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…

My point is this:  Just because St. Patty’s Day has a silly tradition does not mean that you can’t look fabulous.

Stop back next time, Fashion Lovers.

-K2

Hopefully you all had a fantastic Valentine’s day spent with your sweetie, but we’re glad you’ve come back to us!

Last time, I brought you a couple of the latest fashion trends for Spring 2012 and I’m back to bring you a few more.  I will say that I’m purposefully bringing you small doses of trends because there are so many!  Furthermore, a lot of the trends tend to overlap.  For example, last time I mentioned that pastels AND neons are popular this season; this also encompasses the huge craze about yellow!  So, we’re taking small bites out of the fashion apple.

- Tropical Floral Fiesta! -

The category sounds silly, but it’s so true!  This season, along with princess chic, women are invited to indulge in their bold side.  There are a lot of floral patterns floating around the runways; both bold, tropical prints as well as soft, feminine prints.  Try whichever one appeals to your senses!  K2 completely endorses both; if you are more feminine and soft, go with a pretty pastel print of floral, or go with something with bold, tropical colors if you are feeling more adventurous!  Now, I know that floral prints can often remind us of our grandmother’s couches; but I promise you that there are some GORGEOUS prints for all tastes.

  Cool colored floral print by Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2012

  Neon yellow tropical dress by Escada Spring 2012

- White -

Okay, so this trend may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but white is back in a big way.  For the past few seasons, white has been an accent color.  This season, white is a new and hip all-over look.  White from head to toe is beautiful for spring because it brings out brightness.  We got weighed down by darker colors for winter and spring is all about bringing back brightness.  I can completely understand women who shy away from this trend because white is extremely high maintenance.  However, I suggest that every woman find a great white top and some white pants or capris.  Even if this is an outfit that you wear once, the pieces broken apart will be vital to your average wardrobe.  One more FYI:  Many women avoid white because they feel like it is the opposite of slimming black.  THIS IS NOT TRUE!  White can be just as slimming as black, if it is tailored well.

  Little White Dresses by Ralph Lauren

- Earrings -

All right, ladies.  Every woman adores her accessories, however many she chooses to wear.  This season, earrings are back in a big way.  Previous seasons have been all about bold and chunky pieces for neckwear and bracelets or gigantic cocktail rings.  Nothing has really been mentioned about earrings!  This season, the emphasis is on the ears.  Neckwear, bracelets, and rings are extremely minimalist (although, I’m always a fan of a huge cocktail ring) and earrings are pushing through.  So, invest in that eccentric pair of earrings that you don’t know what you’ll wear with them!  I promise you that you will find something and get noticed for your bold choices.

  David Yurman Citrine Earrings – Retail $525.00

All right, Fashion Lovers, there’s a few more bites from the fashion apple.  Tune in next week for some more spring trends to keep you fashion forward!

K2

First off, I need to apologize for being a little late with this posting… Things have been pretty crazy!  K2 is taking spring items, hosting workshops for dressing for your body, and all kinds of other activities!  So, needless to say, I have neglected the blog.

BUT!  I’m back and I’m bringing you the hottest trends for Spring!

1) Princess Chic

All right, ladies, I know this sounds a little corny – but Princess chic is in!  This spring is all about being the girliest girl that you can be.  Tulle, lace, floral, sparkle, and super feminine silhouettes are found everywhere.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012

2) Pastels AND Neons

When it comes to the color palette of Spring 2012, both ends of the spectrum are represented.  There’s pastels (baby blue, light pink, pale yellow…) as well as neons (tangerine, lemon, bright pink, turquoise, lime…).  So, I think it goes without saying that there’s something for everyone this season.  What’s even better is that the princess chic pieces are coming out in both colors.  Girly, pink, pastel dresses are available as well as neon pencil skirts.

Chanel Suit in Pale Yellow Spring 2012