Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. So while I hope you will keep in your hearts those who have given their lives to make this country great you will use your domestress skills to also honor them with a little decoration.

Formal Dress Reviews: A Stylish Retail Interview with Clothing Boutique Owner - Cindy Shelby

Many times in the summer we have special events to attend such as formal weddings, charity events or other happening that we need a more formal dress and here are some beautiful examples: 

Aidan Mattox polka-dot dress 

Phoebe Couture yellow dress 

Jill Stuart royal blue polka-dot dress 

Cindi hosted a Gottex swimwear trunk show at Ruth Meyers. They had some nice items though she does not have it in stock regularly. 

Again, we even see how patterns and bright colors can carry over into formal wear and swimsuits. 

Some other brands you will find at Ruth Meyers include: 

Max Mara, Nicole Miller, Christopher blue (denim), Agave (denim), Cambio (denim), David Kahn (denim), Gottex swimwear, Carmen Marc Valvo, Bigio, Apriori, Monique Lhuillier, Pink Tartan

Thank you to Cindi Shelby for allowing us to explore the spring trends through the eyes of her charming store. 

If you are interested in visiting the store Ruth Meyers is located at: 

6471 Avondale Drive 

Oklahoma City, OK 73116 

Ruth Meyers is next to Coolgreens for a delightful afternoon of lunch and shopping.

Spring Dress Reviews: A Stylish Retail Interview with Clothing Boutique Owner - Cindy Shelby

Here are some lovely ideas from Ruth Meyers for luncheons and informal weddings: 

Robert Rodriguez black and white dress 

Lotus Grace white dress 

Pink Tartan red pleated skirt with zipper waist band 

Pink Tartan silk jungle print chemise 

Although we tend to think of color blocking as colorful we also see this trend in the black and white Robert Rodriguez dress above. 

The Lotus white matelassé dress is a perfect example of heavy fabrics worn in the summer and mixed with the lady-like silhouette of the popular Mad Men look. 

The Pink Tartan chemise and skirt set illustrate both the bright colors and the prints of the season.

Casual Wear: A Stylish Retail Interview with Clothing Boutique Owner - Cindy Shelby

Last week I introduced you to Cindy Shelby, owner of Ruth Meyers. Today let’s look at some of her lovely garments in reference to spring/summer trends. 

First let’s explore some casual, everyday looks: 

Artelier Nicole Miller geometric pattern top 

Poleci white top with pink squares 

m2f brand red denim 

Helios and Luna orange silk blouse 

Jude crochet sweater 

Something we see multiple times above is the resurgence of sleeves and loose fabrics. This is welcome relief to those with upper arm and tummy issues. The fabrics are still cool and airy while the styles draw the attention away from potential problem areas. 

Again, prints are hot, hot, hot, but if you just cannot jump on the print wagon bright solid colors are equally trendy and can do so much for one’s skin tone. 

Colored denim is an absolute must! It is available is so many styles and price points there is just no excuse not to give it a try. 

Nudes and blush color palettes are here to stay another season...Yeah!

Jewelry: A Stylish Retail Interview with Boutique Owner - Cindy Shelby

Jewelry at Ruth Meyers: 

Cindi loves jewelry and bags because they really do complete the outfit. She says, “I never let a customer leave without at least suggesting the perfect bag or earring.” Cindi recommends layering necklaces of differing lengths to create a vertical dimension along the body. You can achieve that Boho look with a RJ Graziano wooden necklace. 

These convertible necklaces by Simon Sebbage Designs of Israel make for a nice two in one option. 

If have that humanitarian gene and are conscious of whether your money will go to a good cause, you may be interested in the Chan Luu wrap bracelet. The profits help keep two villages in Vietnam employed.  

Statement rings and monograms are big again this season.

Belargo delicate gold bangles add a finishing touch to the feminine trend. 

Handbags: A Stylish Retail Interview with Boutique Owner - Cindy Shelby

I introduced you to Cindy Shelby, owner of Ruth Meyers, in the last post. Let’s preview some of the delightful handbags from the store in reference to spring/summer trends.

Handbags: 

You can find a variety of purses from everyday to special occasion at Ruth Meyers. Cindi says she likes to offer hand held option for the same reason Kate Middleton prefers the hand held versus shoulder strap...shoulder straps throw off the line of the garment. She carries Due Fratelli and Miss Mak leather bags that come in a variety of styles and colors. Miss Mak offers these smaller make-up bags and small purses just big enough for credits cards and a phone. 

