Josef Boutique

March 20, 2009

Wren spring fashion week party

Wren designer and founder, Melissa Coker, with models during Spring Fashion Week

We thought that this is a very relevant picture since we just received Wren’s Spring line. We love to see how girls wear the clothing we have in the store out on the streets in their everyday lives. Melissa is actually wearing our black Full Mini in this picture with a purple top, blue cardigan and black flats – so cute!
Also, on the right a model is wearing the Sepia Full Mini we have in the shop. Pairing the skirt with a golden cardigan, white tee and white oxfords is genius. We’re inspired by the color palette of the clothing – true to Wren form elegant and intelligent. For more of Melissa’s pictures click here.

March 19, 2009

One of Spring’s new silhouettes

Josef strives to keep you current and remain on the cutting edge of fashion. One of the newest bodies that we love and have in the shop is the Chameau Blouse by Paul & Joe Sister. It’s like the one pictured above, but in a slate/brown color. We love how it’s styled with the paperbag-waist pants and strappy wedge boots. For Spring, choose relaxed pieces at the same time keeping them refined.
If the tie-waist pants aren’t something you’d normally wear, try the blouse tucked out with dark jeans and gladiator flats. Accessorize the outfit with a luxuriously big bag, gold bangles and a men’s-size watch. Along with the great cut, the Chameau Blouse has a must-have price, it’s $88.00 and made of a Lyocell and Cotton blend. The weather seems to be warming up, so treat yourself to a little bit of luxury for a basic price! Have a great afternoon.

March 18, 2009

Royal Albert 100 years

We saw this in a home magazine yesterday wanted to share it with you. It’s a Royal Doulton 10-piece boxed set of tea cups and saucers from 1950-1990. It’s priced at $129.99 from $260.00 on the Royal Doulton web site. We’re not sure how long the special offer will last, so we suggest getting your set today! We thought the cups would be great to write about because they really match the personality of the shop and, like Josef, it’s a collection of fine pieces that come together to tell a cohesive story. We also love the price point. Yes, ladies, we’ll always share the deals with you, and our story for Spring is as follows.

To adapt to the current times, Josef Boutique has brought in more entry-level pieces from our favorite designers. For Spring 2009, we have 100% cotton tops and dresses from Steven Alan, Wren and New York’s much buzzed about It Girl Catherine Holstein. Jewelry is another option for our cost-cautious following. We have beautifully delicate necklaces from LA designer, Alisa Michelle. Prices start at $66. Most importantly, to do our part for the economy, Josef offers high quality clothing and denim designed and manufactured in the USA.

March 17, 2009

Steven Alan spring group 2 coming soon to Josef

We wanted to give you a little preview of the second group of Steven Alan’s Spring Collection. Pictured above is the Soma Silk Dress in navy/red floral. We love this dress for Spring with one of our new Alisa Michelle necklaces, the perfect pair of black Lanvin flats and a Derek Lam bag. Even better, this dress can be worn now in the not-so-hot weather with a chunky gray cardigan and flat knee boots. We’re excited to be getting this cute little dress at the end of March.

In the meantime, we have our new Spring clothing, which is a collection of cotton outwear, tops, dresses and a mix of flirty skirts and shorts, in store now! Our Fall and Holiday clothing is still on sale. Check out our SALE items online or in the shop ASAP. We hope you have a wonderful afternoon!

February 28, 2009

Wren Fall Presentation

In the middle of February designers converged to New York City to present their Fall collections. We got a sneak peak at Melissa Coker’s Wren Fall Collection. Staying true to her signature look, Melissa has created wonderful separates and to-die-for dresses. We love Wren because the clothes are sweet and fun, but always sophisticated. Wren girls are smart, worldly and have a witty sense of humor. We’re excited for this line and are looking forward to bringing in some sweaters and coats from the group.
To read more on Melissa’s NYC Fashion Week experience, click here. It’s always a treat to read about the inner workings of being a fashion designer. Enjoy!

