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"Spring Into Fashion" Press Event at Katy Mills

Mar 25 2013

Just because Spring is still taking its time getting to some regions of the country, it still didn’t deter Last Call Neiman Marcus in Katy Mills for hosting their seasonal blogger trend preview event. It was held on a Saturday morning, which called for a small breakfast buffet, mimosas and coffee. Some of the gals from Houston Fashion Bloggers and myself enjoyed the libations and listened to Last Call manager- Phillip Wilson as he explained the following Spring trends and presented some examples.

~Go for Color- From pastel to POW!~

Brands for these examples are: 3/4 Sleeve Sheer Top from Vince ($89), “The Skinny” Ultra Slim Fit Jean in 5 Colors + Denim Washes from Joe’s Jeans ($99), Open Back Sleeveless Knit Dress from Wilster ($79), Sleeveless Blouse with Tuck Details from Rachel Roy ($169), Matching Relaxed Cut Pant from Rachel Roy ($185).

~Blue Notes~

Brands for these examples are: 3/4 Gathered Waist/Peplum Blouse from Parker ($99), Black Knit Pencil Skirt from BCBG Max Azria ($89), Sleeveless Halter Blouse from BCBG Max Azria ($99), Knit Bandage Skirt from BCBG Max Azria ($79), Knit Blazer from Elie Tahari ($115), Ribbon Trim Blouse with Stretch Jersey Sleeve from Elie Tahari ($89), High Waist Short Rise Flared Leg Pant from Elie Tahari ($79).

~Orange Zeal- The newest neutral~

Brands for this examples are: Sleeveless Chiffon/Pleated Halter Dress from Romeo & Juliet ($79), Open-Shoulder Long Sleeve Blouse from Equipment ($119), Jodhpur Legging from Romeo & Juliet ($59), Canvas Jacket from XCVI ($99), Twisted Neck Tank from Neiman Marcus Collection ($35), Ombre Finish Canvas Jean from XCVI ($109).

~Strictly Stripes~

Brands for this examples are: Knit Striped Cap Sleeve Dress from French Connection ($59), Jersey Knit Striped Blazer from Neiman Marcus Collection ($75), Scoop Neck Tee from Velvet by Graham & Spencer ($49), Ponte Stretch Pant from MICHAEL Michael Kors ($79).

~Printing Press- All about prints, especially when mixed.~

Brands in this examples are: Long Sleeve Jersey Knit Geometric Pattern Dress from MICHAEL Michael Kors ($85), Sleeveless Sheath Dress from Elie Tahari ($129), Striped Sun Dress from Alexia Admor ($199), Long Sleeve Jersey Knit Mixed Shape Pattern Dress from Ali Ro ($149), Striped Halter Dress with Scenic Pattern from Muse ($149).

~Just a Pretty Lace or Amazing Lace~

Brands for this examples are: Sleeveless Lace Tank Dress from BCBG Max Azria ($149), Hi/Low Lace Tank Sun Dress with Lining from Madigan ($69), Sleeveless Sunflower Sheath Dress from Alexia Admor ($199), Black Lace Overlay Blazer from Tart Collection ($119), “Tana” Cap Sleeve Blouse from BCBG Max Azria ($99), Black Lace Overlay Boy Short from Tart Collection ($49).

~Flat Out Fabulous~

Shoe brands for this examples are: “Instinct” Ballet Flat in 4 Colors from ASH Italia ($99), Ballet Flats in 7 Styles from Neiman Marcus Collection ($99).

~Big, Bold and Colorful~

Accessory brands for this examples are: Tote with Adjustable Leather Handles from MICHAEL Michael Kors ($155), Five Stone Pastel Necklace from Kendra Scott ($120), Blue Beaded Elastic Bracelet from Kenneth Jay Lane ($35), “Good-N-Plenty” [yes, named after the candy] Necklace from R.J. Graziano ($55), Twisted Coral/Tangerine Necklace from Greenbeads ($110), Hammered Metal Coral/Tangerine Elastic Cuff from Greenbeads ($40).

~Strappy Happy Sandals~

Sandal brands from this examples are: “Palanee” Sandal in 7 Colors from Boutique 9 ($55), “Grenna” Gladiator Sandal from Sam Edelman [which I purchased] ($79), “Ginger” Gladiator Sandal from Sam Edelman ($79).

~Snake Charmer~

Accessory brands for this examples are: “Ilane” Snake Print Open Toe Platform from L.A.M.B ($249), Black/White Pyramid Shopper from Neiman Marcus Collection ($75), Brushed Suede East/West Tote from Neiman Marcus Collection ($69).

Photos from the rest of the event…

Along with previewing the latest Spring trends from Last Call, we also were shown a few new additions to Katy Mills- Juicy Couture, Michael Kors and A&F Factory Store (which has the brands A&F, a&f, Gilly Hicks and Hollister). We each went home with a gift bag, which included a $25 Simon/AMEX card.

