Simplicity with a touch of boldness

Daily Publication July 17, 2006
Deux Lux Hobo: Ahhh...simplicity with a touch of boldness. You can't beat that. Deux Lux White Hobo offers enough style versatility that this could be used for a casual day strolling around town or a night out. Made of grain leather, it is accented with a bronze buckle and lined with turquoise satin for a subtle hint of pop. It features a zip closure and an interior pocket. The size and crescent shape allow you to fit the essentials without stuffing it to the brim. A bag that would be an assets to your wardrobe regardless of trends. Bag dimensions: 16" wide and 9" to the strap tall. Price: $160. More Info

This product was reviewed on www.brown712.com Check out this site for more great informaion on handbags and accessories!

Fashion Find of the Day: Juicy Charm Bracelet

Juicy Charm Bracelet
Calling all horse lovers! Juicy Couture's darling equestrian-themed charm bracelet (Buy Direct) features horse pics, stirrups, horseshoes and more. 14K gold plated, $150. (Photo Credit: Nordstrom.com)

From Cynthia Nellis,Your Guide to Women's Fashion

how to shop sales on BCBG, Kenzie, Juicy Couture and Ben Sherman

Secrets for Shopping the Seasonal Sales
If you've been putting off adding to your wardrobe this season, the "last call" bell is clanging. Retailers are clearing out the current season inventory to make way for the new stuff, so if you act fast, you could make out like a bandit.
But before you pull out your credit card and whip yourself into a shopping frenzy, stop. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.
Because unless you follow a few simple guidelines, all those "really great" deals you couldn't resist could become closet clutter that you never wear.
Don't let this happen to you.
Instead, analyze each piece from a logical standpoint; don't just focus on the amount of money you'll save. After all, a bargain is only a bargain if you wear it, use it, and love it.
Here are the questions you need to ask yourself about each piece BEFORE you head to the cash register:
1. Does this fit into my existing wardrobe?
If you can wear it tomorrow with stuff you already own, you could have a winner on your hands. If you'd have to buy other pieces to make it work, your "bargain" could end up costing a bundle or worse yet, hang in the back of your closet forever for lack of a coordinating piece.
2. Does it fit me properly?
If the fit isn't right and the garment wouldn't be acceptable to you at full price, it shouldn't be acceptable to you at a discounted price. An improper fit means either a trip to a seamstress -- or an item that's never worn.
3. Does this fill a void in my closet?
Need a little black dress? A new umbrella? A lightweight jacket? A new briefcase? Try to fill the voids in your wardrobe BEFORE you start adding duplicates or items you don't need. If you're especially clever with the sales, you might even manage to snag several items for the price you'd planned to spend on one.
4. Will I maintain the fabric?
Here's the one piece of the puzzle that's often overlooked. Don't just be dazzled by how the item looks while it's at its shiny best on the sales floor. Check the garment care label. If you have to take it the cleaners, hand wash it, or press it before every wearing, it may be more trouble than it's worth. Be realistic about your lifestyle and your schedule. If you're not going to maintain it, leave it on the rack.
5. Does this fit into my budget?
According to a recent poll, 54% of women buy clothing on impulse. As in unplanned purchase. As in breaking the budget. If you have a tiny clothing allowance, don't let the 75% off tags cloud your thinking, even on those brand names you love. If you can't pay cash for it, you're probably overspending.
End-of-Season sales are a great way to stretch your clothing budget, so long as you shop them responsibly. Fill the voids, demand proper fit, and make sure each piece will work in your wardrobe. If you can't think of a single reason to buy something other than the fact that it's been dras^tically reduced, walk away. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

Published by:
Top Drawer Publications, LLC 256 S. College Ave. Newark, DE 19711 USA

Thanks to the great turnout - the humane society benifit was a sucsess

UrbanMinx Boutique will hold its Medford Grand Opening in partnership with The Southern Oregon Humane Society, 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at 130 E. Main St.
Raffle tickets will be available to purchase the week before the celebration for $2 a ticket, at both UrbanMinx locations, in Medford and 14 S. First St . in Ashland. During the event, there will be a drawing for a $100 store gift card. All raffle proceeds will go to the Southern Oregon Humane Society.

