More from Paris - Guest post from Jocelyn

Today's post is from Jocelyn, the amazing Buyer at SOL. She's been with us on several Paris trips and she not only makes it more fun to be here, she's a whiz at spotting trends so I love to have her around. She's a trooper, too - she's been battling the flu but still managed to smile and take in everything the show and the city has to offer. Enjoy!

xoxo, Cindy

It is wonderful to be back in Paris!

As soon as I get to Paris, I like to make time for a walk. It is the best way to jump right in and get inspired by this magical city. You get to feel the cobblestone under your feet, see the amazing architecture and smell the aromas coming from the bistros. It also helps keep the jet-lag at bay! My walk led me to Galleries Lafayette where they are having their annual sale (Coincidence? I think not!) I headed straight to the third floor to their huge lingerie department and scooped up two bra and panty sets from Antinea, one of my favorites.

The next morning we are off to Salon International de laLingerie. Each time I arrive at SIL, I am struck by how vast it is. Panties as far as the eye can see! There are brands from all over the world represented at this show. It is so inspiring to see what is new and to imagine how it will fit back in to SOL and be just the right thing for each of you. One of the big trends this year for autumn is patterns – from florals to stripes to polka dots and beyond. (You all are good! We've been asking our Facebook followers what they prefer and patterns have been the overall winner!) Another trend that is everywhere is retro lingerie styling – think 1950s, in a good way. And for color, it is rich jewel-tones as well as subtle nudes.

Our vendor appointments this year were really special because we got to meet some of the people responsible for the designs. At LiseCharmel, we met one of their new designers who showed us several new styles.

I love meeting my lingerie colleagues from around the world.

At Van de Velde, we had the pleasure of meeting the brand managers for both Prima Donna and Marie Jo. They were very interested in hearing what our customers love about the brands, and they wanted to know what could make these brands even better (is that possible?!) We also got to meet two of the designers at Aubade. It was so great to meet the people behind that perfectly fitting bra, that dazzling color combination, and that just right little bow.

Bruce and I exploring my favorite city.

I am inspired. I am ready to come back to SOL and bring a little bit of Paris back to share with you!
-Jocelyn

Why do SOL Girls love Prima Donna?

In the words of SOL Girl Anna: "Prima Donna changed my life. Tears came to my eyes during my very first fitting. The quality of these bras cannot be touched and they fit me like a glove. Prima Donna gives me the confidence I've always searched for. I'd struggled with my large size my entire life, until Prima Donna entered my world. It feels like the bras were specifically designed for my physique and I couldn't feel more beautiful."


Cindy says, "Prima Donna is unique due to their fit, comfort and beauty. We have tried loads of different lines for the big boob gals. Nothing compares!"


"Where do I even start?," says fitter Jordy. "SOL loves Prima Donna because of its unmatched quality and support combined with beautiful lace patterns and colors. Prima Donna fits me better than anything else and I will be forever spoiled because of this brand. I never knew how phenomenal my clothes could look until my first Prima Donna, and I will never go back--nor will our customers. Putting those bras on my customers is just as enjoyable for me as it is for them. THANK YOU, Prima Donna, for everything! "


According to Kendall:
"Prima Donna is always such a transformative brand to put on people. You look at a gal when she walks in and you know immediately, "I am going to change your world today." The bras are consistently of the highest quality, impeccably designed and constructed, and stunningly beautiful. Prima Donna makes my job so easy and rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing a women stand up straighter not only because she is getting unparalleled support, but also because she feels a renewed sense of beauty and confidence."


Lara says, "I love to sell Prima Donna because it fits so great that each and every girl who wears it feels like it was made especially for her. I love to wear it for how unbelievably comfortable they are and how pretty I feel in them!"


And in the words of Krista:
"Prima Donna bras are beautiful and functional...who knew my everyday bra could be so gorgeous!!! I love the classic colors and styles that fit a curvy figure like mine."


To see Prima Donna's Spring/Summer collection click here.

Inspiration on every corner...

Incredible day! We started with Lise Charmel. Nicolas and George are always gracious hosts, New York or Paris! We were reminded of just how gorgeous Spring Lise Charmel looks but, the fun of Summer is just minutes away. Pictures of the collections weren’t allowed, but suffice it to say, the laces, as always, are magnificent! We were able to photograph an exhibit in their booth: 2 of the seamstresses who construct samples were at the show demonstrating their craft – sewing together the 42-58 pieces that make up a Lise Charmel bra. Galloons of lace and the inspiration for the collections are shown as well.

What is a galloon you ask? It is the width of lace before a pattern is cut from it to become a part of a bra.

 We zipped off to Le Bourget to bring a quintessential slice of Paris back to Denver. Great News All! More Paris tights on the way and incredibly sexy stockings for Valentine’s Day and beyond!

For instance – Ooh La La!!!

