This weekend only! Check it out!
![SummerFest[1]](http://www.shopflaire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/SummerFest1.jpg "SummerFest[1]")
What the Boss doesn’t know….
June 25th, 2010Life is short, which is why I think Playing Hooky was invented. For all of us individuals who are all work and no play, this skipping-work-occasionally-snack is necessary for survival!
Working in retail is a seven-days-a-week job, (and I am sure there are others besides retail), so when others have their Saturdays and Sundays to sleep in, run errands, do laundry and have some fun, we are open and working, therefore Hooky Mondays have recently been incorporated into my life. Unfortunately, as the boss of the business, I can’t just call in “sick” so I want to thank Mollie for being the fabulous employee she is and covering the store.
So after a slight sleep in Monday morning, I pulled on my Fidelity Jeans, Textile Junkie Tee and House of Harlow Jewelry (just cause you are playing hooky doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care how you look!) and headed out to the Wicked Hop to meet some of my favorites for some of our favorite snacks – and of course I am talking about their bloody marys! Much to our pleasant surprise during snack time we were more than entertained by the eye candy in the Spain vs. Honduras World Cup Game. So entertained we almost missed our brewery tour at Lakefront! Always the entertaining experience, Lakefront was surprisingly busy and as we enjoyed our Wheat Monkey we followed around our hilarious tour guide, Curtsy. Best tour I have ever been on at Lakefront! I suggest you check it out. So after, we headed over to the Nomad to cash in our free Lakefront beer coupons and hopefully see some World Cup highlights – because after that Spain game we were hooked!
It was a fun filled day, that is for sure. We all need to take a little time to enjoy life. Hope you do the same in yours.
Up next for Hooky Monday – The Pedal Tavern!
Summerfest 2010 Store Hours
June 22nd, 2010
During Summerfest, our hours will be as follows:
Weekdays June 24th-July 2nd – 11:00AM-4:00PM
Saturday June 26th – 10:00AM-5:00PM
Sunday June 27th – Noon-4:00PM
Saturday July 3rd – 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday July 4th – Closed
Monday July 5th – Closed
Get out and see some great music, and have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend.
Remember you can shop online 24/7 @ www.shopflaire.com
Urban Garage Sale
June 18th, 2010You don’t want to miss this one!
Turner Hall Ballroom – Tomorrow – 10:30am-4:00pm.
Get some great deals from your locally owned businesses!
Visit the website www.urbangaragesale.com for more information.
Faking your Fashion?
May 17th, 2010
Shame on you!
Did you know that the money made from the sale of counterfeit goods goes to support drug trafficking, terrorism and child labor?
They are available everywhere around the world – these fakes. Really all they are, are stolen ideas from designers who have worked their butts off for years to build their brands.
In reality, I get it – really I do – Why pay mega bucks for something when you can get something that looks similar for a way better price? Well, because it’s illegal. That’s right you are breaking the law by purchasing knockoff goods.
I know that fashion can hurt the pocketbook at times, but there are better ways than contributing to the 600 billion in counterfeit sales that happen each year. Profits of which go to support some of the most dangerous people on our planet.
Designers get it too – hence their development of more price friendly collections – I know you have all heard of Target, but I also know that not all of you want to be seen in the same thing as the person sitting next to you. Then I have one solution for you – SAVE YOUR $$ and get real! I know it doesn’t give you the instant gratification that having that Louis Vuitton bag now, or that Prada carryall or the sky-high platform Louboutins – but you can take pride in knowing how hard you worked to get it. And that you aren’t helping fund the next terrorist attack against our country.
The world of REAL fashion is fed up with fakes and taking action. Five years ago, Harpar’s Baazar launched the campaign, Fakes are Never in Fashion, to start getting the word out. Get more details, facts, and shocking statistics at www.fakesareneverinfashion.com.
In France you can get jail time just for owning fakes…That’s quite a way to crack down.
Be Real and Buy Real.
Feeling the Breeze.
May 4th, 2010Today is perfect. 80 degrees and sunny with the perfect breeze.
Tomorrow – Not looking so perfect.
