Faye's Inc. - First Look Blog

Good Self Image by Faye W.

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:52:00 GMT

"There isn't anybody that looks like me without clothes on."

Marilyn Monroe (circa 1960)

My Dear John Letter by CJ O.

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:57:00 GMT

Dear Mr. Istwan,

Everytime you're here you make the store alive. Customers and staff always feel the love when John is around.

Thank you for another amazing show! xoxo

Photo (LtoR: Sarah, CJ, John, Katie, and Dana at the People's Park)

come on get happy by Jen D.

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:21:00 GMT

all the years we spend pouring energy into the future that will bring us money, or love or the perfect body...and living for the satisfaction that if we feel we have these things, i realize that the true commodity its not the number in your bank account, the number on the scale, or the perfect relationship. What we may chasing are none of these things, but a feeling of contentment or better yet :HAPPINESS so lets just enjoy who we are and live in the moment be thankful for who we are now! Namaste

Mother's Day by Linda L.

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:41:00 GMT

Yesterday while out with my daugher I wished all women I came in contact with a Happy Mother's Day. My daughter asked why I did that? What if they are not Mother's you might make them feel bad. I responded that even if they did not have their own children as a women I am sure they have Mothered a niece, nephew, friends child. It is what we do as women "Mother".

Hope everyone was made to feel special on Mother's Day.

the state of jeans by Linda Z.

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:48:00 GMT

From Emily Current and Merritt Elliott (of Current/Elliot onthe state of denim)

"Both the baggy boyfreind style and the skinny legging are here to stay. Skinny jeans will live as long as boots are around.Print and pattern and color look better on the skinny jeans. The the boyfreind fit is very democratic and goes well withother styleof shoes and tops. As the market swings one way the tastemakers will want what's not available."

from PARIS IN LOVE by Faye W.

Sun, 06 May 2012 08:06:00 GMT

I just returned from a lovely family vacation in Baja. Oh-so-relaxing with plenty of time to read. One of the books I devoured was

PARIS IN LOVE: A MEMOIR by Eloisa James…

It was written by a woman who spent a year in France with her family – kind of a diary about what was going on in their life. And, there were a couple of little fashion-related musings that really resonated with me, and I found particularly charming.

Eloisa James wrote, “A Parisian woman’s style has nothing to do with high heels, and everything to do w/confidence.”

I maintain that you don't need a lot of clothes, you just need the right clothes. Eloisa James says it this way, “Outfits are like casseroles --- you only need to know how to make a couple.”

And, then there was a passage that had to do w/Ms James discovering tailoring. I know that a nip and a tuck can take a pair of pants from ill-fitting to The Pants You Never Want To Take Off Your Body. A nip and a tuck can take something from pretty to STUNNING!

Eloisa James puts it this way: "In Paris, it is routine to take new clothing to the tailor and have it fitted. I once had my French friend look at me as if I were out of my mind when I confessed to entering a tailor’s shop only if a hem dragged behind me like a Renaissance cape. It turned out that she wouldn’t dream of wearing pants without first altering the inseam, and the same goes for crucial lines in jackets, dresses, and almost anything but socks.”

It's Derby Day! by Katie K.

Sat, 05 May 2012 14:09:00 GMT

It's Derby Day and the girls at Faye's are celebrating!! We all love a reason to dress up and today is the perfect day to pull out our hats. Stop in and join in on the fun!

My dad's inpirational words by Sarah H.

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:44:00 GMT

My dad, the most trustworthy honest man I know, he is my mentor, my hero-he has made me the passionate business woman I am today and has shaped my life in so many positive ways.

He has been the force behind my eagerness to succeed.

In his words to me today:

I admire your strong competitive spirit, an ability to inspire others, and a desire to get better every day. You have so much talent - don’t settle for just being Good – strive to be Great.

In my words:

Sometimes we take for granted what we do in life and don't stop enough to think how we have such a positive influence on women. I am very fortunate to have the privilege to assist so many amazing women in my job. Their is no better pleasure than to see them leave here with a smile and feeling beautiful. We have built so many strong relationships with our customers over the years, sharing in their kids lives, helping them wardrobe for important events and simply being a good listening ear. To me clothing is an art and your wardrobe is your personal canvas. Here at Faye’s we strive to deliver the best possible customer service and our mission is to have you leave here with a sense of warmth, excitement and satisfaction. Thank you to all the women who have allowed us to fulfill our passion and make a difference in your life.

