Author: Louis Dell'Olio

Happy 4th of July Everyone!!!!…….. and as promised I am bringing you, not one but two sneak peeks…..the SCARF TOP A226254 and the CASCADE SKIRT, A226260. The story really is about the PRINT. Of course, this is an exclusive print that was designed by me and developed by my print studio. It is a wonderful BORDER PAISLEY PRINT which is available in three color combinations……….CHILI PEPPER……….PALE OLIVE………STRAW…..and each one looks totally different and has it’s own character. The Chili Pepper, as its’ name, is HOT,HOT,HOT. The Pale Olive is quieter and very sophisticated and chic. The Straw is soft, gentle and very calming. The fabric is the same poly georgette that I have used in the wood block print….it is semi sheer and very fluid.

The SCARF TOP, A226260, is an engineered print, which means the motifs are designed to be in a certain place on each and every garment. So, it is not randomly cut….the center paisleys were designed to always be in THE CENTER of the garment. The top has a specially designed border running along the bottom. There are top stitches running vertically through and through the garment on each side of the body to control wear the top sits on you. Each top comes with a poly jersey tank to match…..in the chili pepper, pale olive and straw. Buy your normal size so that the tank fits you properly. I haven’t shown all of the possibilities in the pictures but, this is a top you can wear ALL YEAR LONG depending on how you layer it. In the summer, wear it with a tank…..in the winter, wear it layered with a turtle or mock neck sweater. Wear it as a two piece dress with the matching skirt for my BOHEMIANS out there, or one of your Boho skirts [notice the straw over the new taupe boho]. It really is quite marvelous worn this way if you can carry it off. Wear it with sandals in the summer and boots in the fall and winter. I also paired the Straw and the Pale Olive tops with the PALE OLIVE HERRINGBONE TROUSER….perfection….a wonderful mix of  fabrics. The bottom center photos show the Chili Pepper top with the ESPRESSO JERSEY PANT, 221815, a wonderful languid and relaxed look. If you are a Linea collector, I am sure you already have many things in your closet that work with any of these tops. Naturally, for the most casual of looks….JEANS are a natural with this Paisley top. The sleeve hits approx. three quarters of the way down the arm. For me this top and the colors it comes in are the perfect transition pieces to be worn now and into the fall without skipping a beat!

The CASCADE SKIRT, A226260, again is made in the same poly georgette and is lined in georgette. The skirt is approx. 29 inches long and has a pull-on elastic waist. PLEASE, buy the size that you “normally” would buy. It won’t be too big, but always check out measurements! The silhouette of the skirt is a fluid A-Line. It looks like a wrap skirt with a ruffle CASCADING down over one leg, but it is a FAUX WRAP. In the photo on the upper right, I have paired the STRAW skirt with the olive tank from last season [it has not been reordered], with the olive cardigan worn over the shoulder [the cardigan has been reordered, but in all new colors plus black]. Another photo shows the olive short sleeve mock neck with the Pale Olive Herringbone blazer and yes, the mock in Olive is coming back along with everyone’s favorite….. the long sleeve V-neck, which will work beautifully with these skirts….If you already own the wheat tank, it works beautifully with the straw skirt….mix it up with a contrast cardigan, olive, aubergine….just pick a color in the skirt. Last, but certainly not least, is another sneak peek!!!…… the SHIRT/JACKET…… in the STRAW and CHILI PEPPER. It is the perfect compliment to these skirts and EVERYTHING ELSE in the collection…..but more about this later. PLEASE NOTICE the CHANDELIER EARRING, J270116, in the upper left. It is made in a Gunmetal color with multi color bead drops. It is PERFECT with each color paisley…plus it looks great with the BYZANTINE necklaces for a special summery bohemian look….they will work with many many of the things you own, and  if you haven’t noticed, I have been showing them for YEARS!!!

I could go on and on about how and with what you can combine these pieces with, but I think YOU should have the fun of exploring and discovering all of the different things you already own that will work.

