Jewelry Sale!

Did you wait until the last minute to find a gift?! Well, you're in luck. All of our jewelry will be 30% off on December 22nd. We have some great pieces by Satya, David Aubrey, Love Heals, and Pieces of a Girl. Shop early for the best selection!

Jennifer Kahn Trunk Show

We had a great time last week with our favorite local jewelry designer, Jennifer Kahn. She brought some new edgy pieces as well as all of our favorites. I got a great triple chain and leather necklace. Thanks Jenn!

Not the best news

This article was in the Free Press today:

The holiday season is also the shopping season, and retailers rely on December to hoist revenues that may languish in other parts of the year.

It’s clear they need the boost. Taxable retail sales sagged $380 million — 7.2 percent — statewide from 2008 to 2009. Double-digit percentage declines dogged five of the top 10 municipalities for retail revenue.

Essex, bolstered in February by the arrival of a new Lowe’s home improvement store, was the only municipality among the top 10 — and among the few statewide — to show a year-over-year increase.

Taxable retail sales are the most reliable set of sales data to examine, according to the state Tax Department . The sales figures do not include clothing or footwear purchases since those items are no longer taxed.

Municipality	2009	2008	Change
1. Williston	$367,569,891	$416,754,252	-11.8%
2. South Burlington	$323,522,125	$335,966,213	-3.7%
3. Colchester	$230,556,087	$262,420,480	-12.1%
4. Rutland City	$232,003,034	$242,309,832	-4.3%
5. Burlington	$195,023,804	$233,129,104	-12.6%
6. Bennington	$127,659,266	$136,726,184	-6.6%
7. Rutland Town	$115,515,934	$134,389,543	-14.0%
8. Manchester	$104,745,751	$125,648,454	-16.6%
9. Barre City	$101,765,600	$105,624,318	-3.7%
10. Essex	$100,571,277	$94,403,480	+6.5%
Vermont	$4,919,076,690	$5,299,997,250	-7.2%

Spirit of the Season

A message from our friends at Love Heals...

Each year bring new challenges and opportunities. This past year brought deep changes and yet, we have been able to continue to create and share beauty with the world. With your help and understanding we are now starting to support two new incredible non profit organizations - in addition to continuing the tree planting work that we do routinely with every piece of jewelry sold. We want you to know that we have thoroughly researched these organizations for low bureaucracy, integrity in following their vision and general accountability.

With your help, you have directly helped us free 50 children from slavery in Sudan, protect 5032 at-risk children from blindness and support planting over 35,837 trees in just 3 months. We look forward to another year of partnership with you in sharing beauty and doing good in the world.

The littlest fashionista

Naughty or Nice

If you've been nice, maybe you would like:

-leather tote bag by Monserat de Lucca
-angora and sequin sweater by Free People
-warm winter coat by Tulle
-a gold vermeil lotus necklace by Satya
-cozy wrap scarf from Paula Bianco
-warm sweater tights
-an alphabet fortune necklace from Pieces of a Girl
-a gift card from Sweet Lady Jane!

Naughty or Nice

Have you been naughty or nice this year? If you've been naughty, you may like:

-skeleton cashmere wrap from Yarnz
-black leather mini skirt from BB Dakota
-printed leggings from French Connection
-cropped black sweaters from Free People
-black leather driving gloves
-patent leather Hobo clutch
-denim leggings from James Jeans
-black diamond necklace from JL Walsh

Marie Claire

One day back in October, Marie Claire was in town and spied Alison (top right corner) from Cynthea's Spa wearing accessories from Sweet Lady Jane. She looks amazing!

I was a little distressed with some of the other choices. Crocs?! Vermont has a tough enough time dealing with the hippie label. My husband just said that crocs are for people that "have given up on life."

Free People Sweater Sale!

It's almost time for our annual Free People sale! This year we have more than sweaters and some sweet deals. Treat yourself! Treat a loved one! Start your holiday shopping!

Don't forget to bring in a gently worn sweater, to benefit the Clothes Exchange.

