Well this year Target has created a match made in heaven with Neiman Marcus. The list of designers will make your little fashionista heart stop! Alice+Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, rag & bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch, and (last but not least) Tracy Reese.

Here are a few pieces we find fun and notable:

Tory Burch lunch box and beverage container

Alice+Olivia bicycle – Better hop on this one fast! Our prediction is that this lovely will sell out faster than the Missoni bicycle!

Marc Jacobs light fringe scarf (always a classic!) and metallic pouches.

Oscar de la Renta pet bowl and leash (and a handbag!)

Proenza Schouler iPad sleeve (I’ve got my eye on this one!)

Robert Rodriguez chic chantilly lace strapless party dress

Tracy Reese ceramic dessert plates (No really!)

To view the entire collection preview visit:
http://www.target.com/c/target-neiman-marcus-collection/-/N-5ouwb

Collection hits stores December 1, 2012! See you there!

If you’re anything like our customers lately, you’re a little pressed for time and desperately in need of a fun, unique, but most of all EASY costume idea.

Well look no further, because FCC Stylist Mario and our fashion intern Stephanie have whipped up FIVE FAST IDEAS for Halloween costumes. All items were found in our Sacramento boutique and the dynamic styling duo put each of these together in no time! If you’re still shopping around for costumes and haven’t settled on just the right one, we hope our ideas inspire you to stop by and recreate these in a fashionable but EASY way! Maybe you’ll find something in your own closet already that you can play with; it’s all about the overall presentation!

1. Sexy bunny outfit

Who said furry creatures couldn’t be sexy? This look is the epitome of sass, and we think any night out in this will definitely be an adventure! We made our bunny ears out of cardboard and construction paper, and pinned a rolled-up fur collar onto the back for the bushy tail, but feel free to be creative!

2. (A fashion-forward) Wednesday Addams

So we do realize this Cavalli dress may be a bit pricey for one night as everyone’s favorite goth girl, but without those pigtails, leggings and Mary Janes, this Mod style dress is forever fashionable and would look great any day!

3. Cruella DeVille

Don’t got fox fur money? Go faux, or borrow from a granny or an old aunt or do some thrifting! We just ADORE this concept! Don’t forget the two-toned black/white hair!

4. Mime

This one is SUPER SIMPLE. All black minus the gloves, flat shoes, and some impeccable make-up work; VOILA!

5. Little Red Riding Hood

Again, super simple and oh so adorable! Just about any red dress will do; with this outfit, it’s all about the accessories! Wrap your head in a red scarf or shawl, and don’t forget the basket of goodies for grandmother!

We hope you’re inspired to run out and grab yourself a quick and easy get-up! You don’t have to be super elaborate or shell out bunches of dollars to participate in the fun — just let those creative juices flow and dress up! Your inner child will thank you for remembering it’s still there.

Esther loves two things: The fall weather in Davis, and cardigans. The two go together like PB&J, she says, and she can’t get enough!

One of our stylists, Esther at our Davis boutique, rides her bike to work. Like everyone else in the town, Esther can often be found atop her two-wheeler, pedaling along the streets of downtown. And while Esther says her wardrobe choices must be conducive to her bicycle rides, that doesn’t let her stop her from putting together functional looks that are still cute, frilly, and oh so flattering.

People in Davis love their bikes, but who says they can’t ride in style?

Esther describes her style as comfortable and casual. A T-shirt and jeans type of gal, Esther always rides her bike in style. She says her style is a “typical college student”€ look, but she is always up for trying out new styles and trends. Some of her favorite brands are Guess, Anthropologie, Free People, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

For today’s bike ride to work, Esther decided to gear up for just-around-the-corner fall weather in a cute and comfy grey cardi by Free People. Esther is giddy for crisp, cooler air; cardigan weather is here! Cardigans are Esther’s fashion weakness and she even fears she may be addicted to them. However, we at FCC don’t blame her — no matter the weather, a cardigan is the perfect piece for a put-together layered look that any girl can recreate in her own style. And with fall quickly approaching, we suggest visiting our online shop’s sweater section RIGHT NOW to find your own comfy cardi to fall in love with! You’ll see lots of pieces from Free People and Anthropolgie, so if you’re in love with the earth-toned, boho chic look that Esther has created with her cardigan, we’ve got more for you to choose from! Until next time, fashionistas!