Sarah Hoxie

10 lbs thinner by Linda L.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:23:00 GMT

Just in case that diet is getting the best of you. Here are a few tips from Women's Health on how to look thinner. If you and your diet are getting along this will only make you look better.

Ways to Dress 10 Pounds Thinner

BOOT CUT JEANS

You may be sabotaging your shape-up efforts by wearing clothes that visually add weight to your frame. Here, a lesson in how to use color, proportion, and a few genius styling tricks to streamline your silhouette.

Slimming Secret

"Jeans should hug you in all the right places," says Jill Martin, author of Fashion for Dummies and a Today contributor.

"Dark boot legs are the most flattering. The slight flare at the ankle will give a long, lean appearance."

Add a longish top for coverage and a cropped, fitted jacket to nip in your waist.

Marley by Michele A.

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:16:00 GMT

I just want to share with you all about my past weekend. It was memorable. I didn't go away, I didn't go out for a great dinner, or spend time with my dear friends.

My daughter Brooke went to Chicago for her first weekend away from her one year old daughter Marley, I watched the baby for the weekend. It was wonderful. We played on the floor, she feed the dog everything she decided she didn't like, we read books and we snuggled in the morning in bed and watched cartoons! It was just the best, unconditional love.. period.

MAY DAY by Jen D.

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:53:00 GMT

So happy the Lily Of The Valleys are popping up. They are the sweetest lil flowers. They always remind me of my Mom because she told us how much she LOVES them. Gotta send a shout out to Mother Nature though to always have them pop up now-its the BEST reminder that her Birthday is coming up, May 1st ;-)) whew

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM, Your just as sweet as the lil lillies

XOXO

creo by CJ O.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:54:00 GMT

I'm very excited to attend this!

Mt. Mary's Creo is a combination of fashion, fine art, graphic design and interior design...all from student designers of course. Brilliant!

It's May 11th at the Hyatt. Get tickets and info at: www.creo-event.com

Practice What I Preach! by Faye W.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:02:00 GMT

As I write this, I am packing for a Wetzel Famly trip to Cabo and attempting to follow my own advice! It’s especially tricky packing for an “out of season” trip ‘cuz you’re rediscovering your seasonal wardrobe: “OMG, I forgot about this adorable sundress I bought last year. This will be perfect!” Yup -- added temptation to pack too much.

Here's what I preach. But, let's see what ends up in my suitcase!

Concentrate on simple separates paired with dramatic accessories (scarves and jewelry)
Tuck in a top vs wearing it out.
Don’t pack anything you only plan to wear once (underwear and cocktail dresses are an exception.
You don’t need several pairs of shoes. How about a wedge or small heel; a sandal; and flip flops. Sneakers allowed but only for exercise! Wear the wedges on the plane ‘cuz they would take up the most room in your suitcase.
Consider changing from wedges to flip flops with a couple of your ensembles. VOILA! Entirely different look.
Chances are there are stores where you are going. You don’t have to plan for every eventuality.
Wrinkled out of the suitcase? Unpack…hangers on the shower rod…fill the tub with hot water…close the door…go to bed = MAGIC!
Pajamas should be able to make an AM coffee run. For me that means yoga pants, bra cami, and a cardigan or shawl.
Keep your toiletries packed from one trip to another.

Do you have any Tricks of Travel to share?

MZ Wallace has "popped up" in Brookfield by Dana B.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:45:00 GMT

MZ Wallace has arrived and wow is it wonderful!!! The B-Squad loves the super massive variety of shapes, colors, styles-OH MY!!!!! You cannot miss this event! We have our wonderful rep Shannon in-house with us in Brookfield on Thursday and in Mequon on Friday!!! What a fun way to start out spring-with a new MZ Wallace bag!! Take a look at their website you can see how to rock your new bag in their "street style" photo galleries! Don't miss this event-and get here soon because some of the hottest bags are going to be gone too soon!!!!

Faye's Fashion Fest for Education...2nd Annual! by CJ O.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:53:00 GMT

The famous Faye's Fest is happening again in August! How famous do you ask? Well not to toot my own horn but last year we made it on the front page of Yahoo. Toooot toot! We want to give back to our community and education systems, and this is our way of doing it...

