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!
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.