Fashion Statements

These women came in to shop for summer shoes and found cute summer wedge heels to add a twist to their outfits.

They were so adorable we had to take their picture!

We asked what their "Fashion Thoughts" were...

Caitlin A. (on left)- "Never try too hard! The key essentials to my sense of fashion: confidence and good humor :)"

Desirae Z.- "Every woman needs lots and lots of polka dots! And with a heart full of laughter you are ready to take on the world!"

A Fashion Moment with Charles Nolan

What would you wear when you decide to take a stroll through the Gardens of the Versailles Palace? Why this wildly romantic Charles Nolan coat, of course.

Charles Nolan is a New York based designer, his own store is in Manhattan's trendy meatpacking district. Nolan is reputed for rejuvenating designer brands into successful fashion labels.

This coat is a two-piece set with a skirt, made with the same material. New To You styled an outfit with a pair of dark denim slacks and a satin cream blouse. This look goes from casual to a fashionable evening out.

A Fashion Moment with Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa is a Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer. Celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Sandra Bullock, and Heidi Klum adorn themselves with Alaïa's body-clinging garments. Michelle Obama, also loves to dress in Alaïa's designs- She's been photographed wearing an Alaïa dress to the Ballet in New York, and an Alaïa black knit dress to the NATO dinner with President Obama.

Alaïa was voted "Best Designer of the Year" and "Best collection of the Year at the Oscars de la Mode" by the French Ministry of Culture in 1984 in a memorable event where Grace Jones carried him in her arms on stage!

"It's Fashion that gets in the way of making a classic" ---Azzedine Alaïa (Harper's Bazaar 2010)

(Photo)- Grace Jones at a fitting with Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa Pink Croco Ballet Flats at New To You!

Haori Fashion

Did you go through your closet and realize that the only light sweater you can throw over your shoulders are cardigans in different colors? If you want something different with the same effect you can grab a beautiful silk "throw-over" like a haori. Haori are mid-length coats that are traditionally worn over kimonos, they are worn to protect the kimonos materials from weather elements, therefore they can work the same way for the outfit you've got on.

Haori are not limited to traditional Japanese costume, you can drape one over an evening outfit or just like a cardigan with a tank and jeans.

Below are photos of a few beautiful haori pieces at New To You. Come try them on with the outfit you have on, show off the fashionista in you with an outfit that is illustrated when East meets West.

Paper Dolls??!

It's finally here! We designed our store windows with our style tribes. Our final display came from the idea of showing our inspirational pieces and which admired celebrity would represent each tribe. Our tribes are Miss Vintage, Label Love, Originator, Fashionista, Forever Forty

Rebecca, who styled the windows, said, "I took my inspiration from Simon Doonan, creative director of New York's Barney's. "Sir" Doonan has charmed the crowd of shoppers and people walking by, with his incredibly detailed and smart sense of fashion- creating a window dressed, full of wit and character."

Come and check out our new window displays!

Exclusively at New To You.

Enhancing your Wardrobe this Season!

So, did I hear it right, the recession is over? Great, let's go shopping! Well, how about this, let's shop right, and do it to enhance our wardrobe. As women, we have probably all accumulated lots and lots of garments and fabulous pieces in our closets, now we can work with what we have and accessorize it. So, make a statement with what you are wearing...its easier than you think, I promise.

Key Trends in Accessories this Season:

Statement Earrings! - Scour the house and your mother's stored-away jewelry...or come to New to You! Don't frown upon the clip-ons, there are some fabulous ones out there and can glam up any outfit. You don't have to be walking down the red carpet to pull off these head-turners, just throw them on with jeans and a simple top, and walk out the door. They make the outfit effortlessly!

Belts, Belts, and more Belts! - You are a woman, so accentuate that figure! There are millions out there, and a million ways to wear them...over a jacket, dress, collared shirt, or slung on your hips. Don't be shy, just test it out, or come in here, and we'll show you how to wear it!

A Good Bag isn't Hard to Find! - We have tons of great handbags in at New to You! World-class designers that are right on trend. If you are going to splurge this is the item to do it on. A great bag will last you for years and years if you take care of it. We have some stunning one's in here from Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balenciaga, and so many more!

Elegant Gentleman

Oh how we love an elegantly dressed gentleman.

Steve dresses the way all men should dress, with an eye for color, texture, individuality, comfort, and definite appeal- not only for himself but to all who are lucky enough to capture a peek.

We snapped this while he was patiently waiting for his beautiful wife, as she shopped.

Once a model, always a model.

Resale in New York

My daughter, a couple of friends and I went consignment shopping in New York City and Brooklyn recently and had a fabulous time. It was so exciting to see how popular resale shopping is in a big city. Every shop we went into had a mass of people scooping up all sorts of fun bargains and great style. We saw everything from pure vintage to designer labels to an eclectic mix of medicore to one of a kind fashion. It was such a good time to find people that are interested in refining their own look instead of just following whatever is dictated by the big chain stores of the moment. Everyone of us managed to pick up a number of pieces that made our hearts go pitter patter; from purses, to boots, to sweaters, to colorful tops we just shopped, shopped, shopped until our time was done. I managed to pick up a number of business cards while shopping so will make sure to give you some names of the shops we enjoyed the most the next time I blog.

We're up and running again....

...And so are you this season from mall to mall, the office holiday party, to merry get-togethers with friends. But how do you keep those pretty shoes looking like they haven't walked an inch? Well Martha Stuart, in her Homekeeping Handbook, has some tips for how to care for patent leather, smooth leather and suede shoes. New to You is here to help you save those tired soles, with Martha's help, and revive them for fa-la-la-ing!!

Patent Leather

1. Use a soft cloth and a solution of water and vinegar to clean.

2. Stretch with a wooden shoe tree if cracks appear and treat with leather conditioner.

3. Let air dry (never use a heat source).

Smooth Leather

1. Before applying anything, clean first. To remove dirt and muck, use a soft brush.

2. Wipe with a damp sponge and stuff the shoe with newspaper to wick the dampness away.

3. Apply a coat of polish and buff, buff, buff with a shoe brush to make them sparkle.

Suede

1. Sponge lightly with a suede shampoo (check at your local shoe repair shop!)

2. Brush gently with a rubber, nylon, or brasswire brush. This will raise the nap while removing dirt.

3. Use suede conditioner to make the color look as good as new!

Thanks Martha!

Do you have any "Holiday Save 'em" Tips? Add a comment below and share your expertise!

Photo Sofft's Tyla boot courtesy of Zappos.com