During all of the merriment 25% of any and all purchases made at Faye's will be earmarked as a donation back to the school of your choice. Last year over 30 schools participated, and some of the checks we issued were for $1,000!!! I think amounts will be way more this year. The idea is simple: the more people that shop for your school, the more money you raise.

Moms, Students, PTA leaders, Teachers: how can you get it on this?? Have your fundraising committee or school rep contact me at cj@fayes123.com

This year we are adding a new "Style Star" feature involving student designers!!

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES by Dana B.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:43:00 GMT

It's a big day for Toms fans, customers and friends alike! Today Toms asks that you take one day without shoes. It is to show support for the Toms "One for One" program which donates one pair of shoes per pair purchased to those who spend EVERY DAY without shoes.The Toms website puts into perspective the difficulties that people without shoes face on a daily basis,-but just think about it in your daily routine-I just said to myself "Oh my-I have to go into the bathroom without shoes-YUCK"....but really....that's not that bad when you read that 30,000 people live on one landfill in the Philippines, where many are without shoes and are exposed to broken glass, syringes and debris. Just thinkToITSSS

Show your support-come in to either of the Faye's locations-take off your shoes, shop, and buy a pair of Toms-with every purchase, one pair of shoes is given to someone in need, someone like one of the children on that landfill in the Phillippines.

B-Staff has the idea:

And Mequon does too!

Just like lays...you can't have just 1 by Linda Z.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:09:00 GMT

M Missoni-- what can I say! I will quote Faye....Its a slippery slope. Once you have one you want another!

never to old for an easter egg hunt by Linda L.

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:38:00 GMT

Just when you think they are too old for an Easter egg hunt, think again. Our family friend throws the best hunt ever. Cash and lots of it. Usually it is just our two families but this year we had another family join us. Their kids (6) ages 8-21, my children (3) 17-21 and the hunt throwers children (2) 18-23 were all in attendance. In years past there was real dollar bills in the eggs but we learned from many eggs not being found that we lost too much cash so now she puts pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters in the eggs and each represents a dollar amount. Penny = $1.00, Nickel = $2.00, Dime = $5.00 and Quarters = $10.00. There are also two foil wrapped chocolates and those are the jackpot "golden egg" worth $20.00. There are 100 eggs placed all around her yard. See now why all the excitement.

I laugh so hard at these grown children running around the yard much like they were still 6 years old that my head hurt. One parent said this was the most excercise his 21 year son has had in a long time, running for eggs.

My very proud moment was when my 6 foot 2 inch son leaped in between two of the girls grabbed an egg out of a decorative tree tucked and rolled to the ground. He was so proud that he beat the " girls" out for the egg grass stains and all on his brand new linen pants.

I smiled for the rest of the day thinking about how much fun and how much love we all shared on Easter.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT by Katie K.

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:48:00 GMT

Last weekend we had a girls night out and most of our staff attended The Autism Gala at the Pfister Hotel.

It was such a lovely evening for an amazing cause. Linda Lanigan (our Head Buyer) even co-chaired the event.

Everything was wonderful....from the playful menu (sliders complemented by lobster mac n' cheese finished with chocolate cake and a mini vanilla milk shake)....to the live auction and later we danced the night away.

I'm a girl who lives to get dressed up....and can't wait for our next event!

We'll Dress You by Lisa L.

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:30:00 GMT

We had a very beautiful lady in the store today that said she left as a very happy customer. Why you ask? Because she entrusted us to fully wardrobe her. It was a fun time dressing her from casual to very dressy. She had an excellent attitiude and was open to new things going out of her "Box". All in all a great time was had by all and now she doesn't need to stand in her closet and mindlessly stare at her clothing and not know where to start.

Are you one of these? Give us a call,

I'm just sayin.....

Lisa

Navy Neutral by Michele A.

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:27:00 GMT

Hi everyone!

I saw this ad and thought it may answer some questions regarding navy. This season it's all about color. So throw out all the old rules of navy with neutrals, think bright vivid color!

Faye and Alex just marked SALE down....40%!

m mag is chalked full of faye's stuff! by CJ O.

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:25:00 GMT

M Mag did an awesome job featuring our stuff in this month's issue.
Our Safia necklace is on the cover (worn by Lindsay Stevens Gardner). We've got some colored denim, ipad cases and Rachel Zoe ballet flats in there too! Good issue-- worth a read for sure

Pass The Popcorn, Please by Faye W.

