It seems Merra-Lee is associated with fond memories for customers as well as for those of us who’ve worked here.  I know Halloween just won’t be the same to me without Clifford in our alcove terrorizing…I mean handing out candy to adorable Trick-or-Treaters.

We always had such fun partying with our customers at special events, like the NAOT V.I.P. Royal-Tea party,  and being serenaded by the Merry Carolers throughout the shops during Christmas walk—they’ll be back this year!

We’d love for you to share your fondest Merra-Lee memories with us in the comments below.  If you’ve got pictures or would like to have your story put up as it’s own post, just e-mail me at bev@merralee.com and I’ll set you up.  (And hey, we’ll be happy to hear about new memories you make with fabulous deals at our Going Out of Business Sale, starting tomorrow—doors open at 9am.)

The day I came to the store it was very busy. The salesperson was attentive and professional and instantly knew what would look good on me. Having the dress, shoes, purse,  jewelry and even undergarments at one store was very convenient.

I want to applaud the East Room for the excellent  customer service. They made my shopping experience pleasant.

-Pat

Real Simple Magazine recently posted an excellent series of articles on how to flatter specific body types through fashion—what to wear and what not to wear. Here’s a quick and dirty summary from our buyers—study up and then come into Merra-Lee, The Meeting Place, and Boutique 15 and let our new summer fashions work their magic!  The principles below also apply to formal styles at The East Room.

Apple Shape:  Tends to carry the most weight around the midsection.

Apple shapes should wear:

• Angular lines
• Wrap tops
• Anything with a corset-style structure
• Pleating and gathering under the bust
• Deep v-necks and scoop necks
• Straight-leg bottoms
• Higher-waisted pants and pants with a bit of stretch to hold stomach in

Apple shapes shouldn’t  wear:

• Extreme A-lines, or anything too blousy that lacks shape
• Busy details like pocketing on top half
• Patterns that don’t match overall size (e.g. don’t wear small prints on a bigger frame)

Pear Shape:  Smaller on top/bigger on bottom

Pear Shapes should wear:

• Darker colored pants with stiff or stretch fabric
• Seams that run down the front of the leg
• Fluted skirts
• Lower and thicker waistbands
• Tops that are slightly A-line
• Low-slung tunic tops
• ¾-length jackets and tops

Pear Shapes shouldn’t wear:

• Fading on your denim, which highlights trouble areas
• Too-tight tops
• Attention-grabbing pocket details on the hips and thighs

Hourglass Shape: Curvy around bust and hips with smaller waist

Hourglass Shapes should wear:

• Simple, solid shapes
• Thick belts
• Pencil skirts
• Volume around the shoulder
• Wrap tops, scooped and boatneck necklines
• Bootcut or flare pants

Hourglass shapes shouldn’t wear:

• Ruffles
• Frills
• Lapels
• Busy patterns
• Straight, boxy shapes

Boy Shape:  Straight up and down

Boy shapes should wear:

• Details at the bust such as ruffles, wraps and rouching
• Sleeveless tops and halters
• High-waisted skirts
• Bootcut pants and jeans, with a lower rise

Boy shapes shouldn’t wear:

• Menswear-inspired styles
• Straight cuts
• “Boyfriend” jeans

Taking a cue from popular trends in Europe, many women who shop at The East Room are opting for elegant pantsuits over  traditional gowns for their formal events.  This includes mothers of the bride, mothers of the groom, and special guests of the wedding or any formal event.

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The look is often more comfortable than a special occasions dress, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t also have elegance and style—as you can see by the formal pant suits pictured here.  All four of these designs are by Ursula, one of the many couture designers you’ll find in our boutique.  Ursula designs come in petite, missy, and plus sizes.

The new handbags that have just arrived at The East Room are absolutely fabulous.   Bold beading and detailing in small handbags make an elegant fashion statement without being overpowering.  Look for unique beads, bows, and decorative clasps.

You’ve found the perfect dress, shoes, and jewelry for your upcoming wedding or special occasion,  now it’s time to give as much attention to your handbag selection.  It’s not only a practical accessory for keeping track of the tiny essentials for the day, its an opportunity to ensure that your look is couture all the way.

Most women automatically think of a dress or gown when they have a formal event on the horizon, but we’ve helped many women create elegant ensembles from couture designer separates.  Separates offer women the ultimate in flexibility for their body types and fashion preferences.

Match a classic sleeveless top with long pants, or an open shouldered top with a knee length skirt.  Add on a long sleeved shrug for evening, if you like.  Stick with classic black or add some sparkle.  For a more traditional look wear a long skirt with a dramatic collared shirt.  Or throw all these ideas out the window and invent a completely new combination!  The choice is all yours.

The East Room carries separates by Joseph Ribkoff, Karen Kane, Tadashi, Alex Evenings and many more top designers.

We love Daymor because its designs have a contemporary feel without feeling trendy.  The designer knows how to make original modern fashions feel elegant and classic.  The fabrics and styles are chosen to flatter a variety of figures, and Daymor Couture looks as good on the body as it does on the hanger—actually, even better.

This couture collection includes a variety of cocktail dresses, gowns, and suits available in petites, missy, and plus sizes. Several styles come with matching jackets or shawls so they easily move from day to night.

Designers at the Mother of the Wedding and Special Occasions Trunk Show include:

Cameron Blake

Damianou

Daymor

Jade

Junnie Leigh

Montage

The East Room trunk show is is from 10:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 23 &24, and from noon until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25.  Our guests will receive 10% off their purchases during the show, and layaway is available.

Special orders placed during this show will be delivered directly to The East Room in Geneva, Illinois in Chicago’s western suburbs. Customer service is a high priority at our boutique shop, with expert on-site alterations as well as elegant accessories, such as shoes, formal jewelry and handbags.  You can even find the undergarments you need to perfect your look at the adjoining lingerie store, She She.

Meet the designers:

Damianou:  Known for their unusual fabrications, this designer