Building a fierce portfolio

Brett Lupfer, a local photographer, approached us with a plea to help him build his fashion photography portfolio. We lent him a few dresses and this is one of the shots that resulted. Brett also shot the pictures at our French Connection fashion show.

Lois the Hotdog Lady

Tim Kavanagh and Mayor Kiss honored Lois Bodoky (the Hot Dog Lady) for 30 years of service on the Church Street Marketplace. Lois would be out on the bricks, rain or shine and with never a hair out of place. She served up those hot dogs in style!

Happy Halloween

Okay - it's a few days late but I had to share this picture of our good friend and customer, Jenny with her french bulldog. Sophie was a very stylish pumpkin.

We love Corey Lynn Calter!

Corey Lynn Calter showed her spring collection last night in Los Angeles. I wish I could have been there. We got in part of the holiday collection this week, I guess that makes me feel just a wee bit closer...

What is the first thing you reach for when the leaves start to turn?!

Its fall again in Vermont so its time to bust out your favorite pair of Frye boots and finally use all those scarfs you have been collecting over the past year. Erica here and if there is anything that has become an essential part of my fall wardrobe it would have to be the convertible sweater. It layers with everything, travels well, and keeps you oh so warm during the cold days and nights! Layer it up and keep it casual.

French Connection Fashion Show

On Thursday, October 1st The girls of Sweet Lady Jane put on a fashion show of French Connection clothing. I am a new worker and intern at the store and it was so exciting to contribute to the show. We put together gift bags and had a fun time getting the looks for the show put together. Having Amy there, (a sales representative for French Connection) was lovely, she was a huge help. Sam, Lola, and I were the models for the show. We got our hair and make-up done at Rapunzel's Hair Salon. The girls there did a great job with it. We looked like we were right out of a Grease musical.The Fashion show was fabulous! The outfits were very 80's and also stunning. A local jewelry maker named Elizabeth Mead Sightler came with her one of a kind pieces for us to wear in the show, all her pieces were very beautiful. Everyone that attended the fashion show seemed to really enjoy. I know I had a great time!
~Mica

French Connection trunk show

We're having a fashion show! Come and see all the beautiful French Connection holiday pieces. They will only be here for the weekend, October 1-3rd, so don't miss out. We'll have food, drinks, and fashion! What more could a girl ask for? (besides shoes...)

Marie Claire

Marie Claire was in town and thanks to our friend Cynthea, of Cynthea's Spa, our very own Katie may in the pages of the magazine. Here is Alison (of Cynthea's Spa) and Katie, wearing fall looks from Sweet Lady Jane.

Monserat de Lucca

The only way to describe this leather bag is delicious! Monserat de Lucca is from Los Angeles and we are in love with them. We got this particular bag in camel, bone, and black. The lighter colors show the woven details better than the black and they all come with a shoulder strap.

Where has the summer gone?

It's crazy that we finally get some summer weather and the store is full of fall goodies. We got in this French Connection stripe top yesterday. Click here to see the full fall fashion slide show.

Seven Daysies

This is the first year that we didn't win a daysie for the best woman's casual clothing/sportswear store. The Outdoor Gear Exchange stole our crown! I guess that Vermonter's don't know the meaning of sportswear.

Here I am with the lovely ladies; Sareet and Kirstin. Even though I only got runner up for the "Best Dress Shop" and "Best Woman's Casual Clothing", we had a great time!

Intermezzo

So this wasn't the best show and I think this lace skirt from Free People says it all. The eighties are back and not in a good way. I have to say though, this is the hardest delivery for our store - holiday and early spring. The weather is brutal and the clothes are skimpy, not a good mix for us.

Sequin tunics are back

We got in another shipment of the sequin tunic dresses from Free People. Come and get them because they went like wild fire last time! Your color choices are white gold, midnight, black or silver.

The fashion stroll was canceled today due to general lack of interest. Hmm...maybe Caitlin was right (see fashion stroll week 3 comments).

Vogue Japan

Look who made it into Vogue Japan - Kate! She was in NYC, visiting friends and was spotted for her great style. She always finds clever and creative ways of mixing fabrics and textures. Kate is also responsible for our weekly fashion walk styling and most of our window displays.

