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.)

Here’s a peek at 8 trends for Fall/Winter 2011:

Fur - Fashions have gone wild!  Mixed animal prints are as strong as ever and now fur has joined the safari

Velvet - Crushed velvets with a gentle sheen add an interesting texture and touch of elegance to casual dressing

Graphic Print – Fun, with a touch of drama

Capes and Ponchos – A cozy trend this fall and winter in all sorts of fabrications and colors

Sheer Shoulders – Tease ‘em just a little bit with peek-through lace at the shoulders

Peplum - A feminine flounce at the waist to show off that girlish figure

Lace - As accents or across whole garments, modern lace designs are a must this season

Ruffles - On sweaters, coats, everywhere!

On Thursday, May 12 at 5pm Merra-Lee extends an open invitation to a Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting during which guests can browse the store’s contemporary summer fashions in the brand new interior of this historic boutique. The party will last all weekend through May 15 with sales and giveaways.  Interior designer, Mark Norkaitis of Room 363, has been busy with a comprehensive remodel—starting with a sleek new color pallet (gray tones with black and a touch of blue) and opening up the site’s large windows to let natural light in.

Norkaitis’ design approach is unique in that before beginning a job, he hunts around for “found” items that he can repurpose.  The basement at Merra-Lee turned out to be a gold mine for someone with his creative eye. “It’s amazing all the things that where hiding in the basement for me to use for this space. I have friends that would go crazy for dress forms that were down there!” Norkaitis says.  Other treasures that have been given new life are the stunning black crystal chandelier that now greets customers as they step through the door and a collection of vintage disco balls that give the elegant surroundings a touch of whimsy.

Not to be outdone by the entrancing new design of the store itself, the clothing collection at Merra-Lee has also been refreshed.  The store’s buyer, Leslie Waterson has just returned from market and explains, “We’ll always carry the classic styles that our customers depend on, but our collection is punched up with current fashion items with embellishments and styling. Our customers are excited about the fresh jewelry and accessories we’re showing this season.”

Merra-Lee has been a staple in the landscape of downtown Geneva, IL since 1929, when it was founded by Sol Simon and Rose Becker Kozberg.   In 1941 the shop moved to the corner of State and Third Streets, former site of the Betsy Ross Tea Room in the historic Geneva Hotel, and has been there ever since.

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

The Merra-Lee shop is all NEW, and we’re ready to celebrate with big savings for YOU!

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Explore the New Merra-Lee:

Fun, Fresh & Fabulous!

Color is an important factor this spring and summer, as well as geometric shapes, particularly circles.    Warmer colors are appearing in metals, such as copper tones, antiqued silver, and tri-colored necklaces and earrings.  We’re also seeing an emphasis on eco-friendly materials such as wood and bone. The Meeting Place has an interesting collection of rings made from replenishable Tagua Nuts.

Strands will start to get thinner and more graceful as we move into the summer season. But simple doesn’t have to be bland. Charms and vintage elements are going to be very big in costume jewelry this year, but on thinner chains and spread out more so each charm can be appreciated.  Also, semi-precious gemstones are still popular, like this collection of rings by Anne Koplick.

For bracelets, look for edgy antiqued metal cuffs and leather embellished cuffs, as well as multi-layered bangles.

Merra-Lee’s selection of  contemporary fashions for women of all ages and expanded collection of fabulous casual jewelry will be showcased in sleek, new surroundings, where you’ll be bathed in natural light because we’re knocking down walls to let the sun in.

We don’t want to spoil the surprise…but we can’t resist giving you these peeks at what you can expect at the new Merra-Lee.  We’re open during construction, so feel free to stop by 230 W. State Street for a real-life sneak preview.

Watch for details regarding our official Grand Re-Opening event this spring.

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Shark tail: Don’t worry, the “mermaid” look isn’t back…yet, anyhow. But we’re still going under the sea this spring with shark tail points accenting the bottoms of tees and other tops.

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Slouch pockets: Or drape pockets.  Cut to match the laid-back feel of Spring 2011, these over-sized pockets casually drape, or slouch, at the bottom of tops and dresses this season.

Slub knits: a lightweight knit with short horizontal lines of texture running throughout. It has nice stretch and drape, so it’s perfect for tops, T shirts and cardigans.

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Tresses: Tunic + Dress.  These multi-purpose tops or dresses are stronger than ever and work well over slim pants and leggings/jeggings. Jegging (jeans + legging) is another fairly new term, first gaining in widespread use last fall.  Jeggings continue to be a fashion staple this spring.

Brand new spring fashions are arriving at our stores, and it’s time to refresh those wardrobes.  We know keeping up with the latest trends can be confusing and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.   Many of the items currently hanging in your closet are still trending, so all you need to do is add a few key pieces to keep your look easily and affordably up-to-snuff.

Our buyers are out at the markets talking to industry experts and top designers to learn what’s going to be hot this summer.  There’s a lot to know, so we’re going to break down this coming season’s fashion tips into a series of posts, or “classes” so stop back regularly for:

Spring Fashion 2011 101!

To start out, here’s a quick peek at Spring 2011:

Something Old: Sleeveless tops and dresses are still strong, as are slim pants and jeggings.

Something New: Skirts are getting longer, going to knee and tea lengths.  Stripes are hot. Other new styles: slub knits, shark tails, slouch pockets, and tresses (don’t know what these are?  Neither did I. Tune in to the next post).

Something Borrowed: The fashion world is borrowing heavily from the military this upcoming season, with lots of khaki’s and utilitarian-wear.

Something Blue: …and coral and lime green and khaki!  Khakis and other military-inspired neutrals are strong, but at the same time so are bright colors and floral prints.  Mixing colors and styles will be HUGE in Spring 2011.

Our next lesson will be a tutorial on Spring 2011 Fashion Vocabulary, in which we learn what in the heck a Slub Knit is and why you want it.

We know many of our customers value American made clothing. At our shops, we purchase women’s apparel from the best designers around the globe, so our clothing and jewelry collections are international; however, because  quality is just as important to our buyers as style, a natural result is that many of our women’s fashion lines are made right here in the U.S.A.

In our stores, you’ll find “Made in the U.S.A.” labels in women’s designer tops, pants, dresses and T shirts, including fashions by:

Carol Tomkins; Cut Loose; Fenini; Hanky Panky; Hodges; Jenny B; Nally & Millie;
Staples

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Several pieces in our unique  jewelry collection are also American made,  including designer pieces by:

Anne Koplic

Kelsey Lynn Kreations

Marjorie Baer