Live a Little, Love Fashion A LOT

Now is the time to confidently add some sparkle and color to your new year. Create your own individual shine by igniting your imagination along with your personality and choosing an ensemble that you feel amazing and comfortable in. The most important rule to fashion is that anything goes right now and remember that combinations are limitless. Choosing colors that inspire and enlighten your inner energies and mixing them with classic pieces is essential to having a wardrobe fit for any occasion. Favor items that are versatile, but make sure you leave some room for creativity in each piece you wear. Popular colors for this season are orange, emerald green, white, and more versatile colors like black and beige that can be mixed and matched very easily. Embrace variety in your closet by experimenting with different styles. Uniquely stunning jewelry and accessories are also an absolute necessity to make an outfit look and feel totally complete. To create a stunning ensemble is easier than you may think. Some of you may not know that hidden among our own neighborhoods, right here in Stanislaus county, there is a thriving, trendy, and affordable shopping scene. Staying fashionable in this era usually means shopping at large chain stores. However, you can create your own unique personal style, support our local economy, and help our own fashion community thrive.

Shopping consignment really has become the "latest thing". Want to know why? Consignment stores are very appealing right now since it is possible to combine affordable and great quality apparel with designer labels. Obtaining designer labels is easier than ever, if you know where to look. We've got all your favorite labels for so much less! Dress has a great selection of unique and trendy pieces that can be mixed together for an overall unparalleled style.

pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505
www.dressraleigh.com

peaceandlove

The Latest Investment Piece

This is a fashion piece we saw all over celebrities, in magazines, and on fashion blogs...the bandage skirt! While body-conscious apparel has long been a Hollywood staple, we think the way young tastemakers are wearing these super tight skirts is simply irresistible. The bandage skirt is an essential wardrobe staple for stars like Rihanna, Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian and more. While it may seem a little scary to slip into at first, once you're in there, the bandage skirt will suck you in and flatter your figure to perfection.

Though the look of the skirt is very form fitting, it's also very comfortable. The high-waisted design of it can almost act as your spanx! This is a great transitional piece from day to night. During the day, pair with a slouchy top and a pair of flats. Pair with a cropped top, for those petite ladies. At night, tuck in a fun and flirty top and even dare to pair it with a pair of stilettos!

We've just gotten in some amazing gray and black BCBG bandage skirts in! Get them while they last!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505

peaceandlove

Marc Jacobs Hot off the Runway

After NY Fashion week wrapped up in February, it's clear that Marc Jacobs is just as hot as ever. His highly anticipated line was unveiled using a medley of themes past, present and future, Marc also modeled his runway on the torrid weather currently affecting the U.S. featuring a strip of white, the catwalk represented New York's icy conditions recently. We noticed a strict and tailored fashion, offset with leather, lace and rubber for fetish, fun feel!

The designer told the Telegraph: "I thought in some sick weird twisted way, it's suggestive of this winter scene without being literal and the clothes take it apart."

Marc reworked the modern classics including the duffle coat and the biker, using texture and prints such as polka dots - all complimented by pillbox hats fastened securely around the chin.
Pencil skirts, high-necked blouses, sheer tops and more textures made up the future-meets-forties-inspired pieces.

Get your hottest new piece to add to your wardrobe at Dress!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505

peaceandlove

Stay Cool with this Hot item

Scarves are traditionally used to keep warm during the cold winter months. But this summer, long, lightweight scarves are a must-have item. From how to wear them to where to find them, Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, tells you all you need to know about summer scarves.

Why you’ll want one
Versatile and vibrant, an oversize scarf is virtually weightless, and will take up very little room in your purse. Although part of the allure is the chic, airy feel, a feather-light scarf can ward off the chill of air-conditioning, and even act as an extra layer of sunscreen. Beyond its functionality, this fashionable accent is available on any budget, and in every style imaginable. From organic fabrics to bold and graphic prints, adding a splash of personality to your ensemble is easier than ever before. This summer, you can leave the jewels behind, knowing that a pop of color or pretty pattern around your neck will draw attention to your face just like a necklace would for an easy, breezy summer look.

How to wear it
There are countless ways to wear a summer scarf. Standard methods include wrapping it multiple times around your neck and tucking the edges under, folding it in half behind your head and looping the open ends through the hole near your collarbone, or simply swooping it around your neck and tossing one end over your shoulder. Some of Hollywood's trendsetters are tying the ends of square scarves together and wearing them in the style of a Western cowboy. Don't be afraid to experiment: twist, braid, knot two together, or try tying a last-minute halter top.