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:52:00 GMT

I think it's very interesting to take stock of how our media habits have changed in the last few years with the advent of the Kindle...DVRs...the Start Over feature on our TVs...tablet computers...etc.

One of my greatest joys used to be going to the movies. Actually, I preferred to go alone on Mondays (my day off) late afternoon. I would buy a bucket of popcorn bigger than my head and a soda and call it dinner. Sometimes I would be the only person in the theatre: Private Screening!

But, now with MOVIES ON DEMAND and NetFlix on my iPad, I can't remember the last time I went to the theater. This week alone I watched My Week With Marilyn and Jack and Jill with Adam Sandler! A couple of weeks ago, I went thru an entire season of Downton Abbey on my iPad on a Sunday afternoon.

I love the convenience of my new habit. And, I can't say that I really miss my Private Screenings! Plus, the popcorn is better at home -- Rick makes it for me!

Now, the question is will I see Hunger Games when it's released for in-home viewing. I don't think so. The premise is just so darn disturbing, isn't it? Won't read the book either. Have you seen it? What did you think?

Do you find yourself viewing/reading differently these days?

my beauitful buds by CJ O.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:10:00 GMT

I want to thank all of my models for doing a top knotch job on the Morning Blend last week. Many were my friends, so you know it was an extra extra fun one. What a rocker! Watch it on this link

http://www.themorningblend.com/videos/142106073.html

Random acts of kindness by Linda L.

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:27:00 GMT

Technology allows us the ability to not have to speak to someone directly if we find it uncomfortable. We can text, email or Facebook. I prefer to still hand write thank you notes and I will not communicate with my children in any of the manners I listed other then a quick text to say "get home", " where are you". I prefer hearing their voices even for the smallest verbal interaction. I understand that illness, divorce, children issues all can make people uncomfortable so here is where social media comes in handy. Send a text, email, connect on Facebook or send a note to tell someone going through a tough time that you are thinking about them. It takes but a minute to make the contact to let the struggling person or family know you have them in your thoughts. One of my friends told me that her husband who went through cancer treatment has kept all the cards he had been sent. That is how much it meant to him that people took the time to let him know they were thinking of him. Think of someone who you know that could use a random act of kindness and make their day.

The Real Housewives vs The Frozen Planet by Faye W.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 09:08:00 GMT

I am so looking forward to the premiere tomorrow night of Discovery and BBC's The Frozen Planet. Can't turn around without seeing trailers or hearing about it on NPR. It's a seven episode series :

About Frozen Planet

From the makers of Planet Earth and Life, Frozen Planet is the ultimate portrait of our earth's polar regions, where the scale and beauty of the scenery and sheer power of the natural elements are unlike anywhere else on the plane

A co-production of Discovery Channel and the BBC, and narrated by award-winning actor Alec Baldwin, Frozen Planet premieres on Sunday, March 18, at 8PM e/p.

Watch with me? Lemme know what you think.

Lovin' the colored denim!! by Dana B.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:41:00 GMT

2 of the 4 B-girls are rocking bright & bold colored denim today!! The sun is shining bright, almost as bright as Dana's lemon yellows. And Sarah seems to be on the right track with her tangerine's-she even matches Kate Middelton!!!! You can rock the colors any way you like-but just make sure you have a pair! I love Kate's sporty look-I'm going to try it while I'm running errands on Sunday!!!!

The new Kardashians? by Alex A.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:20:00 GMT

The Kardashians of Waukesha County??

We couldn't help take a pic of all the ladies in their maxi dresses and jackets! Nothing like an impromptu photo shoot!

I'm available for weddings! ;)

Triskele's by Alex A.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:21:00 GMT

If you happen to be in the Walker's Point area and suddenly hungry for some great food and great deals, I've got the solution! Head to one of my new favorite restaurants: Triskele's.

They have a small, focused menu that changes seasonally. Some of my favorites are their specialty flavored french fries and their tasty mussels! Right now they've got Parmesan French Fries w/ white truffle oil and parsley mayonnaise!

They also have the greatest specials in town... 1/2 off appetizers and $4 glasses of wine on Thursdays and All You Can Eat Mussels for 8 bucks on Tuesdays!! A-mazing.