Jac and I want to wish you and your families a wonderful 4th of July…..it’s the ONLY day during the year that Jac actually allows me to eat HOT DOGS!!!!!!I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!much Love, Louis

Since today is the first of July, I felt it was my duty to present another Sneak Peak. There are quite a few “peeks” in these photos, but we are going to concentrate on two. The first is A226257, the “FAUX LINEN HERRINGBONE JACKET”. There are two colors in this style. On the left you will see the STONE and on the right you will see the PALE OLIVE. The FABRIC……I am a fabric person…..meaning I love every thing about all different types of fabric….. from the yarns to the way they are constructed, woven and knitted, to the many different ways they can be dyed and printed and then how the finishing effects the drape and feel of each fabric. When I saw this fabric for the first time I almost passed it because I thought it was LINEN and I knew it would get rejected. Then I looked at the fiber content and was shocked to read it was 100% Polyester, I couldn’t have been more delighted…..it meant I could use this for QVC. It was definitely a little costly, but what the hay! This is a jacket with little construction, which doesn’t mean it’s not tailored. It is unlined except for the front panels of the jacket and it has removable shoulder pads. There are three patch pockets with FAUX HORN BUTTONS. The jacket has princess seams, front and back, for a fit that follows the line of the body which gives a very relaxed attitude. THE SLEEVES are unlined and have no buttons so they are easily shortened, however, I love them ROLLED UP, again for a very nonchalant look. The fabric has a marvelous drape and fluidity to it that you seldom find in jackets. It truly reminds me of early Armani…..actually he is doing this whole look right now, which was JUST presented for his spring menswear collect. I will say for those of you who are SUPER sensitive the fabric may seem a little raspy, as linen is, but again that is only for those who are EXTREMELY sensitive. For the rest of you you won’t find it objectionable at all! Please notice the photo on the upper left, where the jacket is held open to show the lining and that each seam is PIPED. The length of the jacket is approx 26 1/2 inches for a size XS, so this is definitely to be considered a longer length. As I have often said….”if this jacket cost $1000 I couldn’t make it any better”.

The second item is the A226258, THE TROUSER! which will also be avail. in a PETITE LENGTH, A226259. I chose to do these unlined because of the FLUIDITY of the fabric. The trouser has a zip front and an elastic back…..but not too much, just enough to still have comfort without looking all shirred in. There are POCKETS! A trouser can not be called a TROUSER without them, and this suit NEEDS the ATTITUDE that only pockets can give. I am happy to say these trousers will be SIZED, and not SML…YES!………… I can not tell you how many things these pants will go with….from collections PAST and FUTURE. I know for all of you who have the stone tweed tank and any one of the lace cardigans, you have patiently been waiting for these Stone pants. These are a MUST HAVE. Order ASAP, or you will be stalking forever. What else can I say about these drapey, marvelous , expensive looking, marvelous trousers.

Now for the photos…..You will see the STONE SUIT with the STONE tweed knit tank, A224278, that is completely old out. In another photo you will see the addition of the lace cardigan, A223652, worn over the tank as a light weight layering piece….a PURE DESIGNER LOOK. ……any of the cardigan colors will look great. Moving along to the PALE OLIVE SUIT, notice the PALE OLIVE short sleeve crew neck reorder sweater, A3528, for a completely tonal look…….and of course in the upper right photo are featured the two new necklaces and the new BAROQUE CROSS, which will come in GOLD/GREEN [as pictured], GOLD/BORDEAUX and GOLD/BLACK. The MULTI CROSS necklace will be in gold and silver. The knot necklace, which will be avail in two lengths [a choker length and the longer length…. love them worn together], and will come in GOLD, SILVER and GUNMETAL….and I LOVE all the colors worn together too!…………Moving on you will see the OLIVE tank from last season [which will not be returning], with the OLIVE Boho which WILL be returning on the July show. A great look for right this second and when the weather starts to change [I know ….with the temperature reaching 110 it seems like a far off dream] and the chill does return, switch out the tank for the short sleeve mock neck in the olive, A217630, which will be returning. Kindly notice in two of the smaller pictures there is the Pale Olive blazer with the Olive mock neck and a new Paisley skirt in the Pale Olive. Enough said,,,,,you will get a full SP of it latter. Last but not least is the photo of the Stone Herringbone blazer with the tweed tank and the new TAUPE BOHO SKIRT…..and it is a beauty. Call it…… taupe,stone, pumice,cement. elephant….it is one beautiful neutral color. In the winter wear it with my cozy silk/cashmere sweater in black and some wonderful black suede boots….PURE CLASS!

