Hello my stylish friends!

If the collections in New York were any indication of things to come, I am doubly excited for what awaits me in Paris and Milan. There are comebacks galore by established houses like Valentino, and creative collections by up and coming designers such as Alexander Wang and Risto Bimbiloski; who just may become your go-to guys for chic and unique. As I begin packing once again, I realize I must leave behind the nonchalance of the summer Florida wardrobe, for the pulled together formality of French and Italian cities. Dressing up is a way of life no matter the season in Europe’s fashion capitols, and while I cannot wait to get back to my summer uniform of easy linen shirts and breezy sundresses, I love the change in wardrobe travel brings.

Oscar’s Garden of Delight

Flowers are a passion of mine and one of many interests I share with Oscar de la Renta who, this season, has translated these lush images into chic and easy dresses and sportswear. I adore the look of gorgeous French bouquets spilling out of a canvas tote, or beautiful peonies and cabbage roses blooming abundantly in a garden. This seasons Oscar collection translates these images into floral print frocks with flirty hemlines, interpretations of petals cascading down a rose colored cardigan, and exquisite necklaces bursting with bejeweled blossoms of every species. Digging into Oscar’s feminine garden philosophy should be as easy as slipping into one of his petal soft leather pumps, and will keep you smiling all summer long.

Bold and Beautiful

Nicholas Varney has taken chalk white to a bold new level. Cachelon
(white onyx) and 18k gold in oversize links say ultra modern and casually sophisticated. I am taking this statement piece with me on my current trip so that I have the perfect accessory to wear all day and into the night. Pairing it with Irene Neuwirth’s one of a kind aquamarine tear drop earrings, trimmed in pave diamonds, would light the face of any travel weary soul.

Style Staples

Remember that Lanvin trench I told you about last month? It will prove a classic over lightweight Genetic denim. The trench becomes travel ready when paired with an open toe Schumacher bootie. Complete the look with a Celine tote in color block camel and black. Totes have made a strong resurgence on the runway, with a more modern, refined shape. This one is sure to be a classic for years to come.

Michael Kors: A Lifetime of Achievement

Congratulations to Michael Kors for being honored with the Lifetime Acheivement award by the CFDA and for having his Hollywood fragrance, that we love at Marissa Collections, nominated for Perfume of the Year by the Fragrance Foundation FIFI Awards!

At Marissa Collections we know that you, as a fabulously stylish individual, are always looking for interesting and creative ways to wear your beloved pieces. On this particular occasion we want to take the time to talk about one of our favorite accessories: scarves. The reason we enjoy this fashion staple so much is because it is quite versatile. There are endless possibilities when it comes to how you tie, loop, or drape your scarf; each with a very different effect. Because it can be the most amazing DIY accessory, whether made into a simple square knot around the handle of your purse, worn as a headband, or tied together as your actual purse a scarf will always add that “je ne sais quoi” to your outfit. The new up and coming designer, Loquita Scarves, has pinpointed this trend so effortlessly. Their launch collection, entitled “Anger and Penance,” boasts prints that range from antique guns to bluebirds of happiness and freedom. The scarves are stylishly dark in theme yet light and durable for wear; and as you can see look great worn bandanna style or thrown loosely about the neck. We recommend you scoop one up and use it as the perfect sarong for lounging on the pool deck. The cabana-boy won’t know what hit him.

Just an Idea: Tying a Scarf into a Purse

Use a 32 inch square scarf or 45 inch square tablecloth

1. Lay the scarf facedown. Pull one of the corners through one hand to create a tail about one-third the length of the side; tie a knot.

2. Repeat the same tail-knotting on the scarf’s other three corners.

3. For handles, tie the upper two tails together in a square knot (right over left, left over right); repeat with the lower two tails.

Courtesy of Blueprint Magazine

Hello my stylish friends!
As the season winds down I begin the shift into one of my favorite times of the year… summer. You all know I am a bohemian at heart and I love cottons and cool, airy linens. Translating some my favorites into today’s wearable summer items include fun, easy cotton shirts and blouses, lightweight denim, a pair of ballet flats and layers of colorful jewelry… lost of jewelry! My new favorite just arrived! M.C.L. Designs. Since it’s debut the fashion world has fallen head over heels for Matthew’s enamel and sapphire encrusted designs.

New arrivals to transition from Summer into Fall include:

The Lanvin leopard print, taffeta trench is one of my favorites. Looking chic and warding off the summer rain over jeans or dresses. Bloch ballet flats in kid leather with subtle shimmer in gold, storm or silver.

Wear Now!

Definitely wear now colors, fabrics and shapes crafted beautifully into tailored luxe sportswear and dresses include Michael Kors bubblegum pink, a luscious shade of French vanilla called bare, and his black and bare lace patterns. A simple dress with a flirty bag says summer.

Fashion Fine Jewelry Redefined

Last week I returned from the Couture Jewelry Show in Las Vegas. As many of you know I have focused much more on what I like to call “Fashion Fine Jewelry.” What makes this jewelry so amazing is the ability to wear it all the time. More now than ever it is important to add these pieces to update your clothes so they continue to work from one season to the next. A few pieces that keep me up at night are…

Irene Neuwirth’s rainbow moonstone necklace is something that I personally like to layer with all the jewelry I have bought over the years or wear it by itself. Irene calls it the modern day strand of pears and I can’t agree more.

