Get Smart About Ditsy Florals

They're...post-war 1940s meets 1990s Beverly Hills 90210.
They're...sweet and silly, with a smidge of sass.
They're...that feeling of weak in the knees first crush, with the added flavor of lazy summer days.
They're...ditsy florals... and they're all the rage.

From sundresses to silk tops, ditsy florals have moved into Crush this Spring... and their lease looks to last well through the Summer and into the Fall. Yep, they're the hands down new favorite subletter in our underground lair.

We love the look of bold patterns with white or faded denim, but to ease into the trend, pair flowered silk tops with dark denim and a bomber jacket. Sometimes a little goes a long way, so work busier or brighter florals in small doses. Less potent patterns can be mixed with stripes and other prints. Over-do any flowery stitch though, and you're a poster for the local Garden Club...and Tiffani-Amber Theissen would not be impressed.

It's easy to compel yourself to try new trends casually, but don't be shy when dressing up, embrace the floral dresses. Breaking up the print with a belt or jacket and going low-key on the extras will keep your frock up to date, but still coolly classic.

For date night, cocktail parties, weddings or warm Summer Sunday brunches, a gal loves to bare her legs and show off her shoes. Nude patent pumps are the go-to favorite for lengthening your legs and letting your dress garner all of the applause, but gladiator sandals, booties and and ballet flats will let you take your botanical pieces from day-to-night for looks that are trendy, tribal or updated traditional.

Yeah, those ditsy floral patterns will have you ready for lunch at The Max or a hot date with Brandon Walsh... so why wouldn't you embrace all of Spring 2010's printed prettiness?

Shop these looks from Shoshanna, Rory Beca, Parker, Whitley Kros and French Connection at www.shopcrushboutique.com.

-Brianne

Red Carpet Crushing

Just recently, I was thinking about personal style, and how each of us develops it so young. I’ve always loved vintage-inspired pieces—ornate stud earrings, ultra feminine dresses. At age 6, my fashion icon was the 1964 Barbie my Grandmother bought me at an antique store. I couldn’t wait to grow up and dress like my vintage Barbie. Her clothes were gorgeous.

Today, I still respect Barbie’s MadMen-esque ensembles, but I also j’adore Rachel McAdams’ mix of fashion forward girl-next-door duds and vintage-y frocks. There’s chiffon and tulle and jewels… and then there’s tie-dyed cocktail dresses, dark-wash skinny jeans and silk oversized oxfords. The girl’s a gem, but never looks like she has to try.

Laura, who spins a little more Gossip Girl meets The OC, has built a wardrobe that’s cleaned up and classy, even when it’s casual. It’s a compilation of scarves and sundresses juxtaposed with structured mini-dresses and blazers, much like her style icon Rachel Bilson. First stealing our hearts with her sappy boyfriend and sweet summer dresses as Summer Roberts, Bilson’s style is classic, with just a smidge of edge.   

Rebecca’s a sucker for the West Coast lifestyle, and really who could blame her? So, it’s fitting then that Kate Hudson takes the cake for Rebecca’s best dressed celebrity list. This Fashionista has an electic wardrobe of bohemian-chic pieces, trendy jumpsuits and a love for taking tee shirts high fashion. A girl after her own heart, Rebecca loves Hudson’s laissez faire flair.

Our own Californian, Jess, brings a bit of the West to the East, giving the East coast a jolt of fashion…like a certain other curly haired we all know. Carrie Bradshaw—fictional yes, but as real as an icon needs to be—turned heads all over New York city for years with her creatively coordinated outfits.

Long before Carrie Bradshaw, Bianca Jagger strut her stuff around London and New York as a Mick’s first wife, Warhol’s friend and Roy Halston’s muse. Bianca brought disco to fashion and fashion everywhere. Her stunning ensembles and piece-y outfits have made her Kara’s celebrity fashion icon.

I’ll close by saying that this has been one of my favorite blogs to write, and a big part of that was the fun of Tweeting and getting all of your responses. Many of our dear friends and customers @replied us with their favorites.

A huge thanks goes to @tenleywilson (Jennifer Garner) @msfraust (Zooey Deschanel) @StephanieElena1 (Rachel McAdams) @jennycook523 (Audrey Hepburn) @megansarahj (Diane Krueger) @caylaoc (Sienna Miller) @bostonstylista (Kate Moss) for sharing their favorites via Twitter! See all of their icons' pictures, as well as suggestions from other Bostonistas below!

-Brianne

Color me happy... and tranquil, and tropical!

"Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing." -Pantone, LLC.

Each year Pantone, the world renowned authority on all things color, announces one hue deemed "the color of the year." This past December, turquoise (15-5519) was named the 2010 Color of the Year. Evoking positive thoughts and appealing to both men and women, turquoise has become a popular color in both fashion and in the home. On mixing and matching with other tones, the Pantone website notes that, "Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens."

