As with any “must have” fashion color, the key is not to overdo.  If you wear a yellow dress, leave the yellow bag and shoes at home.  If you want those accessories, then save your yellow pants for another day.  We have some great yellows in stock right now for a quick nod to fashion for the next couple months.

From our Bistro Collection, you’ll find a Bright Lemon  Twill,  a “not quite” neon yellow great for shorts or skorts.  Some have used it for a trendy trench.  For a rich textural fabrication, take a look at Forsythia, a wonderful viscose/linen blend which will work up in a jacket, lined dress, or a jacket dress combo a la Jackie O.  For the complete bumble bee statement, mix it with Blacktop, the same fabrication in black.

Softly colored, gently airy with rich texture!

If you like your yellow a bit softer, but rich in texture you can try our Fettucine cotton texture from Italy.  This soft lemon yellow has depth of character with a nod to the seasonal color trend.

If you hurry there’s still yardage available in Summer Song — a wonderful cotton voile with a soft lemon yellow floral print.  Great for big shirt cover up or a quick sleeveless number for warm days and eves.  Finally for an earthy interpretation of this color, check out Amazonia, a richly mottled rayon batik with bright sunshine peeking through the muddy jungle tones.

Whatver your summer mood, we hope you’ll make sunshine yellow a part of the day, both literally and figuratively!

Ruffles hit the spotlight in spring 2008 and they are back bigger than ever for spring 2009.  Feminine and romantic, this look has made its way into dresses, shirt fronts and even gusseted into coats. Even just touches of ruffle, skirting across a hem or sleeve edge, or a tiny delicate waterfall on a shirt front can add softening to silhouettes. An off-center thin line of small ruffling down a shirt or skirt can add length to your look or adding a long ruffled scarf will do for a nod to this hot fashion look.

We were especially intrigued with drapey jerseys teamed with georgettes to form mixed layers of ruffles… and we have a perfect pair up!  The Acai silk georgette and Jussara cotton spandex knit duo.

Read more on ruffles and pattern suggestions in the salon.

More suggestions:

• Silk charmeuse: Solids, Dots
• Semi-sheers: Acai, Litza, Edelweiss, Joya de Ceren

This season is no different.  Just when you think that if dresses get any shorter stores will have to market them as tops… along come maxi dresses for something completely and refreshingly different.  Many of the online stores I checked have slews of minis to offer but the maxis have already sold out!

Many celebs have been photographed sporting the empire variety, with contrasting beaded bodices or skirts & twisty Grecian straps, in silks, rayons and comfy knits!

Fabrics include: Beach Party, Creamsicle, Hot Coral, Vivo Stripe, Hyannisport, Yarmouthport, and Shangri-la.  See all of our current knits.

We’ve just brought in a wonderful woven bamboo fabric in two neutrals, Beige and Black.  In addition to having a wonderful dry, drapey hand, this fabric offers characteristics that are appealing to all of us.  It is naturally absorbent, making it breathable and comfortable for warm climates.  In addition, it is anti-bacterial and odor-resistant, a perfect combination for sensitive skin.  This is definitely an easy care-easy wear fabric for blouses, dresses, and unstructured separates.  Keep your eye out for more eco-friendly fabrics as they make their way to our warehouse!

Leopardess (shown) – Join the fun with these delectable silk jersey knits in blue and plum.  The pattern from nature is there, but the colors are pure fashion!  Silk jersey is perfect for tops and dresses, but don’t miss the opportunity for great lingerie and loungewear!

See other animal prints: Enchanted Wood,  On the Prowl.

For more metallics, shop our web store for Metallurgy, That 70’s Shirt, or Chakkri.

Our resident designer, Evelyn Bash, helped us with some ideas to bring out the designer in you.

• A full skirt gathered to a waistband will allow the color flow to cascade in gentle stripes.
• Railroading the fabric so the crosswise becomes the lengthwise will display the full ombre effect if you choose a long skirt or dress.  Using the fabric on the bias results in a delicious color flow on an angle.
• We think layered skirts or layered ruffles will maximize the allure of the ombre color flow.

According to Evelyn, “the key is finding garments that have layers and pieces that overlap each other.”

Why? Because it’s just so darn wearable!

Choosing the right print and the right weight of knit is key to the look of the finished product.  We just recently bought 3 new knits imported from a high-end mill in Italy.  Although the fiber is polyester, it is top grade and offers just the right combination of body and drape for a perfect dress or surplice top.

Pictured here is “Eggs-actly” teamed with our mineral silk matka for an earthy ensemble.  Eggs-actly’s elliptical shapes in striped sage float in a regular pattern over a coffee brown ground.  The design is current and the colors neutral, a perfect combination for office attire.