I spent last weekend in Dallas for market, along with my mom and Willa. Believe it or not, this was Willa's 5th market, (and she's only 10 months old.) She is likely forming some opinions on fashion, perhaps even her own impeccable sense of style. In fact, before I know it, she'll be helping me around the shop and weighing in on buying decisions, if not taking it over completely. She has certainly left an impression on all of our Dallas and L.A. market friends. Its kind of like traveling with a celebrity, everybody seems to know her and remember her from the last show. They want to hold her while I peruse the racks; they know her by name, even if they don't know mine. It made me a little sad to think that this will probably be her last market until she is quite a bit older, like a teen. She won't need to stay close for the sake of nourishment for very much longer, and she is quickly becoming too active to just hang out in my arms as I conduct business. But I sure have enjoyed her company on these past trips. And I am quite the proud mama, as you would expect.
So this was a market for Spring '09, which is kind of hard to get excited about, since we've hardly moved on from the warm weather months of '08. But that's just the way it goes, and if I don't get my orders in now, I will miss out on the season. This market was especially difficult because of the current economic uncertainty. I needed to be extra cautious of price points and more discriminating with the trends. (Cautious + Discriminating = Bo-ring) But I did okay. I thought I would pass along some of my favorites as a kind of preview for Spring. Here's what you need to know: Skinny jeans are still big, but the washes are getting softer, lighter, more distressed and broken-in. The Boyfriend Jean is probably the biggest new trend in denim. This one is low-slung, cut slightly fuller through the hips and thighs, and rolled at the hem. (Uh huh, like Katie Holmes has been wearing.) Bootcuts, flares, and trousers, are old news, but still good. I also spotted a new wide-leg with a shorter inseam, perfect for pairing with flip-flops and your new Boyfriend Tee, which is the other noteworthy trend from my trip. Like it's jean counterpart, this tee is also slightly oversized, but so thin and soft that it skims the body. Its all about looking like you just threw it on, but still look natural, effortless, and chic. (It worked for Katie.) V-necks and exaggerated pockets are an added bonus here. (By the way, I LOVE this look!) Skirts are finally back and will come in many forms, from high-waisted pencils, to knee-length circles, to a-line maxis. Dresses run the gamut from so-short-its-really-a-tunic minis to ultra-feminine, nipped-in frocks, to floor-length boho halters. Shorts are still a big deal and are either high-waisted, full and short, or cut-off denim. Tops (other than tees) are delicate and girly, lots of silks and chiffons, floral prints or pretty solids in the most gorgeous colors - canary, coral, aqua, periwinkle, and lilac, to name a few. Another look worth mentioning is a full, billowy, button-front tunic paired with cropped leggings and a pair of wedge sandals. Belts are still in. Big leather bags, still in. Delicate, organic-themed jewelry in mixed metals, still in. Chunky cocktail rings in wood or matte finishes with rough-cut semiprecious stones, still in. Simple ballet flats, brightly-hued thongs and metallic gladiator sandals, yes, yes, and yes.
I know it's a good day because you are spending it with your favorite friend, Madeline. I wish I could be there, too, but we'll make up for it with a belated birthday celebration when you come to town in a couple of weeks. I want to tell you on this special day, that you have accomplished a lot in this past year. I am so happy for all of the blessings in your life, and also so very proud to call you my friend. 
In an attempt to provide some new stimulation for my ever developing little brainiac, I searched the web this afternoon for toys and came across this really cool wooden walker. Unfortunately, we have no need for it, since somehow we have managed to accumulate 4 different types of plastic walkers, all of which even combined, are no where near as neat as this one. The beauty and sustainability of the wood are great and all, but I really just love the idea of the woodpeckers clickity- clacking as they go along. I hope someone out there will snatch this up for their own pre-walker. Otherwise, if anybody has a need to borrow a plastic one, you know who to call. 
Then Grandma Sandy's...
Willa got friendly with a Texas Tech Red Raider... 
