Fall Must-Haves

So I have returned from a trip to unsunny Florida. That explains the weather. Inside the main ballroom, it was bright and colorful. That's how you can describe the Fall 2008 Carlisle Collection. The palette was pumice, pumpkin, blueberry, chocolate and gray! The fabrics were tweeds, leathers, boucles, and double faced wool to name a few. There were plaids, animal prints, houndstooths, and stripes. I will point out some of my favorites then I will give you a must-haves list.

Okay, my absolute favorite piece in the collection is Luxurious. It's a snakeskin print rabbit jacket. It is a cropped length and it has a little swing to it. After that jacket, for casual days, I like Per Steller sweater with Per Mocha. I just love Starry Night, it's a very feminine business suit that is extremely versatile. If you want to take a look at what's in the collection. Here is the link to the website. Enjoy.......I can begin ordering July 11th.

Carlisle - http://carlislecollection.com/collections/collection.php?c=carlisle&s=fall&y=2008

Per Se - http://carlislecollection.com/collections/collection.php?c=perse&s=fall&y=2008

Here's a must haves list:

1. A Show-Stopper Coat

2. Charcoal Gray Pants

3. A Blouse with a Bowtied Neck

4. Something That's Animal Print

5. A Jacket with Lots of Texture

6. A Pair of Long Fitted Leather Gloves

7. An Oversized Handbag (Check out Nutmeg)

Fall Preview

This week, I am excited to be traveling to West Palm Beach for a very special meeting. I am going for my first look at the Fall 2008 collection. As always, the collection is all about ease, all luxury, all about looking fabulous and our designers are obsessed with what is beautiful. There are ten groupings in Carlisle and two in Per Se. I can't wait to touch and feel our fabrics and to get a chance to see the details that make each of the pieces special. When I get back, I look forward to sharing with you all the wonderful pieces that will make wonderful additions to anyone's closet. Stay tuned.

Fabric Care

Now that we are past the long awaited official change of season, you are probably thinking of wearing your lighter weight clothing. While thinking of Spring and Summer clothing is wonderful, you also need to make sure to take good care of your Fall and Winter clothing. Remember, if you purchase Carlisle Collection clothing, we intend for you to be able to wear the clothes for several years. Here are some tips:

• Always clean all clothing before packing away for the season.
• If dry cleaning is recommended, be sure the cleaner is experienced and has a reputation for cleaning fine fabrics.
• Remove clothes promptly form plastic coverings to allow them to breath.
• Hang the garments correctly and use a hanger that fits properly. Do not hang knits, fold and store them flat.
• Store clothing carefully. Plastic coverings should not be used.

To properly care for the pieces that are in your active wardrobe....your Spring and Summer clothes, keep these things in mind:

• Empty all pockets between wearings. Heavy objects strain pocket seams and pull fabric out of shape.
• Press and clean clothes periodically to preserve their life and beauty.
• If you are caught in the rain, dry garments away from direct heat.

Always remember to use a dry cleaner who is reputable and has experience with fine fabrics. Remember, if you give proper care to your timeless Carlisle Collection clothing, you will be wearing them and getting complements for a long time to come!

Coeur Intimate Apparel

I've recently discovered a wonderful little boutique in the Rittenhouse Square area. It's Coeur, which translated means heart in French. The owner, Mona Lisa, sells intimate apparel that is at the heart of what makes a great outfit, your foundation. Putting the wrong bra or panties under a wonderful outfit can make it less than wonderful. Coeur sells European intimate apparel that is designed to be beautiful but also most importantly designed to get the job done. To provide support by fitting your body properly. At Coeur, you will have a bra fitting that may surprise you. It is well established that 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Coeur takes the time to make sure you are properly fitted. They will also take the time to educate you on the wear and care of your bras. Did you know that bras are meant to be replaced every six months!

Coeur

132 South 17th Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

215-972-0373

Coeur was Best of Philly 2006 and has been written up in Daily Candy. Click the links if you want to read more.

http://www.phillymag.com/best_of/detail/best_of_philly_2006_lingerie

http://www.dailycandy.com/philadelphia/article/27845/Bra+Miracle

Bright, Bold Color

The other day, I watched an Access Hollywood segment, Stacey London from "What Not to Wear" was on. Her segment was called "Color Must Haves". For summer, Stacey said "you want to stay with bright, bold color". The segment began by showing skirts and dresses that had the combination of yellow, black and white with a floral design. Stacey also talked about the importance of having a yellow dress this summer. If you want to add bright, bold color to your wardrobe, consider the Sunburst dress, the Goldenrod jacket, and/or the Vibrant sweater. A little yellow will put a smile on your face that can brighten anyone's day!

Komen Scarf

In Philadelphia, Mother's Day is a very important day for the Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation. It is the day for the Race the Cure through the streets of Philadelphia. If you can not participate this year and would like to make a contribution, the Carlisle Collection has a way for you to contibute to this wonderful foundation. Did you know that Carlisle has designed ten special scarves for the Komen Foundation? Each year, Carlisle introduces a new scarf. Carlisle nor any of its consultants make any money for the sale of the scarves. All the monies go to the Komen Foundation. Here's a picture of this year's scarf.

Shirt Jackets

In my previous post, I said that shirt jackets played an important role in the Summer 2008 Collection. I thought you might want to see our shirt jackets. Which one will you like? Ask me to show you all of them when you come for a visit.