Category Archives: Fashion

New Apricot Lane Boutique – St. Armand’s Circle Featured in YourObserver.com

Ginger O’Connor and her daughter, Melanie, will open Apricot Lane Boutique just off St. Armand’s Circle. Ginger, an 8-year resident of Longboat Key purchased 464 John Ringling Blvd., a one-story retail building, for $1.2 million on Feb. 9. The current tenant, Touch of Africa, will move out in one month, according to O’Connor, to make way for the new boutique. Ginger O'Connor in front of Touch of Africa Apricot Lane, a 23-year-old franchise based in California, is unique, O’Connor said. Each store is tailored to its location and the needs of local consumers. She said half of the merchandise in Apricot Lane will be recognizable brands such as Good Works jewelry, Tom’s shoes and analili clothing. The remainder, she said, will be items and brands that appeal to women of all ages. “The store will be a mother-daughter shopping experience,” she said. She said she hopes to open in May. “I’ve been shopping on the circle since I was 12,” O’Connor said. “I know there are a lot of boutiques on the circle. I think each … is a little bit different. I’m going to bring in a lot of different items – something for everyone.” Touch De L'Afrique Written by Jack Short Staff Writer Originally posted in YourObserver.com

5 Tips For Layering Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, sometimes more is better. If done right, adding more and layering jewelry can transform the boring into a statement look. You don’t want to just pile everything on but strategically layer each piece just right. Whether you’re just getting started or a pro just looking for some inspiration, here are 5 tips to layering jewelry just right. BAUBLE_BAR_BIG_LOVE_CUFF_BRACELETS Image Source: SheFinds.com Don’t be afraid to mix and match your metals Your stack should feel like you. Don’t worry about what tradition says about pairing only gold with gold and silver with silver. Instead, feel free to pair gold with silver or rose gold to create a unique, edgy or classy look. girl back Image Source: whowhatwear.com brown jacket Image Source: suziegaffney.com Wanna Arm Party Candy Swag Bracelets Stack Jewelry Mixed Metal Elle Yeah Elodie Russo Blog Post Fashion Beauty Lifestyle H&M Michael Kors Stella and Dot UK Image Source: ELLE yeah - A Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Blog Pair old vintage pieces with the newer modern ones Blending a new dainty ring with a vintage statement ring creates a lovely contrast. rings Image Source: www.livingly.com rings 2 Image Source: www.livingly.com Mix short and long necklaces When layering necklaces, you want to make sure your pieces are spaced out evenly. You can pair strands that are 1 to 2 inches apart in length. So you can start with a strand that is 16 inches, and then the next would be 18 inches. Then to complete the look, add the longer strand that could be 20 inches or even 22 inches. This works well with a few different dainty necklaces. necklace Image Source: www.brit.co Layering-Necklaces-2_Fashion-Style-Mag Image Source: devillefinejewelry.com necklace 2 Image Source: www.mintjewelry.co Pops of color help the stack stand out Have fun and don’t be afraid to wear different color stones together. You can mix and match similar-colored gemstone rings and create a simple ombre look. If you’re worried that your layers aren’t working, you can just start with a metal and two colors like teal, coral and gold. You could also layer one plain chain and then a colorful stone necklace to make it stand out and then another longer plain chain to add length. sweater Image Source: www.thefashionspot.com silver Image Source: www.luxandconcord.com Necklace 3 Image Source: gemgossip.com Pair chunky chain-link necklaces with dainty chains Break up heavy chain-link pieces by pairing them with other thinner chain pieces of varying lengths. You can also add in a delicate pendant piece to the mix. necklaces-for-every-neckline Image Source: blog.bodeoo.com long necklace Image Source: vogueinfatuation.com

WWD MAGIC Trade Show 2016

When it comes to fashion, we are trendsetters and WWDMAGIC ignites the spark of fashion. Our wonderful boutique owners are currently scouting the newest trends from the largest and most influential buyers in the fashion industry. WWDMAGIC is held in Las Vegas every February and August at the Las Vegas Convention Center. At Magic, our boutique owners are able to find the latest women’s and juniors’ trends, the most-wanted brands, and the must-see fashion shows. Stay tuned for new arrivals at your local Apricot Lane Boutique!!