As I previously mentioned I do not do well with in between weather. Since we live in Wisconsin I know I should be used to the yo-yo that is our climate, but it’s the in between that always gets me. Today I am doing great in my BB Dakota Feathered Tank, BB Dakota Mini and Pour la Victoire Wedges. My ABS denim jacket – for when the breeze picks up – but tomorrow is the question. When the weather turns south again, I am going to need something a little warmer than today’s ensemble.
Maybe it’s my constant frustration with this aspect, but as I looked around the store today I realized we have plenty of options to assist through this transition into summer. I am loving the new LINE cardigans we just got in. They are the perfect weight to make sure you aren’t to hot or too cold! The Brooklyn Infinity Knit (on the left) is amazing. The cross front section is one big loop that you can wear any way you want. It’s such a unique piece - definitely worth it! Another option is the gorgeous Madison Cardigan. Featuring the most beautiful shoulder cutouts, it’s definitely a great piece over a floral dress, or back to your basic jeans.
Just in is the rest of Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate pieces for Spring. The Eden Jacket is perfect for making a Spring Statement. I am actually thinking of pairing it over my dress for a friend’s wedding I am attending this weekend. The Ginger Cardigan may be completely sheer, but it still adds a punch of color to any outfit and can keep those shoulders covered when it’s windy.
If you need a little more warmth, check out Left on Houston. Known for their great knits, this line is perfect for all of us that love comfort. I live in everything I own from Left on Houston. Their Spring Raven Cardigan ( on left) is so cozy, but one of my personal favorites is the Misfit top. The peekaboo details are super sexy and yet your are wearing a sweater so you a super comfortable at the same time.
![LOH_Misfit_l[1]](http://www.shopflaire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/LOH_Misfit_l1.jpg "LOH_Misfit_l[1]")
So in an effort to keep your stylish in this unpredictable place, all of our third layer pieces are on special through the Saturday! Save on knits from LINE, Left on Houston, Central Park West, Dex and Textile Junkie as well as jackets from Katherine Barclay and Winter Kate.
Don’t get caught in the cold – this offer is only good through Saturday! Stop in or use the code SMBRZE10.
Flaire Freebie
April 28th, 2010Up For Grabs: Nobis. One for Him and one for Her.
Want in on the action?
Comment on our post here or visit our fan page on facebook and comment on our Nobis post there.
When our fan page reaches 400 fans, those who comment will be entered into a random drawing to win!
The Nobis collection is about being different, standing apart. It’s a true expression of individuality and personal style.
Have you defined yours?
Check out what’s up for grabs!
For Him: The Nobis Ginger Vitas Newboy Cap
Intricate straw, linen and herringbone panel details make this newsboy a top story.
For Her: The Nobis Collette Aday Poorboy Hat
Made with premium cotton french terry, featuring pleated detailing and a soft peak that works great for shading your eyes from the summer sun.
![Nobis[1]](http://www.shopflaire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Nobis1.gif "Nobis[1]")
Top It Off
April 25th, 2010Well it’s been awhile…
I was waiting for Spring – I thought it had arrived. I turned over my wardrobe, packed away those winter coats, boots and broke out the Spring attire just in time to be completely fooled.
Wisconsin weather – 1, Me – 0.
Wishful thinking on my part. So as I sit here today watching people in the rainy cold, wrapped up in fleece and scarves and closed-toed shoes (you know I hate them) my patience is wearing thin. I don’t like in between weather – it can get really complicated for dressing. I mean, we are all Spring at Flaire and I am obviously in the Spring mindset so clearly wearing my Spring attire is at the top of my list, but when it’s too cold for flowy lightweight dresses and too warm for sweaters – what’s a girl to do?
The shop girls and I have sworn off heavy knit sweaters, tights and closed toed shoes so in an effort to showcase some Spring wears while dealing with an uncooperative climate, I am topping off my jeans with bright hues, delicate florals and animal prints. Keeping me in the Spring mindset, yet not freezing my arse off!
Animal prints are back in action for Spring/Summer in lightweight cotton silhouettes that compliment any jean like Torn by Ronny Kobo’s Lynna tunic. Or LAMB’s great leopard tunic over your favorite mini. Or the Brooke Top that pairs perfect with leggings. Get on the hunt.
