Apple (Bottom) Season

 

Veronica M pants are the perfect way to go from summer to fall, especially if you've been working hard on your gluteus maximus. I tried on a pair yesterday and thought about breaking out my Jane Fonda video from 1984 (she had some great and simple butt-lifting exercises on that tape!) I know a ton of our customers who either come by it naturally or have sculpted the perfect apple-bottom for these pants. Lucky for them two great vintage prints arrived in this style yesterday fresh off the truck:)

xoxo amy

Everything's Coming Up Roses

We're loving the color Rose. Or it might be called Redwood. It reminds us of Anne who we're missing so much. It's the perfect color to put with a neutral. It's the perfect color to feel feminine. BTW both these beautiful things arrived yesterday along with more from Prairie Underground and Johnny Was.

Sweaters to Betsy

I picked green...

Anne picked grey:)

Surprise! We ordered up a whole new batch of Wooden Ships sweaters to finish out the season. They arrived yesterday and look amazing. The line really lends itself to personal style because their sweaters have a sense of being basic with just a hint of  their own personality. Of course, Anne and I had to pick one out for ourselves. Shoulda snapped an Instagram but there's always time for that; feels like it's going to be a cold winter.

xoxo amy

A Bunch of Street Peeps

We rarely capture five "Street Peeps" in the same post but it is springtime, it has been raining a lot, they do just keep popping up and they're all wearing clothes from a store called Wildflower! "Analogies prove nothing, that is true" wrote Sigmund Freud, "but they can make one feel more at home." 

Hopefully Kim, Annie, Lee, Claire and Carolyn feel right at home together because together they really do epitomize what Wildflower Boutique is all about. Our mission has always been about creating beauty and inspiration for EVERY woman regardless of age, height, size, or whatever else makes her unique. We love, love, love that our customers resemble a beautiful bundle of mixed wildflowers!!! And this bunch is especially special.

• Kim (looking awesome in her Charlie Jade dress) was one of the very first Wildflower Girls! She remembers when the shop was filled with April Cornell and when Lluvia was simply a momma of one. Her long lasting, kindred friendship with Lluvia (they met while Kim was shopping at Wildflower) is proof that we're about way more than just fashion.
• Annie (with her prom date) is another long time customer. Her mom, Noelle, started bringing her to Wildflower with her twin sister, Hallie, when they were both super small. Now they're super old (kidding!!!) and about to graduate from Reynolds High. Annie is as sweet, kind and smart as she is beautiful in her Veronica M gown.
• We've known Lee a long time too. She's simply inspiring. Over the years we've envied her handstands and her master baking skills. These days she's selling Worth clothing through her own home-based business but she still makes room for Wildflower in her closet. Beija-Flor, Top Secret, and Kersh should be as glad as we are that she's wearing their clothes (cause she looks good!)
• Claire (rock'n her Tulle dress and Seychelles boots) is sister to Jane who is best friends with Carolyn. So it's always fun when they run into each other at Wildflower (like in this photo). Claire should also meetup with Lee since they both love to cook. We're pretty sure she'd have something in common with Annie and Kim too because that's just the way Claire is; friendly and easy-going with lots of interests (including cute fashion:).
• Carolyn bought her Weston Wear dress from us this spring but her necklace is from years back. It's one of the things we love about her and her mom, Julie. They find treasures and treasure them. She's in New Zealand right now and we can't wait to see what she brings back. If nothing else, we know she'll have some great stories to share in her eloquent and joyful way.

Spring & Love, Shopping & Sales are in the Air

All Spring we've been posting these "windows" to our Facebook account and completely neglecting our Blogger friends. But now's the perfect time to entice you with some Spring 2012 highlights because this weekend (for 3 days only) it's ALL going to be ON SALE!

Our "Draw Your Own Discount" Sale is the most complicated thing to explain (especially in writing) but it's really a brilliant idea that everyone (whose ever participated) has grown to love and anticipate. Basically, Lluvia hand writes discounts on little pieces of paper and puts them in a hat (it's very low tech and we love that:) She'll add lots of 25, 30 and 40 percent offs and then just one 50% to make it really exciting.

On sale days (which start tomorrow BTW Thursday, May 3rd) customers shop the entire store and then take their favorite finds to the counter where they reach into the hat to draw their discount. Whatever percentage they pick is taken off ALL of their full-priced items. Who doesn't love that?!?

So don't forget to check out the pictures we've posted below (they're a great sampling of what we have in the store). But even more importantly don't forget to come in this weekend (Thu, Fri & Sat) to shop our Springtime Draw Your Own Discount Sale!!! Love, Spring, Shopping and Sales are definitely in the air.

Smile! It's Beija-Flor

Smiling faces are considered another form of payment when you're selling jeans. Like bathing suits or bras, trying on denim is not everyone's favorite thing to do. Patience and endurance are good for climbing the hills of San Francisco but really, for trying on clothes??? Yep, when it comes to denim the little Buddha inside needs to come out.