downtown medford has its share of boutiques

Boutique Central
Downtown Medford has become a happenin' spot for trendy clothiersBy greg stIlesMail Tribune
Back when Morrissey's Clothes Cottage moved from Cobblestone Village, well north of downtown Medford, to Main Street in 1995, those "in the know" shook their heads and chided owner Joni Roskofsky.
"We were told that downtown wasn't viable because it was just a bunch of offices," recalls Roskofsky. "But I wanted to be downtown."
Turns out Roskofsky's foresight was superior to the pundits. A decade later, downtown Medford is a happening place for entrepreneurial clothiers.
There are no less than nine downtown boutique-style stores catering to a variety of tastes and the movement has mushroomed in the past two years with the arrival of Simply Posh, Mary Elizabeth for Me, Cielo Salon and Boutique, Studio 44 Salon and Boutique and the latest addition, UrbanMinx.
"One thing begets another, which begets another," Roskofsky says. "I'm absolutely amazed, because this is a hard market.
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Fifty years ago, a core area bounded by Bear Creek, Oakdale Avenue, and Fourth and 10th streets was home to nationally- and locally-owned department stores. Then the Medford Center came along in the late 1950s, followed by the development of power shopping centers and the Rogue Valley Mall. By the 1990s, the lion's share of the retail activity had been sucked out of downtown.
Just when downtown seemed destined to rust away, urban renewal and changing consumer desires reversed that trend.
"When we came here, McGee's on Main was the only one other clothing store downtown," Roskofsky says. "Then the Cotton Club opened up in 1998. It seemed like a very slow process, but when you get a couple of clothing stores it makes other people interested."
Malls have lost some of their appeal across the country and shop owners have capitalized on customer defections, says Mary Elizabeth for Me owner Sarah Monson-Adair. "People want more personalized service, which is what boutiques are all about."
Perhaps 9/11 and its aftermath put the brakes on retail clothing efforts for a while, but a growing class of upwardly mobile clients moving into the area caught entrepreneurial eyes, Roskofsky says.
With the Bella Vita development set to surround a new downtown parking garage with offices, condos, retail and a restaurant, and Middleford Commons on the horizon, Maxwell anticipates more shoppers and boutiques.
"We're at a boiling point in this area with everything necessary for downtown economic growth," Maxwell says. "There is such a buzz downtown. We could feel it was ready to pop wide open. I think we are in the fifth or sixth year of a 10-year growth spurt."
"Obviously the price points are different for high-end designer clothes that aren't mass-produced like at The GAP," Wilkinson says. "But the shock was followed by relief. People were relieved they didn't have to go five hours away to buy their clothes."
Mary Elizabeth for Me — the counterpart to the Nathan James men's clothing store — joined the fashion show last June.
Although it's down Central Avenue a block and a half from Main Street, Monson-Adair says there are plenty of collateral customers once shoppers hit downtown.
"When people are out shopping at one," she says. "They tend to travel from one to another. Luckily, downtown Medford isn't so enormously large you can't walk it. There are destination shoppers, but the more options there are, the better the draw."
Native Brit Melissa Walton launched UrbanMinx Boutique at 14 S. First St. in Ashland last summer and recently opened shops in Bend and Medford, at 130 E. Main St.
"There's a lot of new blood and energy coming in here," Walton says. "I think we're on the cusp of something great."
She sees Bella Vita altering downtown shopping dynamics.
"It could become the new community hub where people come and mingle," Walton says. "Of course, growing up in London, I've got a big-city outlook."
Like the other shop owners, Walton says, "the more, the merrier."
Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 776-4463 or e-mail mailto:business@mailtribune.com?subject=Boutique

ODYN denim is getting a lot of press lately

ODYN is melting the presses - see attached

ODYN is in Lucky magazine twice this August and have articles in DNR and the Wall Street Journal.

BCBG the hottest brand (BCBG Max Axria)

Since its inception in 1989, designer Max Azria has developed BCBG Max Azria into a thriving lifestyle brand, focused on fulfilling the ever-changing needs of modern women. Naming his label BCBG Max Azria after the Parisian phrase, bon chic, bon genre, meaning good style, good attitude, designer Max Azria set out to combine European sophistication with American spirit, taking fashion in a new direction.
With an impressive range of product categories from separates, suiting, bridesmaid dresses and evening gowns to footwear, eyewear, swimwear, denim, handbags and fragrance, BCBG Max Azria has successfully redefined the designer category by offering innovative, high-quality clothing at realistic price points. With an impressive celebrity following and stores in every major American city and on every continent, BCBG Max Azria is taking the world by storm.