This bangle from Lucifer Vir Honestus is truly a gift from the gods… the jewelry gods that is! Luna and Paolo’s feminine and organic one-of-a-kind rose gold jewelry speaks to my heart.

Yossi Harari large diamond hoops… these are the essential all day earrings that transition perfectly into evening.

Every year we add to our list of designers. Currently we’ve got our eye on a few amazing up-and-comers, and one that I love is Faraone Mennella. Their collection is modern but not minimal, which speaks to me of timelessness and originality. Don’t miss this design duo when they visit us in November!

Don’t forget…
The most important style of each season is individual style!

Love,
Marissa

As we approach another buying trip next week, we take a moment to reflect on our last trip to Paris. A whirlwind of designers and showrooms left us breathless in anticipation for our last appointment… the Alexander McQueen Showroom.
A few blocks away from our charming hotel in the Bastille Area we approached a large blue door and a wave of excitement washed over us as we paused to anticipate the viewing of a master’s final collection. Due to his recent passing, Alexander McQueen’s formal Fall 2010 Runway show had been canceled. Only a private showing was previewed by a select, and exclusive, party of buyers and press. Entering the showroom was like walking onto the movie set from ‘Angels and Demons.’ The use of over the top exaggerated shapes, and textures with heavy embroideries and brocades, gargoyles and religious motifs were exciting and a perfect storyline befitting a collection conceived by this great talent and his finale…
While we await our fall deliveries we offer you a preview of what to expect from the late bad boy of fashion. In true McQueen style, the entire collection seems to be a juxtaposition of demure and hard edge. Motorcycle jackets and lace skirt suits are treated with the same bravado. Sumptuous black lace covers a flesh-tone clutch while Union Jacks laid out in spikey studs adorn another. Masculine black leather biker boots are balanced by lady-like suede pumps, decorated with purple Swarovski Crystals, and crowned skulls sit atop streamlined tortoise-shell handbags.

Each season designers create a symphony for the senses. Here at Marissa Collections we dance in awe of the beauty they inspire. In planning for our Fall 2010 season we recently photographed for our upcoming advertising campaign. This exciting photo-shoot was done on location at our beautiful store on Third Street South in Naples, Florida. Because of our dedication to making your wardrobe sing, we flew samples in from our favorite fashion capitals; New York, Milan and Paris. Unboxed and delicately chosen, each stylish note is sure to delight. From gorgeous shift dresses and cardigans bedecked with sequins and paillettes by Oscar de la Renta, Biker-chic from Stella McCartney, oversized decadent jewelry and shoes from Lanvin, each was a working member of a fashionable chorus. Also featured are a few pieces from our recent fashion fine jewelry acquisitions, including Yossi Harari, Boaz Kashi and Lucifer Vir Honestus. So this Fall, sit back and enjoy the best we offer from some of the most talented fashion designers we know, and indulge in your very own couture symphony.

Rumba Time watches are waterproof, easy to wear, and look great alone or stacked together. The Rumba Time watch is the perfect accessory to add a streak of color while surfing, skating, doing yoga, or gallivanting around town. Each Rumba Time watch comes in its own sleek, fun test tube package and retails for only $20.

After attending Emory University together, co-founders and close friends Drew Deters, Joe Anto and Jay Hartington traveled the globe for their respective careers. The recent economic collapse only served to strengthen this view, and so the three friends sought to introduce a product that was vibrant and functional, while also having a positive global impact which later led to the launch of their new brand RumbaTime watch, a silicone digital timepiece, ranging in a rainbow of 32 + colors including glow-in-the dark, tie dye, neon green and bright blue to classic black and white.

Bounkit Jewelry

Consumers today with their own unique personal style are searching for that one piece that will set them apart from the rest of the pack. Jeweler Hassan Bounkit’s pieces reflect that one of a kind quality, with an artistic approach seen from master jewelers. A native of Morocco, Bounkit studied design in Montreal and Florence, before taking posts at Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicole Miller and Arnold Scassi. His signature line, launched in 2006, uses a combination of materials, such as silver, gold, wood and crystals with imported natural gemstones that are individually hand set in a Victorian, South Asian and Mediterranean color story and theme. Bounkit’s designs are favorites of Oprah Winfrey, socialite Blain Trump and royals the world over, making them both stylish and luxurious.

“Buckle Up”

A great way to update your wardrobe this summer is with a belt. Since summer is all about comfort and relaxation adding a belt to a long tunic or summer dress helps change the structure and look of any outfit. Belts with funky detailing or classic buckles help create a polished and complete look. Add a hint of refinement to any dress or skirt with a skinny belt. For additional styles, check out our accessories section.

0039 Italy

0039 Italy Summer 2009 Collection embraces luxurious and timeless styles. Once again, 0039 Italy embodies the cool and casual elegance. These pieces can be worn with virtually anything, leggings, jeans, or some by themselves.  The hallmark of these collections is the quality. They are made with highest quality of Italian fabric, pure cotton or cotton and silk blends. Perfect for anyone who wants to be comfortable and in style.

Valentino Handbags

Valentino is paving the way for one of Fall’s biggest trends, ruffles. This is a great concept and is an easy way to add texture to any outfit. The collection embraces a feminine yet modern feel with it’s architectural layering. Another fun addition to the mix are rosettes, which adds a soft and delicate touch.  As seen below are two examples of how ruffles can be delicate and feminine or modern and somewhat edgy.