New Year - New Look at Labels

We've done some resolving and proud to say we've cleaned up our act around Labels! The store has had a face lift with some rearranging and spiffying up.



Speaking of face lifts, you know the best way to brighten your mood is a smile - but we've got a few baubles to help bring out your grins and show off your pearly whites.

And while you're at it - top off a little black dress -always a go-to during the "resolving" stage - and complete the look!

All Aboard!

As a young student, I used to scoff at retailers who advertised their "Resort wear" in early January - wondering, who are these lucky folks who are "cruising" during the winter months and going somewhere remotely warm enough to pass off such cute warm weather wear?

Then, I became an adult. Ushered into the real world with little more than a couple days off for Christmas and one to grow on for New Years, by the time January's cold tedium returns there is a dire need to escape to some sun. Even vicariously. So, with that said - we're bringing on the Good Ship Lollipop at Labels and breaking out our sunny brights (all at WELL below retail too, I may add)!

thankfulness

At Labels we're thankful for...

each and every one of our 1100 (and more!) consignors

finding the perfect outfit at the just right price for that last minute party

A snuggly winter coat of soft cashmere to get us through the too cold for my Southern blood season!

Decking the halls for holiday parties for which to deck ourselves out!

Gorgeous November and December sunshine days to bundle up and go out for a walk

A fabulous capelet to throw on to cover up a very happy, full Thanksgiving belly!

Cute Rain Boots to keep our feet dry (and stylish) during sloshy days


For all our friends and family and many more to meet as they grace our doors throughout the year!

Thank you!

Back to the Basics

Did you make it to Fall for Greenville? If you didn’t make it down town, you missed out. Great music, fabulous food and thousands of your closest friends! For me, Fall for Greenville kicks off the symbolic beginning of life’s routine. The excitement of back to school has weaned and it’s too early to get excited about the holidays. We’re settled in to the regular daily routine. What better time to think about the basics of style. Just for kicks, I’m throwing in a few “don’ts” that represent some of the style on the streets this weekend!

Five Style Take Aways from Fall for Greenville – Spread the word. Save our city from this embarrassment!

Fanny packs are out of style. Dead. Not ever coming back. Enough said.

· Tennis shoes are meant for tennis. They are not “cute” with jeans.

· Floral and plaid are all the rage this fall…SEPARATELY…not paired together.

· Blue Jean shorts should never be worn by men…or women over the age of 25. Forget it. Bad idea.

· Muffin tops are never attractive. People buy pants that fit.

Enough humor- Let’s review the basics and get them right this fall. Here are a few things that every good girl with good style should own:

· Basic Black Dress – Finding the perfect black dress can be a challenge. The fit is key. Remember- it should hit right at the crease on the back of your knee, but should not cover the knee. How about this one by Elie Tahari.

· Trench Coat – Every season has a new take on the trench coat, but regardless of the year, the basic trench coat never goes out of style. Find a Pink trench with classic lines and you’ll never go wrong.

· Dress Pants – You choose the color- black, brown, gray, winter white. Choose a style that is flattering to your figure. One idea- Buy a size larger than you normally wear and have a tailor custom fit to your body type. Shop at Labels and you’ll be able to get a great pair of designer slacks like these by Theory and you’ll be a able to afford a really good tailor. *Note: A flat front boot cut pant is almost always universally flattering.

· Classic Shirt – Finding the right white shirt can be a bit tricky. There are tons of styles out there. Find a style that flatters and as Tim Gunn says- “minimize trouble spots.”

· Jeans – We all need a really great pair of designer jeans. Really you need two pairs of jeans. One pair that is hemmed for heels and one pair that is hemmed for flats. I believe that jeans that fit just right, can totally change your life.

· Any Occasion Top – Find a fun flirty top like this one by Mint and it will take you from day to night. Always have a good “go to” top in your wardrobe.

· Skirt – Just like dress pants, a good skirt is a wardrobe essential. I prefer black…very slimming on the hips. You can dress it up with sequins and stilettos or down with a chunky sweater and boots.

· Day Dress – Dresses are so fun and feminine. And my favorite part, they make getting dressed in the morning so much easier…not a lot to think about. Find a couple of great dresses like these that you can dress up or down depending on the mood. You’ll love the way the right dress makes you feel. I love this one by Trina Turk.

· Jacket – Everyone needs a versatile jacket. Tim Gunn says, “Women's jackets should follow the silhouette of a woman's body and accent the hourglass curve at her waist.”

· Sweatsuit Alternative – Just because a sweatsuit at old navy only cost $16, doesn’t mean you should own one! Our “friends” at Fall for Greenville did not get this memo! Find some comfy chords, great cargo pants or flattering kakis and you are good to go for a day of errands around town or an afternoon tailgate. This fall leggings and a great long plaid top are another fun and comfortable alternative.

I owe all of this fab back to the basics style advise to fashion icon Tim Gunn and the Suite 101 (www.suite101.com). OK ladies…bring this checklist on your next shopping spree to “fix” any wardrobe challenges the fall routine may have revealed.

Cheers Fashionistas,

LuLu

Taking it outdoors

What do we Southerners do when Fall arrives? We head outside! After enduring the summer heat, the weather is finally cool and comfortable and we are ready to embrace the chill. Whether it’s a football game, an oyster roast or a cocktail party under the stars, we search for occasions to enjoy the cool air and beautiful fall foliage. As such, I’m always on the quest for the perfect jacket. For me, outerwear is like a book cover…just a little preview to what fab outfit lies underneath (or not! Throw on a tank top and jeans…no one will know! That’s the beauty of bold outerwear).