Ah, Audrey in the opening scene of an FCC favorite, Breakfast at Tiffany’s … Such grace, such style. No wonder an FCC stylist felt inspired to put her own twist on this iconic shot!

Every single one of our French Cuff Consignment employees is a bona fide fashion lover! That’s why we call ourselves “stylists” rather than just “salespeople” — at FCC, we believe every piece of clothing is a tool in the art of self-expression, and we strive to help every customer find secondhand treasures that perfectly capture who they are! While we do love editorials and designer trends and models on runways, we believe the biggest, most inspiring runway is … well, anywhere we’re going! Even if it’s just a day at work!

Outside our storefront windows — with her little black clutch, sunglasses and even sippin’ on that cup of joe — Melissa arrives to work just like Holly Golightly arrives to Tiffany’s: In utter style and with breakfast!

Melissa is wearing a lightweight, stretchy black and white graphic micro-print top by Susan Lawrence. Not one to shy away from pieces others might call “busy,” Melissa knows how to perfectly pair the sleeveless top (a must have for when the walk to work is on the sunny side) with a hot pink Kate Spade A-line skirt that is the very definition of fabulous! The look is styled up playfully with a Bolzano Amori vintage black patent leather clutch, black peep-toe wedges with gilded trimming, and a glitzy tiara because… well, why not? Fashion is all about having fun and expressing who you are, so at FCC, we totally encourage you feeling like a princess for a day!

Breakfast where? At Melissa’s! And it’s fabulous, dah’ling! And PS – the Ray-Bans are simply the cherry atop this faboosh sundae.

And if you haven’t noticed, Melissa (like many other die-hard fashionistas) has a thing for labels. Just the very next day she came to work in a fun F21 romper (once again in bold colors and patterns) and leggings, but smartly accessorized with big-hitting name brands: a Sergio Valente wristlet, a Juicy Couture glam logo set of key chains and charms, a black vintage Yves Saint Laurent belt, and black B Makowsky strappy wedges.

Melissa has such a great sense of style, we couldn’t show you just one of her outfits! If you’re like Melissa and would love to stock up on high-end designer goodies and accessories, visit our online shop today! They may say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but once you feast your eyes on the goodies in our shop — brand-name items like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, and Prada — you’ll definitely feel the need to quench that appetite for thrifty fabulosity. Until next time, fashionistas!

Simple, colorful, elegant and oh so very chic, Bridgétt lights up the day in this cute floral pattern skirt matched flawlessly with a tie at the waist and an oversized Kate Spade tote.

Bridgétt is one of the many talented stylists at French Cuff Consignment. Not only does she help customers choose fabulous treasures for their wardrobe, she also manages all of FCC’s events and social media. To Bridgétt, every day is a dress up day! Her closet is eclectic with streamlined Jacqueline Kennedy-type dresses to boyish leather jackets and even bohemian chic knit pieces. Bridgétt feels that most of all, fashion should be fun and both her wardrobe and her selections for FCC shoppers reflect that very philosophy.

Today, Bridgétt decided to liven up the day with a splash of color! Everything’s coming up roses for her in the most flattering A-line knee-length silk skirt. She keeps the look clean and stylish by pairing the pretty peppy skirt with a light scoop neck short sleeved top — a very smart wardrobe move, considering the sweltering Davis heat lately! The look is airy and girly, thanks to Bridgétt’s little additions of style: a sash belt she quickly tied around her waist to accentuate her fab figure, cutesie nude ballet flats, a beautiful Kate Spade tote, and matching flower jewelry. A bouquet of beauty, if we do say so ourselves!

