Going Blush For Easter
As a designer, I used to regularly “shop the stores” as we would call it in the industry. It basically means to walk department stores and specialty stores to see what is selling and trending. I would plan these trips by myself for design inspiration or with the sales manager of the company I was working for. We would shop the stores and discuss sellability of some of the items and talk about the sales and marketing strategy for the company we were working for. Those were fun days for me, I loved walking the stores and it would inspire me to create better designs for the company I was with.
In recent years I feel it is not as exciting or inspiring to walk a lot of today’s existing stores. Over the weekend I went shopping specifically for shoes, but I thought I would check out what else was out there as well, since I don’t get to go to stores as much nowadays. I have to say I was pretty disappointed as everything looked the same as if all stores have the same formula they follow.
First of all so many specialty stores have closed in Los Angeles area, in fact there are hardly any in my area. So when you go to the mall it is all the same stores which consist of H&M, Zara, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Forever 21, etc. etc. There is nothing wrong with these stores and in fact I buy items from them all the time, but the problem is they are every where and they are the only stores that can afford to be in any mall because of the expensive lease prices.
Gone are the little specialty stores that would have that unique piece that nobody else had. And now so many other stores are also closing or going online only, like BCBG or Bebe and even dept stores like Macys. It is sad to see this happening but the good news is that there are a lot more online stores that offer great products and you can shop from the comfort of your home.
With Easter being just around the corner, today I want to show you two new looks that I call casual chic which can work really nicely for a Easter brunch, lunch or even dinner. As I have mentioned a few times, blush and pink are really trending for spring 2017.
For the first look today I am wearing our brand new Blush Lace Jacket which I love. I am wearing it over our Ivory knit and woven mixed top, skinny jeans and our Blue Gray Bead Necklace with Crystal Teardrop Pendant. This is a beautiful lace piece that is embroidered on a mesh with thick cotton thread, making it look rich and unique. It has a beautiful pattern with ¾ length slightly bell shaped sleeve and a tie in the front in case you want to wear it closed.
The second look is once again the Blush belted Moto Vest which I am wearing over the same pieces as the first look and it looks just as stylish. The vest is made out of a soft rayon and you can wear it open or zipped and belted. It is a great trend piece yet it is practical to wear for many occasions.
What do you think of retail stores closing and how do you like my looks?
Slides – Gucci
Gold Clutch – Banana Republic (old)