TOMS’ annual One Day Without Shoes on April 10
TOMS once again will ask the world to go without shoes for its annual One Day Without Shoes event on April 10.
This is the day each year that TOMS raises awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. Last year, people went without shoes at more than 1,000 events in over 25 countries around the globe.
TOMS was founded on the premise that with every pair of shoes someone purchases, a pair of new shoes will be given to a child in need. One Day Without Shoes was created to call attention to the need for shoes around the world and the issues surrounding that need.
Get the latest updates, create and join events an area, download an event tool kit, upload photos and see what others will do on April 10 at http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com
Coach updates its classic Willis handbag
The new, updated Willis bag by Coach.
I admit I’ve never been drawn to Coach bags. Most of the designs seemed too safe, and the signature jacquard C design never held much appeal. But the more I see the updated Willis, the more I like it.
This Willis, reborn from an iconic classic, was inspired by the bag introduced 20 years ago. So many women carried the original. Perhaps that’s why I turned away from it.
The new Willis has some recognizable details, including the dowel, turnlock and trigger clips of the original. But the rounded corners make this bag fresh and modern, and much more stylish than the original square.
The new one is available in several colors, including sunflower (pictured here), vermillion, parchment and navy. The bag has a top handle as well as a longer strap that will work as a shoulder or crossbody style.
Cost is $298.
The original Willis is still available, also for $298, for those who prefer the classic style. At one time, this was Coach’s best-selling style.
Coach classic Willis bag.
Lands’ End introduces 4-piece bikini
A four-piece bikini?
It’s the newest thing at Lands’ End. The SwimMates concept starts with a two-piece bikini as the foundation and then offers layering swim pieces including a cami, swim shorts or swim skirt. A bikini might be just the look when walking on the beach, but layering on a swim cami or skirt might be better for a neighborhood pool party. What’s more, you can swim in all the pieces.
“SwimMates is truly a unique approach to swimwear that has been missing from the swim category. Not since the introduction of the tankini has there been a new swim concept like SwimMates that will change the way women wear swimsuits,” said Erin McCormick, swimwear merchandise manager, Lands’ End. “This new collection of swim separates offers the chance to create individual looks while also choosing the amount of coverage.”
McCormick believes SwimMates is for women who want to wear a bikini, but maybe not for all situations. The added layers allow for a new swim look and level of comfort without changing swimsuits throughout the day.
The pieces are meant to be mixed and matched. Here’s how it works:
- Start with a SwimMates bikini– The SwimMates Bikini is the foundation and comes in several styles including bra-sized bikini tops in sweetheart, halter or bandeau options and regular or mid-rise bikini bottoms.
- Layer with a cami– The SwimMates cami has been designed to layer on top of the bikini foundation. This piece comes in henley, racerback and scoopneck designs in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Pull on a swim skirt or shorts– Add a SwimMates skirt or shorts over the foundation bikini for more coverage. All four pieces are designed to work together for maximum coverage.
- Mix and mix - The collection comes in a variety of patterns, from dots and stripes to florals and solids.
The Lands’ End SwimMates collection is available online at landsend.com and in Lands’ End Shops at Sears nationwide and pieces range from $30 to $55.
Heidi Klum’s new spring collection for Motherhood stores
Heidi Klum, supermodel, fashion expert and mother, knows what an expectant mom needs to look and feel good during her pregnancy.
Her spring collection of Loved by Heidi Klum, inspired by her visits to her favorite hotel, Hoel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera, arrives in Motherhood stores in April.
Klum envisions expectant moms wearing the casual elegance of her dark, skinny jeans paired with her trendy knit tops in black, white and neutrals with touches of red and gold embellishment. Her boldly-striped, loose fitting dress takes the mom-to-be from a spa lunch to a busy day of sightseeing. Dressier pants and tops for evening round out the 19-piece collection that will be available in stores and online at motherhood.com.
“Heidi Klum makes pregnancy glamorous and fashionable. Her style is fun and still practical,” said Chris Daniel, president of Destination Maternity Corp., parent company of Motherhood Maternity.
