If Looking at the world through rose colored glasses isn’t working, try honeysuckle! Honeysuckle has just been deemed color of the year by The Pantone Color Institute, the world’s authority on color. Experts say this hue has the power to lift spirits and impart confidence to meet life's ongoing challenges.

“Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother, the color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® in a pantone.com interview.



In nature, honeysuckle is the plant whose blossoms provide life sustaining nectar to hummingbirds, one of the few species with beaks long enough to reach into the tube-like flowers.

“The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer,” Eiseman said.




As sweet as the honeysuckle’s fragrance is, it’s the vision of this color that attracts birds and consumers alike to this flower. This reddish-pink color has been spotted on a wide range of celebs from the tween-idol Kristen Stewart to our first lady Michelle Obama.



This color has been invigorating wardrobes throughout the world this season and has even started to brighten up home décor, stationary, bedding and now even credit cards! Where will Honeysuckle go next?




http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20748&ca=1
http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4

Building a wardrobe on a Budget!

I recently decided to ditch everything in my closet and start over. I had finally had enough with a closet that was overflowing with clothing, but contained nothing I actually wanted to wear. So I decided to donate everything to a local homeless relief effort (with the exception of a few designer dresses I couldn’t bare to part with). I reluctantly handed over 5 large bags of clothing, and was thanked with such sincerity that I immediately knew I did the right thing.

So there I was, re-building my wardrobe from scratch, and this time on a budget! So, I decided to seek the wisdom of Lauren Conrad in her latest book Lauren Conrad Style.

Dressing Up to Go Out

I went out to Las Vegas for a girlfriends bachelorette this weekend. I don't go out often so I don't give much thought to dressing up beyond the dress or the perfect jeans with a dressy top or the shoes. I had my outfit picked out in advance for once, a beautiful little black skirt with a simple black tank paired with some colorful heels. I even went as far as having the jewelry ready, a long beaded cross necklace paired with a bunch of beaded bracelets. I realized there was so much more to wearing that perfect little outfit than I remembered.

Every one of the seven other girls had a perfect little clutch which was just essential. Who can carry around those gigantic purses we carry daily when you have on such a precious little ensemble? So I was lacking a clutch. Sometimes you may be lacking the perfect little sweater but in my case it was way too hot too worry about outerwear. And then there was the hair and makeup. Some of us have a hairdo that can just get a little more fluffy for going out, and apparently some others have a whole other style they just whip out and whip up. I felt like I needed a whole other lesson in hair and make-up when I was done getting ready with those ladies. They had a make-up case filled to the brim with loose shimmer powders and loose gold shadow. It never looked overdone on them either, they just looked ready to go out, ready for the event of the night.

I'm sure I looked ready but I left with a new feeling that I can get a little better prepared for special events. I thought with graduation parties left and right as well as weddings and a dozen other reasons to celebrate this time of year, some ladies out there could use some support through these trying times. It is a lot for us to get together guys. This doesn't come easy. It goes beyond the outfit and shoes, we have to think about beauty products, headbands, hand-bags, our jewelry being gold or silver or colored, and then we have to match. phew. Well I guess it's all worth it because when we get it right it makes us feel so good.

What is Not in Style Right Now?

It is such a peculiar time in fashion right now. There have been times in the past where 70's fashion was in, and then it would be the 80's, or 40's or whatever era was in again at the time. Right now every era is in. In my search to find what's the hottest things right now I became so perplexed with this moment in fashion.
The key to fashion right now it seems is that every era goes, you can even pair the era's together, but the golden rule is this: don't make it look ugly. I found sailor fashion being hot for the summer, but you can do it with a modern stripe top, a sandal with rope, or a classic cut 1940's type dress, its up to you. Gladiator sandals are everywhere, but so are vintage looks in sandals.
The purse above I thought said it all. It looks like a vintage clutch done with 80's style red leather. This has got to be the easiest time in history to be in fashion. You get it right if you are boho chic or old Hollywood glamour. It seems that one thing remains constant though, classic and basic cuts are are
taking center stage.