Fashion Stroll - week 3

The fashion stroll seems to be taking off. There were a number of new additions this week: Steez, upstairs "something or other" (a new vintage clothing shop), Monelle, and Old Navy (!).

Sam is modeling a top by Free People and and James Jeans mini.

Seven Daysies Voting

Just a quick reminder - today is the last day to vote online for your favorite shops and people! Click here to vote.

Fashion Stroll - week 2

Well, they mixed up a little this week. Instead of strolling through the restaurants, the ladies took it to the streets. Right in the middle of Jazz Fest and on the mall block, the lovely models strutted their stuff.

Here is Sam and Lauren (modeling for tribeca). Sam is wearing a French Connection chiffon dress. I only have one wedding to attend to this year and it's super casual. Bummer, because I would have snagged this dress for it.

Purchasing Power Article

Seven Days picked up the fashion walk story and featured us in an article this week! Click here to read the story...

We're planning another stroll this Saturday. Come check it on the Marketplace between 12-2pm.

Marketplace Fashion Show

We had our first Saturday lunch fashion show on the Marketplace today. This is our model Sam with Mary Jo, one of our newest employees. The models strolled Church Street and then toured some of the local restaurants. Many of the diners enjoyed the scene and one even complimented Sam on her Corey Lynn Calter dress, "you look smoking hot!". Nice job Sam.

We'll be at it again next Saturday. Hope to see you there...

Sequins for day!

Back in March, I was telling you that sequins were on the way and they arrived today! We got in these great Free People sequin tunics in champagne, truffle, and purple. I'm encouraging you to wear them during the day - try the champagne with white jeans under a sheer white tee. How about the truffle with destroyed jeans and ratty gray tee shirt? The purple will probably be best with black motocross jeans and a hoodie. "Sequins", explains Alexander Wang, "lies in the way you slip them on like T-shirts, but still get this hard-edged kind of glamour.”

Testimonal from my friend Sareet

"OMG! Thank you so much for helping me find some cute things. They make me feel awesome, and chic. I forgot I have these awesome earrings from Stella from like two years ago that are that pink colour of the dot, and I picked up adorable brown shoes from TJ Maxx on my way home.I'm ready to go!"

Sareet

design*sponge

We were mentioned on one of my favorite web sites today - design*sponge. They did a great write up of Church Street and the surrounding area.

Reading design*sponge is one of my favorite lunchtime activities. It's always very inspiring and I especially love the d.i.y. projects. I'm dying to make some felted rocks!

Free People and Gossip Girl

Here is Lindsay (my former James Jeans sales rep) modeling the "Gossip Girl" Free People headband. The fall Free People line looked amazing! It will be appealing to a lot of us- especially if you're sick of tie dye.

Rainy NYC

I back in NYC looking for more fall looks for you all. It's rained everyday and I think its starting to affect my outlook. I'm not really excited about most of what I've seen at the shows but check out this French Connection sequin top! Love it!

I did get to meet someone interesting today. I was at Free People which looked amazing and I met Meg, the president of Free People. Meg was the woman who thought up the concept of Anthropologie. Super nice.

Some good tips...

A little incentive...

We are offering a buy back incentive to benefit the Clothes Exchange. Bring in any gently worn French Connection or Free People item by April 30th and receive 20% off your next purchase!

Red Engine Jeans

Nothing says summer like a crisp pair of white jeans. They go with everything!

I've found that our customers hesitate to buy them because they're worried about keeping them white. I have two pairs and have found that a little "spray 'n wash" has taken care of most of my dirt issues. I even wore a pair to the dog park!

It's almost that time of year again

It's almost time for The Clothes Exchange! The date has been set for May 7th and now is the time to clean out your closet. Clear out all of the sweaters that you never wore this winter, try on all of your jeans, and evaluate what you need to purchase this spring to complete your wardrobe. The rule is if you haven't worn it in over a year, why are you keeping it? It won't come back in style- trust me!

This is a photo from last year- get there early or better yet, purchase an "early bird" pass!

Spring bags

Check these lovely little bags...okay a few are really not so little. Pictured on the top shelf is a woven bag from French Connection. It's thick wooden handle gives the straw body and edgy feel. Next to it is a vintage leather bag from Hobo.

