This week, we’re going to continue our spotlights and learn a little bit more about Dooney & Bourke.

Dooney & Bourke began as a two-man operation in a small town in Connecticut called South Norwalk.  Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke launched a company featuring their last names in 1975.

Our beloved handbag company did not begin by providing the products we know it for today.  When Dooney & Bourke began, they offered only two products:  surcingle belts and suspenders.

Surcingle belts, in case you were wondering.

In 1981, the duo branched out and began marketing a couple of bags.  These were largely bags for equestrian enthusiasts and were made from bridle leather.  However, it was from these humble beginnings that the gentlemen made enough money to afford to launch a bigger company: The Company Store, which carried Dooney & Bourke products.

Shortly after, the fellows began their “All Weather Leather’ bag, which we know today as being marketed with the Dooney & Bourke duck logo.  These bags were the tipping point.  From then on, Dooney & Bourke skyrocketed.

The company has always been known for targeting a more youthful audience, but that does not mean these purses are ONLY for younger girls.  Mature women have embraced the traditional style of the Dooney & Bourke classic, as well as the funky edge that comes with the current designs of the company.

Much like Coach, we love this company because they bridge the gap between inexpensive department store purses and high-end couture labels.

Dooney & Bourke celebrated its 35th anniversary a few years ago and K2 Boutique would like to raise a toast to MANY more years of quality merchandise from this amazing company.

From humble beginnings…

To sassy styles!

See you next time, Fashion Lovers!

K2

All right, so it is Good Friday and that means that Easter Sunday is in a couple of days.  Now, I appreciate that many people see this time of year as a time for Easter egg hunts with family and small children.  Others see this time of year as a time to head to church and spend the holiday with a different kind of family.

That is all wonderful, and K2 highly encourages you to spend this holiday with your loved ones.  However, K2 doesn’t just see a family holiday – we see another opportunity to be fabulous!

Easter is known for women and girls in beautiful pastel dresses and outrageous hats.  K2 would just like to remind you all that pastels are very trendy for Spring, so there are more than enough choices out there to find something incredible!  Here’s a few examples…

Louis Vuitton, Spring 2012

Elie Saab, Spring 2012

Moschino, Spring 2012

Chanel, Spring/Summer 2012

So there are just a few choices to look ultra chic this coming holiday.  We hope you have a wonderful time with your family, and expect to see some drop-dead gorgeous fashionistas out there!

See you next week, Fashion Lovers!

-K2

This week, we’re going to try something a little different.  We’d like to put the spotlight on some of our favorite designers, so we’ve chosen to start with Coach, designer of affordable and adorable handbags and shoes.

A little history lesson….

Coach was founded in 1941 by a couple that was particularly skilled at making leather goods.  The company discovered ways that they could make leather that was soft and supple, but still durable in the long run.

The primary interest of Coach in the beginning was actually wallets for men.  The story goes that, at the suggestion of his wife, one of the partners started making handbags for women to capitalize on sales.  A man was buying a nice wallet for himself, so the little lady got a handbag to go with it!

This week, we’re going to talk about something that no woman enjoys talking about:  How much we spend on our clothing.

The numbers that are associated with the cost of our clothes are almost as taboo as our ages and weights (although everyone knows we are firmly set at 115 lbs and age 29!)

So:  If I had to guess, I would wager that most women lie to their husbands about how much money they spend on clothing; sometimes denying they’ve purchased anything new at all!

Here’s the thing, Ladies… We shouldn’t be ashamed of treating ourselves to things that make us look and feel good.  When someone compliments you on an article of clothing, you shouldn’t have to lie and say, “What?  This old thing!”  You should be proud of those pieces that set you apart from everyone else and make you feel like a million dollars!

When to Splurge:

• When the piece is SUPER unique
• When the piece makes you feel like a million dollars
• When the piece fits you better than any article of clothing ever has
• When you are purchasing classic, basic pieces that all wardrobes need

When to Save:

• When the piece is trendy and probably won’t become a fashion staple
• When the piece is specifically for one outfit (like matching a top to a skirt)
• When the piece needs some tailoring

Money is never something that people like to talk about and it just seems to be getting worse in this economy… but the thing of it is, that’s why places like K2 Boutique are so wonderful!  We’re a resale boutique, so the pieces are at much more affordable prices than originally marked.  You’re getting a great deal AND getting beautifully unique pieces.

See you next time, Fashion Lovers!

-K2

First of all, let me apologize for being absent for a few weeks… Things got a little crazy and this took a backseat to everything else.  However, I’m back and ready to go!

In case you haven’t noticed, our couture items have been FLYING off the shelves!  It seems like every day I’m taking something off the web because it found a new home with a wonderful lady.

So, now that we’re back on track…

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day!!  Now, this is most definitely NOT the most fashion forward holiday out there.  In fact, most people try to dress as kitschy as possible.  However, we here at K2 Boutique are trying to encourage the fashionistas to stand up and represent fashionable wearing of the green!

Just because this is a holiday famous for indulging in a few too many adult beverages does not mean that you can’t look good doing it!

Check out these fabulous celebrities in Karen Zambos Vintage Couture…

Or Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana green…