Faye's Fall 2014 Newsletter

BROOKFIELD & MEQUON FAYES123.COM

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LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE or SAVING THE WORLD ONE CAS The World Order appears to be falling apart brick-by-brick. Do you feel like I do? That I’m just standing here watching it happen? It is only by circumstance of birth that we are not living in a war zone.

How can we hold thoughts and news of a struggling economy, inexplicable violence, and extreme, destructive weather patterns in the same space we hold our thoughts of this season’s passion for the sheath dress and a buttery soft leather jacket? What about this makes any sense?

Maira Kalman, a contemporary illustrator and essayist, explains how she manages such disparity. Maira says, “You’re always balancing great hope and love of everything with great despair and sadness. I understand the wave of things keeps going. And you muddle along.”.

My emotions run the gamut from feeling thankful for my privileged and safe life to feeling guilty about my “luck”. The only conclusion I can reach about my responsibility is to try and live my life and manage my business with as much consciousness, fairness, and authenticity as possible. As a small business, I have a clear sense of responsibility to our community. I understand, as you do, that to be part of a community, we must support and giveback to organizations and causes that truly make a difference.

I take inspiration wherever I can get it – Marianne Williamson and Dr. Bernie Siegel are long-time favorites.

I’ve paraphrased some of their teachings that I have collected over the years. Together, let’s reflect on how we might make our world – and therefore the whole world – a better place.

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SHMERE SWEATER AT A TIME Seek opportunities to put more compassion and kindness in the world.

Set aside time each day to spend in reflection and contemplation. This step makes us strong.

Become more accepting and less judgmental. This step makes us more gracious.

Forgive anyone you have not forgiven. This step makes us kind.

Recognize and admit your mistakes. This step makes us responsible.

See the good in others. This step keeps us positive.

Take stock of your thoughts and behavior. Each night, let’s ask ourselves, “When was I negative? When was I positive? Was I neurotic when I could’ve been powerful?” This step empowers.

Have faith that you can overcome obstacles. Judge each problem as an opportunity to grow. Listen for your guidance and trust it.

Pace yourself. You don’t have to “break through the pavement” in a single day.

Let’s make sure we are doing our part. What that means is different for each and every one of us.

So, bottom line? We are just one person. But, it is individuals that make up the entire population of the world.

I agree with Dr. Meredith L. Young-Sowers, an expert in the field of integrative and holistic healing. Dr. Young-Sowers says, “Honor all life and take a more direct and forceful stand against brutality and insensitivity to other people, creatures, and Earth’s living systems.”

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Fall 2014 As you peruse this year’s trends, concentrate on building a functional wardrobe – one that fits your lifestyle and helps take stress out of your life.

Shop thoughtfully – thinking about what you are most comfortable in...which clothes make you feel good…and what events you have coming up. And, remember, no matter what your age, size, or budget, there are ways to update your wardrobe.

COLOR ME MAUVE MIST. Pastels are having a moment – especially the blush pinks and dusty blues.

MINI ME AND YOU. The season’s IT BAG is a mini!

The cross-body is the trendiest of the minis (and the most functional!).

IT’S EVERYWHERE. IT’S EVERYWHERE. Trends evolve from the runway, from social media/bloggers,and street style.

Photos from events like Coachella and Art Basel create a global fashion zeitgeist.

Also, movies and TV shows like Mad Men, Revenge and House of Cards strongly influence fashion.

MAN UP! Menswear prints are everywhere: houndstooth, herringbone, tweeds, plaids, and checks add a dapper sartorial touch to our wardrobes.

“PET ME.” Furs, fringe, haircalf and skins -novelty meets luxury.

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Trends

LEATHER PLAYS NICE. Leather is getting downright charming, making appearances on everything from sweet little dresses to slouchy sweatshirts to knife print skirts. (But, never fear: the biker jacket remains strong!)

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. Evolved daytime sportswear: effortless....

Jogger pants and “elevated� sweatshirts are key items that have morphed activewear into everyday, all-the-time wear. Comfortable yet fashionable outfits that go from gym to lunch and back again.

CROWN JEWELS / ROYAL FLUSH. The predominance of the color RED bleeds luxury. Czarina meets folkloric charm: embroidered floral motifs, luxe fabrics in fur and velvet, heavy golds, and rich stones.

QUEEN FOR A DAY. Black and gold - whether jewelry, handbags, scarves, or ready-to-wear.

