Oscar Worthy

As everyone knows, tonight is Oscar night! For fashionistas like ourselves, we pay close attention to the glamorous gowns on all of the A listers. And as expected, tonight was nothing shy of extraordinary. However, most careers do not require extravagant gowns and an endless attire budget and so we are taking the top trends from the Oscars and transcending them into every day apparel (at a budget friendly price point).

The most common trend that was seen tonight was the strapless neckline, seen on Actresses such as Jessica Chastian, Amy Adams, Reese Witherspoon and Keri Washington. This trend is usually worn during the summer months but, can be paired with leggings, boots and a leather jacket for a fresh winter look. Here is a cute and casual strapless dress at Second Nature that can be worn in the day or dressed up at night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another prominent trend this year was the many shades of blue! Actresses like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Hudson and Helen Hunt were beaming in blue gowns. This Escada jacket, now in Second Nature, is a great way to wear this trend during the winter months. 

 

 

 

 

The third trend that was all over the red carpet was metal. The silver, sleek look were seen on A listers like Naomi Watts, Catherine Zeta Jones and Halle Berry in Donatelli’s vision of a “bond girl”. This trend can easily be transformed into every day outfits. It can be slowly introduced into your wardrobe through a small clutch or flats or if you are feeling bold try it in a sweater or jacket. At Second Nature, we have this gorgeous Armani Collezioni black and silver zip jacket that fits right in this season.

 

 

 

 

Pops of colour were seen everywhere this year. Jennifer Aniston was a vision in red! Other celebrities embraced the rainbow like Jane Fonda in bright yellow, Keri Washington in Fuchsia and Jennifer Garner in a hot purple Gucci number. At Second Nature, we welcome these bright hues no matter what the season! This Diane Von Furstenberg dress, now in store, is an easy and trendy way to look chic this season.

Vacation Guide

For the college kids out there, it is finally SPRING BREAK! Hallelujah! And for the very patient high school and elementary school-ers, your break is just around the corner. But, we are here to tell you that spring break does not only apply to the “youngins” but greatly applies to adults as well! Heres why. Firstly, this is the time where many parents take time off and go on vacation with their families (If you live out east- I hope you are going somewhere warm!). Secondly, This is the time where retailers flourish as the stores are now packed with teens and mothers.

This vacation guide is to help you pack all of your tropical essentials. It is also to aid retail stores in what products to carry during the spring break season!

1. SUNSCREEN- Yes, this word is very redundant, but extremely important! Try buying products that have at least SPF 15 in it, such as face creams, body lotions and even self tanners. This way you can still have a sun kissed glow without the burns and wrinkles. For retailers, Keep baskets filled with SPF lip balms or creams at the checkout counter; it is an easy grab at the end of a purchase.

2. HEAD SCARVES- This trend is very in at the moment! Wrapping a bright coloured silk scarf around your head is not only fashionable, but beneficial! This helps prevent sun burns on the scalp and prevents you from overheating. This accessory is great for retailers because it is not just a summer accessory, but can be tied to a purse handle or around the neck during any season!

3. SUNGLASSES- Sunglasses are the most underrated packing essential for a tropical vacation. After being in the sun all day , jet lag, and lack of makeup, sunglasses are the quick and easy way to look chic. Picture this: A sleek low bun, a swipe of (SPF) lipgloss and the perfect pair of sunglasses. VOILA! You wont care about how many pictures are being taken! Sunglasses are a great accessory for retailers to carry all year around too because they are worn all year around are are always sought after.

4.CARDIGAN- Cardigans are a great way to accessorize while on vacation and during travel time. A light cotton cardigan in a bright colour will spice up your wardrobe on the airplane and is also functional for packing or when the sun goes down. Cardigans are an easy sell in retail stores as they are always needed all year round.

5.MAXI DRESS- Maxi dresses are great for vacations for numerous reasons. One, They are flattering at any age and all body types. The key is to find the perfect cut! Two, choose a light fabric in a great print to look fashionable and polished in seconds. Three, They are so light and easy to pack. Four, maxi dresses can easily be dressed up for fancy dinners.

6. CANVAS BAG- A canvas bag is somehow always needed no matter what the occasion! For vacations, a large sized canvas bag is perfect as a carry on and can also play double duty as a big beach bag. Large canvas bags are sturdy and so they are great to carry to work and also great for students.

7.BANGLES- Bangles, whether in gold or silver, is a great and easy accessory to finish a look. In hot destinations, it is not practical to over accessorize as it gets quite uncomfortable in the heat and due to all of the swelling. Throw on a couple bangles on one arm with a simple necklace or chandelier earrings. Retailers usually sell bangles, no matter what the season. You can always find simple ones or some with different coloured stones to spruce up an outfit.

8. ROLL ON PERFUME- This is a great accessory to keep with you at all times! Roll on perfume is very small and VERY handy! Keep it in your carry on to swipe on your wrists after the plane ride, or at the beach after being in the sun. It is a quick and easy way to feel fresh and know that you are smelling good!

The Right Fit

A pair of great jeans is one of the hardest things for a women to find. Here is a little help!

