When wearing a bold pattern like abstract or digital prints keep your silhouette simple. Since these patterns stand out on their own it is best to balance them out with solid accessories and shoes. The statement is being made in the print and you don’t want the rest of your outfit to fight with that print!

Collarless jackets are all the rage this season. Whether it is trimmed in chain, beading or embellished detail, the jacket looks best when paired with a simple white shirt or camisole worn underneath. Make an impact with accessories like this statement necklace shown below.

Monochromatic colors make mixing patterns simple. In this business casual style outfit we kept the palette to neutral shades and lavender. Together these soft tones allow a bold plaid pattern to look chic against a floral blouse. Since the pencil skirt and boyfriend cardigan are classic silhouettes, we were also able to play with ruffle accents on the blouse and t-strap pumps without overwhelming the outfit.

Adding accessories is a quick and easy way to update your work wardrobe. As you can see from each of the above outfits, accessories add another level of sophistication and style. This season look for Lucite jewelry, denim handbags, and statements necklaces in every color!

These top trends will move your work wardrobe into Spring. It’s easy to let your style become more casual in warmer months; use trends like collarless jackets and safari inspired blazers to pull together your outfits. Your personal style sends a message to coworkers, supervisors, and customers. Send a strong message that says, “I am a professional, feminine, and chic business woman!” Enjoy the new season of trends and Happy Shopping!

Lace Toppers

So light and versatile, lace can be used to add a touch of girly to any outfit! Wear it as the centerpiece such as a tea-length cocktail dress, or as a soft and subtle touch in a casual t-shirt or blazer lining; whatever the case, lace is definitely HOT! A lace jacket with a simple tank underneath, or a lace blouse under a lightweight vest or wrap can be perfect for the casual girls night out. Check out Fred’s expansive dress attic for multiple versions of the lace frock!

Pastels

These Easter egg-esque hues can bring sunshine to any spring day! Corals, lavender, teals, and pale yellow look stunning and can transition from day to night! Strut your stuff in a strapless dress for day and throw on a cropped black or cream leather jacket over it for drinks at night. Pastels on corsets this season add sexiness and femininity all at once! Opt for depth and texture with romantic detailing of lace, ribbon, zippers, or color blocking rather than solid streamlined colors in your pastel wardrobe this season.

Drapery in Short

Keep things easy & breezy with paper -thin fabrics as we transition towards summer. It’s shorts season ladies! Put on that self tanner and slip on one of this season’s MUST HAVE trends. Black flounced shorts are a casual and dressy piece every girl should own as a closet go-to. They look great with a solid color tank or a billowy top paired with flats or heels (depending on the occasion). Stray from bulgy cargo shorts and seek out the sultry silks, cottons, linen and rayon blends. These fabrics will be more figure flattering and look great as an alternative to skirts! Fred is excited to carry multiple options of the flirty go-to short this season!

Crystal Clear

Sort of brings you back to your childhood with it’s clear plastic look, but crystal Lucite jewelry is a great way to dress up any work or formal outfit. Pair it with a plain top and black blazer or step lively into a cocktail party and wear it with your stand-by LBD! Mix strands of silver and gold necklaces or bangles to accent your favorite dress this wedding season!

Remember . . . Whatever your look, and whatever your style, Fred Boutique has got you covered!

Please check out my upcoming Blog Fashion Speak on fredboutique.com!

As women we have less direction and more rules on what is and isn’t appropriate. The gals at bizMe have covered a long list of Office Fashion No’s and why Sexy is not a corporate look. We agree with all of this advice and want to take it a step further with some of the things you can do.

Some articles of clothing naturally feel more feminine then others, like dresses and skirts for example. To add a professional quality to these ladylike pieces look for structured fabrics, tailored seams, and appropriate hems and necklines.