If you’re loving Bridgétt’s skirt, take a look at others we have in our online shop’s skirt section! After you’ve found the perfect bouquet for your bottom half, here are some of Bridgétt’s style tips to help you recreate her girly style! Enjoy making the look your own, and like Bridgétt, make every day a dress-up day! Keep an eye out for more Stylin’ Stylist tips right here on the French Cuff Consignment blog!

Davis Stylist Maha

Here are Davis Stylist Maha’s reviews on some of her favorite designers:
Rick Owens Fall Winter 2012/2013 Full Fashion Show Exclusive
Maha says: “As far as I am concerned…I couldn’t wait for what R.O. has to display!! His collection left me speechless!”

Donna Karan DKNY Fall Winter 2012/2013 Show at New York Fashion Week
Maha says: “It looks like D.K. stayed away from draping and focused on structured pieces on her fall collection!! A lot of leather and amazing pieces…”

Roberto Cavalli Fall Winter 2012/2013 “An earthly paradise populated by creatures of fantasy… the Eden of femininity … my creativity is expressed through clothes which make the Cavalli woman a sensual and mysterious being.” Roberto Cavalli
Maha says: “True to his vision…Cavalli’s collection is full of animal prints, leather, and bling bling…More is more!”

Burberry Prorsum Womenswear Fall Winter 2012/2013 Full Fashion Show
Maha says: “Prorsum B …One of my favorite of the Burberry umbrella labels. Like usual, their outwear is very unique!”

PRADA Womenswear Fall Winter 2012/2013 Show
Maha says: “Stunning!! So far, among the first to use geometrical fabric to enhance the design. The ornaments used are very exquisite!”

Gucci Fall Winter 2012/2013 Full Fashion Show Exclusive
Maha says: “Beautiful!! I just wish they left the fur out of the collection!”

Chloe Fall Winter 2012/2013 Full Fashion Show Exclusive
Maha says: “Kept it simple but very elegant!”

Chanel Fall Winter 2012/2013 Full Fashion Show Exclusive
Maha says: “It’s Chanel…need I say more?”

Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2012/2013
Maha says: “Just like Chanel’s collection but a lot more refined and sophisticated when it comes to layering the garments. Luuuuve the concept and the accessories are to die for!!”

Believe it or not, French Cuff carries many of the brands featured here. Stop by your local French Cuff Consignment to see what all the buzz is about! We will have these videos up and playing at each of our store locations. And of course, if you are in the area, do stop by and say “Bonjour” to tres jolie Maha!

Keeping the top half solid and simple, Mario keeps all eyes on those say-something ripped jeans.

Mario is one of FCC’s many talented stylists. On top of maintaining our fashion blog and helping customers make purchases at the Davis boutique, Mario can often be found creating outfits for all customers, especially those who are willing to take wardrobe risks. As someone who doesn’t shy away from bold outfit choices, Mario encourages all customers to step outside their comfort zones and step into to something unique, eye-catching, and most of all, flattering. He is very keen on body type concerns and is a very good listener, so his style choices are sure to satisfy any gal!

Today, Mario decided to don an exquisite pair of ripped skinny jeans. Complete with huge holes, frayed ends and bleached spot detailing, Mario adores this loud, look-at-me pair because once he gets them on, his outfit is nearly complete. Paired with a simple black cotton T-shirt (sleeves rolled up a bit for extra style), a vintage black leather dual-zip clutch, gold tone jewelry, tough military-style lace-up boots, and his staple pair of black Ray-Ban wayfarers, Mario’s look is simple yet edgy. Planned around the striking skinny jeans, Mario kept the color tones simple: Black and gold. With loud bottoms like these, less is definitely more when it comes to the rest of the outfit.