February 27, 2009

Steven Alan Spring 2.28.09

Here’s a sneak peak at our selection of Steven Alan Spring! From right to left: Paige Top – steel blue/gray double gauze body, with crochet straps and racer back; McCarren Dress – violet/white stripes, shirt dress style; Kensington Shirt – rainbow stripe and tie at neck; Double gauze reverse seam shirt – gray oxford style. When the clock strikes 12 (EST), be sure to visit the site and click the Steven Alan link on the left. You’ll find full descriptions, pricing information and our standard 3-shot view of the front, back and side. Our favorites from this group are the Paige Top and the Reverse Seam Shirt! See you at midnight.

February 26, 2009

3 spring clothing essentials

If you’re like us, you probably have a budget in mind when buying clothes for a new season. Spring clothes are arriving and there will be a lot of choices. We have a few suggestions for you to freshen up your wardrobe. If you’re spending money on clothes, make sure they’re pieces that will carry you throughout Spring and Summer. You’d be surprised at how certain pieces can update your current collection of clothing from past seasons.

Buy 1 new pair of jeans. Whether they are skinny or straight leg, bootcut or trouser style, a new pair of jeans can change the look of your current t-shirts and blouses. We suggest our Found Symone and Agatha jeans. Do you have an old graphic tee that you still love to wear? Wear it with one of the Found jeans, brown leather sandals, gold bracelets and your favorite pair of sunglasses. This outfit can be your go-to outfit for the season.
To stay current, buy a top from the newest collection of your favorite designer. Every season designers have a new theme for their collections. Treat yourself to one of their signature pieces by getting a top. Tops are easy because your can wear them with the jeans, shorts, and skirts you already have. We suggest our Twinkle by Wenlan Ariel tank. Wear this cute little cami blouse with a khaki cargo miniskirt, heeled peeptoe booties and a long gold chain charm necklace for an easy date outfit.
1 cute sundress will get your through the more dressy occasions of Spring and Summer. Wear it to bridal and baby showers, weddings, special dinners, religious celebrations and birthdays. Our Paul & Joe Sister Vienne Empire Waist sundress will work for all of these events. For chilly evenings wear a fitted cream cardigan. The dress works with both heels and flats!

We hope this helps you the next time you’re out and about shopping. Remember, less is more!

February 25, 2009

Crazy for Mad Men

Since hearing Matthew Weiner, creator and producer of the television series Mad Men, on NPR’s Fresh Air last summer we’ve been hooked and eagerly awaiting the third season. Mad Men follows the lives of highly competitive men and women on Madison Avenue in New York during the early 1960′s. The story is intriguing, complicated, and at times amusing. We were dedicated viewers after Episode 1. In the show, the men, women and families lived a much more sophisticated and elegant life. Women dressed up and men wore suits.
Mad Men has not only influenced home and office interiors with authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture and housewares, but it has also influenced the revival of the hourglass shape. The dresses and silhouettes of Peggy, Joan and Betty remind of us our new Twinkle by Wenlan Nicely Tied Dress. See our model Ashley in the Twinkle dress below. Very Joan, no?

Top photo: blogs.mysanantonio.com and Photo of Ashley: Ed Ho

February 24, 2009

Josef Survey: how do you shop?

It’s been very interesting working in the shop these past months. After many visitors, it’s fun to see how women shop for themselves. I know how I shop, and I’ll tell you a little bit about my process after you answer a few of my questions. These questions are for the power shoppers, that’s right – you know who you are.

Do you shop online or at a boutique only when you know what you need to buy?
What do you look at first, the price or construction of a piece of clothing?
How often do you try things on in the store?
Out every five purchases, how many will you return?
When you are in a store shopping, do you like to have the sales staff tell you about the clothes or do you like to be left alone to discover by yourself?

I tried to word the questions so that the answers would be just a few words each. Have fun with the survey, you’ve mastered the art of shopping and I look forward to reading what you have to say. Thank you so much for taking the time to take this short survey!

February 23, 2009

Coming Soon: Catherine Holstein Spring 2009!

We’ve been eagerly awaiting our Catherine Holstein Spring delivery! It’s in transit as you read this. From her Spring 2009 collection, we selected the long sleeve blue/white striped top, the tan floral t-shirt, and the linen high-waisted shorts in flax. The pieces are simple and elegant; relaxed but refined. Both tops will look great with our Found Denim Agatha and Symone jeans, and since it’s still cold and rainy they’ll go perfectly with our Paul & Joe Sister Paris Trench Coat. If you’re as excited as we are, read up on Catherine on the New York Times web site.