Tees stay perfectly in place. Stunning as stand alones or lightweight enough for layering without adding extra bulk, they “hold you in” but still allow you to breathe easy.

Tees by Tina olive stripe tank under Nic and Zoe sweater with Stehmann pants. 

Liebeskind handbag, Fidji shoes.

What about you, dear readers? Have you found yourself returning to the same layering tops over and over? What is your most useful style? Is there a design that could add versatility to your own wardrobe?

Trying is believing. Give yourself options to wear with everything. Layering tops should be the “backbone” of your wardrobe. If you don’t have any (or if yours are looking tired) get a little pick-me-up! Put your clothing investment back to work for you with new tops from Tees by Tina today!

With love,

Renee

You Really Can Have It Both Ways!

Dear readers,

You often ask for a "dressy" dress that you can wear again. The perfect solution? Luna Luz! Luna Luz offers stylish dresses and skirts for spring, summer, or resort vacations that you can dress up for an occasion or take to the beach. Stop in soon to take a look at our new arrivals from this line!

Luna Luz is designed in Spain and manufactured in the United States. Made of 100% cotton, these dresses are light and airy. You can get them in a wide variety of colors, either tie dyed or solid.

Luna Luz combines soft, travel friendly clothing with funky European-inspired style. This line packs great because the cotton batiste looks slightly crinkled. Pull it out of your suitcase, give it a shake, and throw it on.

Luna Luz dresses are typically fitted in the torso and fuller in the skirt. Therefore they flatter most shapes.

Luna Luz. Outer dresses are untied, middle dress is tied.

Get two for one! Dresses and skirts have ties on the underside, giving each piece two ways to wear it.

Luna Luz. Outer dresses are tied, middle dress is untied.

When I discovered this line in New York last September, I felt like I had hit the jackpot for you! I hope you feel the same way.

Want a comfortable dress you can wear to a wedding, take to the winery, or stroll on the boardwalk? When you're looking for a chic dress that can be worn for any occasion, Luna Luz is a great choice. Stop in soon to try on a new dress!

With love,
renee

Superbowl Monday Sale Starts Tomorrow!

Hello, dear readers!

Sometimes Renee's has hosted Superbowl Sunday Sales. This year you can stay in the warmth of your own home, enjoy your Superbowl snacks, and watch the ads and Madonna at halftime.

When you visit Renee's starting tomorrow, all remaining fall, holiday and winter items will be marked at least 50% off. This Half Off Everything winter clearance sale will continue until everything is gone. We need to make room for our new spring arrivals!

Wednesday, Feb. 8 would be a perfect day to stop in and take a look. Why? We are offering a delicious nutritious homemade soup potluck lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. Bring your favorite soup (hot, in a crock pot) to share, or just show up. There will be plenty for all to enjoy. I'll provide containers if you want to take some home, too.

At our Superbowl Monday Sale you will still find a wide selection of top quality items to choose from, including...

...coats of many colors. This red one from Mycrapac reverses to black, closes magnetically, and has a hood tucked away in the collar. I wrote about this fantastic coat here. Our winter coats will keep you warm and dry this spring, too.

...a good selection of jammies and lounge wear by PJ Salvage. Click here to see more photos of our inventory. These jammies are colorful enough to wear this spring, warm enough for our chilly nights, stylish enough to take you to the grocery store or make a stop at Starbucks in comfort.

Casual and work separates like Foxcroft blouses, basic knit tops, Beyond Threads sweaters, and Dish and Zenim jeans. Above, Nomadic Traders boiled wool red vest and black stretch pants are paired with a Pure and Simple white knit top, perfect to go to work, take a shopping trip, or wear for travel.

Looking for a dress for a wedding event or an evening out? Our remaining dresses are also at a full 50% off. The Komarov dress and jacket pictured above could be perfect for a mother of the bride or groom.

Contemporary clothing like this Equestrian Designs skirt and Mystery sweater vest are also on sale.

Our clearance sale includes business separates from Abbie Mags (above), Louben and more!

Didn't get your perfect scarf at our event last fall? We still have a big selection of winter scarves left. Don't forget to stock up on winter shoes, boots, accessories and jewelry when you stop in, all 50% or more off.

Enjoy your Superbowl Sunday at home. Then stop by Renee's at your convenience to take a look at everything on sale. Come in soon, though, for best selection.

With love,
Renee

P.S. The idea and merchandise photos for this blog were contributed by sales associate Marlene. Thanks for the beautiful merchandising and great input, Marlene!