They say birds of a feather flock together, so to all of our committed Fashionistas, I can confidently assure you  that if you are into style & high fashion you’re shopping in the right place- Serendipity!  As many of you know we put much time & careful thought into bringing you the most current & best quality fashions within the industry.  We work closely with designers and global economic forecasting research companies to feature great fashions while continuing to be sensitive to everyone’s current and ever challenging economic situation. In a nutshell the best fashions at the best prices.  Recently, we traveled to Europe and were in some of the most renowned high fashion cities and previewed the Fall 2011 fashions.  Some designer shoppes were so exclusive that you actually had to buzz just to get in-YIKES!  Never let that or any place that “looks” too expensive deter you from actually physically walking in the door- don’t judge a book by its cover you just might be pleasantly surprised.  Great style does not come with exuberant prices, it does come with exuberant fashion sense and we’ve got it & we can help you get it!  Take a look at what we thought were some of the best & most eye- catching:

The Purse on the left is priced at $27,000! Get the look for a fraction of the price!

Yes, you can wear white during winter! Its in trend this season!

Staying current with trends can be head spinning even for those like us who are gurus in the fashion industry- don’t sweat it out!  One of the most common words we hear from women are “Am I too old to wear this?” especially if they are seeing the trend roll around for the second time.  Great up-to-date style comes at every age you just wear it differently. For ex. I was a roller skating queen in the 70’s & I used to wear multiple long exotic feather clips (you know the ones I’m talking about ) on my jean belt loops all the way around my waist, clustered in my hair, just about anywhere. Now 30 years later the feather trend has made a huge comeback. Yes I’m wearing the feathers now, however quite differently, since my roller skating days are long gone, I now wear a feather in my hat or carry a feather clutch & I simply can’t resist a long thin feather earring mixed with chain links; my attire is quite simple- solids / tailored & I choose one feather item not all together.  If you feel challenged looking up-to-date stop in Serendipity and we’ll help you get rolling.

Example of Color Blocking:Click to enlarge

Feathers will flutter everywhere this Fall season.  Keep an eye out for some other key trend items such as: top-handle handbags, fur, tree & leafy motifs with the creepy crawlers, shiny patents, soft drapey velvets, soft knits, crochet caps, wide brim fedoras, trapper hats (my favorite for cold-cold-cold).  You will see an unexpected mix of materials all together like fur-velvet-lace-denim, it adds dimension, texture & interest. Oh and a nod to the mod the 60’s are back (calling all baby-boomers)! Look for color blocking, geometric prints, sleek silhouettes, & high crowns with a more modern twist from the original unforgettable decade. Pay attention to this movement because you it will sail into Spring 2012.  For now its Fall 2011 & we have all the essentials you’ll need to stay mod!

Until next chat,

Kim xoxo

PS. Check out some of these great Accessories available at Serendipity Accessories to Express Yourself!

Hey Fashionistas,

Well according to the groundhog we are forecasted to have an early Spring!?!?  Yep it sounds motivating to me too, yet, still winter for now.  Early Spring can be challenging for “what to wear?” This time of year brings very uncertain climates; I have already experienced days starting at 50 & sunny to 28 & snow by days end.  Retail shops are filling up with beautiful, tempting Spring merchandise while it’s snowing and you catch yourself saying “Can I wear that yet?” and the answer is yes, well, maybe not the flip-flops yet but soon hang in there. If you happen to find a bright floral sleeveless dress for Spring that you just can live without and want to wear it now go ahead – try pairing it with leggings, high boots with a sweater or jean jacket – you’ll look fresh and still be appropriately dressed for now. Pay attention to the weather and layer, it’s the easiest way to combat temperamental weather; you can always add or delete throughout the day. You might find yourself bringing an extra pair of shoes, sweater, scarf or all of the above; throw all your stuff in one large tote bag you’ll look much neater and organized with one bag instead of three – don’t forget to grab a tiny pocket size card case for quick cash & I.D., take it instead of the big tote when your running errands in & out of a million places in one day.

