Saturday, January 26, 2013

Style Rut? It's a CINCH



One styling tip I read over and over, is to belt the waist.  It's a simple, easy way to highlight a naturally small waistline, or for those thick middles gals (like moi), it serves to create an hourglass shape or the illusion of it.  Bottom line, reigning in your torso's middle makes one feel pulled together.  And, after all, doesn't feeling "pulled together" make everyone feel more confident and more attractive?  So cinch it in today ladies:

Vermeer, DVF, and BCBG
keepitinhaute.com
huffingtonpost.com

Friday, January 25, 2013

Creatures of Habit - Style Ruts.


 We all do it.  We get stuck, mired in the same old, same old fashion ruts.  How often we hear in the store, "I always pick out the same thing" " Here I go again buying all black." "Everything I tried on looks like everything I already own."  We all need a little change of perspective this time of year, and the same goes for our wardrobes. 

One classic style that always gets me over the hump is an animal print.  Whether adding a pair of zebra striped pumps, a leopard print sweater, or little cheetah skinny belt to a white blouse and jeans - that little extra addition of oomph helps me take an otherwise blah outfit to bring it on!  With designers mixing prints with abandon this season - it's the perfect time to incorporate your favorite jungle cat into your everyday style:

Alexa Chung

Tracy Reese
Bazaar.com
  For more animal print fashion inspiration from Labels' new arrivals click here


Monday, January 21, 2013

Celebrate Good Times.. Happy Inauguration and MLK day!

Between the NFL playoffs, the MLK holiday and the Inauguration - there's a whole lotta celebratin' going on this time of year.  And, what a better time to do it!  The January doldrums were just about to settle their gray skies for good and lo' and behold the weather has warmed up a bit and the sun came out to play.  Well, that's cause enough for us to celebrate around here.  In honor, we're picking out some of our favorite First Lady and Inaugural fashions:
It's hard to look pulled together and fashionable when you're freezing, but Michelle Obama pulled it off with perfection in her gold jacket and sheath with coordinating green heels and gloves.  Don't forget that megawatt smile!
I love the First Lady in bold colors and boy does she know how to show off those great arms and shoulders!
This Naeem Khan dress is my favorite.  The pattern and colors complemented her skin and hair to perfection.  She looks regal and modern for the Foreign Corespondents' dinner.
 
The Bush ladies at the second Inaugural Ball shone with grace and poise.

I thought Hillary's choice of color looked spectacular on her and the silhouette flattered a figure more often hidden in power suits and helmet hair.    
We all know Jackie was a style icon and had more hits than I could cover in a blog; however, I have always adored this silk petal-colored gown with white gloves.  She looks sophisticated and demure, but there is a quite strength the column shape that I adore. 
I would be remiss in not tipping my hat (Sorry for the pun!) to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.  She not only knocked it out of the park with her performance, but that hat practically stole the show.  I love it and her for rocking a fab ensemble better than women half her age.  R-E-S-P-E-C-T!



Thursday, January 17, 2013

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY...

Boy, oh boy!  I have had it.  The rain has got to end, and thankfully, it's supposed to clear up this weekend.  In the meantime, I'm going to try to look on the bright side (of incessant rain?  yes, I know, oxymoron) and post a few things that make me happy.   Hang in there folks, tomorrow's Friday!

1.  Hunter boots - I purchased my first pair in short, red this past Fall and they have been worth their weight in gold.  Have worn them every day this week, and I love how they keep my feet dry and provide a little cherry cheer to an otherwise drab, I'm gonna-get-wet rainy day outfit.  We do get them in store from time to time, but because they are a hot commodity - they usually go out the door with one happy customer within a couple days.  Happy Hunting!
countryattire.com 
2.   A colorful raincoat - Maybe it stems from my love of Paddington Bear as a child, but I love a yellow rain slicker.  If yellow's not your thing, any bright, bold punch of color will do.  It just says, nothing's going to rain on my parade today and makes one feel pulled together and buttoned up, denying any wet dog outlooks.  So perk up and don a sunny slicker today~!
Marc Jacobs rain slicker
3.  Singin' in the Rain - Finally, sometimes you've just got to embrace it.  Let it frizz your hair, soak the front of your jeans and bust on through it.   Focus on what you can get done inside - or better yet - stop by Labels for a little retail therapy.  We've got some great, lively tunes playing, a roof over our heads and just maybe you'll find just the thing to add a smile to your face - the best accessory!


