TRACY REESE

Recently, Joonbug had the pleasure of chatting with designer Tracy Reese at her gorgeous flagship boutique located on Hudson Street in Manhattan. Perfect for the modern woman with a busy schedule, Tracy's pieces are designed with an impeccable sense of flattering a woman in every way possible. A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) since 2000, Reese has severed as a member of the Board of Directors since 2007. She is also a key player in selecting recipients to receive grants from the CFDA’s AIDS Fund initiatives. It certainly was a fashionable honor to chat with her! While there, we were able to pre-screen an episode, which aired last week, of Project Runway: Season 11. In the episode, Tracy offered her stylish expertise and opinions to the remaining cast members regarding their designs for the challenge. The evening was nothing short of amazing as we browsed racks of vibrant frocks, gorgeous jackets, and beautiful pieces that could easily transition from workday to after work drinks with friends. Reese was wearing a gorgeous purple sweater with cut-out shoulders, neutral skirt (beautifully cut), and a to-die-for persimmon/orange motorcycle jacket that fit her to a "t." As we perused around the store, we couldn't help but notice all of the detailing on every garment. It's these additions that finish off your look in an ultra-polished, edgy, and stylish way. Some of our favorites included; a yellow neon shirt dress, a coral and tan ombre strapless dress, a cornflower blue moto-jacket, fringed suede short, and a bohemian patterned shoe that would look amazing with everything in your closet. We also were in-love with a wedge shoe from her Plenty collection that featured a soft glittering peep toe in a blush pink color. Tracy Reese's celebrity clients include First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore a custom-made Tracy Reese dress for her 2012 DNC Convention speech. Here's what Tracy had to share about this spring season and her fabulous collection. I see a lot of color around the store, which I really love. Can you share with the Joonbug readers your take on the Spring/Summer 2013 season. It's all about color this season. I think it's the perfect way to welcome the warmer weather here in NYC. You can see my use of color in many different ways—such as color on color. Many of our dresses have a color slip/undergarment already built in as a useful layering piece. Many are talking about neons. My advice is to pair a neon with a neutral to create an ultra-chic look. This season you will also see my use of fringe and metal chains on the handbags. Many are excited to see you appear on Project Runway. Can you tell me about that experience? It was a great way to offer budding designers positive and helpful advice. I really enjoyed it, too. You have a successful business in a challenging economy. What's the best advice you can give those looking to break into the fashion industry? Have your eye on quality and special details. Be directly connected to your brand in every way. If something is not up to my high standards, I will take the necessary steps to ensure it is. My client expects a certain quality garment from me and they will always get that. As you walk around the store you will see special details everywhere.

Trends seem to come and go, but true beauty is timeless. With the debut of Breakfast at Tiffany's on Broadway many fashionistas are favoring lady-like fashions, but with a cool twist. The combination of yin and yang—feminine and rocker can take your lady-like ensemble to the next level. Iconic movies such as Pretty in Pink also celebrated this fashionable concept. Remember, true style is celebrating the freedom to create a look all your own! Here are some of our feminine fave's at Joonbug.
This gorgeous deconstructed strapless dress by designer Tracy Reese has that fresh, elegant feeling with an up to the minute edge. Perfect for a party, a spring al fresco dinner, or special event this frock will be sure to get you noticed. The cut of the dress is also flattering on numerous body shapes (something Reese is a master of). We can't talk about elegant looks without featuring the bow-belt. Instantly add a pop of color to any look with the addition of a flirty and figure-enhancing belt. This style from Forever 21 adds that classic touch (and the price is right). The perfect stiletto is a must. What's that saying—invest in quality footwear and purse? This pair of peep-toes at Neiman Marcus by Christian Louboutin are a special occasion shoe that's interesting, sexy and demure all in one! These will literally be in your closet forever (or until you wear out the signature red-bottom). No look is complete without a bag to throw all of your social musts-haves—iPhone, lip gloss, business cards, blotting tissues, breath mints, and whatever else. Pastels serve as neutrals this season and literally go with everything in your wardrobe. We are really loving this fab cross-body bag from Rebecca Minkoff at Piperlime (wearing a cross-body bag over a dress is really chic this season, or you can simply wear it on your shoulder). A little bling goes a long way. Add some sparkle and shine with a glittering necklace. How about something with a positive message such as this necklace from In Plush. It seems everything is pulled together with a swipe of your favorite gloss. Instantly brighten up your face and your mood with this fab gloss from L'Oreal. Add an alluring sheen to your lips—making them kissable (no lady in the big city should be without a prince). With argan oil and omega-3 this lip gloss not only looks great, but helps your lips stay über soft!