Our perennially favorite stop – spending time with Van de Velde, our Belgian friends that bring the Daisy to our doorstep – oh and all the other incredible items from Marie Jo, Prima Donna, L’Aventure and Twist. Innovations and supreme colors and laces abound! Sneak peek for FW2011 –

but don’t despair, the Daisy in royal blue will grace SOL’s doorstep soon enough! Thank you to Dirk and Inge for a fantastic afternoon and providing Ananda with great opportunities for an inside understanding of Van de Velde’s design world.

There are still many of the Van de Velde family actively involved in the business, including Prima Donna brand manager Elsbeth Van de Velde. Family businesses rule! – We are reminded of just how much fun they can be when we get to spend 3 days working together – the sisters in Paris ahhhh.

A busy, congested ride on the Metro delivered us to a sublime dinner at La Societe in St Germain des Pres with Inge Van Hecke, US country manager for Van de Velde. Lovely conversation, exquisite cuisine (fois gras, oysters, escargot, steak tartarte and perfect wine and coffee!) and off to bed we go but not without some Django Reinhardt on Itunes – if you are in the mood for a Paris moment:

Step One
Download Nuages (by Django Reinhardt)
Step Two
Pour a glass of red wine
Step Three
Snuggle up in some divine SOL silk and a Cashmere Robe (we unintentionally happened to bring matching silk gowns . . . and robes too) and you’ll channel a bit of our moment – don’t forget your slippers :)

 

Sleep tight!

Leaves aren't changing yet...but heads are sure turning!

Even though we keep a very close eye on fashion trends and see what designers are doing months in advance of products being delivered, it still sometimes takes our breath away when we actually see these beautiful colors and styles up close!

We are getting in all of the new Fall collections in colors like amethyst and emerald - here's some of our favorites...

This is the Tonya by Marie Jo. Swoon, right? We've got it in two rich, gorgeous colors. It's fashionable, sensuous, and just the thing to warm your mood when temperatures start cooling down. (Aren't the flowers tres' perfect?) 

And this lovely little number is the Stockholm by Prima Donna. Playful yet classic, elegant yet seductive. And the embroidery on this one is pure luxe, no?

And for the ultimate in cute-meets-comfy? Try the Anouk by Eberjey. Super flattering and come in Shitake (shown here)  and French Vanilla. Love this!


We're so excited for Fall! Keep an eye on the website, we'll add new styles as they get here. Rich purples, teals, beautiful new styles...we can hardly wait.

Perles of Wisdom.

We're super excited to introduce Perle - the new basic that just arrived from Prima Donna. If you're already a Prima Donna girl, you know that they offer some of the most beautiful and comfortable bras and panties - in sizes from 34C to 42G!

The Perle is a great addition to the Prima Donna line...with new styles like a contour plunge, a contour strapless, and a breath-taking high-waisted panty. Yowza.

The Perle Contour Plunge is perfect for v-necks or button-up blouses, this style offers smooth support and a fun detailed strap that will look adorable peeking out of your summer tops. We've got it in cafe latte (perfect for under white) or sexy black.

The Perle Contour Strapless...Think you can't wear a strapless? Think again, ladies! This gorgeous new style from Prima Donna won't let you down. A silicone ribbon runs around the inside of the bra and keeps it right where you want it. If you try it, you're going to love it - and probably spend your whole summer in strapless tops!

The Perle Non Contoured Wire Bra is smooth and minimal with pretty but subtle details. Feminine embroidery on the strap, small pendant between the cups...and there's a secret element! A hidden panel inside the cup pulls you forward, making you look fabulously skinny! You'll feel beautiful - and comfortable - all day long.  And take a look at this gorgeous high waisted thong.  Perfect for under form fitting summer dresses.

Va-va Vroom. Fuel your bra wardrobe.

If you're looking for something to add spark to your summer, look no further. We're excited to have the Kensington from Prima Donna at SOL for it's third appearance...and this time it's in stunning Bouganvilla Fuschia, which can best be described as: Wowza.

Besides the terrific color, the Kensington has special attention to details. Split straps and oversized flower lace add to the luxurious styling.

Overall, it's a spectacularly indulgent addition to your bra wardrobe. Va-vroom.

Purple visions of autumn. Already!

The talented team of SOL Girls had some company this week when our fabulous rep, Anna Ortiz, visited us from San Francisco. She brought with her a whole bunch of sneak previews of what we can expect for fall...and let me tell you, fall's going to be good. Really good.

Isn't she adorable?

We saw breath-taking new goodies from Marie Jo, Prima Donna and Andres Sarda...


Including this STUNNING orchid colored bra and panty set from Sarda. Ooooh. Divine. Purple, how I love thee. (Anyone else have a thing for Donny Osmond back in the day? Just me?)

Now the girls can't wait for autumn - and it's still spring! (Speaking of which, have you stopped in for your "Spring Blossom" Daisy bra yet? They're here and their little green and lavender Daisies are simply perfect!)