If you’re thinking of getting yourself a pair of powerful statement jeans, take a look at our online shop for some great Roberto Cavalli graphic jeans we have in stock! Once they’re yours, here are some of Mario’s helpful tips for creating the perfect outfit with them. Remember, balance is everything. So with loud bottoms, think muted tops and simple, monochromatic jewelry. Have fun, fashionistas! And stop by the blog for more Stylin’ FCC Stylist tips!

A picture of Corey D. with Leticia Ordaz of NBC KCRA CH 3 News! Making our presence known!

Corey lending a helping hand while HGTV’s “House Hunters” films in the Sacramento boutique!

So what’s it like to be the boss lady for a rapidly growing small retail business? How does she go about it all, from choosing staff to maintaining great sales to staying open amid a mess of competition? And just how stressful is it? I recently sat down with Corey herself to pick her brain about it all, and from the session came invaluable advice and information for not only me, but for hopeful retail job seekers, employers, and other small business owners alike! Read the interview, and you’ll understand why FCC is the growing business it is today.

1. What type of experience do you, as an employer, see among hopeful job applicants?
I see applicants with a very wide range of experience and skills. These days employers such as myself are looking for applicants who have more to offer the company than just a solid resume with great work experience. We are looking for “other” skills such as marketing, media relations, blogging, social media, photography, eBay/Etsy/Pinterest/Polyvore (or other new online trends), in addition to general retail and customer service experience. Also, I have found that those with little-to-no work experience have a harder time appreciating what it’s like to work for a smaller business where your voice is heard, your opinions matter, and everything you do can have a positive (or negative) effect on the business’ overall success. Employees who have worked retail at large companies appreciate the lack of bureaucracy, and the opportunities to learn and grow more in a smaller business.

2. Are there ways to obtain this experience prior to working in the field?
I believe that anything and everything you can do to make yourself a more valuable employee is critical to your success as an individual. I have found that younger employees are expecting management jobs to be handed to them, simply because they are “next in line” but it still boils down to business – either you have the skills or you don’t. Employers are looking for employees who are eager to grow and learn as individuals, highly motivated, because that usually translates into a motivated dedicated employee as well. Those are the people who climb the ladder the fastest.

3. Do successful applicants need additional experience besides educational and experiential requirements to break into the field?
Anything you can do to make yourself a better employee and a better person is critical! Retail (or anything in the fashion world) is all about sales – whether you are selling pre-made clothes, your own designs, or your services, it doesn’t matter – sales are still sales. The more life experiences you have, the more ability you have to make a personal connection with others; and THAT’S how business gets done!

4. What are the key personal characteristics for success in this field?
For me it’s really simple: I won’t go down without a fight! You’ve got to be tough, and be able to stand up for what you believe is best for your business. It’s a dog eat dog world – and the retail field is no different – always keep your eye on the ball, know what your goals are, and never lose sight of your competition! (And even watch those who you may not consider direct competition, because it’s a fight for customers’ attention!)

5. What advice or suggestions would you offer to to someone considering going into the field?
Work as hard as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Educate yourself, and don’t expect success to happen just because you own a business. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and expect to work harder (and longer hours) than you ever have before. It’s not child’s play – it’s the real deal! Join a professional group who can support you and help you with the tough questions that your friends and family may not have the answers to, but also know what you ought to be expecting for a business your size: Know what other businesses are doing, sales-wise, per square foot, how much per hour in sales should your employees be selling, etc. Anything to make comparisons so you know whether you are succeeding or not.

6. What are the greatest pressures, strains or anxieties in this field?
I always say “It’s not like you apply for a business license and someone hands you a ‘How to…’ manual.” When you own a business, you are expected (the government expects you) to know EVERYTHING: Income tax/sales sax laws, employment law, accounting/money management, business law, the legalities surrounding your field (in our case, counterfeit products), personnel management, time management, marketing, online sales, etc. It’s a very long list! These can be challenges, as sometimes it’s a moving target. But honestly – it’s about more than just opening your doors, and waiting for customers to come in. I recently went on a vacation to Hawaii, and even though I have fantastic, highly-trained, and college-degree educated employees, there were still questions, and even while on vacation, I answered between 45-75 emails per day. I feels a bit like I’m married to my business sometimes, and I can never really get away! I’ve learned through lots (and lots and lots…) of mistakes – Everyone makes mistakes, and expect to make some! But it’s what you do with those mistakes that help shape your future!

