Quick Trip to Brooklyn and NYC

I love to think of the history behind vintage clothing and accessories. I try to imagine the people and come up with a vision of who wore the pieces as well as guess what they might have been doing back in the day. It was inevitable that I should find myself in New York at the Brooklyn Museum as well as the Metropolitan Museum in Manhattan. A very kind person sent me a booklet (you know who you are) apprising me of the show in Brooklyn and then Vogue had an article about the display at the Met so I decided to pop up to see both shows. I was able to indulge myself once again in some of my favorite passions - fashion, clothing, friends and food.






The first stop was the Brooklyn Museum where I was thrilled to see the clothing up close and personal; the collections were comprised of designers that I had not heard of before as well as some that I have read about over the years. There were beautiful "four-leaf clover" dresses by Charles James that were wonderful, as well as pieces by Schiaparelli, Chanel, Balenciaga, Charles Frederick Worth, etc. etc.! The fabrics, the draping, the colors, the lace were a feast for the eyes. I kept thinking I should run back home and put on something a bit finer than I had on :) The beauty of these pieces were in the tucks, pleats, buttons, hand-stitching and the careful attention to detail, line and form.






The dresses on display began with the late 1800's (and sheesh, did the ladies have some itty bitty waists back then; they almost seemed unreal they were so tiny) and went forward through the 1980's.








It was great that the museum let you take some pictures as long as you did not use a flash. There were fabulous shoes and hats as well. They had a green velvet hat worn by Scarlett in Gone with the Wind that had rooster feet as an adornment on the top! (The guard said that there were about 7 or 8 of that hat made back in 1939 for the film).






I also took a few minutes to visit the Andy Warhol exhibit which was an additional treat.




That evening we had drinks with friends at Prime Meats where I enjoyed an "aviator", a rather innovative, tasty cocktail. After that we went right next door to Frankie's for dinner. I tried out Frankie's last year over the Christmas holidays and it was just as good this time around; Fresh, fresh food, prepared with love.





On Sunday we were off to the Met where we got free parking a block and a half away in the shade! I know...too perfect. The American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity was also brilliant. It was quite a bit different than the Brooklyn showing but both were delightful in their own way. No photos were allowed here so that was disappointing but so be it. There was a book about the clothing but some of my favorite pieces did not make the cut such as the art deco dresses and coats produced by Liberty of London.




The Brooklyn show ended at the beginning of August but the clothing at the Met is on display until the 15th of August.

ECHO

ECHOs of Empowerment

We have been donating clothing to ECHO for a number of years now, but yesterday I finally had the opportunity to see the operation first hand (after several gracious invitations from the past director Pat Gauthier). It was a delightful to meet the staff (who are comprised completely of volunteers!) At the center, it seemed as if they had taken lessons from a hive of honey bees; there was such a vibration of cohesiveness and cooperation. Echo said their common goal was to help individuals by "empowering rather than enabling".

The thing that struck me the most was how tidy and organized the entire place was. Every box had a label, a clear date, and an itemization. Shelves were stacked to the ceiling with boxes of food, clothing, personal items etc. If a family came in looking for assistance, there would be no fumbling around to fill their need.

Fortunately, ECHO is supported by over 27 religious organizations as well as the United Way. They receive some of their food from stores such as Bloom and Giant. They have an incredible staff as well. I was lucky enough to meet a diverse group of workers, from computer experts to the "angel" volunteers. Their backgrounds ranged from Retired Admirals, Navy pilots, nurses, doctors, lawyers etc. and they number over 400!

Mrs. Gaultier retired after 17 years as director of ECHO, and there are two co-directors now, Meg and Marianne that took her place a year and a half ago.

While I was visiting, an "angel" was working on backpacks for children to help prepare them for the upcoming school year. They were preparing around 1000 backpacks filled with erasers, notebooks, pencils, & other school supplies. Echo's objective is to give the

impoverished children the opportunity to participate at the same level as their classmates.

Families receive pots, pans, dishes, bed linens, toiletries, and clothing. There are so many things I take for granted; it is difficult for me to understand that someone might not have the money to purchase basic necessities, such as toothpaste. Pat Gauliter told me that ECHO helps many people, in desperate situations that need assistance on such a very basic level. I think of all the hotel soaps, shampoos, & lotions that collect dust in our cupboards. Now I realize that those little forgotten items would mean the world to a person in need.

One of the biggest concerns is receiving enough coats and jackets for women, men and children. Hmmmm.....I wonder how many items like that are languishing in the back of closets that could provide some needy person with not only warmth but

maybe a bit of style and dash.