You can find a large selection of Longchamp bags at Ruth Meyers. Longchamp is a french company that has been producing quality handbags since 1948. 

Cindi suggests Yany and Rafe‘ to complete a Boho look and this black and white Foley and Corinna for the classic “Mad Men” trend. 

Spring Reviews: A Stylish Retail Interview with Clothing Boutique Owner - Cindy Shelby

If you have never been to the quaint Oklahoma City clothing boutique, Ruth Meyers, you are missing out on meeting the store’s owner, the tiniest, most radiant ray of sunshine, Cindi Shelby. She is sharp and knowledgeable of the styles and fits of her frequent and infrequent customers alike. When I thought of interviewing someone with experience in translating runway fashion to a diverse range of mid-south ladies I not only wanted to know what she thought about 2012 trends, but also the behind the scenes decisions a store owner and buyer must make for her clients. 

Cindi, in purple and hidden by a garment bag, helps a customer.

(Q) We know that trends like neons and mixed patterns are big this season, but what do you view as “in style” for Oklahoma women this Spring and Summer? 

(A) Cindi confidently states that Oklahoma women are brilliant in interpreting trends! They are fashion conscious. They read fashion magazines and internet articles; they are not fashion victims, but interpret the trends in a way that makes sense. 

(Q) What would you say are the three “must haves” this season? 

(A) high color piece: whether jean or jacket, it needs to be an important piece to the ensemble (i.e. an orange, turquoise, or red jacket or colored denim, such as, kelly green jeans) 

A printed item: i.e. a printed top like the Nicole Miller flowy top, a dress or even bottoms 

Mad Men look: early 60’s through early 70’s inspired lady-like looks (i.e. pencil skirts and feminine dresses) 

(Q) How many markets do you attend to source your products? 

(A) 9 markets, 4 NY, 5 Dallas 

(Q) Do you often have individual customers in mind when purchasing your merchandise? 

(A) She exclaimed, “Always! If I can’t feel excited immediately or that I can’t think of at least five people (by name) I won’t buy.” 

(Q) Obviously you demand quality. What is your number one must have when it comes to quality? 

(A) “The fabric.” Cindi says she has to feel every garment. It must have a nice hand and feel nice against your skin. After she establishes that she likes the fabric she moves on to check the notions, seams, linings, etc. 

(Q) What, if any, changes have you made since becoming owner of Ruth Meyer’s? 

(Or maybe I should have asked what has she not changed?) 

(A) First, Cindi changed the merchandise mix by bringing in some younger, more casual and lower price point items. She rearranged the store to present more merchandise on the floor steering away from the salon style of shopping. She has added a permanent “sale room” to allow the store to turn stock more often, along with hiring two young men and one young woman to help reach a younger demographic, hired an advertising agency to reinvigorate the Ruth Meyers image and painted the walls bright inviting colors. 

(Q) Is there any staple items that you always keep in the store? 

(A) Longchamp’s Le Pliage bags. She updates the colors and styles, but always has them in stock. Jeans: a variety of fits, styles and brands in sizes 0-16. 

(Q) Since you have such a unique selection do you buy more than one size per style? 

(A) Cindi says she will only buy one in the more pricey pieces, reminding me that she always has someone in mind when purchasing. She says she will order up to a couple sizes per style in her staple goods such as t-shirts and jeans. 

(Q) How many trunk shows do you host throughout the year? 

(A) “I do not really know, but lots!” She says some women want to come in to see the full collection and she likes to give them that opportunity. Ruth Meyer’s also hosts jewelry and handbag trunk shows. 

(Q) What sizes do you carry? 

(A) 0-16 and some 18 and 20’s. When talking women’s shape and size she exclaimed “Every woman is beautiful!” 

(Q) Helios and Luna is a new line you are carrying this year. Do you ever find carrying a new line frightening and what made you decide to go with this company? 

(A)When asked about taking on a new line she responded, ”Yes! Totally scary! It’s an expensive commitment. You make the commitment and pray the customers and salespeople will back you.” Cindi has a resident buying office in New York that act as her eyes and ears when she is in Oklahoma. Her buyers really understand the Oklahoma shopper’s style. They were the ones that introduced Cindi to Helio and Luna. Cindi was so excited. She just loved the line. 

Stay tuned for more trend photos of clothing, jewelry and handbags for Ruth Meyers.