Can You Wear Boots in the Summer?

Yes You Can! Some people automatically push their boots to the back of the closet and make them patiently wait for Fall. Boots can spice up an outfit faster in the Summer than in the Winter. Dresses and skirts are so hot in the fashion world right now, and although the perfect sandal is also a summertime necessity don't forget your boots. Another plus is that you can make the same dress you wore with sandals or heels look and feel different with boots.

There have been endless bloggers and persons with fashion advice bashing UGG's for a couple of years now. I don't think they should be worn for fashion in the summer, but I don't think they are going out of style no matter how much the runways hate them. I think you can still sport your UGG's on a cold morning headed for the tanning salon, or grabbing some coffee. I would advise not to wear them as a fashion piece out at night but you always have to show your trusty UGG's some love.

If you want to see some other amazing summer styles from head to toe worn with boots check in with Free People, they have been making outfits Boho Chic with boots for years now. At denM, we love it.

Peace.

What to Wear to a Funeral

I am going to a funeral this week and I met another girl that had one on the weekend. We were discussing what was appropriate attire for a funeral these days. I found myself giving what to wear a lot of thought. I even went as far as asking my mother if I must wear black. I finally did some research, and deeper thought on the issue, and decided to share what I found. Now I can help someone else out.

The first thing you need to do is think about the type of funeral you will be attending. If it is being held in a very formal environment such as a big Catholic church, or in a location known to be flooded with wealthy or upper class people then your attire will most likely need to be formal. Men, in this case, should wear black suits with black ties and ladies would be in longer, covering black dresses, with closed toed black heels and possibly a black hat. Think of a funeral scene from a movie and you'll get the picture.

However, the majority of funerals these days are not that formal. They are gatherings meant to mourn and celebrate the life lost and lived of the person who passed. What you wear should reflect the statement you are making in your thoughts regarding the person lost. It is easier to celebrate the life of a person lost after a very long and fruitful life, but it is very hard to celebrate the passing of a life cut too short. Many would not want to wear anything but black to a very upsetting funeral for a child, and you may want to wear something a little more fun to a funeral for your grandma who left quietly after many beautiful years. It is really is a matter of opinion but here are some basic rules.

• Never where bright colors such as hot pink or neon green, such a bold choice may be offensive to some. Obviously if hot pink was the deceased persons favorite color it would be appropriate for a bunch of girls to match wearing the color of her choice. There will be exceptions to the rules.

• Never dress sexy or provocative. You can never go wrong with being respectful & conservative.

• Check what church you will be going to. Some churches do not allow  your shoulders to show.

• Be clean and well put together. Shoes should be clean, and clothes should fit properly. Never wear athletic shoes or beat up jeans. 

Guys can wear a black button-up with no tie and the top button unbuttoned to look formal while feeling more casual. For a more casual look add nice jeans. For a  more formal look add slacks. Safe colors for girls include darker jewel tones, like deep purple, emerald, or even grey would be great. Many shades of blue are also very safe. The main point is not to dress to bright, or light. If you avoid being flashy or trashy and follow a few simple guide lines you can reflect your own personal style and feel comfortable. Don't stress, it's not as hard to get it right as we make it seem. 

Don't forget to accessorize this Spring. Amazing colors in bright hues are all the rage. I love it; from frilly dresses, vintage looking flowered headbands, all the way down to your yellow painted toes. Don't leave anything out. Grab a big, sparkly, hot pink cocktail ring and pair it with some hot pink studs in your ears and you won't go wrong. It feels good to be a girly-girl this Spring. denM & Nectar have all kinds of fun little things to choose from to celebrate the beautiful blue sky.

Toms Shoes for a Cause

I've been hearing the buzz of Tom's for a while now but never really looked into the shoe brand. I thought it was just new shoes for hippie latte drinkers and their hippie little wild haired kids. That was until one day a preppy clean cut guy friend of mine stopped by the store wearing a pair- and they looked good!