So, now that you are prepping for the new season so are we.  Serendipity has been busy setting up for events and getting connected.  As many of you know our area (Market Square) has undergone a massive renovation for a little over one year and reopened right before the Holidays – it is so amazing!  We are excited to commence with our quarterly Fashion Events once again.  It’s an entire afternoon of fashion, beauty & gifts featuring a designer of one of our lines – so many goodies trust me you will not want to miss it! If you are on our private e-mail list shop@serendipityaccessories.com you will get advance notices to these events, if not jump on and pass it on.  Specific dates & details TBD.

You can check out Serendipity on Facebook  at http://www.facebook.com/serendipitypgh and look for what I call a “Fashion Flash” What is it?  It’s simple.  Any random time I’ll post a quick piece of fashion advice, photos of designers, upcoming styles, etc… to keep you focused on the here & now.  For ex. You might see something like “slushy grey day today grab your rain boots to keep your little toes cozy dry – above 32 wear rain boots, below 32 wear water resistant warm snow boots – don’t forget extra shoes for indoors”.  Any style questions feel free to ask, our professional stylists are here daily.  So as we constantly move towards new ways of communication, we couldn’t resist Twitter.  We are just getting going so follow us daily on Twitter at @Serendipityaccs for behind the scene peeks and special promotions. For instance some days a Code word will be sent out to come in between 12 noon & 2 p.m. and say the daily Code word and receive 15% off re-Tweet the message to your friends and receive an additional 5% off.   It’s viral fever, catch it!!

P.S.  Randy Sanders of  www.pageantassociates.com stopped by the other day with Miss Pennsylvania Amber-Joi Watkins, Miss Pennsylvania Teen Madison Longstreth, Miss West Virginia Whitney Veach, & Miss West Virginia Teen Susan Hines King.  They were out and about preparing for the Miss USA Pageant & Miss Teen USA Pageant which is right around the corner.  We were sorting out all their accessory essentials for the pageant.  FYI we are proud sponsors for Pennsylvania and West Virginia of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA association.  Check out Mr. Sander’s website for details.  Send a shout out to the girls for luck; I know they have been working diligently.  Keep it going gals!!

Serendipity has Spring Fever so stop by its contagious! XOXO Kim

Hey Fashionistas welcome to 2011!

This time of the year can bring upon us what I call “P.H.S.D. POST HOLIDAY STRESS DISORDER”. Symptoms may include: extreme fatigue, tired feet, a hollow sound from the wallet, sore fingers ( from texting so many Holiday cheers & pressing add to shopping cart), a constant craving for cookie, a sense of emptiness after all the decorations are down….

well snap out of it sister! With every ending there is a new beginning – as one door closes another one opens – any way you put it, this is the time to look at life in a fresh optimistic perspective. This is the best time of the year to get it together to reorganize, redo, renew and that all begins with you.

Serendipity is here to give you the remedy to cure P.H.S.D. Schedule a day off to get some R&R (rest & relaxation), throw your feet up and give yourself a Mani & pedi (you’ll save a lot of $ DIY-do it yourself), snack on veggies instead if cookies to shed those extra Holiday pounds, try brown bagging it for lunch & brew your own cup of java to go (it adds up-you’ll have more $ for accessories instead of calories). Get all those returns & exchanges out of the way; shop smart, this is the best time to hit the retail industry for great deals to take advantage of post Holiday sales and purchase superior quality winter gear & all season basics at guilt free prices. Winter manufacturing is over – get the deals while you can.

