Totally Suitable

Occasionally I commit to after-work events that require a change from my daytime look. I’ve found that a suit is an easy solution. We carry a wide range of suits both in our stores and online, so if you’re in a job that requires a conservative appearance, we have you covered. If you’re in a more relaxed environment, as I am, there are suits with interesting details and updated, unique silhouettes. Going out after work? A quick change in your underpinning – adding a cami instead of a blouse, for instance – and changing your jewelry are quick ways to accomplish this. Other options? Add jeans and heels to replace your skirt. Replace your jacket with an embellished sweater. The list goes on, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Simply the Best By Jordan Dechambre

Today, we are pleased to welcome back a very special guest blogger: Jordan Dechambre, a fashion editor and stylist for M Magazine. Jordan is back to share her top 5 hottest looks for Spring 2013.

From world beats to American classics, spring 2013 is highlighted by a range of looks for every style, shape and budget. Mixing and matching patters, colors and fabrics instantly expands every wardrobe, while keeping it monochromatic is stunning in its simplicity. No matter your personal style — you are guaranteed to find that perfect piece to ensure you put your best, most fashionable foot forward this season.

1. THE SHIRT DRESS
Is there a more classic piece for your wardrobe than the fabulous and oh-so versatile shirt dress? A universally flattering closet staple, the shirt dress continues to be a style star for spring/summer 2013. The look is fresh in novelty patterns like stripes, polka dots and florals; or bold, bright colors. Pair it with a large satchel and sandals for an easy go-to luxe look.

2. PRINT MIXING
Don’t be afraid to shake things up this season. In an era of celebrated self-expression and individualism, it’s vital to know your fashion voice — and have the confidence to express it. So why not say it loud and clear with fun prints and patterns? Kaleidoscope prints, florals, dots, stripes, chevrons, tribals and more are popular this season in both attire and accessories. Just follow this rule of thumb for a flawless combo look: Always mix large prints with small prints. As with anything in life, it’s all about the balance!

3. LAYER IT ON
Layers aren’t just for fall and winter anymore. Especially prevalent in men’s collections this season, layered looks are across-the-board hot for spring. Stick to light fabrics like cotton, linen and sheer styles to avoid overheating. Plus, try the look in monochromatic tones or in various shades (and patterns) of one color to pull off the ultimate in sleek and sophisticated spring style.

4. HARD AND SOFT
Fashion is dynamic, not static, so why be afraid to combine two trends into one? Unleash your inner vixen — and coquettish sweetness — in one hot look by mixing and matching hard and soft. Try a flowy dress with a statement necklace and accessories rough with grommets and leather. Or, choose a structured look with soft, colorful extras, like a chiffon scarf or pink handbag. Either way, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the wonderful bi-polarity of fashion!

5. BLACK OUT
Love the simplicity and sophistication of black, but are afraid to wear it in the warmer months? Banish those thoughts and make basic black a chic addition to your spring and summer wardrobe. From little black dresses to pencil skirts, cropped summer leather jackets, ankle skinny jeans and sheer blouses, black is always a “choice” choice. It’s also the perfect neutral tone to pop your favorite neon, juicy and pastel colors in statement accessories and hot heels. This summer, fierce style is back — in black.

Images courtesy of Glenn Kaupert Photography

Fragrant Bouquets

A wedding is a feast for the eyes, music to the ears and, considering the consumption of craft cocktails, gourmet meals and delectable cakes, for the palate, too. But don't underestimate the sense of smell on your wedding day. Did you know that olfactory bulb (the section of the brain that is responsible for smelling) is part of your brain's limbic system, an area that is responsible for associating memories and feelings.  Because of this, the brain can forge a link between certain smells and a memory. That being said, doesn't it fit to channel your wedding day emotion into a new fragrance? Then, during your post-wedding bliss, you’ll be transported back to your wedding day with a simple sniff. I've rounded up a collection of wedding-worthy fragrances inspired by bouquets to help you jump-start your "I-do" fragrance hunt. Happy sampling!

Elizabeth Arden Pretty.  With top notes of orange blossom and peach nectar followed by the sweet smell of white peony this light, this feminine scent is perfect for your wedding day.  Bouquet image via.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy carries a fresh, enticing scent of wild berries, juicy mandarin, honeysuckle, jasmine and a touch of praline for the perfect hint of sweetness.  Bouquet image via.

Lancome O de L'Orangerie is a fruity-floral scent featuring the fragrant orange blossoms of a serene French garden with a hint of citrus.  Bouquet image via.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh is bursting with the fruity scent of flowers and the sweet scent of fruit. It has a light, woody base that creates an unexpected playfulness.  Bouquet image via.