Sferra
Get the luxe Italian linens that Sferra has to offer at discounted prices! Inside the Chelsea Market, Sferra is holding a sample sale with linens and bedding at up to 70% off retail prices! The sale will include: terry bath towels, king-size cotton blankets, and cotton sheet sets.

When: Saturday, May 12th 10 AM-7 PM

Sunday, May 13th 10 AM-6 PM

We love Tracy Reese. Not only for her amazing designs but for her big heart. Tracy has taken time out of her busy schedule to work with Fashion Fights Cancer to not only host fashion workshops for cancer patients and survivors, but to also create a limited edition tote. The adorable, colorful tote sells for $40 and ALL proceeds go towards therapeutic programs for cancer patients. The bag can be purchased online at www.tracyreese.com as well as at the Tracy Reese flagship in New York.

Yes, everyone, the 70s are back in full force this season. Like every other era in the past 90 years, it was bound to recycle back around at some point. (Personally, I'd like to see the 1920s make a roaring comeback.) Alas, it's the 70s this year, so whip out the geometric patterns, crochet knits and flower child dresses. If you're not into that sort of thing, do not distress -it's also time for the lamé, color blocking disco trend à la Halston/Studio 54.

Or you could go flower child during the day and dancing queen when the sun goes down. Either way, you'll have plenty of (mothball-free) options to choose from. If you're all about the disco style, Halston Heritage is the go-to collection for capturing the retro chic look, year around. If you love the flowy, bo-ho vibe Marc by Marc Jacobs and Tracy Reese both have excellent collections.

Get out of the rain and into some sample sale rooms! Top designers are clearing out their old inventory with seriously steep discounts. Check out the upcoming sample sales below, and make sure to get there early.

May 19th & 20th Derek Lam will be up to 70% at this sale. 10 Crosby Street, between Grand and Howard Street, 3rd Floor.

May 18th - 20th Snag up to 50% off of clothing, accessories and shoes by UGG Australia.12 West 57th Street, between 5th and 6th Ave, Suite 807.

May 18th - 22nd Up to 65% off at the Theory Women’s sample sale. 261 W. 36th Street, between 7th and 8th Ave, 2nd floor.

After clicking through pictures of New York Fashion Week’s new collections, Miami fashionistas might find themselves discouraged by the upcoming Fall trends. We love Oscar de la Renta, but who are we kidding? Fur gilets have no place in the 305. Don’t let that get you down, though. There are a ton of other trends perfect for our November weather. Miami isn’t as seasonless as you think.

Alongside the fur and heavy velvet were sheer dresses, cheerful colors, and too-loose silhouettes suitable for South Florida. Floaty tops and pants with extra leg room are just some of the wearable trends. Breezy skirts with Spring’s longer hemline appeared at Tracy Reese and Christian Siriano. These skirts are perfect for windy days when you don’t feel like battling the wind to keep your skirt down.

Exciting things are happening in New York today, so grab your friends and get going!

EVENTS
• Meet Max Azria, Adam Lippes and painter Lubov at the Whitney Art Party, a benefit to support the Independent Study Program and the museum's educational initiatives. Tickets range from $250 to $400 and may be purchased at whitneyartparty.org. 82 Mercer St., nr. Spring St. (646-291-6277); 8-1.

Gilt Groupe: all sales begin at 12:00 PM ET and last for 36 hours

Beginning 6/9: Alejandro Inglemo, Android Watches, BCBGMAXAZRIA Handbags, Erin Featherston, Gifts for Dad: Trafalgar, S.T. Dupont, WEATHERPROOF, and More, Jeffery Monteiro, Judith Ripka, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Wine of the Day: The Colonial Estate 2006 Exile Shiraz, Felix Ray, Jewelry by Fiona Paxton, kate spade new york, ADAM, and Trina Turk

Beginning 6/10: C&C California, Gifts for Dad: Psycho Bunny, Ashworth Golf, Oliver Peoples, and More, Hanro, Jewelry by Color Story, Jewelry by Lulu Frost, Laura Mercier, Malini Murjani and Sergio Rossi, Rock and Republic, Sun-kissed Accessories, Wine of the Day: Dominus Estate 2005

• 12/14 – 12/19 – More Sample Sale Mania, and we bet you a Prada pump you won’t find any deals better than this. Catherine Malandrino Winter Sample Sale with items marked down 80% below retail price; Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, (M 10-8, T-W 8-8); S. Miller for Twelve8Twelve; 580 Broadway, Suite 1200, (12/16 – 12/19, 10-6); 30-75% off accessories at the Be&D sample sale; 35 West 36th Street, 10th Floor West, (12/17-12/18, 9-7); 80% off lookbook and presentation samples from Hanii Y – also it’s her first sample sale, go girlfriend; 632 West 28th Street, 4th Floor; (12/17-12/20, 12-6).