Come to find out Tom's shoes are just one of the few brands out there helping to make fashion have a positive impact on poverty around the world. A truly good cause I would love to support. Instead of buying a pair for ourselves we bought a hundred pairs for denM to sell and help others make a fashion statement and a difference.

For every pair you purchase Tom's will give a pair to a child in need. One for one. TOMS Shoes has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina, they took 50,000 pairs to South Africa and have been on a “shoe drop”in Ethiopia. The brand gave away over 200,000 pairs in 2008 alone. Watch the video to see the powerful difference a brand can make. And buy a pair of Tom's to get your fashion on too.

The Boyfiend Jean is in Full Effect

In case you have not noticed, the boyfriend style is in when it comes to jeans. The boyfriend cut is usually worn baggy and pinch rolled at or above the ankle. You can wear it with flats or dress it up with some bright colored heels. I am not gonna lie, this look I totally love. Something that I love about it too is that I've seen older women and younger girls pull this look off and look great.

I put a bunch a pic's on here so you would have an idea how to pull it together. denM is getting in the most well name brand to do the look with, Current Elliot. The shorts and pants will be in any day. Do your research and then come in ready to pull off the entire look.

Cheers!

Nectar

I haven't posted in a while because a new birth was taking place, and I have been dealing with the labor pains. She is born! We have a new designer inspired store- Nectar.
Nectar Clothing is just two doors down from denM on the same block in historic downtown Redlands. The store is full of fashion for ladies only. Nectar has a fresh, hip feel, but the most beautiful thing about Nectar is the prices!
Tanks and basics start at $4.99, and we have great fitting V-necks for only $5.75. There are oodles of dresses, and all the girly things that Spring is calling our name to buy. Dresses are all under$40, tops are all under $27, but we have tons of tops under $15.
Come in and see our new baby, Nectar.

Watch out, I'm gonna be bloggin' you to death because Spring Fashion has arrived.

New Man-Fashion Terms To Know

This is pretty self explanatory. If you are a guy, and putting your wallet and cell phone in your pocket comes a distant second to using your man purse, you know what I'm talking about. I am talking about feminine trends that have been around for centuries now crossing over to being acceptable for guys.

My husband is no exception. My mom has been trying to convince me he is gay for years now. Especially when he sports his marf and rolls his mants up. I knew his little feminine ways would be more accepted sooner or later. His time has come.

Guys are now sporting man-purses, otherwise known as a "murse". They wear man-scarves that have now been termed a "marf". Now even man-jewelry is becoming quite common, which I call "mewelry".

Make your own terms, it is open season to come up with some new words. Man-short pants could be mants, shants, or even man-diggers (instead of clam-diggers). Man accessories should have a general term to function. Any ideas??

Fall Goes Grunge Chic With Plaid

Plaid is so hot right now. When it first hit the fashion scene, I just didn't get it. They were not hitting it for women. It was just too masculine, and I am always one for feeling like a girl, if you are a girl. This Fall season is so different. I love it, and I get it. It can be rugged-plaid, with amazing bright colors, done with a classic cut.

For the guys, last year, about this time, some guys were growing out their facial hair, and sporting that grunge thermal. I thought it would pass, no- I wished it would pass. But of course it didn't. I hate to admit it but the look has officially grown on me, with the exception of neck beards (which will never grow on me; please shave your neck guys), guys are looking hot in grungy plaid.

So when picking your plaid of choice, pay close attention to the fit and the color. Classic, great fitting cuts, are really in right now. Don't buy anything that makes you look "boxy." Get plaid prints that don't look like Costco specials, but instead are mixed with bright and fun colors that give your plaid a very modern appeal. You can also go for very classic plaid but make sure it looks more designer than bargain bin.