I have heard many people say that there items are "too good to donate to charity" and I have never understood exactly what they meant by that. I guess that one might be concerned that the poor or needy are really getting what is donated but I can assure you that at ECHO they really are.

The next time you are stuffing something in your cupboard or closet, take a moment to consider whether or not they are items that you really need. If not you should think about donating them to ECHO. While they accepted most things, it would be really GREAT if you washed or dry cleaned the items before you donated them. If someone is rather poor they may not have their own washer/dryer or the money for dry cleaning.

If you do have some coats, jackets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc that you would like to pass on to ECHO you can drop them off at New To You and we will gladly pass them along to Pat and her crew to disperse amongst their many needy families.

The Fall Fashion Showcase

What a success last night was! A colossal down pour around one o'clock gave us all an ominous feeling as we were setting up. We wondered if our friends & customers would brave the bad weather. Sure enough though, the storm let up & the sun peaked out again before setting.

As guests started to arrive, the energy in the boutique became tangible. Everyone shopped, sipped champagne, and enjoyed the scrumptious hors d'oevres! A few of us even rocked out to the awesome tunes on Christina's playlist. Before we knew it, the four hours flew by & we were flipping the sign on the door to say "closed."

I can't believe how quickly it all happened, but we all can't wait to do it again!

Have YOU heard the gossip?

Blake Lively, star of the hit show "Gossip Girl," has been spotted rocking an adorable Parisian inspired outfit. You can find her look and create your own styles at New to You!

Dot, making the rounds.

Looking lovely, cool and sophisticated, Dot stopped into visit wearing polka dot earrings, checkered shoes and a fun white summer purse with her basic white blouse and black straight leg slacks....very hip.

Safari Chic

Get the Ralph Lauren Runway look right here at New to You!

Another happy
shopper at
New to You!
She looks
phenomenal
in that
Balenciaga
blazer!!

"I’m not a fashion designer. I’ve never been to school or been trained. I can’t draw a dress, really. But I know what I like."

-Kate Moss.

Fashions f..a..d..e...

Style is eternal

Quote & Bag by: Yves Saint Laurent

Lily & Daughter Zan came into the boutique today for a little shopping around. Before getting down to business though Lily had to show off her edgy Paul Smith shoes! (purchased of course, at New to You). Needless to say, Christina was tickled by her proud pose & adorable outfit.

Keep workin your stuff fashionistas! ;)

How to ROCK your hermes Scarf!

Chrissy shows off a ton of different & fun ways

to wear an Hermes. These scarves are

incredibly versatile!

Donté & his fashionable friends spent their Thursday afternoon at New to You, shopping and looking sharp. Donté playfully donned one of our unique vintage hats as he explored the boutique. We just couldn't resist asking this fashion fiend for some personal style insight!

Donté paused, then zestfully

remarked: "I eat couture &

**** out glamour."

[insert verb of choice above]

This is one trendsetter that is definitely not afraid to rock his wild personality!

New to You Fashion Slideshow! :)

FASHION

is not something that exists in dresses only...

fashion is in the sky,

in the street

fashion has to do with ideas,

the way we live,

what is happening.

- Coco Chanel

Here at New to You, we have all the clothing and accessories to help make your summer vacation fabulous!

SKIRTS:

The colorful patterned skirts are light and flowy, designed to keep you cute and cool in the summer sun. [Designers range from Lilly Pulitzer to Juicy Couture.]

TOTES:

Grab a great tote and throw your sunscreen, magazine, and IPod in before hitting the beach. [Totes above are designed by Kenneth Cole, Tory Burch, & Ralph Lauren.]

SANDALS:

From gladiator inspired shoes to preppy pink flip flops, bright colors and bold styles are eye catching and flattering. [Designers above include: Steve Bonanno, Steve Madden, Lilly Pulitzer, & Coach.]

These styles are easy options for a busy summer schedule. Whether you're running around town or relaxing by the pool these light weight, breezy fabrics are the most comfortable and suitable pick! Come into New to You and grab your fav's today!

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.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Got a date with a leprechaun? Afraid of being pinched for not wearing green? Going out for drinks with your friends for St. Patrick's Day?

We have selected our stylish collection of greens from the floor, and we're making it easy for you to come and pick up your green to wear!

There are chic ways to bring out the Irish in you without wearing head-to-toe in green.

Splash a green beaded necklace around your neck, accent your hips with a gorgeous green belt over a simple LBD. Here are the photos of the sweetest green pieces in our store, exclusively for you.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone!

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!