Author: Louis Dell'Olio

…….There was a time………when I was the only one doing “sneak peeks”…..I do believe I introduced that phrase to the Q…..maybe not, but it  seems that way to me……times  have changed…..now I’m getting scooped……it’s all good……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Since these two pieces have already been posted on my QVC LINEA site there is  no reason to save them for my FINALE!……………………THE TOP, A262453, and THE SKIRT, A262454, are both made in a new                     fabric for  Linea…..which is called….MOSS CREPE. It is a 96% poly/4% span blend. I have just recently received a new Neiman’s spring/summer catalog, and you will see many DESIGNER clothes with this same blend, and costing over $1000. They may use different names for the yarns like elastane, but a rose is a rose….As I always tell you….”they’ve come a long way baby, and it ain’t what it used to be”, and these new fabrics are not cheap… Describing fabrics is always difficult……It’s like the blind man unknowingly being led to  an elephant, having him feel it and then guessing what it is. Moss crepe has been available in Europe for  years.  Donna and I used it at AK,  and she still does.  The surface is almost smooth, but it does have a very slight texture….hence the “Moss” and the “Crepe”. I would liken it to the rayon/span jersey….the Moss Crepe might be slightly heavier. It has LOTS OF STRETCH, so there are no worries about that. The top has a short sleeve and a V-neckline….I know, like Goldilocks, some will find it too high….some just right. If you think it’s too low, and needs to be raised….then what you really want is a crew neck….LOL……The top has an asymmetrical hem. The front measures approx. 25 inches to the center front from HPS,  and the sides are approx.29 inches to the point creating a hankerchief effect. Due to the drape of the fabric….it is very graceful and feminine…..almost a peplum look, but no shirring. What you can not see in the photos are the seams that are used to create the shape. If you have the print dress from fall with the dots of lurex, A259946, this top is constructed in a similar way, and has a similar fit. There are body seams from the shoulder to the hem creating a front panel. Then there is a horizontal seam, near the waist, that goes from the seam of the panel….all the way around the back to the other side of the front panel……..The front panel is CLEAN without any seams. This seaming gives the shape to the garment. The shape is easy, but still has a fitted look….Read the measurements carefully, because some of you may want a very close to the body fit, and decide to size down one size, others will want that little ease and buy their normal size….DO NOT size up. This top should not be loose or baggy. For my plus ladies I think you will be pleasantly surprised just how flattering this top will be. Buy your normal size. The neckline is finished with a one inch facing, or frame, which gives the top a more finished, upscale look. For me, this is dressier than a piping, which I also like as an alternative for certain garments. This is a top that you can wear for any occasion. Casual or super dressy. What bottom you chose, and what accessories you select will make all the difference……………………THE SKIRT is PULL-ON, and as I said has lots of stretch….even the top band which is approx 1 1/2 inches wide has lots of stretch……no need for a zipper……It has a very clean top so garments worn on the outside, like the matching top, stay smooth….The skirt is LINED in my tricot knit…..not for see through purposes, but just for that added sense of security when you are wearing it. The fabric is by no sense flimsy or thin for this TYPE OF FABRIC, but it is always a more expensive feeling when a skirt like this has a little weight…..otherwise you feel like you are wearing nothing…….For those of you who have been dreaming of a BLACK FEATHER JERSEY SKIRT……..I think this will make your dream come true…..See, I’m like an elephant….I don’t forget anything!…..if only that were true….LOL…..All other measurement are already posted on the Linea QVC site….Oh yes……the COLOR IN THE PHOTOS IS…………………BLACK…………………..enjoy……………….much Love……………………..Louis