Life on the Wedge

Wedges are, without parallel, the best “wear a heel without discomfort” compromise, and they’re trending big for spring. Offering height without sacrificing support, they’re comfortable enough for all-day wear, and versatile enough to take you from work to weekend. To my spring shopping list, I’ve added a pair of  wedge espadrilles and an easy neutral wedge to complement my weekday wardrobe. I think we can all agree that comfort combined with style is a must-have for us all.

Introducing Mission Gallery Outdoor Furniture!

The trend is moving toward outdoor rooms as an extension of your home when the weather is temperate. Add to your living space with outdoor furniture from Mission Gallery. Comfortable and durable, this classic collection adds seating and table space for parties or for simple summertime suppers with your family. Available both online and in our stores.

Mixing Up Savings

Want to improve your time-management skills?  Try a stand mixer.  It's a work horse in the kitchen: with a flip of the swtich, you can mix bread batter, cookie dough or perfectly smooth mash potatoes - with just a little time and effort!  Go ahead and treat yourself ... and think what you can do with time you save!  It's today’s Deal of the Day: KitchenAid® Artisan® 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Cavier!  Regularly priced at $415, it’s yours – today only – for 229.97 plus a $30 mail in rebate.

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply. Offer available online only.

Armani Acqua for Life.

During March, with every Acqua di Gio, Acqua di Gioia, Essenza and Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraiche fragrance spray or qualifying set purchase, Giorgio Armani will donate $5 to support the UNICEF TAP Project which can provide safe, clean drinking water for children who need it.

The UNICEF Tap Project is a nationwide campaign that provides clean water and adequate sanitation to children around the world. With just $5, UNICEF can give one child safe drinking water for 200 days. Currently, UNICEF works in more than 100 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities and to promote safe hygiene practices. Since 1990, thanks to the work of UNICEF and its partners, more than 2 billion people have gained access to clean drinking water.

Join us for our Trendevous fashion show @ Bergner's Grand Prairie

Dedicate your evening to shopping and fashion at our special Spring ‘13 event, assembled and styled by our fashion experts. Your $10 reservation fee earns you a $10 Bergner's gift card to help get you started on your spring shopping. You’ll also receive an exclusive coupon booklet good for 15-30% off everything you see in the show.

 Saturday, March 30 @ Bergner's Grand Prairie

• 7:30 am - Private Shopping
• 8:30 am - Spring ‘13 fashion show

Reserve your seat by calling (309) 692-4024, ext. 3201

Emerald Down the Aisle

A few weeks ago, I told you about emerald green, the Pantone 2013 color of the year. This week, I thought it would be fun to showcase some wedding ideas inspired by this striking shade. One thing is for certain: This fresh hue brings to mind growth, renewal and prosperity making it quite possibly the perfect color to inspire your wedding day color palette.

Image credits:  green pumps via Bon-Ton, table via weddingomania,  emerald dresses via loverly, flowers via Colin Cowie® Weddings, cake via every last detail®, shoe clips via united with love

Top it Off!

Complete your springtime look with a jacket! A great way to help warm-weather looks transition, a jacket keeps the chill away on a blustery spring day. And then, come summer, use a jacket to keep warm in a super-air conditioned office. A versatile, pan-seasonal must-have.
 

Trendévous Spring 2013 Fashion Show

We joined forces with Chicago Magazine to host Trendévous Spring 2013 Fashion Show! It was the perfect setting to debut some of spring’s fabulous new trends.

Stunning in Stripes!

Yes, we’re talking about swimsuits! Dramatic black and white, youthfully bold and colorful, allover stripes or placed accents, on a one-piece or bikini, we love and fully endorse the striped swimwear trend. Still a little tentative about venturing away from a basic solid? I’ll tell you that well-placed stripes (vertical or V-shaped) flatter your figure and help you look slim and trim. Try a bunch – I know, there are more fun ways to spend an afternoon - and choose the option that best fits and flatters you!

Easter Brunch

I really enjoy entertaining for different holidays and Easter is no exception. In our family, the tradition is to get together for a late morning waffle brunch. Everyone can get involved both in making them, and adding all sorts of toppings. Be creative! Top frozen or fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or go old-school with butter and syrup. It’s a delicious beginning to a day filled with family and friends. Need a waffle recipe to try? I’ve included this one and it sounds fantastic!

Waffle of Insane Greatness 

via the Food Network

Note: The batter will need to sit for 30 minutes before cooking.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assorted toppings for serving

Directions: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix well. Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, sugar and vanilla and mix well. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes. Preheat a waffle iron. Follow the directions on your waffle iron to cook the waffles. Serve immediately with the toppings of your choice.

Tip: Do not use non-stick spray on the waffle iron; the oil in the batter will allow the waffle to release easily.

Join us for our Trendévous fashion show @ Younkers Valley West in Des Moines

Dedicate your evening to shopping and fashion at our special Spring ‘13 event, assembled and styled by our fashion experts. Your $10 reservation fee earns you a $10 Younkers gift card to help get you started on your spring shopping. You’ll also receive an exclusive coupon booklet good for 15-30% off everything you see in the show.