The Bell Shape: This is where a women is more curvier on the bottom. Take such actresses for example like Beyonce or Rihanna. Try finding denim with a wide leg – this will balance out the disproportion between your skinny calves and your butt or a pair with a lower rise in front with a contoured waist – this will add length to your torso and balance you out.

Pear Shape: Try out high waisted denim as they will lengthen legs but also cover your behind. Wider legs are flattering such as boot cut or flare. Additionally, large pockets will help minimize your behind.

The Apple: Trouser cuts look great on this body type with clean front styles. Higher rises will hold everything as well. Dont shy away from skinnies either; apple figures have great legs! Even opt for a nice, slim capri.

The Hourglass: While this type is the envy of most women it is still just as difficult to find the right style of denim! Try a low rise in front with a contoured waist as this will lengthen your torso. Also, look for LONG inseams!

 The Bean Pole: The skinny, boyish, athletic body type.Here you can really have fun! Long inseams and skinny cuts work best but play it up with different colours and washes because this body type can pull it off! Also, getting a low rise will add curves to your behind.

How To Look Slim This Winter

With the holidays behind us but the cold still lingering it remains hard to visualize us in that itsy bitsy, tiny weeny, little polka dot bikini. And instead of working with our winter clothes we layer and layer not only to shy away from the cold, but to cover up what winter has done to our bodies! But we are here to help you look slimmer by practicing some tried and true tricks.

• The right fit: Invest in a great pair of dark denim. The right cut can shape and slim any figure! Splurge on black and dark blue, but for the changing trends try resale stores for the colour of the season and get them tapered to fit perfectly to your shape. 
• The double breasted coat: A nice wool double breasted coat hugs womens curves in a very flattering way. The trick to look slim in these are to make sure you don’t buy them too tight. Puckering around the buttons will make it look like you are squeezing into it. Additionally, the length proves to be very important. If petite, opt for a mid length style coat because the longer ones will drown you out and make you appear shorter. If taller, a great knee length coat will look classy and sophisticated.
• Over the knee boots: Now this look doesn’t have to be TOO sexy here! nice brown or black leather boot that go right up to the knee or just pass creates a great, slim look for the legs if paired with a skinny jean or tights and a skirt.
• The boyfriend style sweater is very in this season! However, this look isn’t suitable for all ages and does not work in all work environments. Invest in a great fitting cashmere sweater or cardigan. A nice pop of colour like cobalt blue or apple red will pop during the cold months.
• Make your tailor your best friend:  Hem and taper anything from shirts, to sweaters to old jeans. A great fit can change the appearance of your outfit and even how you feel in what your wearing!

 

Customer Appreciation!

Recently the store owner, Kary Dick, got an email from one of our long time customers that contained some great ideas for upcoming blog posts. We love this type of interaction! We invite anyone to comment on this blog post for any suggestions or what they would like us to write about in future posts. 

For this post we will talk about one of the suggestions given in the email-clutter control in your wardrobe!

• The first thing I always notice is stretched out, hanger warped sweaters. Folding your sweaters not only opens up more space in the closet but keeps their shape longer. 
• when tidying up shoes, we recommend a shoe organizer that hangs on the back of the closet/ bedroom door. This way the closet looks de-cluttered and more room to walk through.
• For boots- it looks more polished and neat if you put boot supports inside (or rolled up magazines).This also keeps the fabric on the boot to look less weathered. 
• Put all outerwear in the hallway closet. Coats,vests, scarves etc will crowd up the closet space.
• Try using the same hangers or similar looking hangers for a polished look. It also looks more neat if like items are hung together. For example, blouses then tee shirts and then camisoles. 
• If you have shelving in your closet, consider buying baskets or containers to put in smaller items, like bathing suits, so that they dont scatter everywhere and are neat in one place. 

Hope you can use these tips for your next spring clean!

What Do You See?

A stores environment tells the customer everything they need to know in a matter of seconds when walking through the entrance. A customer will be able to know what is being sold, the quality of the products and even estimate a price point. This is why a stores atmosphere is key in branding your store. Everything from the paint colour, to the music to the light fixtures exude what this store is all about, and is used to attract the appropriate consumer. So how do you attract the right customers to your store? Here are some tips.

• The store front is extremely significant to the consumer because that is where they will decide if they want to come in or not! Have a clear entrance and a clean, polished inviting sign.
• Having a store front or window is a great way to reel consumers in. This is a fun way to be unique and whimsical. Each season you can mix it up and show off your new products.
• Keep the inside of the store clean- even during sale season make sure the aisles are clear, the floors are swept and nothing is on the floor.
• Weekly or Bi-weekly try and rotate the merchandise in the store so that something different is seen at the store front and it does not always look the same. This also gives off the illusion that you are getting new merchandise in all the time.
• Eye level is the best level! If merchandise is up too high it might get missed!
• Make sure the store isnt too stuffy- open a window or try and have a candle going to make it smell fresh and inviting.
• Which ever decor you go for, from modern to country, keep it sleek. Try to have the walls always looking freshly painted and the furniture looking clean.
• Last but not least, have knowledgeable staff! Product knowledge is the best tool to sell. Inform your employees about all the merchandise, appropriate greetings, how to treat customers and all of the store rules.