BCBG Max Azria is taking the world by storm. With critically acclaimed, award winning collections, and a loyal following of hollywood's top celebrities, this fashion powerhouse has evolved into one of the hottest names in the fashion industry today.


BCBG MAXAZRIA combines an aesthetic European sophistication and American spirit. Azria has successfully redefined the designer category by offering innovative, high-quality dresses and women’s clothing at contemporary price points. His philosophy, and a good one at that, is to create real clothes for real women. Using texture, striking palettes and bright colors, dresses are brought to life with an ethereal and graceful allure. And now add sexy swimwear to the fashion master’s list! Don’t be surprised when you see his fanciful frocks on the likes of Charlize Theron, Julia Roberts, Katie Holmes and Lucy Lui.

Kenzie and Kenzie girl - what people are saying about these great clothing lines,


Kenzie and Kenzie Girl are both great lines of women's clothing that define your world. Kenzie and Kenzie Gril are about today, how you feel right now - free, effortless, easy to be. From separates to ensembles, from casual to formal, you can find it here. Expect the best in women's casual apparel, active wear, T-shirts, tops, bottoms and sweaters.


Kenzie is a great line of Leathers, Cashmere, Sweaters, Jackets, Pants and Skirts and they have been around for several years building a great name for fun fashionable pieces that are very well priced. Kenzie girl is for the younger generation with more of a young girl feel.


Kenzie is the most wonderful line of clothing, its a line that a young mother would find classy, and yet at the same time, a college student would find it perfect for going out in. Kenzie Girl is a bit too young for me or my clients but then I focus on the over thirty set in LA.

DESINGER DENIM HAS MADE ITS COMEBACK!

The artical below is old but still relevant and provdes a great vantage point to see where denim was and how far its made it into mainstream couture.

It had to happen. Designer jeans are making a comeback. In their heyday during the late 1970s and early 1980s, no style conscious female would have been caught dead without at least one pair of trendy, tight fitting, status label denim jeans. At the height of the disco era everyone from French couturiers to American socialites was busily slapping their logos on the backsides of eager consumers. Now, with more and more people eschewing tailored clothing in favor of casual sportswear, a new wave of fashion notables are discovering the potential profits inherent in a couple of yards of cotton twill fabric. Todd Oldham, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Nicole Miller are just a few of the Seventh Avenue names who have launched new jeanswear collections. While Europeans such as Christian LaCroix, Dolce & Gabbana and Romeo Gigli have come out with their own versions of what was once viewed as the quintessential American garment.This recent resurgence of designer denim is good news for retailers who have suffered from a dip in apparel spending. According to figures supplied by NPD for Cotton Incorporated, 511.9 million pairs of denim jeans were sold in the U.S. in 1995, up from 483.3 million the year before. "Jeans are always a big money maker," says Valerie Steele, Assistant Adjunct Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, "because they make the wearer feel young, hip and sexy." She notes that despite the movement toward dressing down, many people are still willing to pay extra for the implied luxury of a prestigious brand. "I think everyone looked at the success Calvin Klein has had in this area and said why can't we do that?" But does the world really need another line of five pocket, straight leg jeans? When Sun Apparel, one of the largest denim jeans manufacturers in the country, debuted the Todd Oldham Jeans line last year, their aim was to duplicate the wit and whimsy of the New York designer's ready-to-wear. "The three things that set us apart are color, pattern, and fit," says Lisa Silhanek, vice president of marketing for the company. Traditional indigo blue is only one of a rainbow of hues used here and prints range from leopard skin to tie-dye to Oriental florals. Silhouettes are slim and close to the body for a more directional look. "We don't only do the basics," says Silhanek. "The customer who buys these jeans knows they're getting Todd Oldham signature style."In fact, an outfit comprised of items from a well known designer's jeans collection can even be considered a bargain. In "The Fashion Police" section of the current issue, Allure magazine raves about the extensive Ralph Lauren Polo Jeans line as having the same sensibility as couture clothing "for a whole, whole lot less money."The "sexy jean" from Todd Oldham Jeans is cut slim for a body-conscious fit.

