SWEETIES

SUMMER FASHION REVIEW

 Illustration: Nana-Adwoa Ofori © 2011

 Summer is the season for fashionistas to pull together fabulous ensembles for numerous back-yard barbecues, garden parties, and trips to the beach.  Summer fun is in the air however, the  reality of the economy is very serious. The prices of gas, food, and clothing continue to rise right along with the temperature. It is not impossible during economically hard times to find trending fashions for affordable prices.

Charlotte Ruse is a hidden gem in affordable women’s fashion. Many pieces from the CR collection have been used on some of the most fashion conscious Hollywood sets, including the hit show, Gossip Girl.

Check out this video of Charlotte Russe’s Fall collection with looks styled by Gossip Girl stylist and Charlotte Russe consultant, Eric Daman  (Click pic to watch video)

The CR design team has been able to produce a line that encapsulates youth, juxtaposed with a playful and trend-setting edge. Here are some prime examples from their latest collection.

SUMMER TREND # 1: STRIPES

Stripes are all the rage this summer. Charlotte Ruse has the most adorable striped romper for $19.99

KNIT OATMEAL STRIPE ROMPER $19.99

SUMNER TREND # 2: ANIMAL PRINTS

The animal prints continues to dominate each season as a must-wear trend. Charlotte Ruse interprets this popular trend with both apparel and accessories. This fierce pair of  velvet cheetah print booties are $42.50.

 FYI- Charlotte Ruse has a fantastic deal on some of their cutest accessories (on-line)- buy 1 get 1 for $10!

PLEATED VELVET PEEP-TOE BOOTIE $42.50

SUMMER TREND # 2: BOLD & BRIGHT COLORS

One of the best ways to give your summer ensembles an extra boost,  is to incorporate a brightly colored article of clothing or an accessory. If you love  mini-skirts , then this piece from the Rio Collection will leave you feeling “pretty in pink.”

FLORAL EMBROIDERED SKIRT $24.50 ($15 if purchased online for a limited time)

In addition to the affordable prices and the on-the-mark trends,  Charlotte Ruse has introduced a fan site just for their dedicated shoppers. The site is currently in development, and  there are high hopes for the final outcome. Since the site is is in progress,  the following are  some helpful advice for the developers of the site that will enable CR fans to have a useful and beneficial on-line experience.

•  create message boards for users to post questions and concerns to the design team

• create a platform to interact with other shoppers on the site

• implement blog/vlogs from CR stylists/designers to communicate with shoppers.

  
  

  Stay tuned for the review of the Charlotte Ruse fan website . There is no doubt that the  final product will be fantastic.