Spring Awakening

This has been a particularly cold and dreary winter in the East. Between the freeze Mother Nature and Wall Street have heaped on our bodies and bank accounts, things are off to a slow start, as we catch our collective breath and look for small signs of improvement.

For the clotheshorse in most of us, it's been doable...most closets were healthily replenished long before the world changed in October and those winter woollies have been put to great use.

One thing to keep in mind, stores have cut back on their buys, which means, (no fooling), if you love it, buy it, because there is little chance that it will be there when you come back for it.

You can't stay away forever and I promise you, your loyalty to your favorite shopping Mecca, will be rewarded with amazing service and some great incentives. So, at the first sign of spring fever, (I always know its time, when I fantasize about cleaning out my closet with kerosene and a match), have at it. Yes, "need", makes perfect sense, but "love" and "if I don't have it, I am going to die", has it's place, too.

At Richards, where I am the Personal Shopper, I will do everything in my power, to make your shopping count and usually, we have a few howls along the way! It is hard to believe, but I am so blessed to have fantastically loyal clients...many whom have stuck with me for over 15 years! I love and appreciate you all so much!!!

Here are the key trends 101, for Spring 2009:

Geometry- Graphic and abstract plaids, grids, brush strokes, dots, and color blocking were evident in collections from Armani, Rachel Roy, Michael Kors, Akris and Hanni Y.

Architecture- Sculpted necklines, blouses that twist and fold, pleated skirts and ruffled hemlines were championed by Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Brunello Cucinelli, Lela Rose, Escada and Phillip Lim.

Global Studies-Ethnic printed tunics, caftans, dresses, harem pants, touches of orientalism, are available from Etro, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Roy, Pucci, Tory Burch and Naeem Khan. Accessorized best, with sandals, wedges and flats with glints of copper,gold and pewter, from everyone.

Greek Mythology- Grecian Goddesses abound for evening, in beautiful chiffon gowns, some one shouldered, from Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, Badgley Mischka, Douglas Hannant and Monique Lhullier.

Botany-- Lemon, lime,orange, pink grapefruit, and blueberry, juicy, vibrant color was seen in ready-to-wear from Cavalli, Moschino, Lela Rose, Agnona, and in handbags and shoes from Valentino, Tods, Prada, Nancy Gonzalez, Lambertson Truex, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahnik.

Electives- Clean and simple or solid, but embellished, white, nude and black dresses held their own from Chloe, Valentino, Dolce and Gabanna, Michael Kors and Akris. They look spectacular paired with a great statement necklace, bold cuffs or over sized earrings.

As I am writing this, we are in the midst of Fashion Week for Fall 2009. I was quite relieved to see, that the Designers, have not, been sending dark, somber, joyless clothes, down the runway...There is color and whimsy, thoughtfulness and hope.

They are doing their best and so should we.

xox,
Dd