Inspiration Takes Over

Dear Friends,

I wanna be just like her when I grow up: Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife. She is smart, independent, fiercely protective of her children, and much more than just a good wife.

She excels at keeping a cool exterior. She is rarely ruffled and almost always thinks before she speaks, choosing her words for maximum impact or sting. She exudes style and class.

Of course, she's also a fictional character. Nobody's perfect. But I love watching the way she and other characters dress on this television series. Inspirational!

Inspired in part by, mm-hmm, impeccably dressed fictional characters on television, AND your generous response to our 40% off sale (Thank you very much!) the store was getting a little bare. On a whim I flew to the exciting city of Los Angeles to freshen up Renee's.

Comfortable and colorful

3/4 sleeve ponti dress

Yesterday, some (almost) instant gratification arrived in the form of dresses, scarves and jewelry that I found on the trip. Just in time to don a dress for your Valentine's date, daytime dresses and cocktail attire is now showing at Renee's.

Champagne sleeveless lace overlay

dress with back zip and hook and eye closure

I know. It's been a long time since I considered wearing a dress. Join me! Adorn your hard-working body with lovely attire, and have some fun with your wardrobe. It's never too late.

Black textured jersey for maximum

comfort AND elegance.

The trip to LA, along with these dress discoveries, have renewed my spirit and enthusiasm. Are you attending any weddings soon? Visit Renee's to dress you for your special events.

Spense sleeveless colorblock daytime dress.

Pair it with a black sweater or jacket.

What about wearing a dress to work once in awhile? Would you consider that?

Cap sleeve black and white

daytime knit dress

It's easy to wear a dress. You don't need to put much thought into it. Just remember to accessorize. Wear a fabulous scarf or some beautiful jewelry. Slip into a pair of leggings and pull on a pair of boots. You'll be ready for whatever your day holds without having to put much thought into getting ready.

black and white stripes

with half-zip back

These dresses are now in stock. Hurry, they won't last long.

Heather gray and charcoal two-tone

jewel-neck ponti fabric

Grab hold of inspiration wherever you can get it. What has been inspirational to you lately?

Plum hammered satin with embellishment

Get out of your box. Be inspired. Come in and try on a dress!

Sending Wintertime Love,

Renee

Death by Cookie

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! The holidays are now behind us. Author Anne Lamott calls them "the days of death by cookie." Her holiday posts especially resonate with me... For a laugh read how she navigates the holidays here and how she feels about diet resolutions here.

A page from the scrapbook: postcard sent in Sep. 2006

Thank you for reading my notes. I know you are busy. You used to receive Renee's postcards every month. A long time ago. How things have changed.

Please help me in the battle against the big box stores and the Internet shopping sites. If you like these notes, forward them to a friend who likes boutique shopping. Send them to a prospect who understands quality. Share them with people who appreciate a special shopping experience. Suggest your friends subscribe to Renee's blog. Like us on Facebook. Share our posts on your own Facebook page. Give us a review on Yelp or Google. Word of mouth is the best way to remind people that we are *still* here.

New York skyline

In return, I promise to keep my notes short and to the point. I'll post lots of photos. I also vow not to post too often. You'll see photos of new arrivals, find out about upcoming sales and events, and go along with me to market. Speaking of market, the semi annual Big Apple trip is right around the corner. You first came along in 2012. Start here to review the trip if you want to reminisce.

"Leggings are not pants, ladies!"

In the fashion tips department: If you were at the fall fashion show, you'll remember I said that leggings are not pants. (I may have been speaking the tiniest bit louder and an even tinier bit slower when I informed everybody, just so no one would miss the message. Maybe.) My favorite fashion blogger Tina Adams agrees. You'll love her post about how (not) to wear yoga pants. She too gets her message across with humor and by being direct (read: blunt).

At Renee's this month, we are focusing on COMFORT. Everybody needs a little extra TLC after the holidays. Come to Renee's for comfy clothing. Need extra incentive? Not only did we take inventory during the first few days of the year, but we also slashed our prices! Now through Jan. 17 get a whopping 40% off anything that was in stock on the last day of the year.

Sheep and hearts...

And... just in time for our month of COMFORT, PJ Salvage has delivered! You'll feel snug and safe this winter when you cuddle up in these...

Cats and hearts...

...Or these...

Whimsical PJ Salvage fleece robe...

...Or this!

Enjoy getting back into your routine. I will too. A creature of habit, I love my everyday schedule... It's comfortable!

Marlene and I always enjoy seeing you. We are excited to start a new year with you. Enticing opportunities await. Thanks for ALL of your support!

With love,

Renee

Thanks! Year in Review; Exciting 2015 Opportunities Await

Gwen Fletcher and her loved ones at Renee's

Dear Friends,

As we say goodbye to 2014, we look back with pride at the successful events and exciting new collections we brought to you this year. It's been a fantastic year! Your enthusiastic response was so appreciated. THANK YOU for contributing to our progress. Your generosity is overwhelming, and humbling. We are grateful.