A blazer, a trench, a jacket, a coat...fur, leather, cotton, canvas… The possibilities are endless.

My outerwear advice to you this fall: Seek classic looks and purchase the best you can afford. A consignment shop like Labels is the perfect place to get a designer jacket that will last for years at the fraction of the original price! These wardrobe work horses can be enjoyed year after year. Very true- I love to bring out a classic micro suede trench that my grandmother purchased 40 years ago!

Here’s the lowdown on outerwear that I can’t live without:

Believe in a Blazer- I am always happy to break out my little navy corduroy blazer by Marc Jacobs. Nothing can remake an outfit quite like the power of a blazer. This classic jacket looks great when paired with a sparkly top and fantastic designer jeans. And for a more intellectual look, I like to pair it with a simple skirt and a scarf…I immediately feel like a book worm…to the library I must go!

Quilted Comfort- Nothing – I mean nothing- is better than living in the south in the Fall. It’s not too cold to be outside, regardless of the time of day and we sure do take advantage of it. Whether you’re headed to a football game, an oyster roast, a hike in the mountains or a simple trip to the grocery store, I consider this Ralph Lauren quilted jacket the official chief work-horse of all jackets. Every girl needs one. They are classic, durable and super chic regardless of what ya pair it with.

A Passion for Pattern- Whether you are 22 or 82, a jacket with just the hounds tooth can make the basic black dress go from understated to va va voom! This is not your everyday coat…a statement maker. You can make it versatile by pairing with black skinny pants for a night out or cargo pants for weekend casual. Pair with simple jewelry and a great red clutch to create an outfit with pizzazz for any occasion.

Trust in the Trench- Whether you are headed out to a night at the symphony or throwing on a jacket over your sweats for a quick run to Wal-Greens, the perfect trench like this one Burberry, can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit and can remake your look from head to toe. Dress it up, make it sexy, choose a funky pattern, buy an exquisite brand…this trusted wardrobe staple can change your life (well maybe not your whole life, but at least your wardrobe).

Feelings for Fur- My feelings for fur run deep. I love the fact that we can go for a rustic look and pair a little fur jacket with cowboy boots and a trendy plaid shirt. Or we can invest in a fabulous formal fur coat that can be worn to even the most sophisticated charity ball. Though it never really gets all that cold here, it’s still fun to glam up with a little fur.

Singing in the Rain- Every girl needs a good rain jacket. Actually you need two. First you need a Saturday- fun rain jacket that can be worn with a mini skirt and wellies. Second- It’s imperative to have a nice, classic nylon rain jacket that can be paired with a cocktail dress. Nothing is worse than arriving soggy to a formal affair. I really like this by Dana Buchman with removable fur trim collar.

Mr. LaBelle and I are headed to the mountains this weekend for a little romantic getaway and some serious antique shopping. I have my jackets and coats packed and ready…no matter the weather, regardless of the occasion, I have what I need to make a statement. Who said jackets were just for warmth?

Cheers Fashionistas!

Lulu LaBelle

We're going PINK

Breast cancer affects everyone not just the person who is diagnosed- mothers, sisters, brothers, husbands, children, friends and co-workers. In the time it takes me to type this sentence, someone in the world will be diagnosed. You girls know I can be really passionate about things….and breast cancer is one of them. No one is immune from the possibility and regardless of who you are, at some point in your life, chances are you or someone you care about could be diagnosed. That’s why I am joining women across the country to fight for a cure.

Our beloved Greenville is joining me and we are painting the town PINK to build awareness and FIGHT! I will be the first to say that I am not typically a PINK kind of girl, but this cause brings out the PINK in me. There are several events next week to raise money for this cause so I decided I needed to get out there and see what Pink I could find.

Here’s the thing, even if you, like me, are one of those girls who shy away from PINK, we can all admit a little PINK, can do wonders to bring out the rosy glow in your face. And what girl doesn’t want to show off a youthful rosy glow? And the other beautiful thing about PINK is that it goes with most every color: chocolate brown, black, caramel, white, navy and even red (one of my favorite pairings).

So- here’s what I found: For the Thursday night cocktail celebration in honor of a dear friend who was just diagnosed, I plan to wear a little black dress, this cute PINK wrap and this great Lilly grosgrain ribbon clutch. You can always count on Lilly to make PINK so chic!

Friday I plan to skip out on work and meet the girls for lunch and shopping (I always try to take a few Fall Fridays off to enjoy the PERFECT weather). I found these awesome PINK Seven chords. Pair them with a white t-shirt and this great Kate Spade chocolate brown purse with a subtle pink accent on the side and I am ready for whatever comes my way.

For the Susan G. Komen race on Saturday, I figure the morning will be a little chilly, so I found this classic Burberry PINK quilted jacket. It’ll add a little Jackie O’ to my shorts and running shoes!

And since I was in the mood for PINK, I found a few other must-haves to add to my wardrobe. It’ll be nice to step out of my black and white box! I love this great Tahari PINK and caramel jacket. The lush texture of the fabric screams indulgence.

I also fell in love with this Carlisle jacket and skirt. Feminine suits are all the rage this Fall. This jacket with subtle, not so frilly, PINK and chocolate brown twill and attention grabbing detailing is perfect for the board room and can even be paired with jeans for a night out.

WOW- I never really thought I could find PINK so fun and fabulous. I am ready to raise money for a great cause. If you want to join me, head down to Flour Field on Saturday morning…Don’t forget your PINK!

Cheers Fashionistas,

Lulu LaBelle