HOME SAFE AND SOUND

Hi Everyone,
I hope you all enjoyed the shows. The results were terrific and we surpassed our goals….thank you all. Jac and I were and still are exhausted. We had to get up at about 2:30am Friday morning to be at QVC by 4am. We have to be there at least 1 hour before the show [they would prefer 2 hours before], and there are always things I have to go over with the stylists and the models. Of course, I really don’t get any sleep because the mind keeps going and going!!! In between shows I have to get ready for the next show and pack up the previous show…..so it leaves very little relaxing time….if any. By the time the day is done we are spent. We left QVC about 5pm and got home about 9pm. We hit tons of rush hour traffic in three states!!! Jac and I shared the driving. There were also terrible storms in NY and CT that we just missed. We were following them up the coast. I drove the first half and Jac took us home. We were happy to see the girls and spent the weekend relaxing and sleeping. This morning, Monday, was my first day back at the gym and I really need it. This afternoon I have a therapy session! I don’t think I’ll make it through the Yankee game tonight. Tomorrow I have apts. in the city…..no rest for the weary!! I understand some of you missed getting pieces you wanted. I know farmerswife wanted the gold trimmed T in navy and gardensla wanted the ivory chain print shirt in a 3x to make into a neckerchief, but they were sold out. I have asked my manufacturer and she replied this morning that all the pieces QVC ordered in those styles were shipped completely and there were no quality issues or shortages.  I can only conclude that they were pre-ordered before your orders got in. Maybe you will get a cancellation…..lets hope so.
I just wanted to check in and thank all of you once again for being so supportive. Know, that I am always here to answer any questions you may have……much Love, Louis

Continue Reading HOME SAFE AND SOUND

SHOW TIME!

Hello Everyone,
It sure seems that this show has taken a long time getting here, but finally Friday is SHOW TIME! The shows are at 5:00am, 10:00am, and 3:00pm. I will be working with Ms Kobar, whom I haven’t met yet, Mary Beth Roe, whom I haven’t worked with in quite a while and look forward to seeing, and Sandra ,with whom it has been my pleasure to work with quite often. The line ups are done and the shows are set….I hope……I hate last minute changes. I have packed the garments that I will be bringing with me for the models to wear and there are three duffel bags filled with accessories. The chain jewelry will not be getting any air time, but it will be avail for selling. I will be showing it on many of the outfits for all of you to get a good look at. Remember, these pieces are “GOLD PLATED”, not gold tone…..a huge difference. The style numbers are.. J159965 for the necklace and J159966 for the bracelet. They are gorgeous and worth every penny…..true collectors pieces. I hope it does well because I would really love to continue to bring you wonderful pieces of jewelry. At last, the ribbed cardigan and tank have arrived for selling! I really don’t need to say much about them…..in navy and ivory… they are pure CLASS. The style numbers are A214007 for the tank and A214008 for the cardigan.
I think you are really going to enjoy the shows. The 10:00 show is completely NEW ITEMS!!! The 3:00pm show is also almost all NEW and some reorders….i.e. the mosaic peasant skirt. From what I have heard it has been selling very well from pre-orders….SO, If you want it…. a word to the wise! For my pebble crepe lovers, I am sure you will love the two new pieces. What’s not to love about a long pull-on pant in white, aquamarine and light tan. The lt. tan looks great with all the chain print colors. The new two tiered crinkle georgette skirt was a “customer request”. It is the solid version of the Ikat print skirt from a few seasons back……Can you believe how much Ikat print has shown up since?! The matching cap sleeve peasant top is perfect under the blazer with the french cuffs, and all the colors work….aquamarine, yellow… and the black is a must have under the ivory blazer with the black buttons. Has enough been said about the CHAIN PRINT! I am telling you it is fabulous! Many MAJOR designers have done a chain print at one time or another…..and I mean bold chain prints. I am not saying it is for everyone….but…..for the confident …it is a fantastic look. This is the last summer show with new items for the season. Next month we start transition or “pre fall”, but let’s not jump too far ahead, after all….summer hasn’t even officially started yet!!!
Well, there is nothing left to do but pack up the caravan and head on south. Jac and I look forward to “seeing” you and, with luck, hearing from you!
………………………….much Love, Louis

Continue Reading SHOW TIME!