New fragrance: Beyonce Pulse Summer Edition
It’s the season of lighter scents so here comes Beyonce Pulse Summer Edition.
It’s described as fresh, airy and optimistic, a scent that captures the essence of a playful, sun-drenched summer day.
A press release says the limited edition fragrance seduces the senses with the same invigorating sensuality as the original Pulse Eau de Parfum.
Beyonce Pulse Summer Edition is a fruity floral with fresh and sparkling top notes of pear, icy mandarin and pink pepper. It’s packaged in a faceted bottle which rests nestled in an inverted chrome cap, inspired by Beyonce’s stage costumes, and finished with a bold pink logo. The holographic carton shimmers in shades of turquoise and pink.
Retail cost is $49 and $59.
What’s your favorite consignment store?
I am doing some closet cleaning and need to take some items to the consignment store. What’s your favorite in the Oklahoma City area? I usually take clothes to Anne’s Resale, but I”m curious what everyone else thinks.
Hot, hot nails: Essie’s Ole Caliente
Essie's Ole Caliente, a hot rose-coral hue.
I have almost as many nail polishes as I do lip glosses. Each season, I buy more polishes — some become favorites, others get used only once.
I picked up three new Essie colors a few weeks ago. To Buy or Not to Buy is a pretty lavender that I love. Ole Caliente, a rose-coral hue, is on my fingers and toes right now, and next week I’ll probably try Orange, It’s Obvious.
I’m lovin’ Ole Caliente already.
Donald J Pliner coming to Dillard’s, Penn Square
Check out this video of Donald J Pliner’s last visit to Oklahoma City. It’ll get you excited for his upcoming personal appearance at Dillard’s, Penn Square, on April 6.
Pliner — the man and the shoes — has plenty of fans in the city. Dillard’s was packed with people the last time Pliner visited in fall 2009. It seems I’m not the only one who says his shoes are so comfortable you can wear them right out of the store.
He will be in the shoe department from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to sign purchases and help customers with their Donald J Pliner selections. Both men’s and women’s shoes will be available.
Duluth Trading launches new functional, fashionable work gear for women
stretched-out old T-shirt and baggy jeans to work in the yard. But the right garments just might make the job easier. Duluth Trading Co. has launched a line of durable, functional and fashionable gear for tackling those tough chores in the garden.
The women’s collection now includes vests, jackets and pants that work as hard as you do.
Duluth Trading has taken the ingenuity, performance and durability of its men’s line to develop women’s clothes that are tough enough for work, yet friendly for a woman’s comfort and fit. Designed with gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, Duluth women’s workwear is said to stand up to thorns, mud and the sweltering sun to provide layers of protection from the elements.
“Women work and play hard in our clothing, so it’s important to get the details right,” said Stephanie Pugliese, president of Duluth Trading. “What you wear needs to be thoughtfully constructed for functionality and comfort, yet make a woman feel attractive.”
The new women’s collection includes:
Utility vest ith 12 pockets, $59.50.
Utility jacket with sleeves touting under arm gussets for unrestricted movement, $49.99.
Garden pants with removable internal kneepads, $49.50.
Molded bottom garden tote with pockets and a sturdy bottom. And it can be hosed clean. $59.50.
Crusher hat in new colors. Stuff it, smash it, stash it, the hat wicks away sweat and won’t lose its shape, $29.50.
Action shirt with lightweight moisture wicking material, a bi-swing back and a pocket for essentials, $49.50.
For more information, go to www.duluthtrading.com.
Carolina Herrera turns chic into big business
Designer Carolina Herrera’s New York runway shows are always packed with celebrities, favored customers, the fashion media and anyone interested in fashion who can sneak in for a peek. And they’re never disappointed.
Herrera’s clothes are always stylish and elegant with beautiful detail. Like her.
Read CNN’s story on how Herrera turned being chic into big business.
Designer Carolina Herrera
