This week we introduce to you the third slice of our continuing body blog: “the wedge.” Opposite of the spoon body type, the wedge can be likened to an upside down triangle. There is little or no difference between the waist and hips while the shoulders and/ or bust are wider. Feminizing this shape is key since the wedge is often considered a more masculine body type.

Meet our fabulous wedge, Julie. A family member of one of our employees, Julie is a busy mother of three grown children and eleven year old twins. A devotee of comfortable and classic dressing we thought we’d take it up a notch with our resident style guru Derice putting Julie in edgy classics by Valentino and Michael Kors.

Julie’s “Do” Outfits

Keep the shapes simple, but make a statement with details like ruching, gathering, or interesting style lines. In the case of the red Valentino dress, the neckline is flattering for Julie, the gathering hides tummy issues, and the skirt floating away from the body balances out her broader shoulders. The flower detail is also a lovely feminine touch. Add in Miu Miu leopard print heels and a gorgeous Boaz Kashi ruby ring as well as Kara Ross earrings to hit every fall style note. Julies second outfit is beautiful as well and shows one how to piece separates together on a wedge. The idea is to create the shape you want. Her body hugging cashmere Michael Kors sweater shows off her feminine curves and the silhouette of the Michael Kors leather skirt is great for “giving” Julie hips. The interesting style line cutting across the body draws the eye horizontally giving Julie fullness to her hips she normally doesn’t have. Manolo Blahnik sling back kitten heels in a nude color continue the long line of her leg, and Michael Kors jacket and bracelet watch round out this fabulous and flattering fall look.

Julie’s “Don’t” Outfit

In this instance we wanted to show you exactly how shoes make an outfit, especially on a tall person with a wedge body type. When putting this outfit together we knew that the lines had to be kept lean but still shape Julie’s body in a flattering way. The way to kill this look is by making her appear smaller than she actually is. Almost 6 ft. in heels, Julie looks absolutely too short if you put her in these black boots. The color is too dark, and it cuts her off at the knees literally.

I have finally returned from my trip abroad, and I feel refreshed and ready for fall to begin. It may still be too warm for talk of sweaters and scarves, but the glamour of autumn sends me shivers of anticipation. As I go from city to city and season to season the innovation I observe in the world of fashion and beyond only serves to inspire me more. A fervent shutter-bug and devotee of people watching, I was delighted recently watching fashionistas in mini-skirts and large wedges as well as tourists donning cross-body bags on the terrace of Hotel Costes in Paris. However, the most inspiring moment came at the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective at the Petit Palais. I remembered a quote of his that speaks to what I seek to accomplish with my store. He says, ” Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” In this instance that woman is you who keep me doing what I love.

Leather and Lace
The wardrobe is a physical representation of the many roles we play as women. What better way to showcase the multiple layers of our closets than combining good-girl lace detailing with bad-girl leather. This Schumacher lace cardigan is refined enough for polite teas, but why not mix it up with a 3.1 Phillip Lim butter soft leather skirt with quilted pockets and sky-high Yves Saint Laurent suede platform pumps.

Pearls of Wisdom
Sophisticated classics are key this fall. Silhouettes are ultra feminine so why not pair them with the ultimate girly accesory: pearls. Die-hard bijoux jewelry fans will adore Lanvin’s new take on decadence; oversized pearls in oxidized mounts, enrobed in crystals, and dripping with tassels and velvet. Those of you looking for heirloom pieces needn’t glance any further than Lucifer vir Honestus, from whom we brought back several pieces from Italy. The freshwater pearl drop earrings are stunningly iridescent and uniquely amorphous, bringing to mind flowers drooping in the heat of an Indian Summer. Slip either of these pieces into your fashion accessory vocabulary and your wardrobe will be all the wiser.

Feel the Glow
The transition from summer to autumn doesn’t have to be hard on your make up routine. Putting your best face forward is as key to your wardrobe as your most treasured outfits and accessories. Unleash your “naked beauty” in full force with these simple glowy make-up tips from our resident beauty expert Monica Cabada. Keep it clean and minimal by nixing your foundation. Start with Smashbox’s Photo-Finish foundation primer to ensure smooth application. Continue with a tinted moisturizer and follow up with a concealer, bronzer, and a glossy lip from Smashbox’s “Naked Beauty” Lip Gloss Collection.

Insider’s Guide to Paris

Where to Stay…

L’Hotel is one of Paris’ best-loved hotels, and has become famous around the globe for it’s discreet and glamorous charm.

What to Drink…

The Piscine Cocktail is the perfect summer drink to beat the unbearable heat. Simply pour your favorite champagne (French of course) over ice.

What to Read…

Finding the most amazing spaces to spend your time anywhere is always a priority when traveling. If you are anything “comme moi,” you will definitely snatch up Taschen’s Paris. It is the authority on recommendations for where and what to see and be seen in the City of Lights.

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!

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

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.