Wednesday, March 27 @ Younkers Valley West

• 5:30-6:30 pm - Check in
• 6:30 pm - Spring ‘13 fashion show

Reserve your seat by calling (515) 223-2461.

Cutting Back Prices on Cutlery

It’s no secret that it’s much safer to cut with a sharp knife than it is with a dull one. Replace your old cutlery set with today’s Deal of the Day: A Cuisinart 14-piece cutlery set, regularly priced at $170. Today only, it’s yours for 49.97 or 70% off.

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply.  Offer available online only.

Our Chat with Andrea Sanderlin, Ruff Hewn Design Director

What inspired you to become a fashion designer? 

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved clothes, fabrics, drawing and color. I used to make clothes for all my dolls.

Describe a “day-in-the life” of our fashion designer. There is no normal day in the world of fashion design. Every day is different. One day I'm shopping in Belgium, the next I'm picking out fabrics in Hong Kong and the next I'm merchandising outfits for the buyers.

Do you have a favorite fashion designer or line?
Of course, it's Ruff Hewn!

How would you describe the RUFF HEWN brand? 
Ruff Hewn is a trend-conscious, vintage-inspired, casual denim line. Each exclusive Ruff Hewn garment is made with special attention to fabric, detail, trim and wash; it’s this attention to detail that sets it apart and makes it uniquely yours. Distressed cottons, comfortable fashionable fabrics, rustic trims and vintage details are the cornerstone design elements for Ruff Hewn.


CONFESS: What is your favorite piece in this season’s collection?
It's hard to pick just one! I love the tie-dye maxi dress. It's so versatile. You can just throw on with sandals for a BBQ or dress it up with a jacket for work.

What was the inspiration for the Ruff Hewn spring collection?
Our team was most inspired by patterns and hand techniques from India. The line is full of hand-done tie-dyes, batiks and colors inspired by this exotic country.

What are the hottest trends for spring?
Jackets, studs, tie-dye and athletic details. Athletic is really fun. We're taking silhouettes and details inspired by the gym and adapting them to ready-to-wear. You'll notice sweatshirt shapes, drawstrings, tortilla chip stitches and hoods thoroughout the line.

If a woman was to purchase just one new fashion item for spring, what should it be?
 Now, that's just not fair! It's all so tempting! Is it the studded denim jacket or the tie-dye dress? If you wear them as an outfit, do they count as one?

What are your top three fashion dos and don’ts?
DO: Tight-roll your jeans and sleeve cuffs. Do: Layers! A cami with a sweatshirt under a jacket is fun! Do: Wear a skinny jean!  Don’t: Tuck in your shirt. Wear high heels with jeans. Mix too many patterns.

Can you give any hints about what we can expect for the fall collection?
Spoiler alert:  We are doing gorgeous knit blazers for fall in nep fabrics. They are so comfortable and gorgeous!  I want to live in them.

Any advice for aspiring designers?
If you want to eat, sleep and live fashion then definitely go for it! You must be an excellent sketcher and fast thinker. Drown yourself in magazines and touch every fabric. Live fashion!

Cosmetics + The Goodwill Sale = Beautifully Ever After

What better time to buy than during our Goodwill Sale, when you’ll save 15% on all cosmetics, treatment and fragrance? It’s the perfect time to stock up on my everyday maintenance products, including all of the items I can’t live without: Lancôme Genifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate, Lancôme La Vie est Belle fragrance and Lancôme High Resolution Refill-3X Triple Action Renewal Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15.

Psst! I have some more great news: The deal is even sweeter because our Lancôme gift-with-purchase event is going on now. With your Lancôme purchase, you get to choose your 6-piece gift! Gift available while supplies last. Limit one per customer.

Join us for Stepping into Style benefiting First Step @ Carson's Laurel Park Place

 

Carson's  @ Laurel Park Place

Sunday, March 24

6:30-9:30 pm

Experience a stunning spring Trendévous fashion show, private shopping with an exclusive 25% off shopping pass, and tasty bites from local eateries.  Proceeds benefit First Step/Western Wayne County Project, whose mission is to aid victims of domestic and sexual assault.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Call (248) 496-9841 or visit zontafarmingtonnovi.org for information.

Join us for our Spring Trendevous Events @ Boston Store Brookfield Square

You’re invited to view 50 of the hottest spring head-to-toe looks put together by expert stylists. Plus, you'll receive an exclusive coupon booklet for 15%-30% off everything you see in the show! Mark your calendar! 