Florals are everywhere and why not – what says Spring better than flowers?! Small delicate combinations or bold vibrant clusters – whatever your favorite flower is, there is an option for you. Breezy bohemian tunics from Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate line, Easy swing tops from Torn by Ronny Kobo or the ever popular BB Dakota line has a plethora of styles to choose from.
With Spring comes color and brights are always big. Patterns, Solids, Prints – you can find them anywhere. My favorite is BB Dakota’s feather tank – but if you prefer solids, Fifteen-Twenty creates some beautiful styles in a variety of bright vivid colors. Guys can do color too! Canterbury of New Zealand always does great plaid shirts and Just A Cheap Shirt (new and now in stock) – they do color right. If you want a certain shade, they have a shirt with it! Stand out this Spring!
Stop in soon and find something to top off your look.
![Spring_tops[1]](http://www.shopflaire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Spring_tops1.gif "Spring_tops[1]")
I can almost feel it…
March 25th, 2010Spring! So this post is a little late as I was celebrating Spring in Las Vegas this past weekend. But the good news is – it is working its way into Wisconsin! Good thing I got a pedicure cause my sandals are coming out. And speaking of shoes…I am happy to announce Flaire will now be offering a small selection of women’s footwear. Shoes have always been a passion of mine and now I can share some of the brands I love with all of you. With that being said shoes will be arriving over the next few months as Spring comes full circle.
One of my favorite new brands is Pour la Victoire. Gorgeous and unusual shoes from Brazil that are a must have!
Pour La Victoire made its debut in 2007 as a footwear line for the 21st century Marie Antoinette. By blending unique heel shapes with rich materials and colors, Pour La Victoire has created a trendy line of women’s shoes inspired by French beauty. The collection offers fashionable, well-made shoes at great prices.
Check out some of their recent press in:
Here is a sampling of what they offer:
Don’t be fooled by the detailed heels, PLV also does some amazing flats. You can see the likes of this line on one of today’s hottest shows. XOXO.
The little sister brand to Pour La Victoire is Kelsi Dagger.
Kelsi Dagger shoes are confident, independent and slightly dangerous. Fresh and young, Kelsi Dagger shoes are designed to express freedom and passion. Here is a look at a couple styles they offer:
Big sister is not the only one getting attention. As seen in:
And last, but not least to kick off our introduction of footwear – House of Harlow shoes.
Nicole Richie’s much anticipated extension of her ever-popular jewelry line – her footwear arrives in April. From textured heels to accented flats, Nicole’s collection stands out with unusual details. Here are a couple style options – if you haven’t seen them already….
The line is selling out fast along with her Winter Kate Collection. Make sure you get some for your Spring wardrobe – both available at Flaire. Happy Shopping!
It’s Getting Closer . . .
March 7th, 2010With Spring so close I could almost feel it this week I am getting closer and closer to turning my wardrobe over. If you couldn’t already tell from my sarcasm filled posts about winter, I am not a huge fan – why I still live in Wisconsin – I don’t know. Any way, nothing makes me happier this time of year than packing up my chunky sweaters, wool coats and boots and revisiting my colorful collection of Spring wares. The lightweight fabrics, the bold prints, the sandals (which is truly my passion – I loathe closed-toed shoes). I am so excited to actually have the weather that will support my wearing of the above mentioned items!
So as I began perusing my Spring wardrobe to note any shortcomings I realize I am seriously lacking in the lightweight knits and tees department. I cannot say that I am surprised by this as I never really have been the person that goes out in search of cotton tees, tanks or anything relating to these items. I am always gravitating towards the super flashy items – but I am starting to change that. I love how chic a slouchy tee can make an outfit and really – how comfortable! Not being a basics person – I don’t even own more than two solid colored cotton tees because I have always wanted something different – even from my basics which is why the arrival of Textile Junkie has me loading up on their unusually cool collection.
Already spotted on celebs from Megan Fox to Jessica Biel and Sienna Miller, Textile Junkie offers wardrobe staples (and quality ones at that) in soft, luxurious knits and jerseys. Created with the modern female in mind, the line mixes understated sophistication and flexible wearability. Each garment has its own unique detailing from uneven hems to peek-a-boo cutouts and stylized seams. It’s time to step up your basics – Textile Junkie is here.