Well, that is it for SNEAK PEEK #2, I hope you have enjoyed it…………  be on the look out on the 4TH of JULY for SNEAK PEEK #3………….much Love, Louis

Hello Everyone,

Even though tomorrow is officially July 1st, I thought you may enjoy your “Sneak Peek” a little early. I chose my first SP to be A226255, my PYTHON PRINT DRESS. You have already seen the SP of the open work tunic and the Leopard print reorder blazer that will be presented on the “Morning Show”, 7/16. This dress with be presented on PM Style on the same day, 7/16. This Python print dress is made of 95% Polyester and 5% Span jersey, [the same fabric as my maxi dress, A224712]. It has a V-neckline, not to high, not to low, and a flattering short sleeve. What you can’t see in the photographs are the EXTRA DETAILS. Running down the center front of the dress, from the bust to approx. mid tummy, are VERY small HORIZONTAL TUCKS. What this does is give a little extra room and drape so it isn’t plastered against your body. There is also RUCHING on each side seam which adds to the EASE and DRAPE of the dress. The dress, from “High Point Shoulder”, measures 40 inches long. The Python print gives lots of CAMOUFLAGE, so if you are concerned about showing any problem areas…..as I said, great camouflage!……..and Spanx is your friend……. The colors are …………PEACOCK……..STONE……..CHILI PEPPER. Wear this dress belted or not. Please notice the GENUINE PYTHON belt on the stone dress in the upper right photo. It blends right into the dress…..that shows what an incredible job was done printing this fabric……which of course, was developed by me and my print team EXCLUSIVELY for YOU! You will not see this print anywhere else. Do not be afraid of the print….it is not too bold or loud. The colors are all very sophisticated. Now, the jackets…..a quick SP. The long awaited return of the A216528, brushed cotton blazer, is finally here. The BLACK is featured over the CHILI PEPPER dress and the saturated NEW PEACOCK is featured over the PEACOCK dress. The OLIVE will be returning also. All of the jackets have the same GUNMETAL trims. You will have to wait until the 7/31 show to order…….but you never know, they might be released sooner for early selling……. The blazer over the STONE DRESS is my new FAUX LINEN in a HERRINGBONE weave…..the color is STONE. It is unlined……and…..it is…….FABULOUS!!!!! I will have separate Sneak Peeks for both jackets later on in July. I think this is the perfect dress for immediate wearing and great for transitioning into fall and winter………………………………………………….I hope you think so too!…….much Love, Louis

P.S. THE BLACK BEADS ON THE PEACOCK DRESS ARE LINEA! There will also be a stretch bracelet in black! They will both come in Chili Pepper too!! The beads are on the Chili Pepper dress mixed with the Black beads.

What a morning!!!! We made it home safe and sound. Jac drove most of the way because I just couldn’t keep my eyes open and then when Jac was driving I couldn’t sleep????.
As I said “WHAT A MORNING!” At 2;30am I find out the stylist assigned to my show had a medical emergency and wouldn’t be able to run the show….PANIC TIME! Of course who are they going to find at 2:30am to come in for a 4am Sunday morning show! To make a long story short. Holly, one of the young ladies at the front desk, called the Operations Desk, was assigned to help. She had never done this before, so I gave her a crash course in how to put on a show….I felt like Mickey Rooney! Clothes still had to be pressed and I went over with her which models had to share which clothes, belts accessories etc…..it can be very daunting for a seasoned stylist let alone for a novice. Thank goodness Staci Dickerson, the tall African American model was there and volunteered to help with the show….what a trooper! She knows what needs to happen to keep a show running smoothly. So, we had a meeting with all the models, Angela, Kate, Chantal Maria, Brenda and my Jac, to let them know what was going on and everyone helped. The show went on without a hitch. I am extremely organized and there is little guess work.Every outfit is sketched out and each model has an accessory bag with a sketch of each outfit so she knows exactly how I want her to look. I always assign what model I want wearing which outfit, so a lot of the work is preplanned. It’s really a matter of getting the models dressed and out in time and make sure they are wearing the right outfit for the sell being presented. This was the second time I have worked with Jennifer and she is a lovely woman. Again, I want to thank Staci, Holly and all the models for a job well done………Now..on to PreFall and Fall. I will have a FULL schedule with lots and lots of wonderful new things. A whole new program of Whisper Knit Essentials in all new colors plus many of your favorites are coming back….and yes the classic cardigan from last fall is coming back too! The clothes are looking GREAT and the fabrics are gorgeous! I really can’t wait to bring it all to you!…………….much Love, Louis

I have some news.The A224875, new open work tunic and the leopard print jacket will not be on my Sunday morning shows. They have decided to hold them for some special event in July……..around the 16th. Of course, the Leopard print jacket can be ordered any time since it is a reorder and the new Yellow color is avail as many of you know. So far everyone who purchased it in the yellow….likes the color.. I have asked if it were possible to have the open work tunic avail for purchasing on the day of the show even though it is not planned to be on the show for those of you who want it NOW. I’m not sure that will happen…….sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning on getting it now, but it’s out of my control……………Louis