This is a great quote and that it comes from a fellow English person is all the better.

"I think we have gone through a period when too many children and people have been given to understand, "I have a problem, it is the government's job to cope with it!" or, "I have a problem, I will go and get a grant to cope with it!" "I am homeless, the Government must house me!" and so they are casting their problems on society and who is society? There is no such thing! There are individual men and women and there are families and no government can do anything except through people and people look to themselves first."
Margaret Thatcher, (1925-), former United Kingdom Prime Minister.
Womans Own, September 1987

For those of you contemplating joining the Urban Minx socitety, the following from wikipedia.org may be of interest - at least it explains what a society is - at I think it does that, whew... I need a nap after reading that...y I sure hope I do not get ranked... society is harsh - but not here at urbanminx.com - no, we are nice peoples...

A society is a group of people who form a semi-closed system. At its simplest, the term society refers to a large group of people sharing their own culture and institutions. A society, then, is a network of relationships between people. The English word society is derived from the French société, which, in turn, had its origin in the Latin societas, a "friendly association with others," from socius meaning "companion, associate, comrade or business partner." Thus, the meaning of society is closely related to what is considered to be social. Implicit in the meaning of society is that its members may share some mutual concern or interest, a common objective or common characteristics. The social sciences generally use the term society to mean a group of people who form a semi-closed social system, in which most interactions are with other individuals belonging to the group. More abstractly, a society is defined as a network of relationships between social entities. A society is also sometimes defined as an interdependent community, but the sociologist Tönnies sought to draw a contrast between society and community. An important feature of society is social structure, aspects of which include roles and social ranking.

from Cynthia Nellis

Fashion designer Donatella Versace has her long blonde hair and deep tan; Vogue Editor Anna Wintour has her dark glasses and bob with bangs.
Your personal style doesn't need to be so extreme as these two style icons, but you can still make a statement.
Some of the simplest style statements boil down to dressing with a theme: an interesting woman who wears only vintage clothing, a young girl who only wears jeans customized with patches or a grandmother who always wears a pretty brooch.
Start by asking yourself whose look you admire. Then pick the look apart to the elements that compose the look.
You may be surprised to find that sometimes it's as simple as a woman who always carries an incredible vintage handbag or a woman whose entire wardrobe is based around gorgeous colors that totally complement her coloring.
Personal style is as much about showing off your personality as it is about working up a look that fits your lifestyle. What plays in SoHo may not make it at a PTA meeting.
Start small when experimenting with finding your style vibe: even something as simple as developing a "uniform" can work.
A "uniform" to the clued-in fashion follower is an outfit composed of interchangeable elements.
For example, your uniform might be made up of a v-neck T-shirt, knee-length A-line skirt and ballerina flats.
You may change colors or prints within the pieces for variety, and you'll definitely accessorize each outfit differently, but this is a uniform you've developed that a) looks great and b) totally expresses who you are (at least for right now).
Using a uniform may sound like a style crutch until you realize that dressing in a consistent style is sometimes what sets you apart!

This and other interesting fashion comentary can be found at about.com

General Tips for buying high-end Denim online:
Denim sizes are measured according to your waist size, in inches, and run from sizes 24 to 32. Generally, if you are a regular size 0-2, your denim size will be 24-25. Size 2-4 = denim size 26-27, size 4-6 = denim size 28-29, size 8-10 = denim size 30-31, size 12 = denim size 32.
If the denim is stretch, sometimes you can size down, which means that if you are a size 32 in a non-stretch style, you may want to try a 30 or 31 in a stretch style.
If denim is 'True to Size' it generally means that it corresponds closely to the size chart above. If it runs big, then you can go down one or two denim sizes from your regular size. If the brand/style runs small, or 'slim,' then you should go up one or two sizes.
If you have curves you want to even out, or a behind you want to flatten, the stretch styles will not generally be the best for you. They are very comfortable, but not as slimming as rigid styles. If you do buy stretch (which I do) look for thicker denim with more structure.
If you have a tummy, look for higher rise styles that will give you more coverage.
How many pairs of jeans should you own? Of course that's all a matter of personal preference, but here are some of our suggestions: you should have one pair for 'going out' or 'dressing up' like a trouser style or dark denim with a long leg. For the weekend, hem one pair of jeans short enough to wear with trainers - please don't try and roll up your long jeans for the weekend, they won't look right. Have one stretch style for comfort and one pair of knock-em dead jeans for dates or spying on your ex.
Last thing, if you do not own at least one pair of designer jeans, I would not suggest you buy your first pair online (unless you buy from Nordstrom where you can return items in-store for free, or other online boutiques where they offer free shipping and returns). When buying online, it is helpful to have a frame of reference; one pair of jeans that fit you well and that you can use to compare other brands/styles. If you do buy online, be prepared to purchase several pairs and return the ones that don't work.
Sometimes buying high-end denim can seem almost like a second job. But there is something uniquely satisfying about finding THE perfect pair of jeans. Once you do, you'll be addicted to how you look and feel in them, and there's no turning back. Enjoy the ride!

