Our Passion for Purple - Trend 2009

Perhaps it has something to do with it's association with royalty and nobility. In times gone by, certain purples were only affordable to the elites; the blue dyes to make it were very hard to come by.

Much later General George Washington attached honor to the color when he awarded a select few of his troops the special award of a small purple cloth badge of merit. This award later evolved into he National Purple Heart of Honor.


Amethyst gems are said to impart intuition and peace, In flowers the purple orchid represents love while, in Christianity, purple means penitence. In Hindu belief, purple is the color of the crown chakra.


Purple in recent seasons continues to gain in popularity. Usually fashion colors start to fade as the season exits but there seems to be no stopping this trend. Our recent buying trip to New York shows it is going to be key again for fall 2009. The handbag market is full of it which means it will be a key color. This really surprised us, but then, who are we to argue with the likes of royalty, George Washington, and 5th Avenue!

See Michelle Obama look stunning in a Purple Mizrahi Coat Dress from his pre-fall 2009 collection at the Met in the May 19th issue of WWD or on line. Ladies, buy purple it with confidence. You have more than a season to carry it!

Designer "IT" Bags are Loosing Their Appeal - Women are Opting for Unique

Monday, January 26, 2009

Designer "IT" Bags are Loosing Their Appeal - Women are Opting for Unique

An article I read a while ago titled “’It’ bags are out,” says it nicely. According to the January 2008 article in The Wall Street Journal, which notes that “The proliferation of knockoffs has helped erode the mystique of owning a high-end bag. Affluent customers have grown confident in their own sense of style and (are) increasingly turning to unique accessories to set themselves apart from the crowd.”

I agree 1000 percent. Who wants to look like everyone else anyhow. When you own the "It" bag, not only do you look like everybody else with money ... you look like many others who buy copies on the street for $25 in the same season! Really, show your own personal style ladies!

It's is exciting to see so many fresh and creative designers out there turning out high quality like SHIH and Treesje in handbags, Claudia Lobao and Dana David in fashion jewelry.

Women are having fun with fashion again and their options are growing every day!

The Forcast for 2009 is Bright and Sunny!

Even before Michelle Obama's wonderful bright and colorful clothing was in the spotlight, color was in the cards for spring and summer 2009. Color makes people smile, it energizes and lifts the spirit. It is just what we need as we enter into this new year of renewed hope; we have been through a lot! Vibrant shades of emerald, purple, hot pink, orange and yellow will pump some energy back into us again. Carry a bright handbag like these from SHIH and Kooba, along with your other accessories like these earrings by Jose and Maria Barrera for evening and you will bring your wardrobe up to date. It will really change the look and don't be surprised if it doesn't change your outlook as well!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A Unique Boutique in Tampa

Zoey Bloom, in Tampa, Florida has the right idea. They built a store that offers their customers stylish alternatives to the logo designer bags like Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton etc. Not only is it refreshing to see so many really cool looking alternatives, it is refreshing to know that they are available at 1/4 of the price!

Another benefit of such a store is that you are not going to be seeing these bags on every other woman in town! They buy one or two (max) of most everything and they also have real fashion in ther fashion jewelry. You can buy those huge hoops and chandelier earrings you see in the fashion magazines and on celebrities.

From the moment you walk in the door, you feel as though you have been projected to New York's trendy, Madison Avenue. The only difference is that at Zoey Bloom, you can actually receive old-fashioned, personal service! Visit them on-line at http://www.zoeybloom.net

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The First

Hi Everyone,

Jim is my name, and this is my first post. (no, this is not a 12 step program)

I am part owner of Zoey Bloom Inc. and www.zoeybloom.net , a better woman's accessory boutique and Web store located in Tampa, Florida. My partner is Jo Anne.

I look forward to sharing with you notes, observations, comments and probably a few other random things that mostly have to do with my life as a buyer, shop owner, my buying trips, shopping, shoppers, fashion, and designers especially in the accessory market.

Please feel free to ask any questions and share your own thoughts.

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