Even though we are still sweating through the height of the summer heat, in the world of fashion, we have fully moved into fall. That means the style barameters can already begin to detect which trends will be hailing down on us when the cooler weather comes to town. While by no means is this the full list of what you can start looking for to express your true inner fashionista, it’s a nice little rundown of trends seen on the runway.

Fringe Elements:

Continuing with the beloved hippie slash boho feels, this fall sees a return of suede fringe. Donning accessories from boots to bags, this is a bit more conservative fringe than the original 1970’s ancestor. Not crazy long and not overdone ( yet!), we are seeing a more minimalist, simple fringe. Almost like an accessory on an accessory, but it is a nice refreshing change.

As with so many things, the key is to not overdo too much of a good thing. Continue to keep the look sleek, minimal and modern. Pair your favorite fringe with sleek classsics so you don’t look like a 1970’s closet hangover. Skinny jeans and ribbed sweaters provide a clean backdrop for dripping suede. Show off a pair of to die for frigged boots with simple shift dresses and solid color tights or leggings.

Peeking at Peeps:

If you got on the trend wagon last year, you can continue to ride the peep train.  The Peep Toe ankle bootie is back again this fall with even more styles to choose from.

Not a full shoe, nor a whole boot, or even a sandal, yet somehow all and inbetween, we have been seeing the bootie on the runways and celebrities for some time now.  Almost always with a serious heel and hitting just at the ankle, they go great with jeans: the skinnier the better! Think a sleek 80’s retro and pair them with dark leggings and a short skirt or dress.

Denim gets accessorized:

There are two looks in jeans that we shall be seeing an increase of this fall: More hardwear and distressing.

Zippers will appear on more than just flys. On pockets in interesting directions, they add some nice interest to one of the favorite closet staples. Other lines are producing denim with rocking stud details and additional design rivits.

In addition to the various washes, distressing has followed the natural progression of wear and artistically applied holes are showing up in knees and thigh areas.

Box or Bag?

The most useful of fashion accesories, the designer handbag, has two new looks for fall as well.

Continuing with a modern sleeking, think medium purse meets laptop carrybag and you have the look of the flat shoulder bag.  They are a bit more professional and can easily move into the workplace, yet can still hold all the essentials. These bags sport a well needed shoulder strap allowing for life on the go. Talk on your I-phone, look at discounted price tags at Loehmanns and still know where everything else important is: perfect!

The super friendly carry all bag also has a new twist:  drawstring openings. The baggy lines of some of our favorite designer handbags get even softer with this new trend in un-hardwear.  Your bag can now open W I D E to carry just about anything you need, plus is sometimes finished with a knot, or a bow, or our first fall trend- the sueded fringe.

Which leads us back full circle, and hopefully leaves you excited for this year’s fall fashion trends!

Some people adore shopping and some people absolutely hate it. Whether it’s a joy or a chore, everyone must shop eventually.  It’s fair to say that most women feel greatly frustrated when designer clothing cannot be found in the correct size.

We have all been there. Either you need a specific item or just browsing around to see what you can find, but finding the perfect article of apparel, especially at Loehmann’s where you know the price is significantly less, can be a real amazing feeling. Whether it is thrill of the hunt or just relief that your job is completed, nothing can bring you down faster than noticing that that perfect skirt in the perfect color that will go with those perfect shoes at the perfect price is two sizes too small or big enough for two of you.

Perfection becomes frustration with one glance at a size tag.

Some clothing lines run small and you need to find a larger than regular size with, say, those skinny jeans. Sometimes, the most common size is grabbed off the racks by all the other women who share that “regular” size with you. Sometimes it is clothing for ladies in petite sizes that proves to be a challenge. In any case, being faced with a rack full of size 2’s and a smattering of 11s does no good if you require the perfect 8.

Loehmann’s knows this and has heard your cries of frustration. No longer will amazing “can’t miss” bargains be purchased in a size too small just because they cannot be found in the correct size and the items are too good to put down. No longer must one add diet restrictions to their lifestyle a week or so before debuting a too tight skirt. Loehmann’s new Size Search brings increased satisfaction to designer shopping. Now, not only can you find the most incredible savings on designer clothing, but there shall be no more excuses not to wear them!

The new in store Size Search service will find your size in another Loehmann’s location if we have it available. You can complete your purchase just as if the size 0 pants fit, and then the correct sized clothing will be shipped directly to your home or office. Please ask a Sales Associate for details.  While shipping fees will be applied, it is a small price to pay for pure shopping satisfaction and the perfect skinny jeans.

Just think of the possibilities:

Beautiful designer shoes in your size can show up at your door.

A fabulous sports coat for him in the perfect size and at huge savings with zero frustration.

A party dress for your daughter with enough room to grow rather than knowing that she will grow out of it before it gets stained.

And you don’t have to drive all over wasting precious gas. That’s pure shopping satisfaction and eco friendly to boot!

Shopping at Loehmann’s enables a customer to make some serious fashion purchases and save money at the same time.  It’s a great feeling to get your heart’s desire and not feel that regretful shopper’s guilt.  Now Loehmann’s has made it even easier to shop guilt free:

This Thursday evening, only at their Manhattan store in Chelsea, not only will you spend less on designer fashions, but 5% of your purchases will directly be given as a donation by Loehmann’s to Gilda’s Club New York City.