A few of Hollywood’s favorites
Celebrities like Cameron Diaz have been sporting simple Love Quotes scarves. Available in more than 50 colors, each scarf comes with an inspirational tag, with a portion of the proceeds going to children’s charities.

Stars like Jessica Alba adore the exotic and intricate geometric prints on Tolani’s summer scarves. Styles like the Zig-Zag, Honeycomb and Myst have a true global feel, and represent a colorful tribute to traditional cultures.

Sienna Miller and Hilary Duff add a touch of casual texture to their look with Fluxus' ruffle scarves. With their feminine edge, these thin strips are the perfect accessory for all you thrill seekers out there.

Thanks to Sir Alistair Rai, you can wrap yourself up in Love, Karma, Hope and Truth. These wraps feature Hindu and Buddhist prayers hand-painted by artisans in India, and have attracted some of Hollywood's biggest names. Fans like Drew Barrymore can either toss and go, or dress up in the oversize styles.

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505

peaceandlove

Set Sail

As anticipated, the spring fashion 2011 trends showed one of our favorites, the nautical inspired theme. Nothing says spring / summer like the sailor look.

It doesn’t matter whether visiting the beach, walking along the promenade, the boardwalk or actually taking a trip afloat. The nautical look is classic and works well in every situation. 2011 will see the classic nautical look flavored with the South Seas, South Pacific, sailor hats, and the usual nautical strips.

You can start your Nautical Look with a classic swimsuit or a bikini. Then add shorts, skirt or mini dress according to the time of day.

Next, throw in something for the evening; a full-length dress for example. Add some shoes or sandals and other accessories to keep the theme going.

Everything can be mix and match giving you a huge choice of look to suit any occasion.

Ahoy There!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505

peaceandlove

Jack of All Trades

What does every girl need and want once the southern heat rolls in? Well, a pair of Jack Rogers sandals of course! This resort shoe-wear dates all the way back to the 1960's. Originally making a statement in the warm climate of Palm Beach, this brand has grown in both popularity and come a long way from just a pair of sandals. Now the brand includes a full line of footwear, woman's apparel and accessories.

Not only are the stylish sandals timeless, but were worn by the classic Jacqueline Kennedy. The famed Jack Rogers Navajo sandal stepped into history when Jacqueline Kennedy wore it to St. Edward's Church in Palm Beach on Good Friday, 1962. Since then, the famed Navajo sandal has appeared in fashion magazines and newspapers around the world. The Jack Rogers brand is synonymous with all-American, effortless chic; at once pedigreed and affordable, worldly and unfussy. Their shoes are still handcrafted in the USA.

Celebrate spring weather and pedicured toes! We've got just the pair for you in at Dress! New styles and sizes arriving all the time! Stop by today to claim your pair!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505 - now taking Spring consignment appointments!

peaceandlove

Your Bling for Sping

Like an amazing pair of lace-up wedges or the most coveted new bucket bag, an injection of fresh jewelry can do wonders for waking up a sleepy wardrobe. And this season, there are a handful of themes that have us reshuffling our spring/summer must-haves.

Big Mixed Cabochon-Style Stones—The last few seasons have been like jewelry on steroids. Not that we'll ever say no to a great statement necklace. But this spring, the Big idea that caught our eye was the use of giant Cabochon-style stones, à la Proenza Schouler and Bottega Veneta. Organic and elegant.

Tassels & Fringe—Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior all seemed to have an Art Deco-meets-'70s moment with the re-imagining of huge, gorgeous tassel earrings and fringe necklaces. We like, and this is one we'll be wearing.

Clean & Architectural—Perhaps as a back-lash to all the mixed piled-on pearls, chains, and stones that continue to fill boutiques, Pamela Love, Giles & Brother, and other designers opted for super spare, clean, and almost architectural pieces. And for the OCD or easily distracted, the simplicity is nothing short of refreshing.

Plastics & Perspex—The trend toward really childlike, whimsical jewels with a '60s feel always has a place in our wardrobes. So, for spring, we were doubly excited when designers like Karen Walker and Marni turned out fun plastic-fantastic necklaces and wide perspex-like colored cuff bracelets.

Rose-Gold—In fashion, it's always a guessing game each season as to who in the metals will prevail: silver or gold? Well, for spring, the more exotic rose-gold is stealing center-stage, with a striking necklace by Eddie Borgo and a surprisingly sophisticated Michael Kors watch taking top honors on our spring/summer wish-list.

...yes, this spring, it's bling for all!

www.dressraleigh.com
pam@dressraleigh.com
919.699.6505