A Sad Note

Jac and I wanted to send our condolences to Jeanne Bice’s family and to her extended family. We heard the terribly sad news, like all of you. Surprise would be an understatement……we thought she was doing well and prayed she would recover. I have known  Jeanne for over 10 years. There wasn’t a single time that we didn’t see each other, either at QVC or in our hotel, that she didn’t reach out to touch my hand and say something positive. When she knew we were going to be at the Q at the same time, she would pop into the green room and say hi to Jac. She was a smart, sassy and wise business woman. Her brilliance was bringing all of her viewers into her “Quacker Family”…….a safe haven for all to be who they are without any judgment. Her philosophy of life was simple…..”Sparkle and Shine”. Go out into the world with confidence and self esteem and bring some happiness to others……shine your light on those you love and the people around you……….
……………..Sparkle and Shine………………words to live by……….
…………………..Jeanne, we will miss you…………….All our love to the Bice family, Louis and Jac

Continue Reading A Sad Note

June 17th Show Details!

Hello Everyone,
It’s June 1st and, as promised, here are the details of the garments that will be shown on my June 17th Show. The show times are 5AM with Laura Kobar. This will be the first time Laura and I will be working together. 10 AM with Mary Beth, and 3PM with Sandra. This is my last summer show of the season and we start Fall 2011 in July!!!! I have to say, I think I have saved some of my most favorite things for last. What I especially love about this show is…….you will see how effortlessly it works with many things you have already purchased. Pencils ready!

The Reorders:

1-A210016, is the leopard print. cotton sateen blazer, the colors are Black/White, Black/Turquoise, Black/Lavender and the new Black/Sage. The sage crop pant works beautifully with the new sage jacket and I will be showing those two pieces with the sheer black safari shirt, A214117…..it looks incredible. I will be showing the lavender with the frosted lilac tank with the tiny ruffle, A213625 and the new tiered flounce skirt  in black A215166…..that’s taking three different shows and putting  the pieces  together. The turquoise will be shown with the white “Kate” shirt and a pair of  vintage ivory cotton Linea pants. The black and white will be shown with a red tank and the black boho. Four totally different looks.

2-A199793, is the Navy/Blue mosaic print, boho skirt. Many of you have already received this new coloration and have said how much you are enjoying it. I thought it was the perfect follow-up to the black/gray and cinnabar. I am showing the navy/blue with the chambray blue “Kate” shirt and a very sporty luggage color belt with brass findings….very RL. I am also showing it with a vintage Linea pale blue bodysuit and the A214878, ivory zip front jacket from the last show…..again belted. You already know how great it looks with the blue cheetah cardigan and or blazer. It looks casual and chic! The black/gray will be shown with the infamous ribbed sweater set in ivory. I will have the cardigan tied over the shoulders and around the neck…very modern, very cool!

The New:

The “Chain Print Group” I saw the sneak peek pictures…..all I can say is , if you loved the print from those pictures….you are REALLY going to LOVE  it when you see it in the show….likewise, if you were on the fence from the pictures, wait until you see the presentation. I personally didn’t think the pictures did any justice to the clothes, but I LOVE the print and the styles it is coming in.

3-A215177, is the chain print blazer. It is a one button blazer with 3/4 length sleeves and turn back cuffs. It has two pocket flaps, but the pockets ARE IN THE SEAMS!!!!!below the flap. Please, if you see the seams are slightly open, don’t return the jacket without checking to see if it is a pocket first….LOL. The front 0f the jacket is lined to give the jacket a clean finish, but the back and the sleeves are not….to keep it cool. This is a pure designer finish! You would be surprised to know how complicated it is for the sewers to finish a jacket this way. It would be easier for them to line the whole thing . All of the styles in the chain print have a specially made, hammered gold button. The jacket has one large button in the front. The colors are Ivory/Gold, Pink/Gold, and Blue/Gold. The pink is a new pink and is more of a carnation pink and not the Perfectly Pink. The new pink is a little bluer than the P.Pink. The blue is a bright navy and could easily be called a Cobalt Blue. The colors that I would recommend  being worn as bottoms  with these jackets are…ivory and chino as in the “cargo pant”, navy, yellow as in the new A215166, tiered skirt and Lt. Tan and White which will be avail. in the new long pebble crepe pant, A215175. I am sure you will find many things in your closet already….like jeans….that will work with all three color combinations.