Check 'em out!

http://www.triskelesrestaurant.com/

BOGO by Linda L.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:15:00 GMT

We have great merchandise in for Spring even if I do say so myself.... You want color we have color. As if it isn't enough that we have great merchandise in and color we are having a BOGO 1/2 off special. Come in as soon as you can.

Packing For A Trip? by Katie K.

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:31:00 GMT

It's that time of year when so many of our customers come in looking for the perfect items to take on a trip. I've compiled a list of my favorite "must haves" and here they are!

1. Tory Burch flip-flops (every girl needs a new pair). We have a variety of colors that are perfect for the beach.

2. A Longchamp bag. They are the perfect travel bag! Easy enough to pack in your suitcase and use during the trip (or even as a carry-on).

3. Elizabeth and James sunglasses. Find the perfect pair!

4. Our new Glam portable phone batteries. Yes...you read that right, we just brought in a line of IPhone accessories. They are a "need" for every traveling fashionista. Just hook your phone up to this cute portable little pod that you carry in your handbag to instantly charge your IPhone on the go.

5. Scarves. A scarf is a great way to instantly change your outfit. Really, you could change the look of your outfit from one day to another...by just switching up your scarf!

Linda L's Amazingggg Vodka Sauce by CJ O.

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Recently I've fallen in love...

The Faye's peeps were at a party of some sorts awhile back and Linda L. fixed up this crazzzy good pasta dish with her homemade vodka sauce. Being the mother hen that she is she dished out leftovers in individual little tupperware for everyone. Since I already know I'm not EVER going to live it down I will tell you what I did that night. I was so sly. I took TWO tupperware all for myself. Wow oh my gosh CJ how dare you. Did I take dessert? No. Just pasta. Everyone bugs me to this day about taking TWO tupperware at the party. Linda knew I had an infatuation.

Today...Linda....the lady with five million other things to do...walks in the door with a paper shopping bag in her hand. I KNOW what it is. She made the sauce. At this point I belt out a sound that comes out awkward 'cuz it's kinda a shriek but then I realize customers can probably hear me. She hands me my ration and I prance to my vehicle and lock it up for safe keeping. I'm like a squirrel with a nut. And, tonight...I ate pasta with some of her vodka sauce. With perfectly cooked pasta (Linda I hope you read this-- I literally took one of my bar stools and SAT by the stove so I wouldn't over cook the pasta). A little vino and I'm spent.

It's that good.

Old News but Still Fun... by Faye W.

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:35:00 GMT

Have you stopped talking about the Oscars? We're still opining now and again. I had such fun the morning after on the Morning Blend w/Bjorn Nassett and Molly and Tiffany dishing about our BESTS and WORSTS. These were my sentiments:

TRENDS I NOTICED

nude Colors (interesting ‘cuz this season’s sportswear is so colorful and graphic)

Minimal jewelry...diamond coil necklaces looked fresh

A lot of matching between makeup and dresses and jewelry

Bottom-of-dress interest

Peplum

Stringy Hair????? (Nina Garcia on the Red Carpet w/Tim Gunn before the show)

My OSCARS go to

Penelope Cruz. for MOST OTHERWORLDY BEAUTIFUL CREATURE

Sigh….

Tina Fey...FOR FINALLY LOOKING LIKE A STAR (and standing up straight)

Peplum is a trend, and it looked good on her

Stacy Kiebler...FOR THE NIGHT'S BEST ACCESSORY (George Clooney)

Oh, the Marchesa dress was lovely, too

Other Standouts

Meryl Streep...

LOTS OF LAME -- too much lame

Sometimes doesn't bother to get it together...she tried......really hard...give her points for that

Maya Rudolph

Simple yet interesting...hard to do both of these in 1 dress.

More earrings?

Rooney Mara

Simple but edgy...just what we would expect

Givenchy...said she chose the dress just "hours before the ceremony"

Guess that didn't leave enuff time to find jewelry!!!!!

One of the diamond coils that were all the rage woulda done the trick?

Cameron Diaz and J Lo...don't know if it was intentional, but I thought their Matched Look at the dais worked.

And, the booty shot was classic

Gwyneth Paltrow

Tom Ford column w/cape: Fashion Superhero

One of the biggest "risks" of the night

I like it

Princess of Monaco

Really?

