Too hot to handle!

FINALLY!

After working like a crazy woman for six months, it is time for my summer vaca. This is what I have day-dreamed about every afternoon since Christmas. In just two days, I will be headed to the beach for our annual family beach trip. And this means…an excuse for some shopping. Along wit


h the requisite bathing suits, I needed some cute cover-ups, skirts, sundresses, flip flops and a new handbag. I can’t go to this uber chic resort without the proper attire! Let’s face it, my work-wear won’t cut it pool side.

Sundress
I feel certain Mr. Labelle has made some fab dinner reservations. I definitely need a new sundress and finding the perfect one is not always easy:
Fabric- must be a soft cotton that will breathe easily in the Carolina heat like this little dress
Shape- must accentuate my waistline while at the same time be loose enough to keep me cool

Accessories- you’re never fully dressed without the right accessories-these must not be too overpowering. Check out these cute necklaces.
Shoulder cover- And because it’s always cold inside, you must be able to wear a little wrap or cardigan to take the chill off indoors.

I think I found the perfect dress- check out this cute little strapless number that's totally unique since I got it at Labels and totally me- and look at these cute shoes by Betsey Johnson. I love the way this combo makes me look- tall and curvy!

Skirts
Summer is meant for cotton skirts. Here’s what I am packing to wear to the pool and out doodle bugging around the island:
Tropical print- Sometimes it’s really fun to look a little west palm and wear a some fun print Lilly!
Hippy chic- Pair it with a white tank and some Sam Edelman sandals to get an effortless summer look
Solid A-line- There’s nothing better than a good solid skirt that can go with a simple t-shirt or flirty top
Blue Jean- No matter how old I get, I still love a blue jean mini-skirt.

Accessories
Alas…Mr. LaBelle keeps me on a tight budget and I can’t go too crazy buying the latest trends. So I will work with what I have by adding a few new accessories:
Sunglasses- Don’t forget trendy shades…they complete the look!
Bangles- Do bangles make you feel as sexy as they do me?
Sandals- Sexy sandals draw out your inner diva. Find a great pair that will go with everything like these.
Straw Bag- Grab a cute straw bag, throw in a towel and you are ready for the pool…leave out the towel and throw in your wallet…you are ready for a little shopping!
Cowboy Hat- Don’t forget a hat to cover your pretty little face! I good straw hat is always a nice way to protect yourself from the sun. Nothing is worse than a few wrinkles.

I must run. I need to make a last minute trip to Target for some sunscreen and trashy magazines. Gonna use some beach time to catch up with what Brad and Angelina!

Cheers fashionistas!
Lulu LaBelle

American Girl Style

Cheers! To America!

Don’t you just love a July 4^th celebration? Friends, food and fireworks. And quite frankly, nothing is cuter than seeing all of the children dressed in their red, white and blue waving flags and sparklers to celebrate America’s birthday. Of course there is also the fun of getting dressed up in my red, white and blue as well.

To kick the day off we went to a neighborhood pool party cook out. The hostess decorated with red burlap, galvanized buckets, red and white geraniums and tons of flags! I knew this would be a festive occasion but had a hard time deciding what to wear: this cute red skirt with a Carmen Marc Valvo knit top and casual Stuart Weitzman flip flops or this flirty find from Labels, my Nannette Lepore sundress. fter all that deliberation, I ended up wearing these flattering white jeans with this fresh little top. How lucky were we that the weather wasn’t too hot and humid?

Ya know, calories don’t count on holidays and nothing is better than a good cookout- hotdogs, burgers, chips, dips, watermelon and banana pudding. I sampled a little everything…I totally forgot to pace myself for the evening ahead. Does it get any more American than that?

After an afternoon with friends and children and a quick nap, it was time for a cocktail party. A friend rented the Soby’s loft space for a swanky celebration…and best of all a perfect view of the fireworks. I wore this festive navy cocktail dress by Laundry and carried this cute gold clutch. I wish I could claim to be the best dressed at this affair, but I must admit, I fell in love with this fab summer sundress my friend Chloe wore so effortlessly. She looked like the picture of summer with her long blonde hair casually pulled back in a low pony tail. Let me also just comment that there were really fabulous accessories galore…everyone was trying to dress up their summer white to add a little July 4^th sparkle to their ensembles.

The sun finally set on the Greenville skyline and it was time for fireworks. Call me a sentimental fool, but fireworks always make me cry. The cheesier the better. Crank up a little Lee Greenwood, “Proud to Be an American” and I am a sobbing girl so happy to be free and to live in Greenville.

The hostess, who left no detail unturned, passed raspberry champagne cocktails to toast as the fireworks began to light up the sky! Wrapped in Mr. LaBelle’s arms, champagne in hand, a little tear began to crawl down my cheek. What a perfect ending to a perfect day of celebration with good friends and neighbors.