Happy New Year!

Whole new year, whole new trends!

2013 Spring Runway is a great sneak peak into showing us fashionistas what will be hitting the stores soon! However, it is sometimes hard for us to visualize ourselves in the “avante garde” runway looks. We are here to help! This post is designated to simplifying what the upcoming wearable fashion trends are and why they are different from last year.

One upcoming trend that was all over New York fashion week were the Bermuda shorts. Quite different then the hot, high rise cheeky shorts we are used to seeing. This slouchy look oozes cool and casual and more importantly, can be worn at any age and any body style.

Another noticeable trend on the runway are the crisp and classic black and white outfits. We are used to seeing a pleather of pastels during the spring but the monochromatic duo is refreshing and appropriate from day to night. Just like this Chanel spring jacket.

 

 

 

 

 

How romantic! Shirts will be sheer this spring. Now don’t confuse see through for sheer. Sheer can be worn by any body type and just shows a little bit of skin; in the classiest form. Just like this Foley and Corrina blouse.
 

 

 

 

Lets add some leather! As every fashionista knows, a luxe leather piece is the best kind of investment in a wardrobe. This spring we will be seeing leather in minimalist forms and rich colours. This Moschino skirt fits in perfect.

 

 

 

Steering clear from ultra fem dresses- this years “it” dress has taken the sporty role. Sleeveless bodies with a flirty A line, skater style is all the rage.

 

Wrap Superstar

Ever wonder where the oh so flattering wrap dress came from? The infamous Diane Von Furstenberg of course.

Diane was born in 1947 in Brussels, however, studied at various schools in Switzerland, Oxfordshire and Madrid University. Her life changed forever when she met her future husband Prince Eduard Egon von und zu Fürstenberg in the Swiss Alps where they moved to America and had their first child. Diane began her clothing line as she yearned for Independence, which couldn’t have come sooner as she split from then husband in 1973. Her new found autonomy proved to be a success as she decided to infuse two of her designs into her now known, world famous wrap dress. Diane’s “AHA!” moment was when she saw Julie Nixon Eisenhower on television wearing her wrap top and skirt and decided to combine the two. This brilliant idea was her best seller in 1975-producing 15,000 a week!

Diane claims this is perfect for women; its free and sexy, and has even gone as far as calling the dress a spirit. This dress sculpts the female body without so much as a zipper or a button- purely jersey.

Many women claim that it is synonymous with freedom and instills confidence. I don’t know about you, but I would love to go out and buy one right about now.

What Does Your Tee-Shirt Say About You?

Today we will dabble in the psychology of fashion. Have you ever wanted to make that perfect first impression? Maybe it was for a job interview, a blind date or meeting your partners parents. Well, the colours we choose to wear for such occasions say a lot about us, whether we realize it or not!

White – this color means innocence. White projects purity and cleanliness- think about how doctors don white coats and brides in white gowns. This colour poses as neutrality and can be perfect for meeting the parents.

Red – This intense colour is often associated with emotions revolving around romance. By wearing the colour red you will definitely stand out in a crowd. Red is a great colour to be worm by women because it works with almost all skin tones. In addition, studies have shown that men prefer the colour red on women so this would be perfect for a date!

Blue– This colour has been deemed perfect for job interviews! Not only does blue emulate royalty but studies have shown that black may come off as too harsh and grey too stiff and thus, blue/ navy being the perfect medium.

Yellow –  Yellow is paired with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. People pair yellow with being fun, outgoing and optimistic! Great personality traits to have!

The Holiday Collection

As we all see the leaves falling, the cold coming and Starbucks’ infamous red cupped pumpkin spice lattes- we all know the holidays are fast approaching. Stores shed the pastel hues and put pops of burgundy, black velvet, and sparkling sequins into their window displays. BUT, we also know this time of year brings on lots and lots of shopping. Shopping not only for one another, but also for ourselves. As we scour the stores in awe we think to ourselves: What should I wear to my work holiday party? My family dinner? What are some great holiday gifts? Well, we are here to help! Here are some great finds we have at Second Nature.

Stella Mcartney’s cashmere sweater is a must! Not only is it warm, but it is extremely festive with its large bow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this Tory Burch top you will make a statement! Jewel tones are great for holiday seasons. Not to mention the awesome neck trimming that really fives off an elegant, holiday feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEQUINS! Need I say more? You will shine in this Donna Karan top. PLUS the neckline is great to dress down for any day time festivities.

 

 

 

 

 

The perfect party dress! Marchesa’s long sleeve slimming black dress with a bedazzled neck trim! Everything you have ever wanted and more. Try pairing with a coloured pump to add some pizzaz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For every outing you need the appropriante coat to go with it! Check out this beautiful, tailored wool and leather Mackage coat. Very in style and will last years!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A perfect gift to give would be our (just in) royal blue Valentino scarf. Great for this season and will add that pop of colour into any outfit!

 

 

 

 

Check out these chocolate brown Chanel booties! Perfect for pants or to wear with skirts and tights.