Lastly, I want to mention accessories. Everyone knows that there is a massive scarf movement right now. It is always so easy for a guy or a girl to add some plaid flair to their outfit by throwing on a great scarf or hat, and plaid is a subtle way to be bold right now.

Thanks for keeping up with the Fall trends with denM Gallery. You know we will have all the hottest styles in plaid coming in now all the way through Christmas. We got in a new Monarchy plaid button up for guys today, we also have some great new coats in for girls in plaid, and as always we have a ton of plaid scarfs in. More comes every day. Tis the season.

Jewel Tones Hot for Fall/ Winter

There are so many great Fall and Winter trends this year. I don't want to spoil it all at once so I will just blog it out every couple of days. My first spotlight will fall on jewel tones.

If you are just figuring this out, you may be one of the last peeps to know. Jewel tones are so big right now. I love it. Think ruby red, sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst, and so on. These colors are rich and they are delicious.

The great thing is that they make looks in these colors that are meant to be casual, but they are so easy to dress up. Especially if you get a top in a satin fabric, paired with a rich color of purple, or other tone, you can put on jeans in the day, and then slip on a skirt at night.

My favorite part about this trend is that boring fashion followers, like myself, can do it too. I am always prone to buying basic cuts, especially in black. But now just the rich color alone, in one of my basic styles, make me look like I am making a statement. It's easy, it's fun, and it's so flattering to any figure.

Denim and True Religion in General

Welcome to the Fall Season. Otherwise known as the true beginning of denim season. Right about now all the designer jean lover's out there are peering into their deep closets and making sure that their denim is looking good, is still in style, and is ready to wear. This is a good time to reflect on all things denim.

So we have established what is in style for the season, high waisted, wide leg, boyfriend fit, skinny, straight and almost any combination thereof. A lot of people, including myself, are excited that "damaged" or "worn in" denim is making a very strong come back.

What is cool as far as brands go is all over the board. Some new companies that are less known are doing really well and some old faithfuls are staying strong. I like this new denim brand called Blue Notch, and I cannot seem to fall out of love with some of my classics. True Religion for one, is still staying strong in the fashion world. Last year all I would hear about the brand is that they were fading out, fizzling if you will. This year has proven the contrary. With the damaged and relaxed looks coming in strong, True Religion is at the head of their game. I don't even want to admit it but it's true.

True Religion remains our best seller. I thought maybe is was just "The Redlands" that were still in love but that isn't so. I spend a lot of time in LA with some of the best stylists there are. They are still loving their True Religions; It seems they just can't get away from the great fit or the quality crafted denim. There hasn't been a better way to look hot while dressing down. We have at least 6 brand new styles of True Religion in stock at any given time.

What new denim brands are you guys buying or just chasing?

To Tattoo or Not to

I want all thoughts on tattoos. Give em' to me. What you like and don't like. The where's, the how's, and the who's. Me & the other half of me are getting new ones very soon. I like to think of tattooing and fashion together. Hmmmm. You tell.

bro...brach...bro-ho

I am so mad that I couldn't find better pictures to depict what these style pioneers sport everyday. I swear if one more person comes in the store and asks where the Famous Stars and Straps section is I will scream.

This look is not in style anywhere else in the world, it is not cool , and it is not flattering. It is straight out ugly.

Some things do go out of style and this is one of them. For guys, the lifted trucks, paired with huge Dickies shorts held up by a studded famous belt, an off-center bent up hat covering the spiked hair, facial piercings, and some big logo shirt is out. Guys, wear pants that fit a little better, and tone it down a bit for the ladies. You guys look like 12 year old boys trying to scam on chicks. We like guys that look like they could actually have a carreer one day. A job that does not include beer bottles, naked chicks, and cigarettes as a part of the day.