This artical was found on grechenscloset.com "its not you its your closet"

You can find more articals like this one and loads of fashion information at grechenscloset.com "its not you its your closet"

What's Your Type?
If you already know your body type, click on it below to go to your page. If not, read on!PearHourglassStraight
On to body types...use these guidelines to help you identify your body type:Pear: picture the fruit. you have more narrow shoulders than hips, a small bust, smaller waist and more substantial hips/butt/thighs/legs. Hourglass: shoulders as wide as hips, larger bust, narrow, defined waist Straight: narrow shoulders, medium/large bust, small waist, no hips/butt, thin legs. very few curves.Note: You can measure your shoulders, hips, waist, butt, thighs, etc. to get a more accurate idea, but you can probably already tell your basic shape. Of course there are variations, but these are the basic shapes and you can think in terms of them when you're trying to find something 'shape' appropriate.
First, though, why should you care about your body type anyway? Good question!
If you are very much aware of your body and the types of clothes that look best on it, then you don't really need to focus only on what to wear (or what not to wear) for your body type--you already know.
If you seem to be 'stuck,' or are unhappy with the way the majority of the clothes in your closet look on you, then you might want to start rebuilding your closet based on some guidelines for your body type. The keyword here is guidelines--there are no hard and fast rules for dressing yourself (although sometimes I think there should be...), there are just suggestions.
The MOST important thing when it comes to dressing is how you feel (not following the rules--you're not trying to find a husband here...), and for me at least, that is directly related to how I look. I don't mean that I only feel good when I'm all dressed up, I just mean that everything I'm wearing fits me well and is pulled together perfectly--no matter if it's jeans or a tweed suit. Bottom line, do not shop with a list of things to absolutely avoid because you read somewhere they they're not good for your body type; keep that in the back of your mind, but if you see something you like that's not on your 'list' try it on anyway. Maybe it will look great on you and you'll love the way you feel, or maybe not. There will be some trial and error involved in rebuilding your closet, but it will be well worth it because then you'll know what types of pants/ skirts/tops work well with your body and which do not.

this entry has been broght to you by grechenscloset.com "its not you its your closet"

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING CLOTHES ON SALE
Buying clothes on sale is exciting. But are you really getting a good deal? Or do you simply buy, because the item is on sale, whether you need it or not? Following are some tips to avoid making purchases you will regret later:
Before going shopping take a look at a fashion magazine to learn what trends and colors are going to be in fashion. A trend usually stays around for three years, so go for the newer trends rather than buying clothes that are on their way out.
Know what you already own. It helps you avoid buying doubles and triples of things you already have in your closet. Furthermore, you’ll be able to judge, if the item on sale goes with anything you have at home (or if you have to spend more money on matching shoes, pants, etc).
Always try on clothes before you buy them to be certain they really fit and suit you. Most clothes on sale cannot be returned or exchanged later.
Only buy clothes in your current size. Oftentimes, people buy clothes with the idea to wear them once they lost or gained those last five pounds. The truth is, by the time you’re ready to wear them, they might already be out of style or don’t fit the way you thought.
Before you buy, check the garments for any defects like ripped seams, holes in the fabric or missing buttons. If you do find a defect that you can easily repair, just ask for an additional discount.
Here are some items, that can be a good bargain when bought on sale: Basics (any item in a neutral color and shape), winter coats in neutral shades, thick wool or cotton sweaters and clothes in the colors of the following season.