That's why we've been bragging about Beija-Flor Jeans for a so long now. They still deliver the best fit for the most women in the quickest time! So this Saturday, we're bringing back their trunk and it's going to be full of their new Spring styles, including those we don't normally stock at Wildflower.

Check out their website to get familiar. After all, doing some leg work on the computer may save you even more time in the dressing room.

Saturday, March 31st, 10am-6pm

• You'll receive 10% off all your Beija-Flor purchases.
   
• Get 20% off something cute to go with your new Beija-Flor jeans.
   
• You may win a FREE pair of jeans! Just bring and friend and you'll both be entered in a drawing.

• You'll be able to see a full selection of Beija-Flor styles and find your perfect size (whether you're a 0, a 16, or somewhere in between).

• The odds are stacked in your favor. We've found that Beija-Flor works for 95% of the woman that try them on! So come ready for success.
   
• Beija experts will be on hand to share their wisdom, help you find the perfect style for your body, and listen to your feedback.

It's Ursula! Last Fall's winner of our Beija-Flor drawing. Note, she's smiling:)

Nicole "butt-lifting" Jean and their #1 best-seller, the Jennifer Jean

Your Toes Called...

It happens every March! When my toes aren't looking so hot, literally being hot isn't my first concern. It's 9:45am, I have to open the store in 15 minutes, so on go a pair of my Sock-It-To-Mes and of course, a pair of boots. But when the reality of 80 degrees sets in (oh about 1pm) and my face is beat red from the heat radiating up from my feet, getting a pedicure and some sandals just isn't going to happen fast enough.

So, with this sad story in mind, we've come up with a super fun and inspiring promotion! This Saturday (aka the 17th) we're offering (in partnership with Van Davis Aveda) 20% off a salon pedicure AND a free bottle of Butter London toxin-free nail polish to the first 10 customers who buy a pair of shoes from our fabulous new Spring collection.

Our shoe tree is so full of Seychelles, BC Footwear, Jeffery Campbell and Minnetonkas that it might just tip over + the Butter London colors are bright, beautiful and toxin-free+ Cindy & Brook over at Van Davis Aveda have donated the "20% off a pedicure" coupons and who doesn't love their hypnotic set up.

Doors open 10am. First 10 buyers are the winners. Your 10 toes will thank you (and us) for it.

xoxo amy

Just a sample of the fresh produce!

Paleface Gets a Dye Pretty Job

Paleface (a BFF to the Avett Brothers) is hanging his art at Dye Pretty Salon in downtown Winston starting this evening at 7pm. We already knew him as a musician but, like most highly inspired folks, it turns out he's a visual artist too. All  new original paintings will be on display (and for sale) through the end of the month and then on March 30th he'll be performing at The Garage with his super cute drummer & girlfriend, Mo. So put on your "Get'n to Know Paleface" outfit and check out this month's Paleface offerings.

(his art)

 

(his tunes)

(your outfit*)

*OK so we don't totally know him yet, but our "Get'n to Know Paleface" look would have to be by Praire Underground. This woman-owned, Seattle-based company is indie and awesome!!! xoxo

We've Got Dresses! Yes We Do! We've Got Dresses! How 'Bout You?!

With the Fall wedding season and sorority mixers in full swing, and holiday formals and cocktail parties just around the corner, we've been working hard to check in, steam up and put out as many affordable party dresses as possible. What better than a cute frock for under $100! The price leaves room for accessories galore, dancing while drinking without too big a fear of ruining, and low anxiety wardrobe sharing with your roommate or sister.

Ark & Co. (their newest batch pictured above) is just one of the labels we found that offers some highly inspired looks for a great price. From a sea of thousands (and we're not kidding), Lluvia fished out the cutest ones at the market to bring back to the girls of Winston. We'll be getting in more and more, practically everyday, throughout the Fall/Winter season. Plus we'll be keeping track of who's wearing what to which event; greatly reducing your risk of being on the "Who Wore It Better" pages of Facebook.

So three cheers for us, and here's to a "super-cute-in-Japanese" party season for you! Let the games begin.

Street Peep Jessie

We've been saving this photo of Jessie Williams until we got in more of her "stuff" (a.k.a her beauteous feathers all the way from Wilmington, North Carolina). It's so nice supporting a local girl and it's even nicer that her earrings are so great! We spotted her in Las Vegas at the Pool Trade Show (she was there buying for her boutique). So great to put a face with some feathers, don't you think?

Forming New Habits

Maria and Beatrice are material martyrs, fabric fiends and cloth conscious. They love them some fibers and they keep each other hooked on the stuff. OK, enough word play (even though it's relevant, we promise:)

With an emerging knit collection aptly named Textile Junkie (!!!), these girls have designed "it" shapes for Fall, using the softest of fabrics. We say drapey, boxie, and oversized. Whatever the name, whatever it's called, it seems fresh and we like it.