Girls or Brach's wear studded belts, with looww rise jeans that are too tight, that create what we call a muffin top. Not attractive. Not sexy. Please wear pants that flatter your figure. I have even seen very skinny girls, manage to sport a muffin top. Another horror of this Brach or Bro-Ho trend is bleach blond hair with dark hair streaks. It is so harsh. It takes the softness of their natural femininity and crushes it. We should not strive to look like strippers right? Further more that skate shoe they wear is too big & bulky. There is nothing style-wise that feels right about this on a girl. The ultimate "Bro-Ho No No" is the ever-present tramp stamp. You know what I'm talking about, that star or butterfly tattoo right above the butt crack. This used to be cool, but if you have fresh ink in this area right now I shed tears for your severe lack of any style common sense.

So please, I am begging please, can I ask that no more guy's come into the store and ask for a size 40 in True Religion's when they are a 36. My heart suffers for you.

Nudie Jeans

Here we go. I said I would spill the beans on these newest, hottest, trend- Nudie.

I can't nail the description like Nudie themselves can. So here is how their website says it:

-"Nudie is the ”naked truth about denim”. Denim has the ability to age beautifully – formed by its user into a second skin, naked and personal. The longer it lives the more character it gets. The indigo is a living colour that fades and gives the denim its character. The more you wear your jeans the more beautiful they get. Jeans are more than just a piece of clothing. Nudie will stay true to jeans and all about jeans."

Basically Nudie is a fashion company for the ages. The are very concerned with the environment, claiming to become totally organic over the next few years. They say that cotton fields stand for 25% of all insecticides worldwide! They are dedicated to the environment in more than one way. Good working conditions, and high standards all the way through production is their way of getting it done. That is why all of their denim is quality constructed in Italy. No sweat shops here.

OK, now for the cult like following. I dare you to go online and check out sites dedicated to these jeans. Nudie instructs their customers to buy dry organic denim and wear them pants out! Do not wash them for 6 months, and when the six months is up wash carefully following instructions. Every pair becomes like a badge of honor to the owner. The different wear marks, texture, colors, rips... all make for your one of a kind wear.

If you want to see these jeans live, and in person visit denM. We all got a pair to experiment, and join the cult...apparently. Dave never takes his off. Tarryn and I wear ours, a lot, I must admit. I am becoming a junkie- but Dave is one.

VMA's :2 Strikes (One more your out)

Did anyone out there watch the Video Music Awards on MTV this weekend? I did. I really think the whole show is getting lame. Maybe I'm getting old, but I think that they are trying to change things up too much, totally forgetting that some things are better left in classic condition.

I liked the whole Hollywood back lot theme. Live music videos being shot. Good idea but it came off a bit strange at points. Over all I thought that concept was cool. The venue looked small. It looked like only the who's who could fit in there, and maybe not all of them. So that took away from the power of the event. It looked little and cheap 70's game showish to me.

My major pet peeve came with the host and the performances. The host, Russell Brand, for lack of a more fitting word, sucked. I know British humor is different, but really? After Brand went on about the Jonas brother's purity in the most disgusting way possible, Nick Jonas, took the high road, and commented after the show,"For us, it's cool to see that he recognizes we are gentlemen,". The Jonas Brother's wear purity rings representing their commitment to God to remain pure until marriage. What have we become if we choose to insult the celeb's that are trying to set the right example and exalt those celeb's who act like crack head easy bags. On the bright side, I think a lot of even the dirtiest of celebrities found his jokes beyond raunchy. During and after the show, celeb's such as Jordan Sparks and Paris Hilton, spoke against Brand's bad humor regarding the brothers.

I thought the performances should have been kept to the good ol' concert style shows with all the modernized ways they make concerts so crazy and amazing these days. But instead they had to do that whole eye trickery, two sided glass, with the "guess where they are" element. It was too much and I did not feel like I saw an amazing performance from anyone. I think the best performance was Rihanna, with Pink coming in second. Rihanna killed it, but why did one artist perform twice? Wierd.

