The Fall 2010 Signature Collection includes 4 new fabrics sure to knock your socks off!

Slate Blooms pairs well with denim and work wear blues. The pattern is organic with oversized floral highlighting slate gray with winter whites and black on a mahogany ground. The feel is earthy, and rural with a tailored sensibility.

 Very Berry Paisley is classic Vera. The fabric is a delicious collage of plums, pinks and fuchsias complimented by olive, sage, white and a hint of gray. The design is folkloric, with a gypsy-inspired theme. The overall effect is eclectic and rich. Chic and upbeat, the fabric matches perfectly this season’s palette of berries, vibrant purples and dark chocolate hues.

 Hello Dahlia! makes a lush, dramatic color statement with sensual dahlias. Plum, camel, rouge, blush, and lipstick red share the spotlight on a cream background with kiwi and celadon green leaves.

 Barcelona, inspired by a Spanish tile motif, carries us abroad with its modern twist and bold, contemporary stripes of scarlet, cobalt, and yellow gold. It’s the perfect combination of timelessness and trend-setting flair.

New for the season are 7 fabulous new Signature Styles. The Hipster is a better-than- ever design. It includes a sleeker design that easier to access. The shoulder strap is comfortable and adjustable and features silver-toned Vera Bradley hardware. The Hipster boasts a double pocket in front (one zip, cone slip), one back zip compartment and three inside slip pockets. The Julia is elegant, stylish, and classic. Its reinforced construction ensures its shape will remain intact. The Julia is carried by the top handle or the detachable shoulder strap for versatility; it sports two slip pockets and a zippered compartment inside and a sophisticated turn lock closure outside. Side by Side is named for its convenient, well-designed pockets on each side. It’s a great everyday piece, perfect for the market or shopping. With plenty of inside pockets and easy access, this purse epitomizes style and function. The Laptop Backpack is perfect for travel or campus. It slips easily over the handle of large luggage and is designed for comfort and organization. Its side zip padded laptop sleeve fits a 15″ computer and file folders. The large gusseted center compartment zips down to host an ID window, card slot, zippered and slip pockets and four pen holders on the flap. Another great travel companion this season is the Metropolitan. This style, too, holds a 15″ laptop and easily slips over a luggage handle. The Metropolitan includes a removable, adjustable strap with a soft shoulder pad; the front compartment opens wide with a gusseted flap. Plenty of pockets and organizational supports make this style an office on the go! Two accessory pieces round out the fall line-up. The Kiss and Make Up is an elegant case perfect for tucking in your bag for powder room touch-ups. The plastic lined interior makes it easy to clean and the kisslock frame closure ensures that contents are secure. The Double Kiss is cute enough to carry as a tiny clutch. It’s an adorable coin purse in a coin purse with four separate compartments to keep small items neatly organized.

The Fall 2010 Frill Collection is energetic, diverse and colorful. If Only carries the Button Up, which is a stylish cinched profiled purse with a large button closure. It boasts a wide base and one zippered pocket inside and one zip and two slip pockets outside. The A+ Tote is a flair of fashion, function and fun. The tote sports a bold patent border and flower appliqué, a zip pocket on the back and one zippered compartment and three slip pockets inside. The Petal Wallet, Flag & Tag, and Frill Cuff accessorize the look for fall.

A trunk show will kick off our seasonal collection of designs by Betsy Balch.  She’s sending up a wonderful array of scarves in luxurious colors and fabrics from her studio  in Washington specifically for this event.  Our staff will model her wearable art throughout  the evening, so don’t miss this opportunity to choose your special wrap for the winter from this show!  Refreshments will feature foods from our 2009 Specialty Food Selection, and we’ll have a door prize drawing.

I’m tickled for other reasons as well. New merchandise is arriving every day at the store.  Right now, there is a burst of springtime color on the center table so bright I almost need my shades!  You’d better slide on in and see for yourself.  And don’t forget the Fabulous February Pen Sale continues; there are still some beauties available.

Beginning September 2nd, Paprika and Hope Garden fabrics are 25% off as they are retiring colors.  We have a limited selection in the store.

Ever wonder how a Musk Ox stays warm on the frigid coastal plain of Alaska? Qiviut, my friend, qiviut! Qiviut is the light under down from the belly of the Musk Ox. Eight times warmer than sheep’s wool and much lighter, it is the warmest natural fiber on the planet. Soft, delicate and deliciously warm, our selections from The Qiveut Collection are sure to bring a smile. Award winning fiber artist, Colleen White of Palmer, Alaska, produces heirloom quality qiviut treasures. We carry headbands and smoke rings and can special order a variety of other offerings. Truly an indulgence for yourself, a special friend or graduate, or World’s Best Mom.