At our Eileen Fisher 30th Anniversary celebration

Mother and daughter in matching Sunday Rose dresses

2015 holds another year of fashion excitement, travel, and hard work. I am grateful I get a chance to do it all over again, and more, in the coming year. Please come along with us, and invite your friends, too.

Shopping in my favorite position, on the floor

I will continue to search the marketplace, while keeping you in mind, for unique, high quality, USA-made apparel and accessories that you'll love to wear. Of course I'll be looking for value, remembering that quality tops quantity every time. You have entrusted me with the honor of choosing your wardrobe for you, and I embrace the challenge.

Twins shop at the fall fashion show. They are both teachers.

Take a look at a few more photos of women just like you shopping at Renee's during the past year...

Sandra Classen is in retail sales at Lamps Plus.

Lynne Swanson is a teacher.

Tammy McLendon has a massage practice at Peak Fitness.

Robin Cooley owns a swim shop, Got Gear, in Snohomish.

Andrea Moore loves vintage apparel.

Looking ahead, are you aware of the award-winning new developments going on downtown Everett? New hotels, including a Hampton Inn and a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, more housing units, and a year-round Farmers' Market and Food Hub and more will contribute to a more vibrant downtown. Word on the street is a new bicycle shop on Colby is in the works, too. We look forward to the contributions this growth and more will make to the entire Everett community.

A new Hampton Inn rises above downtown Everett's skyline.

At Renee's, we are excited about our plans for one of our BEST spring and summer seasons ever. New lines, special events, and more online presence are in the works. If you haven't already, please take a few moments to leave us a review here: Yelp, Google, or Facebook. Your referral is our greatest compliment.

Happy New Year from Renee and Marlene

Thanks again. I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy new year!

With love,

Renee

Week After Christmas Sale Starts Friday; New Year, New Hours

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your support this holiday season. Join us for our Week-After-Christmas sale starting Friday during regular store hours (closed Sunday). Everything in-store will be reduced from regular prices.

Renee's will be closed on New Year's Day and for Inventory Jan. 1-4. We will reopen Mon., Jan 5, when we adopt new winter hours as follows: Mon - Fri. 10 am - 5 pm; Sat. 10 am - 4 pm.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!

Sincerely yours,

Renee

You need a sweater. Stat.

Wooden Ships cowl neck poncho with sleeves

Good morning friends,

Cozy sweaters are calling your name at Renee's. Hope you don't mind if I show them to you.

Eileen Fisher gray cropped poncho with sleeves

1. Silvery gray Eileen Fisher slouchy funnel neck cropped poncho with sleeves in lofty alpaca silk. Elegantly draped, cable-patterned. Chunky knit, dropped shoulders, ribbed sleeves and hem. Italian yarn. Layer Eileen's long silk shell (in store, too!) underneath for maximum coverage.

Eileen Fisher tan cashmere sweater with aubergine accessories

2. Tan Eileen Fisher oversized cardigan sweater. Cashmere yarn, button front, long sleeves. Shown with aubergine layering tank and textured scarf, or as above, use long silk shell for layering.

Wooden Ships cowl

Wooden Ships Cowl back

3. Wooden Ships cowl neck sweater. Black background, gold print. Angora and wool. Lofty knit, but lightweight. Acts like a poncho but has sleeves. :)

Wooden Ships teal button front sweater

Wooden Ships teal button front sweater, unbuttoned

4. Teal Wooden Ships fuzzy cardigan sweater (above two photos). Luxe. Must see.

I call this the cotton candy sweater.

5. Luxe Bailey v-neck sweater in hyacinth lavender color. Fuzzy like cotton candy. Feminine. 

Boyfriend. My fav.

6. Luxe boyfriend sweater. Available in two colors (translation? I really, really liked it.): ivy green (shown above) and cinders (steel blue). Understated. Love.

There are more. Many more. Come in to see. Send in your hubby. Or your mom. Sister? Anybody? 

Wishing you a lovely, peace-filled weekend.

With love,

Renee

Thoughtful and Practical? Cozy Flannels Jammies are Here.

Milk and Cookies flannel jammies... Cute!

Dear Friends,

How's your holiday season shaping up? I hope you are enjoying every moment!

White dogs in glasses

Want to wrap up in something cute and cozy between now and Jan. 3? What about some comfy new flannel jammies to get you through the stress of planning, wrapping, and cooking? Treat yourself to a new pair of pajamas and look hip when company unexpectedly calls.

For the sophisticated animal lover?

What about giving flannel pjs as gifts this year? Great for any age, whimsical, practical and thoughtful, flannel pjs might be just the ticket.

Red cats. Charming.

Available in x-small, small, medium and large, these come boxed in a pizza box "special delivery." As always, we offer complimentary gift wrap.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

With love,

Renee