Still feeling the winter blues?!? Well Spring 2011 is just around the corner and swiftly approaching our shelves. This season’s exciting colors, sexy silhouettes, fun, bold drama will get you walking to the beat of a different drum – your own! As always lifestyle dictates fashion, so as we continue towards global unity & going green, the fashion industry is playing its part this season by using natural materials such as wood, straw, shell…etc. with an emphasis on sea life motifs. A few must-haves to keep you looking trendy are: oversized exotic handbag, oversized big brim hat & long dramatic earrings (shoulder length) – oversized definitely not overlooked! Treat yourself early to something new bright & fresh for the Spring season (perhaps a playful, bold, colorful floral scarf); a sure cure for the blues, you can wear it now + you’ll be spot on for when the weather does break. A scarf isn’t just a necessity, it’s a fashion necessity – it’s a quick change, instant high fashion! Stop in for a quick 1-2-3 scarf lesson. Accessories are the most simple and affordable way to expand & update your wardrobe.

FASHION TIP: Saving for a rainy day –who isn’t? Updating the wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Re-do don’t re-buy; get together with your BFF and swap about a dozen accessories. You’ll both have a fresh new look to the wardrobe at the cost of nothing but a fun night together!

XOXO

Kimberly

FALL COLORS:

As summer days come to an end and students are back in school it’s a sure sign that Fall 2010 is just around the corner.  The beginning of each season is always a great time to reevaluate your wardrobe and your image.  Image and style can exhume confidence, strength and individually.  Recently I watched “The Devil Wears Prada”; if you have not seen it watch it- the movie truly portrays the power of fashion; it’s amazing to see how fashion can transform you.  One of my favorite and easy ways to transform your image is to pop on a hat – instant “hattitude” -  you don’t have to do or say anything, your hat will do all the talking for you; remember you are what you wear.

This time of the year brings chilly nights and mornings with much warmer temperatures during the day, and you’re probably finding yourself saying “what am I going to wear?”  Don’t stress – layer!  Extend your summer wardrobe by adding a light scarf, pashmina, or sweater over that sleeveless summer dress (which you can shove in your bag and not feel like your lugging cold weather gear yet – there will be plenty of time for that soon enough).  Don’t be too quick to put away those peep toe shoes for cold weather; add an over the knee sock or sweater tights, but be sure that the leg wear has interest in design like pattern, cuts-outs, color, and texture.  Top the look off with a hat – it is the must have accessory for Fall 2010.

This season gears toward soft lush feel good fabrics with a mix of texture and design all in earth tones.  Shades of gray and brown will be key colors with accents of bold metals and hardware.  Metals in all tones & shapes all mixed & mismatched up together (a.k.a. messy chain links) is the “it” look for the season.  You won’t have to worry whether to wear gold, silver, gun metal, or antiqued metals – it’s not one or the other it’s all together; pile it up mix it up and let the messy links do their thing.  Mix in a little crystal or pearls or both; a hot metal mess!

Wherever the concrete jungle takes you this season, let Serendipity get you there…in style.

XOXO,
Kimberly

FASHION TIP:  add a cluster of broaches (or just one), a velvet/silk ribbon or a suede cording to jazz up a plain hat…something exotic of course.  Your hat will transform to one of a kind just like you.

Fahion Tip: if you have an accessory that was given to you by someone close to your heart and they may not be with you now, wear the item for the day. You’ll think of her with her sense of style and remember the times spent together and the spirit she brought to your soul who made you the fashionista and extraordinary lady you are today. Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and we have just what you need for the special fashionista in your life so gift her flowers that will last forever. Perhaps a flower pendant necklace, a floral printed scarf, or a hat adorned with a floral motif. Any accessory is always a great Mother’s Day gift; it’s something personal and individualized that will be around for many generations to be passed on.