Dour

Forehead the size of Monaco

Michelle Williams

Orange peplum dress: LOVED the brooch; pink clutch a lovely surprise

ANGELINA....classic LBD/red lips

This was a "miss" on a lot of lists...but, this is a "fall back" look for most of us, and it ALWAYS WORKS in my book...I didn't see the "jutting right leg" that everyone is all aTwitter about

CJ Weighed In:

Gwyneth Paltrow- ohh my gosh. Love the dress. Even more…love the matching cape she had over it on the red carpet.

Stacey Keibler (Clooney’s date/girl)- looked like a beautiful Oscar statue in her gold number

Sandra Bullock- serious in the front and sexy in the back

Michelle William- peplum perfection. Simplicity with the jewelry made it a homerun

FROM ALEX:

Christian Bale scares me!

I thought Robert Downey Jr looked good in all black and a sparkly grey bowtie!

My faves were Gwyneth… Gorgeous. Good ol’ Tom Ford!

Sandra Bullock. She’s so pretty and sweet.

Cameron looked good from afar.

JLo, boring… hair too harsh.

Glenn Close looked so good with her lil nod to her character.

I liked the pretty mint dress on The Artist actress…

Did anyone else notice it seemed to be all about the earring?

LISA L RESPONDED:

Oh, Alex is oh so wrong!!! Christian Bale, so hot. Robert Downey Jr., yes, yes, yes. Gwyneth, beautiful and I don’t even like her. Sandra, can you say bag?? Cameron, just eat. JLo fabulously beautiful even if her hair is harsh.

JEN D'S FAVES:

Gwyneth

Glenn Close

Cameron Diaz (Jen is gonna cut her hair)

but her Best Of Show? Sandra Bullock!

OK, if you haven't totally moved on, let us know what you thought?

Scarves Galore! by Michele A.

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:17:00 GMT

Faye and Linda came back from NY with scarves, lots and lots of scarves! Stop in, we can surely find one you'll love!

Ask us about the new way to tie... ;)

MEQUON'S outfit of the week by Jen D.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:38:00 GMT

Brookfield's PINK TARTAN Event by Jen D.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:35:00 GMT

Spring Trends that Continue into Fall! by Faye W.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:08:00 GMT

Linda Lanigan, Sarah Hoxie and I got back from NY last night. We were shopping for Fall 2012. Yes, it's crazy: most of you haven't even begun your Spring shopping in earnest. And, here we are at Faye's betting we know what you're gonna want to buy for Fall. But, that's the way this industry rolls.

On the plus side, it's always good to know what's on the horizon. As customers, you want to know if you're buying something that's this season's hot item only to turn around next spring wondering what in the world possessed you to fall victim?

Well, there's quite a bit I can tell you are Sure Things not just for spring but also for fall:

COLOR -- especially anything in the orange/coral family

GRAPHIC PRINTS -- wallflowers, step aside!

COLOR BLOCKING-- we're seeing this for spring, but it really comes on strong for fall!

SHEATH DRESSES -- don't be afraid of sleeveless. Sleeveless sheaths are all the rage for fall. Bare your arms and/or grab a cardigan or jacket. Consider layering a tissue thin t-shirt underneath

LEATHER jackets...anything with leather trim...and SUEDE, too

AMERICAN INDIAN/NAVAJO-inspired pieces, especially ponchos

PONCHOS and CAPES

So, there you have it. Armed with knowledge about the next season, you can be oh-so-much smarter when you shop for spring!

Happy (and smart) shopping,

Faye

Outfit of the week (OOTW) 2/23/12 by Dana B.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:18:00 GMT

This weeks OOTW features a fun beachy tunic by Claeson-The California in Me. Although you could pull this over your swimwear at the beach or pool-you can also transition it to the streets! Brighten up your look with colored denim like this yellow pair from 7 For All Mankind, and if there is a chill in the air--like there still is here in WI (it 's February people!!!!) layer a cute neon stripe long sleeve top underneath (this one also by Claeson). Grab your Tory Burch bag and go!!

the oscars and what-have-you by CJ O.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:18:00 GMT

All I can say is I hope Woody Allen, Rooney Mara and Jonah Hill go home with little gold men.

JUST CAVALLI-JUST IN TIME by Jen D.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:26:00 GMT

I have a little gold statue in my pocket..... by Linda Z.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:21:00 GMT

The Oscars are six days away, and you know what that means: only one more week to see every major nominee, in order to appropriately cheer, jeer, and second-guess on Sunday night. I will either wear my hard tail hoodie & yoga pant or I’d rather lie around in a ball gown on my couch with my girlfriends- what will you be wearing??