When asked why they decided to go out on their own (both had worked for larger designers), they said it was their love of textiles that has always kept them motivated. So while their shapes will likely change with the flow of fashion, their devotion to great fabrics will always remain the cornerstone of Textile Junkie.

With the line being woman-owned AND made state-side (in this case Los Angeles, where the label is based), you'll feel good about supporting their new habit (and yours).

Desigual for All

In Spanish, Desigual means "unequal" and when you see our newest brand's Fall '10 collection this name will seem just about right. Anytime we carry something from Europe the colors and prints are always super unique and Desigual is no exception. So far they've offered boldness and graphics galore; like their skirts and dresses, which will transition nicely into cool weather but can still be worn now with a bright tee and sandals. Pictured here is just a sample. Stop by to see their winter knits and coats too. They're making a name for themselves this side of the Atlantic and we're happy to help out. Viva la Desigual for all!!!

Melts In Your Mouth

Here's a few of the pieces by MM Couture that we just got in. A 'lil bit street & a 'lil bit high fashion, this line by Miss Me is fast becoming a Wildflower Girl favorite. We can't stop at just one!

Seychelles and BC Footwear O My

spring and summer '10 styles & their creators
L to R: Katie of BC & Miranda of Seychelles

Meet Miranda and Katie, Katie and Miranda. The girls who dress our feet, give us height, color our closets from the bottom up. They're the design team who puts together collection after collection of Seychelles (that's "say shells") and BC Footwear. Without them many great Wildflower outfits might have gone unworn. So first and foremost "Thank You" girls for all that you do: making sure the fit is relatively comfy, the look is spot on current, and the price is nice. You'd definitely have Dorothy out of those tired old ruby reds in no time flat.

Street Peep Blaire

We have the best customers! Everyone has an adventure to share and a raison d'être. Blaire's is wigs and makeup. She's off to Colorado this summer for an apprenticeship with an opera company where she'll create the look of many a character. One of her last stops on the way out of town was Wildflower to pick up this cute outfit, including some feathers. Look out CO, a little bit of NC is on her way.

Disney Done Right

We've been promising to do this vacation thing with the Lilla P Origami Wrap so Susie took on the challenge. Four ways in as many days: tunic, cowl, wrap and cardi. Thanks to her family, especially little Annie, for making this experiment happen sooner than later (we heard that she pushed for Disney).

Bonita Owlita

Ashley Doty with her goods

Rumor has it that a Spring '10 selection of the long awaited, highly coveted Owlita feather earrings will arrive this week. When we saw what Ashley had to offer (all the way back in February) we could hardly stand that we had to wait until now. We knew that Winston-Salem needed more feathers, fast!

Ashley's been brewing some awesome spring colors in her Portland, Oregon studio but it all started in her kitchen, which is a funny image if you think about it. When we first met her a few years back she was a visiting artist with Rise Up International and all her creations were made from home. Dying wet feathers doesn't make for the best aromatherapy, so when her housemates couldn't stand the mess (remember this had become a high demand 24/7 operation!) she decided to make the leap to full-time earring maker, with her own studio space as an added benefit.

Just in time for this summer's music festivals, a little Owlita will definitely get you noticed, if not invited backstage. But be careful, we've been told some crazy stories from one customer's near death experience ("Girl, I'm gonna kill you for those earrings."), to another happily thinking "I must look extra bonita today" until she realized it wasn't really her face everyone was looking at, it was the feathers.

Beija Believers

Look out Seven, Citizens, Joe's! After last month's Beija-Flor Trunk Show you'll be seeing lots of Beija butts all over town. The trunk show totally confirmed woman love these jeans.

Lights, Camera, Origami

Instructional videos have never looked so cute! Whether you've just bought one, need a refresher, or have no idea what we're talking about, here's The Origami by Lilla P.

Right now, we've got tons of great colors for spring (including a cap sleeved version) but they won't last long. The Origami is a tried and true favorite at Wild Flower.

Denim 101

This Sunday, March 21st, from 1pm to 6pm we'll be hosting our first 2010 Trunk Show with our best-selling premium denim line, Beija-Flor.

Why all the fuss?:

1. You'll be able to see a full selection of their styles (including many we don't normally keep in stock) and find your perfect size (whether you're a 0, a 16, or somewhere in between).
2. Denim expert, Kathy Moca (owner of Beija-Flor), will be on hand to share her wisdom, help you find the perfect style for your body, and listen to your feedback.
3. You'll save 10% at the show on all your Beija-Flor purchases.
4. Food and drinks, drinks and food; they'll both be served for your epicurious enjoyment.
5. If you bring a friend you'll receive 20% off something cute to go with your new Beija-Flors.
6. The odds are stacked in your favor. We've found that Beija-Flors work for 95% of the woman that try them on! So come ready for success.
   

Read more about "the fuss" here and here.

See you Sunday!