……………………..I have been getting lots and LOTS of requests lately for…………..MAGENTA……………..here it is………the top and the skirt are both avail in this rich saturated FUCHSIA color……much richer than the QVC photo which looks a bit dull and washed out….This Fuchsia is not either of those things. This makes a great two piece dress. Again, an advantage for those of you who may need two different sizes for your top and bottom. It would also look great with a black pant or the black skirt in the same fabric, which is a terrific separate skirt. Where it know with one of my Fancy LINEA BODY TIGHTS…like the  PINSTRIPE, HERRINGBONE or for dressier occasions the ALL OVER LACE…..for a more THOUGHT OUT pulled together look……..Do not think for one minute that the MAGENTA SKIRT can only be worn with the matching top! You will be limiting yourself to many other possibilities!! First the most obvious…..A black top, black tights and any type of black sleek boot, shoe boot or shoe……Next….pair it with print tops you may already own…..You know….those tops that up until now you could only wear with black or white bottoms………A255147, the STAIN GLASS TOP, which I believe is on clearance….and……my most favorite……MOSAIC PRINT TOP, A255179……both look great with the Magenta skirt…..Tights or no tights…..boots or sandals….this becomes a 12 month outfit……………..I chose to accessorize this Fuchsia outfit with my tutti fruitti glass bead necklace, but almost every accessory works with the top….which really is the perfect backdrop for beautiful pieces…………………….enjoy…………….much Love…………………………Louis

………..The Top and Skirt above are ……………NAVY…….I know it looks black in my photos, but if you own MY navy you know it is a rich deep dark NAVY BLUE………As a two piece dress….it’s the perfect spring outfit for so many events and occasions…..from the office….to diner….from baptisms, wedding showers and weddings to charity events and luncheons. Personally, I would love to see a woman dressed like this at the theater. I would also love to see a woman wearing this top with her SLIM JEANS!………What ever your lifestyle….this is a top you can wear…….Easy CARE…..easy WEAR…..great for TRAVEL…………………………………………..

……………………………………………………enjoy……………………….much Love………………………………Louis

I received word that the WK V-NECK, A217629, may be reordered  for August. So far it has come only in dark  fall/winter colors. I was thinking of some pretty paler colors like pale blue, pale  yellow. mint. lilac etc…..SUGGESTIONS?……………Also,  the new Linea Leisure Tunic, A262037 reordered for Sept….so the colors should be more fall like, but they have to be stand alone colors….no matching bottoms…..SUGGESTIONS? I need  this by Monday so  give it some thought….

One of my most popular Ponte knit tops, A237398, is back and avail to order, or it will be soon! The three most popular colors have been brought back……WINE…..being one of them. This is one of the biggest differences between QVC and retail stores…..when a retail store has a HOT item….once it’s gone it’s gone…..they rarely bring the same garment back the following year…..QVC however recognizes  the popularity of the garment by tracking the wait list and the returns to evaluate whether something should be reordered or not. However, don’t think that all garments, no matter how popular, are going to be reordered……sometimes  budget restraints don’t allow for every good item to come back….. I remember when I first sketched this top and submitted it…..it was quickly passed over……I said “wait don’t be so quick to pass this because it looks so simple, there’s more to this then you can see in a sketch”………It has reordered three times! When you first see this hanging on a hanger it looks like a box, and nothing very special….but…..when you take a better look you start to notice the details…..The bands  that have been put on and top stitched around the neckline and the hem of the sleeve and the bottom of  the garment. These bands give the garment structure and and help to keep it’s shape……When you put it on you realize it is NOT A BOX at all. It gently glides easily over the body and  does have a subtle shape. It fits  where you want it to fit and has room where you want room…..without looking over sized or boxy. The length seems to be perfect for everyone no matter how tall. Jac, who is 5’10 and 1/4” inches tall has worn this top with slim ankle pants, slim Capri pants, a pencil skirt and the BOHO skirt, [ in the winter with boots and in the summer with sandals and wedges]. The applied patch pockets with the inserted band have become a signature on  many of my garments…..Why this particular pocket? Again, it helps the garment to keep it’s shape due to the added layer, and with the addition of the band positioned in the right place….it makes it very comfortable to use…..So….you see what seems to be a very simple top…..isn’t simple at all. There is actually a great deal of  labor in this  very unassuming garment. Those are some of the reasons I believe this has become a very popular silhouette….no matter what fabric I make it in………….The Pebble Crepe version will be here next month!….I know you all have your own reasons why you like this top, and  I’m sure those ladies who are knew to Linea would find it very valuable to know why you like it…………..I know….I know…..what is that jewelry!!??? It is my new SIGNATURE LOGO necklace and earring, and is due  next month too…..It will be avail  in all SILVER….all GOLD and mixed…SILVER and  GOLD……….but more about that latter when it’s closer to it’s arrival……………………………………………………………….enjoy……………………much Love………………..Louis