this entry was originaly written for freefashionadvice.com

the new web site is up and running! urbanminx.com has a new face and plenty of new lines as well as new product from the old lines. the newest line Juicy Couture is one of our hottest sellers as well as the old standbys, English Laundry, Ben Sherman and Fred Perry. Just the same you have to check out Bourdeaux tops, Splendid tops, Jay and company denim, Odyn and Grass denim, gold sign denim and all the lines you have come to expect at urbanminx.com. remeber free shipping on orders over $100, NO SALES TAX and don't forget to sign up to be an UrbanMinx and to recieve all the benifits that come with it!

manminx

Hello fellow minx's

I hope your all recovering from the July fourth festivities;)

We had a great time and saw many of you out and about in Ashland Oregon at the parade. Congratulations to Jimmy and team from the Blue giraffe for winning the float contest - well deserved for all the work you all put in!

Our "celebrate Freedom" sale was a definite success in Ashland but we hear it was quite downtown Medford and in Bend Or. We did see great interest in our BCBG dress, paige denim, all of the cropped pants, our newest line "Whish" (this is a must see for summer), our mens clothing standby , English Laundry, Fred Perry and Ben Sherman and of course Kenzie.

We will let you know the next time we have a special event or sale

manminx

Loving the Ankh Brand!!

Ladies Ladies Ladies!!!!

Our new brand Ankh is gorgeous!!!

You have to come check it out. Nicely designed tee shirts with crystals securely buttoned alll over the pieces. My new favorite brand. It closely reminds me of Juicy Couture. With crowns, hearts and diva logos on all pieces! A tee that sticks out in my mind is the turquise tie-dyed long jersey with the crystals of course, I just love it.

-Missiminx

Hello lil minx's

Today is the day before the fourth and were are so exicted that we will be seeing so many of you tomorrow at the big sale - we can hardly wait.

Remember, UrbanMinx is the place to go for BCBG, Michael Stars Shirts, Kenzie, Kenzie Girl, Tulle, Juice clothing, English Laundry, Guess Shoes, Bordeaux, Antik denim, Splendid, Ted Baker, Carlos Santana, Theory clothing, Twisted Heart Sweat Suits, Sacred blue denim, Jay and Comapny Jeans, Sky dress, sky tops, Chip and Pepper, Yanuk denim, Paige Denim, Grass Denim, 575 Denim, Ben Sherman.

All of you be safe on the roads and stay cool.

shawn (Melissa's Partner)

We just recieved our English Laundry mens shirts - they are wild! Unlike the Ben Sherman shirts these are for standing out in a crowd. The Chocolate Brown background really sets off the multi colored butterflies. This is not a shirt for the shy or conservitive - you'll be seeing me sporting one of these around town.

manminx

Urban Minx - A Background

Having a cute shop in such a quaint town is a dream come true for owner, Melissa Walton. As a young girl living in London , England , Melissa would daydream about one day having a boutique of her own. She would tell her friends about her dream to have the most exquisite shop where people came to have fun as much as shop. Then in 2003 after moving from Sydney Australia to Ashland , Oregon with her partner, Melissa noticed that she couldn't find anywhere fun to shop. She had to indulge in expensive trips to San Francisco , LA and New York to find the quality clothing and customer service she had grown accustomed to living in cities like London and Sydney . This is what kicked her creative thoughts into gear - to open her own style of boutique. In 2005 all this dreaming and creativity culminated in UrbanMinx, a cute little shop in Ashland that focuses as much on having a good time as it does on providing the highest of fashion from all over the world.

Melissa provides fashion from the major creative cities around the globe. Her mission is to put the needs of the client first. Providing friendly and unpretentious customer service, ensuring the client feels comfortable and able to explore all of the fashion options for his/her wardrobe.
Urbanminx.com is an extension of The Boutiquelocated at:

14 South First StreetAshland, OR 97520

130 E Main StreetMedford, OR 97501

920 Bond StreetBend, OR 97701

The Boutique by UrbanMinx provides our out of town customers with the ability to find fine fashion whenever and where ever they may find themselves