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

"New with Tags" Wednesday

Goody goody gumdrops!  We've been inundated with new consignors for 2013 from NYC, Birmingham, right here in the Upstate and more.  And, it seems they are cleaning out their closets of hits and misses - mostly with TAGS STILL ON.  Check out some of our favorite New Arrivals marked well below retail:

Anthropolgie XS $72.99, Ariat (7.5) $79.99 and Cole Haan $125

Gar -De top (L) $59.99,  Joe's Jeans (27) $59.99, Stuart Weitzman (7) $259.99 and Chloe Handbag $289.99
Anilee (2) $108, LAMB (6.5) $125

Monday, January 14, 2013

Rolling out the Red Carpet: Golden Globes 2013

It's awards season!  I love this time of year and curling up on the couch to check out the red carpet and gawk at the beautiful stars.  With that said,  last night's Golden Globes brought it.  Tina Fey and Amy Poehler absolutely nailed it with their ribald wit and sassy humor.   I loved their "loser" bit in the second half of the show - they had me in fits giggling so hard.
 Suffice to say, Will Ferrell and Kristen Wig gave them a run for their money with their hilarious nomination round up.  In case you missed it, check it out below:

Will Ferrell and Kristen Wig - youtube.com

While I was impressed with many of the risks taken on the red carpet, not many dresses really wowed me.  Most left me wondering, what was that random pin at the top of her dress (Amanda Seyfried), or why did they construct her chest to point out oddly? (Jennifer Lawrence) Is that better in person, or does she look like she's wearing curtains? (Lucy Lui).  I was actually really torn on this one, plus Lucy's dress from last year was AH-mazing.




I did like the dominance of reds shown last night.   And, not surprisingly, Jennifer Garner took my breath away.  I thought her hair and makeup were spot on perfection with her column of rubies gown.

I also was very impressed with all the black gowns on the red carpet.  As one who usually shies away from black, (I mean, the sparkly the better, right?!) But, Nicole Kidman and Rachel Weisz swayed my opinion.
   I loved the plunging necklines- Katharine McPhee, you looked insane!
I would be remiss not to mention the lady people can't help but gush over, and Best Supporting Actress winner - Anne Hathaway.  I have to say, her Chanel white column dress looked stunning with her pixie haircut and porcelain skin.   Don't know why she still irritates me to no end, but since I'm the only one who feels this way, I'll leave it at that. 
But, by far and away, my favorite of the night was Julianne Moore.  She continually amazes me with her talent and red carpet style.  Never ordinary and always classy with a modern twist.  I am in awe.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Happy Birthday Kate Middleton!

Happy Birthday to our reigning Princess of Wales and style!  Kate's impeccable fashion sense has mesmerized me and even brought me to tears at one point (hello - Most Gorgeous Bride ever!)

In honor of her Royal Mother-to-Be, here's a round up of Kate's great fashion moments in 2012.  From sophisticated dresses, to black tie, to hunting chic - and don't forget those hats! - we can't wait to see what you do over the next 9 months~ Thanks for the inspiration:








Instyle.com

Refinery29.com








Thursday, January 10, 2013

New With tags Wednesday: Show me the money

Pray tell, luvies - where has the week gone?  It has been BIZ-EE up in here with loads of fun new goodies arriving daily and markdowns throughout the store.  A New Year is upon us and people are taking advantage of January Sales.  Maybe that's why we've been inundated lately with NEW WITH TAGS items a few of which I'd love to share with you:
Helmut Lang NWT (M) $149.99, Chanel (NWT!) $599.99, Alexis Bittar jewelry (varies)

Autumn Cashmere (M) $39.99, Banana Republic Monogram NWT skirt (8) $39.99, Rebecca Minkoff $259.99 mint condition

TIBI NWT (4) $144,  Banana Republic NWT (PS) $79.99, KORS heels NWT 97) $125, Kate Spade $169.
 Drooling yet? Us too.  Check out a few real world fashionistas inspiring similar looks:




 (that present didn't quite make the cut?  Consign it today, call 631-1919 to set up your first appointment)

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

"I'm a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose."? - Lady Grantham

It's BAAACK!  Downton Abbey Season 3 premiered this week and if you're like most of the people I know, you were waiting for it with, shall we say, Fan-atic anticipation?  Likewise.  On that note, I'm feeling quite romantically inclined to pretty little things this week.  With that in mind, here's some Downton Abbey inspirational looks and a modern, Labels equivalent (We hope the Dowager Countess would approve):

Bennetton coat (4) $79.99, Dior handbag, YSL boots (8) $399.99




Rachel Roy (12) SOLD



White House Black Market (0) NWT $78,99

Stop by today and check out our "latest" fashions for yourself and don't forget to take advantage of our special offer:  Spend $100 and receive $20 off.