POP ART. Cartoon graphics, comic books, graffiti, pop culture, kitsch, slang, and art are the images that define the latest interpretation of fashion whimsy. A visual POW!!!

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THE LACE IS ON. Whether cutwork, crochet or eyelet, this ancient handiwork can still be counted on to take you from “baptism to funeral.”

PRINT MEDLEY. Skulls, owls, flowers, paisley, plaids, leaves, and animal prints are on everything from skinny jeans to wool coat.

Watch for more than one print on the same garment: pattern play!

HIGH-LOW HEMS. A metaphor for the stock market’s fluctuations? Full, below-the-knee, and midcalf skirts are a big story.

KNITTING PRETTY. Textured weaves, patchwork, and contrast sleeves are techniques that make fall’s knits a visual (and tactile) feast. Kitschy graphics and silly statements add a sense of humor to fall sweaters. Crop tops scream TREND. LEGGINGS ARE THE NEW JEAN. Maybe yes, maybe no. Boot cut, boyfriend, and skinny jeans are here to stay. Iconic American.

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POLAR VORTEX. Outerwear rules! Designers mix furs and pony hair as addins; tartans and plaids; boiled wools and luxurious doubleface fabrics in cocoon and boxy silhouettes. But the GLAM PUFFER steals the show! Glam puffers are being referred to as The New Elegance.

TWINKLE TWINKLE. Novelty touches define this season’s jewelry – modern layers of pearls and a feeling for fringe done in various ways, from metal to leather to silk.

• Stunning crystal floral necklaces.

• Art Deco statement cuffs encrusted in crystals.

• Geometric shapes.

• Lacy metals, black chains, and jet beads.

• From slinky snake and cobra chains to edgy links, chains in

all shades of metal are the ultimate fashion connectors.

• Woven together or sewn down to leather or fabric

backs, beaded necklaces go boho chic.

(Trend Report inspired by Accessories Magazine) Stephanie Solomon, NY fashion director, “Fashion...is about luxury, timelessness and elegance.

It’s the opposite of fast fashion – not trend-driven, but driven by craftsmanship, quality, new proportions and luxurious fabrication including fur, tweeds and beads, plaids, velvet and touches of leather.”

Go forth and shop (locally, of course)!

Yours in fashion, Faye Wetzel Founder

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The FAYE’S staff weighs in on the season: The crop top was a fave of three colleagues:

LINDA L, GRETCHEN & SHEREEN: Gretchen says, “The crop top. GASP. No worries, Ladies. I was also a skeptic.

At first I was not a fan of my midriff showing. But when I discovered the crop top paired with this season’s high waisted trouser or even a classic pencil skirt...I fell in love. Crop tops accentuate the waist and create a nice long bottom half. What’s not to love?”

Linda added, “I’m a fan of the crop top over a collared shirt. It’s a way for those of us over 20 (AHEM) to get in on the trend without looking like we are trying too hard.”

ASHLEY: Aztec/tribal prints (sweaters/tops) that can be paired with fringe boots or a fringe purse. Fringe is definitely on-trend.

JEN D: My favorite trend for Fall 2014 is “The Wild Unknown”...don’t be afraid to experiment with your own style and take risks. Mixing preppy with spiritual elements, for example.

JILL: Fall Trend - Mad for (buffalo) plaid classic, eye catching, a little grungy, a whole lot chic!!

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MAGGIE:

Favorite Fall trend? Pantone® color: Sangria!!

Usually when I hear “Fall,” I think, “neutrals...” black and grey. Add a pop of color to your wardrobe this Fall with a beautiful Sangria handbag, cashmere sweater, shoe, or leather jacket.

SARAH: Remember the Polar Vortex? I love the emphasis on cozy knits this season, from nubby to crop to open cardigans to texture with leather -- all styles are amazing back to a skinny jean, fit ‘n flare skirt, trouser or riding pant. Look chic and stay cozy warm!

TIFFANY: I am loving architectural shapes, technologically advanced fabrics and the ELEGANT use of athletic ideas. Another key element is pattern play. Step it up with a great pair of sneakers or skater shoes.

AMY: Fur! Fur! Fur! The choice is endless – some are colorful and daring; some timeless and subtle.

Fur on coats, sweaters and accessories! Sure, fur is fun, but I like it for its function, as well.