4-A215185, is the chain print pencil skirt……..fabulous……it is instant HOTHOTHOT….even before you put it on! What can I say….put it on and be prepared to get whistled at! There are so many ways to wear this skirt…. the matching T-shirt with the gold piping, A215689, the matching chain print lawn, short sleeve shirt, A215159, are just two….then throw the matching blazer over the whole thing…WOW. The “Kate” and Robyn” shirts look fantastic with a gold chain belt or two, The new cardi and tank…great! The ivory T with the zipper from the beginning of the season…. on and on and on. This is pure summer fun and don’t be afraid to play it up with lots of gold accessories…..a bag, a sandal, a belt and lots of gold chains. Gold framed aviator sun glasses with dark brown lenses look fantastic.

5-A215158, is the cotton lawn chain print shirt. Cotton lawn is a very light weight and almost sheer, but not….fabric. At the turn of the century, women wore long summer “Lawn” or “Tea” dresses made out of cotton lawn in the late afternoons…..that’s when things were so civilized and women changed 4 to 5 times a day!…… The shirt is supper COOL and comfortable. It has a classic shirt collar, “young” short sleeves, body darts for a little shape and the “signature” hammered gold shirt button. All of the “hip” young girls, in the 70s and 80s, used to wear VERY fitted cotton lawn shirts with short shorts and mini skirts. It was a very popular look in the south of France and Italy at all the resort towns……I thought it was time to bring them back!. I will be showing the blue shirt worn open as a little shirt jacket, over the matching blue T with the gold piping and the blue chain print skirt. It is the perfect little cover up for those HOT and HUMID days that are already here and are sure to come in the months ahead. Tie the ivory shirt at the waist over the ivory cargo pants…with the pant leg rolled up…. and a great pair of espadrilles! All the gold trims on the pant look great with the print…..or….wear the pink  chain print shirt with the pink chain print  blazer and the new light tan pebble crepe pant…very relaxed and sophisticated.

6-A215181, is the cotton/span T shirt with the stretch gold piping around the scoop neckline and sleeve hem. The colors are blue/gold, pink/gold and ivory/gold. These match the chain prints perfectly and if you are picking up the print….these Ts are a must have. However, on their own, they are perfection and will give a lift to anything you already own. Wear the blue with a pair of ivory pants, Capris, skirt or shorts, a gold belt, gold chain jewelry and you are ready for any occasion, Wear the ivory with the the ivory cargo pant and the ivory chain print blazer and you have effortless chic…….simply pair the pink with the pink chain print skirt or a solid skirt…. like the white peasant boho with the ruched hip band and you are ready for work or a dinner out. If you own any of my cotton/span Ts…..like the one with the mesh inserts ….you know what a beautiful quality this fabric is…Wash and wear…perfect for travel.