This first dress takes a traditional plaid pattern and gives it a twist with graphic painted strokes. A slight scoop neck, puff sleeves, and a belted waistline play up your curves without making the look overtly sexy. Our second career look is a sleeveless dress made out of suiting fabric which will layer nicely under a professional blazer or can stand on its own in business casual offices. This style features a skinny belt which enhances the polished feel of the dress. And then, the timeless wrap dress– versatile and easy enough for casual days at the office. We recommend wearing a demi-cami underneath to keep your look office appropriate.

On the other end of the spectrum, blazers are considered very professional. Tailoring is the most important feature and this look can be made more feminine with softer fabrics and pleat or ruffle details. A nipped in waist will show off your curves in a very professional way. This first jacket has subtle pleats on the patch pockets and princess seams giving the perfect touch to this otherwise traditional styling. Instead of black, tan, or charcoal, try pink tweed with three quarter sleeves and one button closure.

As recently noted in The New York Times, Dressing for Success is New Again (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/fashion/17CODES.html?pagewanted=1&8dpc&_r=3). The rise of AMC TV series “Mad Men” has made dressing up fashionable. While The New York Times article focused on menswear, this show has also inspired many womenswear trends. With an easy femininity, ruffled blouses look chic layered under jackets and pencil skirts feel pulled together and professional. Adding peep toe pumps completes the look for any career minded dame.

A New Year is upon us and while you are fine tuning your resolutions, take some time to consider your professional image. Are you dressing to impress every day at the office? We want you to usher in 2010 looking professional, feminine, and chic and we are here to show you how. Follow our tips and get your look right every time!

With new spring merchandise starting to arrive post holidays, you’ll want to stop in and grab the season’s hottest styles now. Forget about the cold weather and start getting that spring wardrobe underway. Plaid shirts are always a great transition piece . . . easily layered over long sleeve shirts or under cardigans. Channel your inner early 90s grunge and score some great plaid numbers today.

In the Trenches: Trench Warmers

Finding that perfect spring coat seems to be an ongoing dilemma for some, but not this year. Trench coats are everywhere . . . whether it be the classic khaki trench, or a more military-style or even a ruffled feminine version, there will be no problems finding a trench that suits everyone. Worn over dresses or with jeans and the plaid top, you’ll always look put together and stylish.


Everything’s Coming Up Roses

What says spring more than flowers? After a winter of chunky knits and layering pieces, it’s time to reach for the floral print dresses that are just begging to be worn this time of year. It doesn’t matter if you like bold ‘n bright florals or soft ‘n muted . . . any floral print frock will complete your spring wardrobe perfectly. Balance out the feminine style of the floral dress with the rougher military trench and you’ll be ahead of the game.

Store Locations

fred
524 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414.273.3733 (p)
414.273.3734 (f)
www.fredboutique.com




4407 N Oakland Ave
Shorewood, WI 53211
414.967.7760
www.fredboutique.com

Hours of Operation

Downtown
Monday 10:30-8pm
Tuesday 10:30-8pm
Wednesday 10:30-8pm
Thursday 10:30-8pm
Friday 10:30-8pm
Saturday 10:30-9pm
Sunday 12-5pm

Closed Monday’s in Shorewood

The Flirty Frock is Your Spring Wardrobe MVP

Trade your black tights for bare legs. Heavy tweeds for airy chiffons. Covered arms for tanned, tank-strapped shoulders. Spring has finally sprung and there’s no shortage of fun, flirty dresses to get you in a sunny state of mind.

For the first time in a long time, we’re talking flattering looks for absolutely every figure. From slim sheaths and sack tunics to trapeze minis and babydoll maxis, the diverse silhouettes of Spring 08 seem to have every girl’s back.

So no more worries about mixing and matching or pulling off uncomplimentary shapes like high-waist trousers and skinny-leg jeans. With the right dress, you’ve got an altogether outfit in seconds. The only accessories required? A great pair of sandals (go for the gladiators!) and some newly bronzed cheeks.

What could be more effortless? Whether you’re an all-out girly girl or streamlined sophisticate, the dress is bound to be the season’s most valuable asset for work or play everyday. Here are five key looks to add to your spring lineup: