Sunglasses!

If you doubted that summer is on its way, you were reminded today. Wow, was it hot! It was, also, a perfect day for our sunglasses to arrive. Colorful, bright and big, they are divine in all ways. Come get a pair before the holiday weekend. All styles are $22. Whee!

Holiday Weekend Necessities!

The holiday weekend is near! Whether you are hauling your cookies to a beachy locale or staying local to cook out with friends, dress for summer! Wear something breezy and festive! San Diego hats are here in bright colors and big brims. And slip into a pair of Havaianas to complete your edge-of-summer look.

Our Maternity Wardrobe Tips on "The Fashionable Bambino"

Last week I chatted with the editors of "The Fashionable Bambino," a mama-driven blog. We discussed the best clothing solutions, from work apparel to formal wear, for the expecting mom. To read the interview, including "10 must-buy pieces," click here.

Spring dresses arrive.

If you felt inspired to pull out all you warm weather clothes this weekend, you are not alone! It's time. Unpack your tanks, light breezy skirts and strappy dresses. If you are feeling uninspired by your last-season spring wardrobe, come in and see what's new. We have new, bright dresses from Voile in coral, turquoise, and blue. There's a maxi from Kensie that will knock your socks off. And there's this pretty little dress from Hazel (shown) that will be on the racks tomorrow.

Estella Cardigan is back!

This delicate cotton cardigan is back. After selling thru it in three colors, we just received deliver in pewter. It's perfect for this transitional weather. If you are a woodenships fan, we will continue to thrill you with deliveries that go into the fall!

Update on Xy-Guy

For all of you who have been inquiring about our Lady Jessica and her new baby, here's your prize! Isn't he a handsome little dude! This week I caught up on all things baby with Jessica while we drank coffee and ate chocolate croissants from Quebrada. Yum. I updated her on all the well-wishes from customers. She, Dave and baby Xylo are doing well and enjoying all the family friendliness that Arlington has to offer.

Bright Embroidered Knits from Caite

The spring delivery from Caite arrived today. This California line is constructed of a soft, drapey viscose knit. The designers are inspired by a jeans and t-shirt look, which means the colors are "denim friendly"...a fashion term that means they will look great with the Red Engine Cinder jeans featured below!

More Red Engine Arrives

We have heard countless raves about the double button waist on the Cinder jean from Red Engine. It came in today, the Helena's ladies (you know, Valerie, Dianne, Betsy & Cat) called in to say they love it. It's got a slim/straight leg and the waist coverage needed to live a life that involves say, bending over to pick up a dropped set of keys. What I mean is real life. We have the Cinder in a dark wash. So nice.

Studded Spring & Summer

Studs as embellishments are everywhere in spring and summer collections from tops and dresses to belts, bags and wallets. The true rock & roll look of silver metal studs on black leather can be a bit heavy for any of us to pull off...but add a lightness to the fabric, or a bright color and all is good in stud-ville. Our favorites: the studded long top from Kensie (shown) which is actually detailed in lightweight beads. And the Melie Bianco red studded hobo bag, which would look great with a white top and a new pair of light wash jeans from Red Engine. More studded bags will be arriving soon from Shiraleah. For even more gab about this trend, click here for "Mamas a Rolling Stone" fashion blog.

SPANX are here!

The Higher Power panty is back in the house. This smoothing body-skimmer is perfect under spring and summer dresses. Find it in black or skin-matching bare.

We LOVE Red Engine!

One of the many design details we love about Red Engine is that the waist is higher in back than in the front, offering a "coverage" that is necessary for those of us who are on the move. This style (shown) is the Ruby, which has a contemporary straight leg, and an overall great fit. We just got the Scarlett in-store in a new wash called Crystal, which is perfect to pair with bright seasonal tops. The next delivery from Red Engine will be a denim skirt!

Post Mother's Day SALE on Maternity Dresses

We are continuing the celebration of motherhood into next weekend. All our in-stock maternity dresses are 25% OFF this week. The sale will run from Monday, May 10 through Sunday, May 16. See lovely spring dresses from Olian, Jules & Jim, Maternal America, Cotton Glam, Ripe, and Bellisima. One of our favorite new lines, Everly Grey shows us the Figi dress (shown). All dresses are comfortable and wearable, as well as lovely. Come in and find your favorites. For more info see today's Daily Candy Kids!

Mother's Day Weekend SALE on Orla Kiely!

Happy Mother's Day! To celebrate, all of our Orla Kiely bags and wallets are 20% off this Friday thru Sunday. We have the classic shoulder bag (shown) and the midi-sling in many prints including the iconic stem print. The Orla big zip wallet is a mastery in function and design with durable hardware and lots of room for all that we, as ladies, carry in such a relatively small space. For more info on the site see today's Boston Globe's "Bargain Bins." And shop early. We've had folks scouting out their picks.

Green Nails...

Every NY show exhibits a strong new trend, not only on the clothing racks, but in what the women are wearing on the show floor. This season, it's green nails. And, I must say, after seeing them on everyone, in every shade from kelly green to pearly fatigue, I am warming to it. But since I am a fan of a clean fresh, unpolished hand, I will bring in the green in other ways. A bright green beaded bangle, a wristlet bag with a blue & green print or a necklace with a bold green enameled pendant. Or I may try out the green polish trend...for a day.

Notes from the shows!

New York City is alive with fashion! This week I am seeing the shows Intermezzo, Moda, Fame, Designers & Agents, and multiple accessories shows. And I am happy to say, it all looks good. Summer and fall are showing trends of studs (of the metal variety), t-shirts with chiffon detail, mesh embellishments, and ruffles and tiers on everything from necklines to handbags. Color is plentiful and runs the spectrum from soft subtle pinks, peaches & blues (think of the dresses at the 2010 Academy Awards) to bright navy blue, army greens, and poppy reds. At Helena's these soft colors will be represented by the line Mystree, XCVI, and a new collection from Lucky that will arrive in June. The brights will come from Velvet, Sweet Pea, and the new arrivals from Caite.

Oh yeah. Two new colors of the favorite shoe.

The Sonja is a slingback of perfect proportions. This open toe sandal has the right heel height, and a wee bit of a platform. And...get ready for it...we have it in two more colors. The purple (shown) and black, join the tan. Wear them all!