The CHAIN JEWELRY

I know they are already delivered to QVC….I believe the first time it will be available will be during my shows. I do not think it will get any air time but I will have it on as many models as I can get it on with the few pieces I have to go around, and  I will always point it out to you. Let me discuss my point of view about costume or designer costume jewelry. Basically “Fake” jewelry was started when wealthy women were afraid to wear their extremely expensive jewels for fear of being stolen….so  the jewelers, Cartier, Tiffany etc. created copies or”paste” jewelry  to look like the real thing. Coco Chanel, with an extremely creative jewelry designer name Verdura, created faux jewelry or “costume” jewelry to show with her collections…..it had not been done before in any commercial or significant way. Ropes of pearls, and jeweled cuffs became her trade mark…all created by Verdura. Verdura jewelry still exists and is sold today…… long after his death….. and the jewelry is more beautiful than ever. They had a long and wonderfully creative relationship together. I tell you this story because I want you to know I believe in good quality costume jewelry. For years at Anne Klein I refused to show with the AK jewelry on the runway because it was JUNK and I would not show junk with my clothes. The company who produced the AK jewelry asked me why I wasn’t showing the jewelry that was made for me from my sketches! I told them the interpretation left much to be desired and if they wanted me to use the Anne Klein jewelry they were going to have to make a much better product. The gentleman in charge of producing the AK jewelry left and I was “given” a young man to work with on future projects…..he promised he knew what I wanted and would give me what I asked for……my hopes were dim. When I had my second  meeting with him to show me the firsts samples….I was blown away!!!!! It was gorgeous!!! Where had he been all of those years? Anne Klein Couture Jewelry was born and I never showed anything but Anne Klein jewelry after that! We had a long and happy relationship and created incredible jewelry for many years. Matt is still a good friend! I believe in good quality costume jewelry and I refuse to sell anything I do not believe in or would not have my wife wear. I do not understand the amount of money that women spend on junk! I would rather see them buy less….but….buy quality! It will last a life time and many, many of the pieces I created for Anne Klein have become collectible. I never understand when some women say, “that is so expensive for costume jewelry”. Good quality costume jewelry is made like the real thing, and good workmanship and materials, like anything else, costs more. My jewelry is all GOLD PLATED, not gold tone. I use beautiful glass pearls…. not plastic with a coating that peals off after a while. The price also depends on the number of times the pieces are dipped in gold. There are hundreds of little things that separate a good piece from the abundance of ordinary pieces out there in the market place. Of course, I understand there will always be a bump in the road and these thing are made by human beings so once in a while a mistake will pass, but the intention is always for perfection. I would rather not offer any jewelry, than  bring you an inferior product. What’s important to me is that I like it and that I am proud of it…….enough pontificating…….now for the jewelry

J159965, is the gold chain necklace which consists of three rows of gold plated double links. The longest adjustable length is aprox.21 1/2 inches, and  the shortest length is aprox. 19 1/2 inches.

J159966, is the three strand gold plated bracelet. The shortest length is aprox. 7 1/2 inches and the longest length is aprox. 8 1/2 inches

These are any time any where , spring /summer/ fall/ winter pieces. I think they are beautiful and are sure to become collectibles too!

7-A214008, is the ribbed V-neck cardigan……a classic….a sweater to be worn all year long. I would say buy your normal size, or if you are in between sizes…. because it is a rib….go up one size. The colors are navy and ivory. This is a classic piece and…..is pure class.

8-A214007, is the matching V-neck ribbed tank. With the cardigan it is perfection….on it’s own it is a great layering piece for under jackets or even over the “Kate” shirt as a vest. Wear the chambray blue “Kate” shirt, navy tank, and ivory pants…..very Hepburn …very Gatsby. I would suggest to buy your size, but again, if you are between sizes go up one size.

I do not know if these will have air time as they are “Essential” pieces and essential pieces are usually sold exclusively on line only, but I will be featuring them in the show so you can get a good look!

9-A215188, is my chambray tunic. Chambray is a type of weave or look not necessarily a specific fabric….i.e. there are cotton chambray and there are silk chambray fabrics. This is a poly/rayon/span chambray and the weight of the fabric is similar to but lighter than my poly/rayon/span pants and pencil skirts. This tunic is sleeveless, has a ballet neckline. It has a high fit and then has an A-line shape ….it is unlined. It is very 60’s….think Twiggy. Many of my petite ladies can wear it as as dress. I am showing it with my legging and the matching Capri chambray pant. The fabric, like all chambray fabrics, has a two tone effect….so it looks like white is woven with the color. The colors are Blue and Green. It’s a very fresh, clean look. It looks great with the chain jewelry and the ivory cardi tied over the shoulders.

10-A215189, is the chambray Capri pant. I love these because they look so cool and fresh. I am showing them with the white “Poet” shirt….super cute, the cardigan and tank, and the green Capri with the navy hydrangea jacket…..which gives the the print a whole new look. They have a zip front, a partial elastic waist band, pockets and are unlined for comfort.