Saturday March 23 

• 7:30 am - Private shopping
• 8:30 am - Runway Fashion Show hosted by M magazine Fashion Editor Jordan Dechambre

Seeing Red

One of my favorite new wedding day traditions is the bride wearing an unexpected colored shoe with her wedding gown. And one of my favorite colors to see peeking out from under a wedding dress is red.  Red is the color of love, it is bold and sassy and it is said to channel warm and positive vibes. Simply put, it’s perfect for your wedding day and beyond.

image credit:  Ridout Photography

Join us for our Spring Trendevous Events @ Younkers Westroads

You’re invited to view 50 of the hottest spring head-to-toe looks put together by expert stylists. Plus, you'll receive an exclusive coupon booklet for 15-30% off everything you see in the show! Mark your calendar:

  Saturday, March 23 @ Younkers Westroads

• 5:30 pm - Check In  
• 6:30 pm - Runway Fashion Show

It’s Fashion Week!

Whether the weather cooperates or not, we’re up and ready to showcase the hottest looks for spring! We have tons of new arrivals in our apparel, shoe and accessories departments just waiting for you to discover. Watch this space, because in the weeks to come I plan to talk through the trends in each area, giving you the latest, greatest information on trends to watch. Happy shopping!

Add a little sparkle….

A current trend involves adding some sparkle to your home. Add an item with mirrors to just about any décor. A little intimidated? Try adding a mirror to any wall. It will surprise you how this makes a room look larger.

Still not sure? Stop into one of our furniture galleries and take advantage of our FREE Interior Design Service.

Goodwill Sale Starts Today!

Clean out those closets and join us for the Goodwill Sale! Starting today, bring in your clean, gently used clothing and home textiles for donation to Goodwill and receive a fantastic coupon for every item you donate! Your Goodwill coupon then gets you 25% off regular and sale merchandise, 20% off a Home Store item, or 15% off cosmetics and fragrances! Save on nearly everything, including your favorite brands that rarely go on sale (except for Incredible Value items and Tempur-Pedic). Think: Anne Klein, Calvin Klein, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Fossil, Keurig, Lancôme, Nine West, Ruff Hewn and many more. Plus, earn triple coupons for the first five days of the sale. You can also visit our Million Acts of Goodwill site and register for your chance to win great prizes, and receive an exclusive 25% off coupon, too. It’s a great time to shop!

New! Seventeen Bedding

For the teen or tween girl in your life, we bring you bedding from the smart, fashion-conscious team at Seventeen magazine. Featuring bold, colorful styles to match girls’ fearless, refreshing attitudes, these looks are not only exciting, but they’re so comfortable, too.

For years, Seventeen has helped shape teenage life in America. Seventeen has represented an important rite of passage, helping to define, socialize and empower young women. Seventeen has been a significant force for change—creating notions of beauty and style, proclaiming what’s hot in music and movies, identifying social issues, celebrating the idols and icons of popular culture. These influences helped shape the Seventeen bedding collection, too. Browse our selection!

Presenting the Four Best Words in the English Language: Let’s Go Shoe Shopping!

Join us for our Sole Sisters event and you’ll take part in a shoe-shopping extravaganza, with an amazing selection of must-have spring styles and great savings, too! You’ll save 30% on your entire ladies’ and men’s salon, better or Euro shoe purchase. We’re also offering Lancôme mini makeovers and the chance to win a pair of shoes. Coupon restrictions apply; see sales associate for details. No purchase necessary to win prize; void where prohibited. Shoes up to a $125 value.

Friday, March 22 8 am-Noon:

Carson's 

Circle Center 

Saturday, March 23rd 8 am-Noon at the following locations: 

 Carson’s 

Chicago Ridge

Edens Plaza 

Evergreen

Ford City

Fox Valley

Harlem-Irving

Hawthorn

Joliet

Laurel

Park Place

Lincolnwood

North Riverside

Orland Square

Partridge Creek

Randhurst

Rochester Hills

Southlake

Yorktown

Boston Store

Bayshore

East Towne

Mayfair

Racine

Southridge

West Towne

Bergner’s

Bloomington

Champaign

CherryVale

Grand Prairie

Herberger’s

Alexandria

Blaine

Brainerd

Fargo

Moorhead

Rosedale

Southdale

Southtown

Stillwater

Wilmar

Younkers

Appleton

Bay Park Square

Dubuque

Duluth

Grandville

Jordan Creek

Meridian Mall

Oakview

Sioux Falls

Valley West

Westroads

Bon-Ton

Allentown

Camp Hill

Doylestown

Eastern Hills

Palmer Park Mall

Park City

Westgate Mall

Wyoming Valley Mall

Wyomissing

York Galleria

Elder-Beerman

Beavercreek

Dayton Mall

Cuddle Up and Save on Dearfoams Robes!

Today’s Deal of the Day? Snuggle up in a comfortable robe from Dearfoams. Only $9.97 or 75% off the ticketed price. There’s still chilly weather on the horizon… here’s your cure for the cold!

   

Deals of the Day priced so low, additional discounts do not apply. Offer available online only.