Huge thanks to Bitner-Goodman, Phillip Wilson and the rest of the Last Call-Katy Mills team for your hospitality and for having me.

Last Call Neiman Marcus Blogger Event at Katy Mills

Sep 17 2012

Huge thanks to the folks at Bitner-Goodman for the invitation to the blogger event at the Last Call by Neiman Marcus at Katy Mills, outside of Houston. Myself, along with maybe twenty of Houston’s most stylish bloggers gathered for an intimate preview of what’s trending for Fall. We were also treated to a light breakfast, goodie bags (including a $25 gift card to Simon malls), participated in a giveaway (and I was the lucky winner of a $100 gift card to Last Call) and tour of Katy Mills ‘Fashion District.’ We listened, took notes and pictures as the store manager-Phillip Wilson explained each of the thirteen trends and showed us some key pieces that went along with each trend: Color-Like a Box of Crayons, Singing the Blues, Green with Envy, Colorful Fancy Pants, Leather Leather Everywhere, Fur-Ever and Ever, Chunky Monkey, Horse Play and Jackets Required. He also explained that Fall’s ‘must-have’ accessories are: Big Statement Handbags, Tote Bags, Riding Boots, Pumps, Ballet Slippers, Jewel Tone-Colored Jewels, Dramatic Dangling Earrings and Brooches.

~Color-Like a Box of Crayons~

**Photo from LastCall.com**

Cashmere sweater basics from the Neiman Marcus Collection ranging in a variety of colors and styles were showcased. Prices range from $135-139.

~Singing the Blues~

Brands used include: Blue Tweed Dress ($129) & Black Ruched-Sleeved Jacket ($99) from MICHAEL Michael Kors, Blue Trench Coat ($175) from Marc New York, Charcoal/Black Leopard Print Top ($99) from BCBG Max Azria and Black Knit Legging ($59) from Romeo & Juliet.

~Green with Envy~

Brands used include: Army Green Drawstring Dress ($165) by Single, Givenchy Tarot Card Print Scarf ($225), Kelly Green Bell Sleeve Sheer Blouse ($49) by Romeo & Juliet, Black Oversized Tank Top ($39) by James Perse, Black Stretch Knit Skinny Pant ($69) by MICHAEL Michael Kors.

~Colorful Fancy Pants~

Brands used include: ‘Tyler’ Cigarette Jean ($89) by MEK Denim, Giraffe Print Skinny Jean ($119) by Rich & Skinny, Relaxed Fit Color Jean ($75) by JAG Jeans.

~Leather Leather Everywhere!~

By the way, I learned a new rule during this segment: It is now a faux pas to say “faux,” instead it is best to say-“Eco-leather.”

Brands used include: Black Leather and Knit Sheath Dress ($119) and Ivory Cashmere Turtleneck ($70) by the Neiman Marcus Collection, Olive Leather Motorcycle Jacket ($415) by Marc New York, Olive Heather Long-Sleeve Top ($69) by Vince, “Eco-Leather” Legging ($49) by Romeo & Juliet.

~Fur-Ever and Ever~

Another interesting fact I learned is that Houston is one of the biggest cities that has the highest fur sales.

Brands used include: “Eco-Fur” Vest ($149) by Neiman Marcus, Long-Sleeve Tee ($59) and Black Knit Pant ($99) from ISDA and Co., Royal Purple “Eco-Fur” Crop Jacket ($99) by Romeo & Juliet, Black Stretch Knit Pant ($119) by French Connection, Maroon Fur Vest ($1,380) and Fur Poncho ($1,680) by Leonard Gorski.

~Chunky Monkey~

Brands used include: Fawn Colored Cable-Knit Sweater ($69) and Missoni-Inspired Cardigan ($99) by Design History, Black Knit Legging ($59) by Romeo & Juliet, Camel-Colored ‘Fisherman’s’ Sweater ($119) by Design History, Shawl Collar Handkerchief Hem Cardigan ($95) by Neiman Marcus, Flared Leg Dark Denim ($139) by Hudson Jeans.

~Horse Play~

Brands used include: Quilted and ‘Branded’ Flat Soled Boot in Nigeria ($449) by Stuart Weitzman, Oakland Tmorro Boot with All-Weather Sole ($399) by Alberto Fermani.

~Jackets Required~

Brands used include: Black/White Geometric Print Trench ($269) and Black Stretch Dress ($199) by Diane von Furstenburg, Black Knit Bat-Wing Jacket ($99) and Black/Blue Sleeveless Knit Dress ($79) by Shelli Segal.

And photos from the rest of the event….

Including a group shot courtesy of Live Life in Style!

Huge thanks again to Bitner-Goodman PR, Phillip Wilson and the folks at Last Call Neiman Marcus at Katy Mills for the wonderful event! For more information on Last Call by Neiman Marcus services, including: special events, trunk shows, Last Call Rewards and great associates/stylists who will email/text or call you… go to LastCall.com.

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