When it comes to designer labels, things are no different — being knowledgeable about your favorite designers and their many lines of clothing could make you a very happy secondhand shopper. But only if you know what you’re looking for. So once again, FCC stylists are here to the rescue and happy to help you learn a thing or two about one of our favorite designer labels: Michael Kors.

Michael Kors, with models in his 2010 collection

From department stores to his own thriving boutiques in major cities to starring as a judge on Project Runway, Michael Kors has surely become a household name. A favorite atop the red carpet, Michael Kors creations have been worn by superstar celebrities including Heidi Klum, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez and Joan Allen. Even First Lady Michelle Obama loves the Kors!

Since the launch of his Michael Kors Collection womenswear line in 1991, Kors has been a major influence in American fashion. His clothes, definitively comfortable and glamorous without being too edgy, came superbly tailored in rich fabrics that appealed to a wide market. Stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman carried the high-end Michael Kors Collection label.

Michael Kors label, from 1980s skirt.

In 1997, he became creative director of Celine, the French fashion house he single-handedly revitalized with sensational ready-to-wear lines and megahit accessories. After leaving Celine in 2003 to focus on his own lines, Kors had established two more lower-priced lines: KORS by Michael Kors, and MICHAEL by Michael Kors.

Kors by Michael Kors label, from 1990s dress

Michael by Michael Kors label, from 2006 sweater.

At French Cuff Consignment, we have lots of Michael Kors items from each of his three lines. Check them out in our online store today! Though we do list these hot items at prices significantly lower than retail value, we consistently hear customers say, “This much? Really? I can get Michael Kors at Ross for much less!” as they’re holding up a dress from say, the high-end Michael Kors Collection line. Sure, Ross carries the MICHAEL by Michael Kors label at affordable prices, but it crushes our hearts when customers can’t recognize the higher end piece they’re currently holding. When customers know better, they recognize steals from a mile away — and French Cuff is here to be an accomplice.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this mini label lesson! We love our labels here at French Cuff Consignment, and every month we’ll explore someone new. Until next time, fashionistas!

Did you know?: Michael Kors was born Karl Anderson, Jr. When he was five years old, his mother remarried and he was told he could change his name!

To the average shopper, these words could all mean the same thing. And maybe you’re even thinking to yourself, “Well, what do you mean? Are they not? Am I on crazy pills, what’s the difference?!” While both thrift and consignment stores resell goods at prices much lower than retail value, there are substantial differences between the two, and our team of French Cuff Consignment stylists is here to iron out any wrinkles of misunderstanding for you!

SPCA thrift storefront in Downtown Sacramento

Inside Davis SPCA thrift store: Lots and LOTS of clothes!

Our Midtown storefront!

Our Davis storefront

Another big difference: Our items are all hand-selected, inspected, and made sure they are in tip-top shape prior to being put out on the floor. As boutique operators, we must be confident we can sell your item before it is taken into our store. “Sellable” and “wearable” are very different, so our trained and experienced stylists perform quality checks to ensure the item is worth selling and then given the fairest price possible. When customers bring items they’d like to consign, not only do we look for damages, we also consider the current season or trends. For example, we wouldn’t take a short strapless dress in the middle of chilly December, but would definitely consider taking it in the sweltering summer months. Our current inventory also indicates what we can take in at the time; if we’re overstocked on dresses the need for more would be low, or if we have lots of room on the racks we’d take a wider variety of items.

If you’re thinking about consigning with French Cuff for the first time, click on the “Consign” tab right up at the top of the page! ^^ Our guidelines for incoming inventory are there for you to decide whether you’d like to become a client! We look forward to meeting you.