11-A215190, is the sleeveless dress. Years ago I did a Linea tunic in a linen/rayon blend in red orange, black and royal blue, that many women loved and asked me to do again. This is my new version. It has all the details of the tunic…. shirt collar, button front and set in band pockets. Again, the fit is high and then As out over the hips. The colors are Green and Toasted Almond. I will be showing it as a dress and as a tunic. The Toasted Almond looks fabulous over my coffee bean legging…..leave a few of the bottom buttons undone….wooden necklaces and cuffs, again brown aviator sunglasses and it is a great way to look.

12-A215172, is the PEBBLE CREPE shirt/jacket. I say shirt/jacket, because depending on the time of year and the weather it can be worn as both. It has a stand collar, button front, two breast patch pockets with flaps and buttons , a shoulder yoke and 3/4  length sleeves . For lack of a better description, it is soft military dressing. The colors are Light Tan, Aquamarine, and White. The aquamarine shirt worn as a jacket looks great worn over the crinkle crepe top [to come],  the aquamarine P.C. pant [to come] …… for a complete tonal look. The light tan shirt with the matching pant gives the look of a jumpsuit and is a perfect compliment worn with the natural cheetah print blazer. The white…. I will be showing as a shirt worn over the new black tiered flounce skirt. The shirt will be worn out with a narrow black patent belt and the black flower [from my fall black velvet tunic] tucked into the belt…..soft military dressing at it’s best….a surprising and unusual combination.

13-A215175 is the PEBBLE CREPE pull-on pant. For those of you who love this fabric, these are a must have summer LONG pant. The colors are the Light Tan, Aquamarine and White. The white is the only color that is lined. These pants have pockets….therefore, I suggest if you are between sizes….size up. Even though the white pants are lined…..you can still see the image of the pocket and for some of you this isn’t a problem….for some it is. If it is a problem for you,I would suggest taking them to a tailor…..even the one at the dry cleaner will do. Have the pocket sewn shut and remove the pocket sack….problem solved. I realize that this is an added expense, but if you really love the pebble crepe….it’s worth it……and again, that is only if it bothers you…….this is something I expect with white pants that aren’t made with a heavy thick and inevitably warm fabric. The aquamarine pant and the aquamarine faux charmuse shirt from the last show look fantastic together. I can picture  a woman wearing it on a Caribbean island…. at sunset…. at the open air bar, sipping drinks….. with lots of lit torches to light her………….preferably my wife…LOL. Honestly…it’s a great way to look.

14-A215163, is the crinkle, poly georgette top…..same signature fabric as the BOHO. The neckline and sleeve of this top is very similar to the A213616, the knit top that came in black and latte. It has the elastic neckline and cap sleeve with the elastic hem. The body is straight and comes with a self fabric tie belt. The colors are Black, Yellow and Aquamarine…..yes, the aquamarine works with the pebble crepe pieces. The aquamarine, yellow, and black also look great under the A78354 , blazer with the french cuffs…..the yellow and aquamarine are almost an exact match to the jackets and the black looks amazing under the ivory jacket with the black buttons. Wear the top loose or wear it belted….add your own. It works casual with jeans  or dressed up….put on great accessories and you are ready.

15-A215166, is the crinkle georgette tiered flounce skirt. This skirt is exactly the same style as the Ikat print skirt from a few seasons ago. It has an elastic waist and is pull-on. It has two shirred flounces at the hem, and due to the fabric they are not bouncy ruffles that stick out….they drape beautifully…..The colors are the same as the top, Black, Yellow and Aquamarine. The black is a must have and goes with EVERYTHING!!!! I could have shown it a zillion different ways, but have chosen to show it with the Limeade tank with the ruffle and the Kiwi cheetah print jacket. I think it gives the cheetah print a whole new look…..feminine safari!. The yellow, I am showing with the ivory ribbed sweater set and lots of gold …….cool and sleek. I will be  showing the aquamarine skirt  with the matching top for a two piece dress look. This is the perfect summer skirt and a great addition to your BOHOs

Well, my dear friends….that was a lot of typing and I’m not that good a typist so it’s time for an ice tea and to play with my girls….my work for the day….is done! I hope you can find something that interests you…….have a lovely and well dressed summer!………..much LOVE, Louis

Continue Reading June 17th Show Details!