MEQUON's OUTFIT OF THE WEEK by Jen D.

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:04:00 GMT

VEGAS, BABY! by Faye W.

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:24:00 GMT

OK, so Linda Lanigan and I spent Mon-Thurs in Vegas at the MAGIC/PROJECT denim/casual show. Neither of us are gamblers, and we just shake our heads when we have to walk through the cavernous casinos "on our way to work!" "What is the deal with all this...we just don't get it," we exclaim to each other.

Well our CFO/COO, Michelle Karch, feels oh-so-differently. Vegas is a favorite getaway for her and her husband. So, in one of our phone calls back to the stores, Michelle made us promise to play $20 in the slots for her. We didn't know where or how to begin. Where does the money go into the machine? Do u buy chips? How do u play? We were totally stymied.

We decided to ask a pleasant looking grandfatherly type if he would show us. He professed to have won a million dollars and a car at the slots in his lifetime. We began to get excited and feel lucky.

We played MK's $20...and then I put in another $20. At one point I think Linda was up $4? We really couldn't tell.

Gambling is NOT our thing. Unless we count 3 solid days of buying stuff we're gambling is going to sell? Wait! I guess we are Really Big Gamblers!

Faye (and Linda)

ONE MORE! by Katie K.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:11:00 GMT

One more!!

Ok...here is my outfit using this week's hot item.

My outfit features:

1. A Free People denim shirt

2. Theory neon sweater (the item of the week)

3. Pink Elizabeth and James jeans

4. VSA turquoise necklace

5. Tory Burch yellow flip flops

Bring on the warm weather!!!

Katie

Outfit of the Week (OOTW) 2/16/12 by Dana B.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:45:00 GMT

The Girls of B-town are on the loose today-sun is shinin' and we are bring out the neons and flip flops!! WE WANT SPRING & BRIGHT COLORS....pair it with a fabulous piece or two of Janis Savitt "bling" from the designers trunk show being featured in Brookfield through Sunday, and you are ready to go out and enjoy this beautiful "pre-spring" weather.

We have all the best options for your warm-ish weather needs. Going on a trip-even better. Come in and be the first to view our Spring 2012 collection-new merchandise is arriving daily!

Summer Lovin by Lisa L.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:25:00 GMT

I'm just sayin.....Summers on its way!!! Today it's 50 degrees outside! This is what you should be wearing. We have it all, one stop,

I'm just sayin,

Lisa

the beanie is back by CJ O.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:03:00 GMT

To quote from AnOther: "The humble beanie has been making somewhat of a comeback, most recently seen on Victoria Beckham’s A/W12 catwalk in New York yesterday."

In my mind it never went away! I wear them around the store so much that people think I'm constantly freezing or going bald. Oh beanie, I love you! You are to me what red solos cups are to Toby Keith.

Lazy Sunday...PERFECT! by Faye W.

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:28:00 GMT

I LOVE Sundays. I still get up at my usual pre-dawn hour of 4:30! But, it's only because I can't sleep. I'm too excited to get started doing nothing. Actually, I work a lot on Sundays at the computer and around the house, but the luxury of doing things at my own pace, with no schedule, is about as good as it gets.

Took in a yoga class at Lake Country Racquet. Rick's cooking a lovely breakfast. And, then it will be time for a nap with the dogs. Baked chicken and root vegetables on the menu for dinner. With a nice bottle of wine...oh, yes the wine.

What's your idea of an Ideal Day?

most valuable dresser by CJ O.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:53:00 GMT

The new (sob cry!) superbowl mvp gets evaluated by WWD.

Last year they gave Rodgers a D. I think they would re-evaluate this year after seeing him commentate at the Superbowl :)

Printed denim trend has hit Fayes! by Alex A.

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:28:00 GMT

Feeling a little daring? Brookfield just got in the most amazing J Brand floral print denim! They are seriously the coolest jeans we've got right now. The printed denim trend has hit the West Coast hard and will be here soon, right along with brights. They might seem a little scary, but they're so worth a try. These jeans would look stellar with a black leather jacket. Even if you are a little curious about the printed or colored denim trends, we are here to help. Ask, and we'll help you to look, and feel, like a rock star!

Lets step outside our basic blue denim boxes and add a little pep to our steps!