Monthly Archives: May 2015

………………………..THE CASABLANCA MAXI DRESS…..is the last maxi dress I will be offering for this summer season…..Why Casablanca? You will have to ask Jac, because she named it. When she saw it hanging in my studio she said, “the print reminds me of Casablanca.” Since we were never there I assumed she meant the movie….which she did. I asked her why Casablanca and she said “it’s something I could see a woman wearing at Rick’s Cafe”…….I guess it does have a tropical 40s vibe, and the colors are definitely 40s……..This CASABLANCA MAXI DRESS will be offered in two lengths, A266303 for the regular length, and A266304 for the petite length.. The fabric is the same poly/span jersey I have been using for years and recently used for the Ombre midi dress and the Ombre tunic print. The dress itself has the same bottom as the Ombre midi dress, only longer, so if you like that dress, which most of you did, then you will like this dress too. The top of this maxi dress is completely different as you can see. First, it has a RAGLAND CAP SLEEVE always contrasted with black to high light the black in the print. There isn’t any zipper in this dress and it is a pull-on dress. The sizing is XXS to 3X, which is also different from the Ombre dress. The neckline comes just below the clavicle bone so it is not too low, and gives you a nice silhouette….perfect for accessories. There is shirring  along the neckline which will give some extra bust room…..so for those of you who felt the Ombre dress was a little snug in that area…that should not be the case with this dress. The neckline is piped and has quite a bit of stretch…..not enough to wear off the shoulder, but more than enough to make it comfortable getting on and off. Also, there is no need for a lining in this dress anywhere….Since the top isn’t as fitted as the ombre dress and there isn’t any lining….it’s an easy fitting top……The POCKETS are also in this skirt too. Those of you who own anything in this fabric know how well is washes and packs….no wrinkles at all . You can take it out of your luggage, give it a shake, and put it on. For those of you new to Linea, you might want to give it a try. To me the fabric feels like silk jersey, and it doesn’t cling at all. It is also a nice weight and doesn’t feel too flimsy, or like you are wearing a night gown as some dresses in other fabrics and weights do…..The print, as I said, definitely has a 40s vibe and is a very intricate print as you will see when it arrives to you. There is just the right balance of BLACK…OFF WHITE and in this case……MAGENTA. It looks DESIGNER………. If you need a cover up for chilly places, any black  jacket or cardigan will work. I off the new Black Bolero in the ENR WK or the BLACK WK SHRUG which also has that period vibe and works really well with this dress……..Whether you are off to Casablanca or just your own back yard party, I’m sure you will enjoy wearing your new Linea Maxi Dress…….ATTENTION!!!!!….This CASABLANCA DRESS will be presented on June 5th on the 6:00am FEW show…………….much Love…………………………Louis

……………………….The second color I am offering in the Casablanca maxi dress is……………MOSS……….Talk about a 40s color….this is it. I think there are many special features to this dress and the colors are at the top of the list. You certainly will not see them hanging on every rack in the department stores you frequent…..After all isn’t that what you are looking for….something unique and unlike anything you have seen or will see on another woman…………For accessories I have chosen the…..PALM FROND NECKLACES and EARRINGS…..They are present, but they also disappear into the fabric, so they don’t fight with the print. Do not underestimate just how seamlessly they work together….. The Palm Frond is repeated in the pattern of the print so these jewelry pieces and print were truly made for each other. The GUNMETAL COLOR is just perfection……………….A simple Black Sandal or wedge is all you need to complete the look…..maybe a straw bag with black trim will add to the TROPICAL mood……………………………………………………………………………….enjoy……………………..much Love………………………………Louis

………………………………………….The final color being offered in the CASABLANCA MAXI DRESS is………………….AZURE……………Unfortunately, my photos do not capture the depth and richness of the color. It looks a little faded compared to the real thing. It is a beautiful blue green turquoise…….None the less it is a wonderful color and again captures the 40s mood…………..Dresses make life just a little easier….and in the summer isn’t that what we all want…………Remember this dress will be presented on June 5th at 6:00am………….I don’t know exactly what time I will be on, but it will be on the FEW show for sure!…………………………………enjoy…………..much Love…………….Louis

………………..Fabric is my first love, and when I find one I think is truly special I can’t wait to bring it to you………That was my reaction when I saw this knit gem. I call it “braided”, because that’s what the pattern reminded me of……..one of Jac’s Holiday breads….. This is a knitted novelty fabric of stripes that entwine to create this intricate pattern. Between the stripes is a fine mesh. The top is UNLINED, so you will definitely need to wear  something underneath. What you wear or how much you wear is totally up to you. A nude bra or cami is one way to go…….a terrific bathing suit cover up another alternative or just a terrific pullover…… To show off the pattern I have chosen a black WK tank, and the BLACK COTTON SPAN LEGGING, A255122. You can wear a WHITE WK tank for a completely different look. The color of this top is WHITE WHITE and it matches my white WK very well, but even an ivory or off white tank will work. The fabric is a 70% poly/29% rayon and 1% span blend. The tunic top is approx. 29 inches for the xs and it has 3/4 sleeves. I realize for my very  petite women this may seem long, but the 3/4 sleeve keeps it from looking over whelming. The open neckline is piped for a clean finish. This top has many uses….it can be super casual worn as shown above, a wonderful easy top to wear with your shorts, Capri, crop and slim pants. For dressier occasions a pencil skirt and heels will change the total look………………..Needless to say, but always an important detail, this garment is easy care and a wonderful take away piece……………………………………………………………..enjoy………………much Love…………………………….Louis

………………………………..Also avail in the “Braided Knit” is a pull on skirt, A265623…….With Memorial Day just behind us….it’s official……WHITE BOTTOMS can be worn…..LOL…..All kidding aside, this is one fabulous white skirt…..FULLY LINED!  Great white skirts are like white flys…..they are very rare and extremely hard to find……That was one of my fathers expressions….he was full of them…..only he was referring to the amount of men at his retirement village! A very rare commodity indeed…..The covered one inch waist band has a top stitch running  through the center so there is no chance of it twisting. The skirt is approx. 23 inches long. I have chosen to show the skirt with the WHITE POLY V-NECK SHORT SLEEVE T, A255118. Don’t underestimate this T….the front is double fabric in the white only so there is absolutely no see through….when have you seen a garment made like that!? Due to the fabric, which is the same poly jersey I print on….same as the most recent Ombre Maxi dress, it has a dressier look and not as casual as a cotton T……………….This is IMPORTANT……. because the skirt fabric has a distinct texture and pattern do not think you have to wear it with a solid flat fabric top! Please do not be afraid to mix textures. The two way zip WHITE CARDIGAN with the LACE SLEEVES, so many of you have received, looks great with this skirt. Texture on Texture can be a good look….no a GREAT look….do not be afraid. When you have self doubts….think of Iris Apfel…….no rules….a complete original!……Also….it is a white skirt so add any color you want…..Pull out all of your Linea CLEAR CRYSTAL JEWELRY….and layer it on….Nothing is cooler or more refreshing than this look…..Now you may ask….”can you wear the Braided matching tunic with the skirt”….OF COURSE you can, and I recommend you do……………If you wish you can belt it with a clear belt or a sliver of SILVER LEATHER………….Speaking of SILVER….next to the faceted crystals I think silver accessories with OPTIC WHITE may be my second favorite way to go, and that’s from a GOLD lover.. Like with Black, you can accessorize white as you wish……..Summer is approaching….have fun!………………….enjoy…………………….much Love…………………………Louis