This season, turquoise and corals are taking the read-to-wear circuit at Crush by storm. Designers from Tracy Reese to Karen Zambos played up coral notes in their pieces, and contrasted this warm, alluring color with bits of bronze and turquoise.

For a strapless lighter coral like the Alice & Trixie "Dominique" dress, try a turquoise choker... but with the Karen Zambos "Cyia" dress, opt for dramatic drop earrings in that stunning shade of blue. For turquoise colored dresses like the French Connection "Olympic Frame" dress or the Alice + Olivia "Danny" dress, complete the look with coral studs and bangles... or stick simple with the jewelry, and go for the gold with a bright coral pump. With the Shoshanna "Shirred Strapless" dress, work in a pop of coral with a headband or clutch, for a look that's on trend, but impressively unassuming.

For a vintagey combinatin of these two colors, seee the Tracy Reese "Alix Beaded" dress or the Shoshanna "Beaded One-shoulder" in navy. Be it subtle or sassy, nothing screams vintage like a bold color combination in a sophisticated cut and rich fabric.

As March prepares to, hopefully, go out like a lamb... here's to hoping that Spring will be all we've hoped for: the perfect combination of feminine frills and nuevo nautical pieces  in on-trend palates surrounding 15-5519.


<3
Brianne

A girl’s guide to my new favorite phenomenon: Karen Zambos Vintage Couture

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture has gone from Crush newcomer to Beacon Hill closet staple in a matter of weeks. I recently had the opportunity to meet Karen herself at a buying show in New York. If ever I’ve met someone whose creative artistry is truly self-expressive, it’s this woman. I’ll be blunt: she’s so cool.

I sound like a sixth grader who just met her favorite teenie-bopper pop star, but since her continuing to produce stunning dresses and separates directly impacts my day-to-day life… I’m willing to push on with my starstruckness.

Just a few short weeks ago her line debuted at Crush—after after months of anticipation, mind you; the six+ month lead time on buying is soooo hard when you’re impatient— with a slinky T-back black silk “Richie” dress with gold embroidery detail, a sweet 1940s-esqu “Plaid Project” A-line, and her signature burn-out tank (this version featuring necklace like chains).

Then, on Wednesday, Karen’s most recent delivery made Rebecca, Kara and I weak in the knees. Since I wasn’t actually working, I quickly grabbed a size in each piece and headed for the fitting room. The “Renee” top in watermelon has one of the best fits I’ve ever seen in a silk top, and stands out with a [very] deep v-back and chain detail. It’s just long enough to fall around your hips, rather than above or below them, which is vital in a backless top.

I’m never sure how batwings and narrowly cut hips will fall on my body type… but, and I’m not apologizing for how vain this may sound, my hips looked GREAT. I can report with confidence that donning the “Cyia” dress is how most of you will spend y our summer. Emitting a feel that’s very Charlie’s Angels meets Kate Hudson, it’s the perfect follow-up cocktail piece to the Richie dress from our first delivery.

And finally, there’s the “Jessica” dress. Metallic linen with un-obstructive ruffle detail makes for a piece that’s elegantly trendy in a way that Coco Chanel and Oleg Cassini would appreciate. In fact, it’s what I imagine Jackie Kennedy would wear to have tea with Michelle Obama on the White House lawn. Since that’s not likely to happen though, I’d suggest pairing it with red or hot pink open-toe pumps for a summer wedding.

Yes, ladies, Karen Zambos Vintage Couture is sure to be decorating the racks at CB for years to come.


<3Brianne

Last Call: A Sale for Wardrobe Construction

Mark Twain, a pretty dapper dresser as I've heard, once said, "Clothes make the man.Naked people have little or no influence on society." Twain had no idea that in the twenty-first century, less would sometimes be more and that we'd spend a great deal of time begging our favorite pop stars to cover up, but he had a point. Anyone can be naked, anyone can just throw something on... but to make a mark on society, self expression is key, and there is no better time to build a wardrobe than during a sale.

Starting today, for our last weekend of Winter Sale, select items have been increased from 50% to 70% off. Pieces that were already significantly marked down have had their prices slashed even lower, and our sale section is bursting with beautiful goods. Succeeding at sale shopping can be a challenge though, especially on weekends when everyone and their brother is pulling at hangers. You've got to be tough, and you've got to have an idea of what you're doing before you head in.