They made the Jonas Brothers look lame beyond lame. First they looked like Disney Newsboys singing harmony on a stoop and then they took to the streets with a million screaming fans dressed in primary colors for the last 30 seconds of their one song. Whatever person in the Jonas Brothers camp thought that was a good idea for the bands image should be shot. I guess I was just left feeling like a never saw one knock out performance to remember.

Lastly, I would like to state my utter dissatisfaction with Britney Spears. She was too chicken to perform , and although she won several awards , she always played the "I'm normal" card. I wasn't buying it. I really just wanted her to say something like "Thanks to my fans and all those who stuck with me even when I was acting like a crazy b." Admitting it is the first step to moving on.

Oh, and one more thing...that band Tokio Hotel rolled up IE style! Lifted truck, monster truck style, with crazy paint job? Check. The IE is calling and we want our vehicle back. The lead singer (male) had acrylic nails, major eye make-up, and Edward Scissor hands garb on. This is not IE style and the IE is asking you not to give this back...it was never ours and we don't want it.

Let me know all your VMA thoughts. Peace!

Random Tradeshow Thoughts

We just got back from the big trade shows in Las Vegas. We hit Pool, Project, and Magic to check out the old and the new. I was happy to see that the shows are still crowded with buyers. The economy will not hold the people back from their fashion!

I always like to check out what people are wearing because these are the people that are at the tip of fashion. I can tell you what is the next big thing just from observing peeps at the shows. So here it is:

Guys are rolling up their pants reminiscent of that loved 80's style.It is jeans AND pants. Roll them up guys! If you are a real fashion guy, pinch then roll. For best results wear with a fedora.We picked up a brand called "Shades of Greige", that will ship early next year, that does the dressy or suit style, so hot.

Guys should stay away from baggy jeans. Slouchy at the top and then straight or fitted from the knee down is standard. And guys look super hot in it I might add. I like this look with a clean wash, or with natural damage. (Check out Nudie Jeans, I will blog about them later this week and we are all wearing them in the store right now).

Girls are wearing high waisted with tucked in tops as a basic jean. Meaning they are not trying to dress up. Their comfy style is high waisted. Note here not to be afraid to tuck in your top's, great with a skinny belt, this look is simple to pull off but it perfects your sense of style.

Don't fret, we are still safe in our skinny's, they are still hot. I was also happy to see the damaged jeans are coming in heavy right now. Rip em', tear em', stain em' and wear them out. I love it. This is as close to relaxed I am personally gonna get with denim.

I felt like everyone was pushing this style known as the boyfriend fit jean. The baggy look for women. I know it's hot right now but I don't think it is gonna catch on mainstream and look good. The girls just won't pinch and roll the bottoms like necessary for the entire "look" (see Katie Holmes in a blog below). Maybe I am wrong but I wasn't feelin' it.

Lastly I would like to say that the brands party like rock stars in Vegas. There was at least 10 crazy parties at the hottest clubs every night, with entertainment and drinks thrown in. These people party until at least 4am and then get up and work at the shows all day. This old lady checked out the scene as late as I could possibly hold up, and it did not meet rock star status- at all. But one bash I did hit that was certainly note worthy was the Diesel bash at the Palms, poolside. They served us free drinks and dinner coupled with entertainment by a synchronized swim team (done to dance music), 2 DJ's, and a live performance by The Cool Kids. Diesel is good at predicting trends so I am guessing The Cool Kid's are something to look out for.

The Political Forest

Ok its that time again and we are having another wonderful art show! I know your probably wondering whats with the title? Well let me tell you just that, the title came about after discussing the current political race and its importance on our future. We wanted to show the youth the importance of this race in particular and what better way than have an art show! We got together with a few good friends that also happen to be artist and created the concept. In short we didn't want to represent one thought or one side of politics. We wanted it to be left as an open call if you will to let the artist kinda tell there personal feelings through art. The forest represents many different aspecs just like the show. Well the show is Sept. 6th from 5-8 we would love everyone to come out and enjoy it! The artist have worked really hard and its coming together great. We will post pic's as soon as they are available