Modern furs are lightweight, warm and toasty. Oh – and don’t forget DURABLE. The initial investment is worth it, as year after year, fur will perform.

LO: A Chelsea boot (close-fitting; ankle high).

Worn with a skinny pant, tights and a dress, or over a pair of thick camp socks.

LINDA Z: Walk this way! Boyish flats, skater shoes rather than predictable pumps. So cool!

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New Faces at Faye’s AMY Sales Associate, Brookfield Email: amy@fayes123.com

PAULETTE

Amy is the mother of 6 children! So, as the last one headed off to college, she wasted no time pursuing her (other) passion: FASHION. Her BA degree from Indiana University was in fashion merchandising and marketing. Amy’s beautiful personal style and knowledge of All Things Fashion make her a perfect fit for our Faye’s Family.

Sales Associate, Mequon Email: paulette@fayes123.com Paulette’s extensive customer service career includes retail and working in some of the best restaurants in Milwaukee.

A quiet and calming presence, Paulette is appreciated for her engaging manner with customers and willingness to help out any way and anywhere.

Hobbies: reading (esp fashion mags); dining out; concerts, movies and sporting events; camping; time with family, friends and her 2 cats, Oliver and Norton.

Hobbies: Running; fitness; reading fashion magazines.

And like many of her colleagues, Amy is crazy about dogs...especially her two dachshunds, Millie and Manny.

Community Involvement: Pabst and Riverside Theater groups; Liver Association; MATC Student Orientation and Mentor Program.

SHEREEN Sales Associate, Mequon Email: shereen@fayes123.com

Shereen has done it all: produced fashion segments for major networks; consulted on global fashion buys; coordinated e-commerce ventures; and worked as a rep at a multi-line fashion showroom. (And this is just a partial listing!) So, when she moved back to her hometown of Milwaukee, she was looking for The Perfect Fit. The stars aligned, and Faye’s is thrilled to have her as part of our team.

In addition to her full-time sales position, Shereen has attended trade shows assisting our Head Buyer, Linda.

Hobbies: Spending time with family; spending time with her rescue dogs; being outside; learning to play guitar; and watching movies.

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The Village People (A Farewell Letter)

by Chantal “CJ”Otto, Marketing Manager Everybody asks, “What’s it like working for Faye?” My response? “Have you watched The Devil Wears Prada?” After this first Newbie Stage, it became more like a professor/student relationship. I started at Faye’s when I was still finishing my degree, so my experience was strictly books. To this day, she’s one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had.

I learned new things every day. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, “CJ you need to cut copy when you write.” And, of course, she was right. I still haven’t perfected that skill. Faye sympathizes, saying,” Me neither.” In my head I do the biggest eye-roll ever, because she’s a pro. But that’s what makes her a great teacher.

She’s always striving to better herself, her business and the lives around her.

Everyone at Faye’s has helped better my life. If I need a pick-me-up, I head straight to our COO, Michelle. She knows just what to say and do in every situation. Linda, our head buyer, is a reminder that we all have 24 hours in a day to get sh*t done.

She’s a tough cookie. But guess what? That tough cookie just left the most delicious homemade vodka sauce for you in the fridge, with noodles cooked al dente. I call our head stylist, Jen, my Grasshopper. She’s a style inspiration, and she’s been the Yin to my Yang since day one. Sarah, our manager in Brookfield, is a warrior woman. The saying, “Put your big girl pants on and deal with it” comes to mind.

When you can appreciate all of this, you’ve reached the third and final stage of working for Faye’s. You’re now a tribe member in the Faye’s Village. Every member has a unique role, and they’re all accepted and valued.

Sometimes a tribe member has to leave their village to continue their life journey.

Within the last few months, I had to make a tough decision to do just that. I’m packing up my things and heading out to the California coast. I’ll be continuing down my career path in the fashion industry. Our bright and beautiful Gretchen (also a UWM marketing grad!) will be assisting Faye with the marketing and ad work. I leave knowing that The Village is in good hands.

There are so many things I will miss. The laughs, the How-Do-I-Looks, and the jingles (from the baubles we wear)! But, most importantly, I will miss The Village. I know I will never get another experience quite like this. Deep down, I’ll always be a member of the tribe. Some things never change! In fact, I’m writing far too much just so Faye can cut copy. You know, for old time’s sake.

(For the record? Trimmed from an original 526 words to 465. ~Faye)

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