On the bottom shelf is another vintage leather bag from Hobo, in the luscious mogano color. But check out the fringe tote from French Connection! Prairie chic has arrived.

Fall update

Here we are in the middle of winter and I'm thinking of next fall. Here's a sampling of what you can expect to see:

-plaid- it was all over New York, especially in unusual color combinations
-leggings- thought they were over- nope. I would invest in a good quality pair.
-sequins- wear them during the day or with jeans
-boyfriend tees- oversize tops are here to stay

Best of the Beast contest

Vote for Buddha, the Sweet Lady Jane mascot in the Seven Days "Best of the Beast" contest! Here is our entry- thank you Beastie Boys...

After

Or should I say during... The weather did not play a factor in attendance.

The crowds brought people down that had never visited our store and hopefully we'll get some new customers.

Before

I took this on my way into work this morning. This is lower Church Street, the block that tribeca is on. It was a really cold walk- I think it was 12 degrees and with the windchill, it was definitely below zero. The Mardi Gras parade is this afternoon and I wonder if it will affect attendance.

VPR

I was on Vermont Public Radio this morning! Click here to read or listen to the interview. You can also see pictures of trinket in progress along with my contractor Ed Lovejoy.

Happy Valentine's Day

Winters can be long in Vermont...sometimes it helps to attend the "Winter is a Drag Ball." Sara was inspired by the event and decided to wear her wig at work. Sometimes all you need is a colorful accessory and everything is good.

By the way have you checked out our latest venture- trinket?

Is it too early to be thinking of fall?

Oh Prada...you kill me. This is from the fall RTW collection and it looks like fall will be simple but luxe. This look is familiar and fresh at the same time. We've seen the monoglian fur before but is that a tassel hanging from her hat?

Sweet customers- part 2

We got in some cute jackets from Tulle and it gives us hope that spring weather will eventually come our way. We also got in a fresh batch of James Jeans. There are some great basic cuts in dark washes. Here is another sweet email testimonial from a customer:

I came home today from my little shopping spree, and tried on my new French Connection dress (the black racerback with the tiered skirt). My three and a half year old daughter came up behind me and said, "Oh Mommy, you look GOOD." Nothing beats that! As always, your things are the favorites in my closet.

Thank you for making me look and feel good!

Susan

Sweet customers

I left for the NY Gift Show on Tuesday and while I was away, I got the sweetest email from a customer. I would like to share it with you. Oh by the way the picture is of downtown Burlington and Lake Champlain.

Hi Sweet Lady Jane,

I just wanted to let you know that I recently bought a handbag from you, a black shoulder bag by Industry, and I am so happy! After searching high and low and literally every store in Boston you ladies had exactly what I was looking for. Plus, when I bought the bag, the woman who helped me was so nice. I think you have found the perfect "touch" of helping the customer-- a little breathing room, but being present and helpful at the same time.

So, thanks again! Keep up the great work.

-Katie

Missing in action

Where did this month go? We've been busy sprucing up the store and receiving spring merchandise. Pictured to the left is a small sampling. The watercolor tee shirt is by Free People and made in the U.S.! The sweaters are from French Connection. We love the heart sweater with a high waist pencil skirt. A lot of the pieces we have in right now will transition nicely into the warmer months. It has to get warmer, right?!

Day three...

Okay- I'm feeling it today- my feet hurt, none of my shoes seem to fit, my bag seems to weigh a hundred pounds, and I tried to get some extra sleep today but that didn't work out. Am I whining?

I wrapped up most of my work today. Now comes the scary process of adding up the orders. I spent how much...?????? Oh- here is a birds eye view of the Intermezzo trade show.

Mint Julep

After a long day at the shows, Stephanie, Brooke, Tom and I all went to visit Mint Julep. This is the latest edition to the Mint Julep stores, the other two are located in Boston. It's a great boutique- chock full of a great finds and if you're in NYC, you have to check it out. I was in there for 10 minutes and found two "must have" dresses!

Afterward, we went to the Stanton Social for dinner.