Cheers fashionistas!
Lulu LaBelle

PS - I couldn’t leave the party without the champagne cocktail recipe. Thought you might want to try it sometime!

Raspberry Champagne Cocktail
(www.epicurious.com)
2 1/2-pint baskets fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur
1/4 cup cognac or other brandy
8 sugar cubes
1 750-ml bottled chilled brut champagne
Fresh raspberries

Combine 2 baskets raspberries and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl. Mash berries lightly with fork. Let stand 15 minutes. Mix in liqueur and brandy. Pour into jar. Cover and let stand in dark cupboard 3 days. Strain raspberry mixture, pressing on solids with spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. (Can be made 1 month ahead. Cover; chill.)

Place 1 sugar cube in each of eight 6-ounce champagne flutes. Pour 2 tablespoons raspberry mixture over each sugar cube. Pour champagne over to fill glasses. Garnish each with raspberries and lemon peel.

Introducing Lulu Labelle~!

I just love any reason for celebration. Don’t you? Actually I love any reason to get dressed up. A cute Nicole Miller cocktail dress for a special friend’s engagement party, a fun flirty Nannette Lepore top for a night on the town, a glam Carmen Marc Valvo dress for a charity benefit and even a little Lilly Pulitzer sundress for an afternoon baby shower. The best part of getting dressed up is putting the outfit together. Right now I am really digging the bold bright bead necklaces and those cute long charm necklaces that allow you to show off your whimsical personality. I have quite a few parties coming up and have been shopping like crazy to find just the right outfits for the occasions (plus it’s soooo hot outside, shopping is the only way I have found to beat this dreadful summer South Carolina heat).

Speaking of shopping and parties, Labels is having their one year celebration on Thursday night. I can hardly believe it’s been a year, and yet, I think to myself, what did I do without Labels? Regardless of the occasion, Labels always seems to have just the right piece to make my outfit dazzle. And let’s be real here…what’s the point in playing the game if you don’t dazzle?

I’ve heard that anyone who is into fashion, such as me, will be dropping by for a little champagne cocktail to celebrate the birthday. Now what to wear to celebrate this special birthday? I am thinking that a fun flirty hot pink Ann Taylor top paired with this cute turquoise bead necklace and white jeans- pink, blue and white…just like the sprinkles on a birthday cupcake. Or perhaps I could convince my hubby, Mr. LaBelle, to make it a night on the town and I’ll wear this cute yellow cocktail dress….I have been looking for an “occasion” to debut this fantastic piece and I have been dying to try out Rick Erwin’s new restaurant- Nantucket. I also could wear this new trendy summer sun dress and these leg-lengthening nude stacked heels. Lots of choices to DAZZLE for Labels big celebration.

Last week when I was making my bi-weekly shopping rounds across town, I stumbled upon this FAB Louis Vuitton Alma Bag at Labels…The Rolls Royce of all handbags. And this one…perfection. I could hardly believe this treasure could be found in Greenville. Let’s daydream for a minute….How about a stroll at the Saturday market, handbag swaying from one arm, my little French dog in the other wearing these of the moment new sunglasses and looking like a movie star! Or a fabulous stroll on the streets of BIG city with this chic bag as my trusted companion to guide me in and out of the perfect boutiques. Lest my imagination strays…reality…I’ll just stop by to covet…or perhaps since we are celebrating a birthday (even though it’s not mine…details…) maybe Mr. LaBelle will surprise me with a special purchase.

Oh how I digress. I must get back to work. My boss just strolled in and dumped a serious project on my desk. See you girls at Labels- Thursday night!

Cheers fashionistas!
Lulu LaBelle

Hot Designers for Hot temps!

Just in time for June - all the hottest designer looks at keep your cool prices! Whether you're showing off your new tan, your working girl legs or just looking for a girls' night on the town - Labels has it!

(above left to right):

Dolce Cabo Large $41.99

Joseph Ribkoff Size 8

Cardigan ($39.99) Tank ($28.99)

Ralph Lauren (Black Label) size 6 Pants $79.99

Tibi Size 8 $119.99

Nannette Lepore Size 2 $124.99

Robert Rodrieguez Size 6 $229.99

Diane Von Furstenburg Size 2 $124.99

White House/ Black Market size 0 $48.99

Tory Burch Size 8 $122.99

See what all "TALK" is about this month!

We are so excited it's Spring - the flowers are in FULL bloom (so are my sneezes) and the latest edition of TALK magazine is out with a "Green goes Glam" spread featuring Labels Designer Consignments style. You'll be green with envy just in time for Earth Day if you don't snap up these hot trends at fabulously low, Earth-friendly prices!