When shopping a sale rack you want to do three things. First, ignore the size. If it looks like it might fit, try it on. Many a cocktail dress has gone to the sale rack because one letter or number caused it to be ignored. Next, consider the items your closet is lacking. Are you in short supply of silk tops? Is it your work wardrobe that needs some help? Essentials are different for everyone. If you entertain a lot, keep your eyes open for unique cocktail pieces. Likewise, if you wear a cardigan everyday, scoop up some beaded or embroidered pieces sweaters that stand out. Finally, don't be discouraged. If you're not finding anything, ask the sales staff. If anyone knows what gems lie amongst the crazed Saturday sale shoppers, it's the sales staff. For instance: if you're a Size 8 in need of cardigans and work tops, I've got a precious 525 America beaded cardigan and a silk Parker blouse in mind. Size 2, seeking cocktail dresses and basic tanks? There's a stunning velvet and wool Ali Ro dress (for less than $150!) and an array of basic tees and tanks on sale for $40 and under.

So while I'm on a roll, allow me to share in pictures some of my favorite "Last Call" sales pieces.

Happy Shopping!

Brianne

Origami: Spring fashion and the art of Chinese paper folding

Try as I might, I’ve never been good at origami… and believe me, I’ve tried. Those little pieces of colored paper are clean little slates, waiting to be transformed into beautiful flowers, birds, fish, etc. The possibilities are endless, but the only thing I can turn a 4x4 sheet of paper into is a fortune teller—the kind you make in middle school to determine who you should take to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Even with my limited paper folding abilities though, I am able to speak confidently on your fortune for spring: origami pleated dresses are all the rage.

There’s something so pretty about fabric that’s tucked, layered, twirled and gathered. Pleats and ruffles make getting dressed seam [pun so very intended] so easy, and there’s nothing a gal loves more than looking like she doesn’t try.  Of course, there’s also the added femininity of these cuts that’s been a requirement in your spring wardrobe since your first pink and yellow rosette Easter dress. Fortunately, you can skip the bonnet and the bloomers now.

Spring dresses from Alice + Olivia, Ali Ro, Max and Cleo, Frock! by Tracy Reese and Plastic Island  are adopting the pleats, ruffles and rosettes that weaken my knees, but up the level of sophistication with chic strappy backs, short tulip skirts and delicately tailored waistlines. Oh, and an aside to legs: It’s time to come out of hibernation.


Brianne

[Fall]ing: For Leather and Lace...oh, and also mesh and french terry

This past week, Laura, Rebecca and I bustled about Coterie, D&A and Sole Commerce perusing the Fall 2010 collections and taking note of what you'll see in-store and on the streets this Fall. Attending my first buying show was an amazing experience. Between catching a sneak peak at Fall and writing our orders for July, August and September and meeting some of my favorite designers, I can honestly say that my job is far too much fun. 

While I don't want to ruin the surprise, here's what I can report back:

Year after year we hang onto the ways the cultural zeitgeist inspires the way the world speaks, behaves, and most importantly for us, dresses. In a post-economic downturn era where the Democratic Party has gained the upper-hand, the workplace has become more casual, logos are disappearing from handbags and wallets, and flannel, leather and french terry have taken over the Fall fashion. Get excited now to cozy up with comfortable, yet fashion-forward, pieces.

For both work and play, Boston tends to clean up nicely. Bostonians love dress pants, button downs and pearls the way Los Angelistas love sandals and maxi dresses, and that's why Fall's juxtaposition of leather, ponte, french terry and flannel with lace, mesh and fine silks will fit our fine little city like a [leather] glove.

Last year, zippers exposed on heavy black fabrics represented a sense of rebellion in the fashion world. This coming Fall, however, the sharpness of these edgy looks has been softened. Leather jackets have soft curves, ponte leggings feature rich leather and suede paneling, florals are big and blossoming and french terry sweaters with lace and mesh detail bring us from Kurt Cobain to 90210.

Prints are all the rage as florals, tribals, and plaids clean up with softer cuts and details, but remain tough with leather edging. Even cardigans are cool for Fall... while drapey-ness remains, equestrian detailing sophisticates ultra casual cuts. For dresses, mesh, sequins and raw edge silks feminize edgier leather and ponte bodies.  

We caught up with friends, and the looks, at Alice + Olivia, Paul & Joe Sister, Rory Beca, Karen Zambo, Amanda Uprichard, Parker, BB Dakota and many more, and also introduced ourselve to some new lines that'll hit CB this Summer. Soon enough our favorite lines will hang between new additions. We can't wait to get our first deliveries from Pavionne, Sine, Parameter, Ramona LaRue, Rails and JJ Winters. It should prove to be a very exciting Autumn at Crush Boutique. 

...In fact, I don't think I've ever been more excited for Fall...

So what were our favorite trends?

Well, while I'm dying for the perfect pair of ponte and leather equestrian riding pants, tribal beaded dresses and bow detailed winter coats, Rebecca's crushing on plaid, oversized silk tops and 80s inspired leather jackets... and Laura? Well, look out for Laura... because come July, (when our Fall deliveries will start) she'll be the one blinding the neighborhood with an unannounced number of intensely sparkly sequined dresses... Sunglasses, please? 

Brianne