Click here to learn more about MAGIC.

Top 7 Spring Fashion Trends

Give Em’ The Cold Shoulder  woman posing Shoulder cut-outs are in this spring, making everything just a bit sexier. We will be seeing a lot more than just off-the-shoulder tops that were popular in the past. You will see these cut outs in dresses, rompers, jump suits and more. Image Source: Apricot Lane Pinterest Slip Into the 90’s woman back If you have problems getting out of bed in the morning you will love this trend. The slip dress is back and now being worn under knits or paired with an edgy moto jacket. Image Source: Song of Style Fringed Everything fringe-jacket-2 It looks like fringe is here to stay. We are seeing that almost every designer has added fringe to their spring collections and the trend doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. Image Source: AshantiBrazil.com The Always Sexy & Chic Jumpsuit woman posing 2 No matter what is your body type, jumpsuits seem to work for everybody. It's definitely one of those trends that transitions perfectly from winter into spring. Combine this garment with your favorite accessories for the ultimate street style. Image Source: Hello Fashion Blog Orange Is The New Black Blair Eadie Fall Fashion Inspiration 4 This spring, you will see many different shades of Orange even paired with a pale pink or bright green. You can achieve this look by mixing your shades of Orange with a solid or print. Image Source: Jessica's Wonderland  Say Yes To Suede posing 70’s inspiration suede is coming in strong for spring 2016. Experiment with different colors or stay true to the sandy tones that we love. Image Source: FashionJackson.com It’s All About The Accessories bag Layering jewelry will continue to trend in Spring 2016. It’s time to show off every piece of jewelry in your box. Berets, brooches and specs are in for spring. Image Source: Aubrie Evans

New Apricot Lane Boutique in Fort Collins Featured in Biz West

A veteran of the technology industry in Northern Colorado is making a radical career change, planning to open a women’s apparel boutique in Old Town Fort Collins.

Judy McLean, who had been web-development manager at meat processor JBS USA in Greeley, will open Colorado’s second location of the Apricot Lane franchise on April 15 at 119 W. Oak St.

“I have an entrepreneur spirit and I was tired of forcing a square peg into a round hole. It was time to follow my heart,” McLean said. “I’ve received great support from others who have made similar moves. This new journey feels natural.”

The store will replace Fine Art and Frame Co., which on March 1 will move its gallery and showroom across the pedestrian mall to 148 W. Oak St. Its frame shop, however, will remain downstairs at 119 W. Oak, with an entrance on the south end of the building.

Although Apricot Lane is a franchise, McLean said she will have the flexibility to tailor her women’s clothing and jewelry selections to local tastes. The 1,900-square-foot space is being decorated with brick walls, chandeliers and comfortable seating.

McLean chose the spot to tap into the “exciting and eclectic” vibe of Old Town. “I want that same feeling of anticipation to continue when they walk into my shop.”

Apricot Lane will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

Vacaville, Calif.-based Country Visions Inc. opened its first Apricot Lane store in 2007. It now supports more than 75 franchise stores in 29 states, with plans to open 15 to 20 more each year. Its other Colorado location is at the Shops at Southglenn in Centennial.

Fine Art and Frame Co.’s new showroom “will be an expanded venue of local, regional and international art for the public, corporate and in-home showings,” said owner Wendy Foster. “We are reinventing and diversifying our business model to improve and cater to our clients’ interests as we remain integrally involved in the art community.”

Founded more than 20 years ago, the business caters to hotels and resorts; health-care facilities; corporate offices and private residences, providing access to artists, custom framing; installation, certified appraisals, cataloguing and documenting of art collections advice about proper care and conservation of artworks, and art-restoration services.

Originally Posted on BizWest.com by