Shopkeepers' Nation

Splendid SoHo Opening

111 Spring Street, SoHo                                                                                    

Images courtesy Splendid                                                                                                                                                         

Last month was the launch of the newest Splendid retail store in SoHo. The new store, which carries lines for women, men, children and baby, has a light and open design that compliments the bold colors of the clothes. Carved in to wood stools throughout the store, inspirational quotes send encouraging messages to customers. 

As for the opening night bash, Dylan’s Candy Bar provided colorful treats and whimsical cocktails that included strawberry nerds and rock candy among the ingredients. DCB also collaborated with Splendid on a limited edition beach blanket, the proceeds from which that evening went to the SPCA of Monmouth County. The party was attended by actresses Brooklyn Decker, Gretchen Mol and Kate Mara, and was DJed by Solange Knowles.  

Click here for other Splendid locations. 

Anya Hindmarch Wins UK Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year Award



Photo source: Graziadaily.co.uk

 

Congratulations are in order for Anya Hindmarch who, this month, was awarded the 2012 Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year award in the UK. For 40 years the award has been given as a tribute to Madame Clicquot to entrepreneurial women who have excelled in business.

After becoming a widow at age 27 to François Clicquot, Madame Clicquot took over her husband’s Champagne business in 1798. The award was established in 1972 to honor her innovative and entrepreneurial spirit during a time when it was rare to see a woman succeed in business. Having a similar ambitious spirit, Hindmarch started her business when she was merely 19 years old, and the Anya Hindmarch brand has now grown to 57 stores worldwide. The designer, who credits Margaret Thatcher as her inspiration, recently stepped down as CEO of the company so she could get back to the drawing board. Hindmarch is also recognized for supporting entrepreneurs with her vast experience by partnering with the School for Creative Start-ups.

Upon winning, Anya Hindmarch was quoted saying, "It is a very real compliment to be deemed to share some of the qualities of Veuve Clicquot herself who was clearly a brave and pioneering woman but also to even be considered amongst my fellow finalists, Helena Morrissey and Ruth Rogers who are both brilliant businesswomen and lovely people.” Morrissey, the CEO of Newton Investment Management, and Rogers, the chef and owner of London’s River Café, held a stiff competition for the award.

Possibly most famous for her “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” campaign promoting sustainability, which Veuve judges claim “inspired change by making it fashionable,” Hindmarch is also a favorite among many celebrities and royalty - Princess Diana was among her first customers and more recently, Kate Middleton has been seen many times with her clutches.

 

New Arrivals From Reiss

 

 

Reiss's popularity was catapulted in 2011 by Kate Middleton. With all eyes on Reiss, the company must feel the pressure to design the clothing that made Kate fall in love with them. Their new arrivals prove that Reiss is not only producing their well-known versatile dresses that were popularized in 2011, but they have given us a wide array of beautiful clothing. Photographed from top to bottom, the Milly leather jacket, Aimme single breasted blazer, and Naveen printed maxi skirt are three of my favorite looks from their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Click here to view more from the collection. 

Boots, Boots, Booties

7FAM has designed an diverse group of boots and booties this season. Photographed above are three different styled boots in the collection. The Edge (top photograph), a signature black tall western boot, can be worn with almost every outfit and is a staple for the winter season. The Wade (middle photograph), a flannel wedge with sneaker characteristics, that creates a casual yet stylish look. And the Ora (bottom photograph), a suede wedge boots with an amazing 70's vibe. Click here to view 7FAM's other footwear.

I Love You Too Smythson

Better late than never does not apply to Valentines Day. It might be a month away but Smythson is already ready for the day of boxed chocolates and roses with beautifully designed Valentines Day cards. Simple and to the point, the cards are the perfect addition to any gift that you will give on that day. Click here to view the cards and other cards made by Smythson.

Keeping Up With New Year's Resolutions

During the month of January my gym gets extra crowded with everyone wanting to start the new year as healthy as possible. My two issues with this is the lack of machines available and the amount of body heat generated by all the people. Luckily Lucy has solved one of those issues with their new tank top. Even though it is freezing outside, a tank top is necessary this month at the gym. The Novelty Propel Tank II is a featherweight tank that has lucy's quick drying tech and rolled shoulder seams to prevent skin irritation. Click here to view more of Lucy's new arrivals.

A New Look For Maternity Clothes

Splendid has taken the fear out of wearing maternity clothes by designing a comfortable, cozy, and stylish maternity collection. Their maternity clothing allows the fashionable woman to maintain her style during pregnancy. With flattering styles, this line is sure to make a lot of pregnant women happy. Click here to see Splendid's entire line for the expecting woman. 

Soirée Lingerie

Agent Provocateur's new line soirée is ultra luxurious and chic. The company has designed not only the perfect pieces of lingerie for the collection but also has created an amazing website to showcase their designs. The photographs above are examples of the creativity they had to capture their merchandise for their website. The photographs make the lingerie look amazing but also succeed as photographs alone. Click here to view the beautiful soirée collection.

 

Keeping Warm With Accessorize

The weather in New York City dropped to 20 degrees today and as always I forgot how necessary it is to wear gloves. Trying to use your phone with bare hands outside is perhaps the worst feeling in the world. Accessorize has solved my problem by designing capped gloves in stylish prints. The ability to text freely when needed or keep your fingers cozy with the option of mittens makes these gloves essential for the cold weather. Click here to view more of Accessorizes winter accessories.

A New Years Gift

Anya Hindmarch's Spring/Summer 2012 collection introduces The Bruton in two different sizes, two different fabrics, and three colors. The bag is a wonderful present to yourself for surviving 2011. The simple structured bag will be a popular summer staple with its signature detailing  and contrasting panels and trims. The Butter Leather Bruton comes in white or black while the New Patent Bruton comes in Nude. Glossy and lustre or butter-soft and smooth, each bag is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. Click here to view the bags and other new arrivals from Anya Hindmarch.

Stand Out On New Years

Seven For All Mankind designed three perfect dresses for this New Year's Eve. Photographed from top to bottom are the Arabelle Dress, Abrianna Dress, and Alyssa Dress. From a simple LBD to a vibrant printed draped dress, these dresses can be worn at an intimate dinner or a packed party. Click here to view other party options that will make you stand out on New Year's from Seven For All Mankind.