Named in memory for Saturday Night Live original, Gilda Radner, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 1989, Joanna Bull, Gilda Radner’s cancer psychotherapist together with Gilda’s husband Gene Wilder, and  several of Gilda’s other friends founded the first Gilda’s Club in 1991.  Since 1995, the signature red doors have been open and welcoming persons diagnosed with any form of the disease.

Gilda’s Club is distinguished by its unique philosophy and program. Completely free of charge, Gilda’s Club encourages a sense of “expertise” among members, and emphasizes community-building, collective wisdom and shared experience.  Gilda’s Club‘s unique philosophy of helping people learn how to live with cancer, whatever the outcome, not only for those diagnosed but also for their family and friends. The support groups, workshops and social activities all provide much needed life assistance for people living with cancer and their families.

With 5% percent of the evening’s proceeds to benefit this important organization, think with your heart as you shop till you drop. Every $500 donated will sponsor one Gilda Club member affected by cancer for one year allowing him or her to participate in the full range of Gilda’s Club programs. For a location like NY and a store like Loehmann’s, it’s not hard to imagine that it is possible. 

Only this Thursday evening, March 27^th from 4:30pm - 8:30pm all the goods of the Chelsea store, located at 101 Seventh Avenue, will be waiting for you. Please join Loehmann’s in supporting this very important organization and go at little crazy. It’s for a good cause. 

“The” sandal to wear this spring is definitely the gladiator sandal.   As with any fashion essential for a season the basic look has morphed into a huge variety of styles and prices allowing every shoe lover to find a perfect fit.

Keeping to the basics: The quintessential gladiator sandal is exclaimlified by a flat sole and rough hewn leather straps that tie up ones leg.  Russell Crowe wore them well in, as expected, Gladiator.   Keeping to the true form by some, excellent examples of this look can be seen here .

Lighten up: A strappy sandal is very easy to feminize and many designers are going that way.  Bringing in a thinner strap gives the sandal a much more delicate look and can perfectly show off a lovely pedicure.

Add Color: While traditional tanned leather created the look, it also provides an excellent starting point for the introduction of fun spring palettes.  Bright hues lighten up the shoes for beach wear and parties, while metallics bring a gladiator look into the night with ease.

A basic black sandal can, as always, be a much needed wardrobe staple.

Sandal Accessories:  Whether you go for a natural look or fun colors, the gladiator sandal can add a jeweled look to your feet.  Many of the leather looks have natural looking embellishments like metal straps, or stone look buttons, while chunky jewels and silk flowers find homes on the more girly looks.

Reaching New Heights:  The gladiator sandal does not have to stay flat.  A stacked chunky heel easily transforms the gladiator look to new heights and allows you to step out in more formal wear while still keeping up with the trends. Perfect for an afternoon wedding or luncheon, with an additional heel you can dance all night in comfort and style.

What to wear? With this many choices, the gladiator sandal can be worn with just about everything this spring.  The trick with a true gladiator look is not to look too “costume-y”, so pare down the rest of your outfit, allowing for your shoes to shine.  After all, it’s a spring look, not Halloween.

The casual look easily lends itself to a pairing with casual shorts or shorter skirts whether they are of the chunky of more delicate styles.  The same can be said of longer full skirt and your sandal of choice.  They also look real cute with a basic black legging as seen here.  If you are blessed with a thin calf, then the higher styles that lace up will call attention to your fit legs and a more open style will elongate a shorter limb. 

Just in Time:  Marching into the height of spring fashions is your local Loehmann’s with a full line of gladiator sandals.  Shop a chic selection of flat gladiator sandals in assorted styles and colors fit for the glamorous warrior in you.

Loehmann’s Best of Spring 2008 Here!

With spring finally right around the corner, it’s time to be thinking of hot new spring looks. One of the best things about the warmer weather is being able to get out of our clunky bad weather boots and into some more reveling, trendy shoes.  Loehmann’s conveniently has their Best of Spring 2008 arriving in stores right now on the floor at – you guessed it – discount prices.

Hot Now Designer Shoe Trends

Aside from the obvious open toes, and strappy sandals that can be worn, some hot new designer shoe trends have been making waves in hot spots and on celebrity toes. It’s worth it to keep an eye out for some of these new trends in discount designer footwear:

Nude is the New Black 

Nude flats, nude sandals and nude shoes in general have been spotted! Shoemore called it back in October and it is coming true. Don’t be caught without this spring fashion staple!

Bright New Hues – Neon Shoes:

Also focused on is yet another return of the Neon shoe in heals and flats as well. Both Marie Claire and the Wall Street Journal also have called for brights and neon’s in the spring trend Forecasts.

Continued Flatliner Shoes:

The ballet flat trend continues to grown on. Either with additional colors or “gladiator” or MaryJane like straps, sheer mesh fabrics and sequins, or larger bows and flowers on the toes, comfort and design both continue to live stylishly well together. Keep on snatching up those precious flats when you see them on Loehmann’s racks!

A Wedge of Shoe:

Going green with your feet is also possible with large wooden wedged heels on the horizon and neutral earth tone colors for your shoes.

No matter what you prefer, it’s time to go get a fresh pedicure and get your toes ready for some spring time stepping out.  Watch out for these shoe trends and more coming to your local Loehmann’s Discount Designer Stores.