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Dear Friends,
Thank you for the great feedback on our first newsletter. So, here we are with our Spring edition.
For those who haven't heard, we opened the doors to our sister store, FRANNIE, in mid-February. Immediately
after that, Allyson and I took off for our big fall buying trip. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
You simply MUST come in and see the fantastic pieces we have for spring. You'll see some tantalizing things
in this newsletter. And, take a peek into FRANNIE while you're here. (This has been a labor of love for the
past several months. Am I thrilled? I just LOVE the new space and hope you will, too!)
Stop in and say "hi" and also visit our website at www.francesheffernan.com.
Please share your email address with us so we can get you the newsletter even earlier. As always, let me know what
you think about all these exciting changes.
Warmly,
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FH In the Press
Here's a cute shot that ran in the Winnetka Talk, at the end of January.
Pictured are Cicely Clarke Michalak, Executive Director of the Winnetka Chamber
of Commerce and ArLynn Presser, President of the Winnetka/Northfield Rotary Club as
they check out FRANNIE, still under wraps. Frances Heffernan was featured in a story
about successful independent retailers who have "beaten the odds" and enjoy healthy
growth by delivering exceptional customer service.
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FH on the Line
As many of you know, we recently completed a customer survey to find out how we
can serve you even better. For results of that survey, go to www.francesheffernan.com. And,
many thanks to those of you who took the time to participate in the interviews.
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New Employee
Kasia Perkowska
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Spring 2005
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The first trend is GLOBAL JOURNEY. Here we travel to far away places and dip
into ethnic cultures for prints, embellishment and novel details. The feeling
is more rustic and primitive than where we've been before, and the great
continent of Africa provides the biggest inspiration.
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The Colors:
Browns are the anchor here...rich and earthy deep chocolates,
warm mochas, cinnamon, tobacco, and a wealth of new khakis. The accent colors
are also tied to the earth. Think of sun-kissed yellows and gold, sunset oranges,
sand-washed corals, and organic leafy greens.
Greens emerge as a major fashion color story on their own. It's nature's huge
color family in a range from neutralized sages and rich moss, lichen and olives,
to vegetal and rich verdant greens.
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The Patterns:
Leafy and tribal graphics--anything with an ethnic primitive feel.
Embellishment and trimming are the most important detail here--they give this trend
its energy and life!
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The Skirts:
Soft global skirts are the season's most important look!
You'll want to own a few of these to update all your past looks. The ubiquitous blazer,
for example, looks brand new when paired with a new soft full skirt.
They can be tiered and peasant-y or softly gathered and full. They're printed, striped,
embroidered, bordered, and most of all, they're fun and new!
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The Shoes:
Great sandals and new espadrilles in an array of materials, colors,
and all are decorated or embellished. Shoes continue to be very novel, and are
right in step with the trends.
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The Belts:
Belts are the major accessory item for the season and are on everything from pants,
to tunics to jackets. Pick a new global belt, whether rustically woven, dangling with beads
and charms, or silver and leather ringed, wear it to accessorize your most classic outfit,
and you'll feel totally in with the trend.
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The Jewelry:
The Jewelry: Expressive jewelry with ethnic and tribal stonework, beadwork, and metalwork
are meant to be seen. The necklaces are multi-strands and chunky; bracelets are wide and cuffed.
The metals are warm in tone, from gold to copper to bronze and we love horn, tortoise and wood.
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On the other side of the spectrum is the second trend we love which is ELEGANT ROMANCE.
The feminine look has become less frilly and much more elegant. Beautiful fabrics are the key,
then adding exquisite detail and refined decoration to each item.
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The Colors:
The Colors: Soft, tender pastels are cosmetic in character...a blush of pink,
a puff of aqua, and a hint of celadon. They pair with fresh garden mid-tones,
softer than last year, with a focus on coral, aqua, mint, and lavender.
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The Patterns:
The Patterns: Romantic florals in soft water color techniques, or delicate blossoms
floating on an open ground. Fresh spring stripes and clean windowpane checks.
The charm of the trend is captured in the new garden conversationals.. butterflies,
dragonflies, lady bugs.
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The Skirts:
The Skirts: More soft full skirts round out the season in floaty sheers, all with a feminine twist-a
fine lace edging, tulle insertions, floral decoration, eyelet.
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The Fabrics:
The Fabrics: The elegance of the trend comes form the fabric mix. We love the look of deluxe fabrics,
perhaps typical of Holiday, that get moved forward into pretty spring colors. Think about shimmery
brocade and jacquards, lustrous taffetas and satins. Also important are the openwork fabrics such as eyelet, lace, and cutwork.
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The Tops:
The Tops: Fine gauge sweaters and cardigans with feminine detail, and lots of embellished T's,
tanks, and cami's. Sparkle is still important and we see a continuation of the rhinestones and
gemstones along with beadwork and sequins.
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The Accessories:
The Accessories: Feminine scarves in sheer organza and lace with delicate embroideries and
romantic appliques. The sparkly brooches of last year become beautiful corsages and floral
pins to decorate the key item sweater or jacket.
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With Dorothee Schumacher
Schumacher is one of the few designers you'll find in both Frances Heffernan and FRANNIE. From Mannheim,
Germany, and available at only "60 doors" in this country, Schumacher's main markets are Germany,
Switzerland and Austria. She is receiving great acceptance in Italy ("they understand the message,"
she says), will soon open in Paris, and has just entered Japan.
Dorothee Schumacher Singhoff, 38, mother of four, started her business in 1990 with
husband, Jorg Signoff, 45. They began with just three feminine tee shirts trimmed with satin.
This year, the collection includes approximately 300 pieces each season. She's expanded from the
proverbial "garage" to a loft on the banks of the Rheim. What is constant is the fun factor
in this young line at an attractive price point.
Schumacher is not a fashion idea, the designer declares, but rather
a question of understanding women. "A woman never stays in her
little world, but needs her fantasy and her games...Our woman is
down-to-earth, but she wants clothes that have a little wink, clothes that create lovely encounters."
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Frances Heffernan Calendar
April
Trunk Show Dates:
7 & 8 Rena Lange, Stephanie Albertson Jewelry
12 & 13 Raffinalla
14 & 15 Lida Baday, Ancrino handbags
19 & 20 Rosaria Lamanna
28 & 29 Zuzka, Alvin Valley
Mothers Day Sale: April 28, 29, 30
on selected items in Frances Heffernan
May
FRANNIE Grand Opening: 4, 5, 6, 7
(Save the dates and join us. Special in-store events each day. 15% off all non-sale merchandise for all
four days in FRANNIE)
Trunk Show Dates:
5 & 6 Cynthia Steffe (FRANNIE), St. Emile
12 & 13 Zenobia, Carole Swerdlove
19 & 20 Yansi Fugel
June
Trunk Show Dates:
2 & 3 Pamela Roland
8 to 11 Johnstons Cashmere
9 & 10 Douglas Hannant
16 & 17 Yeohlee
23 & 24 Lafayette 148
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To keep up with all the news and especially news about
FRANNIE, sign up for our newsletter and visit our website at
www.francesheffernan.com
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