Nature will set the tone for fashion accessories this season; let it be your inspiration to help put colors together. Your eyes know what they love instantly with no doubts, so if you see a floral arrangement and like the color combo incorporate the same color combo into your wardrobe – remember that accessories is the easiest way to add color, dimension & texture as few or as many as you like plus it allows for endless mix&mis-matching for endless styles as well as looking spot on trendy.  The flower motif has been on the scene for sometime now, however this will be the strongest season ever due in part to flowers & foliage being trendy.  You will see the floral motif adorned on just about anything and anywhere (handbags, scarves, necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, hair accessories, shoes, leggings, clothing…you name it).  A floral accessory is an easy way to make that all season item feel in season and feminine.  Tooled (a type of carving or embroidery) & hand-painted leathers and fringe make a strong statement for Spring/Summer.  Fringe accents in exotic leather and suede skins and on metal jewelry or scarves will give the perfect edge to any style; try pairing a fringe leather bag in earthy tones to a bright multi-floral dress, so edgy!  Color, color, & more color for Spring/Summer in bright multi tones all mixed.  The choice is yours – go for what you love & it will all fall in place together.

As we move into Spring/Summer  Market Square renovation is swiftly coming along towards completion and we have witnessed the transformation from the very beginning.  Many new businesses have opened around us with an elite level of talent and it is all taking shape; you can feel the anticipation of the fresh new face of Market Square.  I anticipate the new Square to be the “scene to be seen”(i.e. a hotspot trendy charmingly elegant place to eat, shop see and be seen)  There are so many new residents that have rooted right in the heart of the city and tourists that are 100% fashionista  – we’re already seeing the scene and we’re right on it!    Serendipity -in the heart of it all- has all your fashion accessory needs to keep you fashionistas forever envied for your own unique savy sense of style.

Stop in for a unique item for your unique fashionista!

Until next chat, Kim

www.serendipityaccessories.com

Fashion Tip: when mixing & matching, don’t stress about what goes together, if you wear what you love your eclectic fashion savvy image will automatically pull itself together.

Welcome to a new decade!  At Serendipity we waste no time, we hit the pavement with smoke behind us bringing you the latest and greatest fashions for the new decade. Not only is this a new year it is a new era, and it is time to take control and make necessary changes to improve whatever it is in your life or another’s that might need extra TLC.  As decades pasts have taught us lifestyle always dictates fashion, while fashion can allow you to dictate your passions, beliefs and desires.  Accessories in particular, enables you to express yourself; it states who you are what you do, and can portray any message that you desire.  People make global changes and create positive revolutions not computers or statistics.  One small individual change together can create global movements.

Spring/Summer 2010 brings nature inspired fashions with a global fusion of cultures between the spirit of South America and Africa (a native influence look of painted beads, wood, straw, exotic & distressed leathers) while still continuing finding new ways to go green.  Spring is just around the corner it encourages newness and growth.  Flowers and foliage inspired accessories are still moving forward for a beautiful feminine flair, let nature be your inspiration for Spring. Accents are bold and expressive, yet soft and pretty.

Keep an eye out for:  extreme sheer materials with pale tints of color for a base palette with a pop of color, metallic surfaces, feather & lace trims, released pleats & tucks rhinestones & sequin accents, frosted & transparent beads, sheer ribbons & fine chains mixes, silver mesh with crystal stones, iridescent fabrics with sparkly accents, exotic skins, frosted clear bangles stacked, pearl drop & cascading earrings, rosette details on handbags.  Mix match layer and stack different materials, textures, patterns and colors.  Go ahead and express yourself through the power of fashion.

We’ve got great new editions for Spring for a whole new you… voice yourself – express yourself!

XOXO Kim

Calling all Drama Queens….Holiday 2009 is here and it’s all about drama so get ready to give yourself the royal treatment!  I know that there is a little drama & a little queen within us all; let’s face it we could all go for something exotic in our lives with an added touch of sparkle once in awhile and especially during the Holidays.

This 2009 Holiday season is the perfect time to shimmer, shine, sparkle, gleam, glimmer, glam, and adorn in the most dramatic way in unexpected places.  Your accessories will be the most pertinent to your wardrobe for looking trendy this season. You would be surprised how uplifting it is to wear crystals with rich lux fabrics, not to mention all the compliments you’ll receive all day (yes you can wear crystals/pearls with anything anytime – it’s up to you how far you want to glam up – from jeans to little black dress).

Crystals can be used for healing or environmental enhancement as well as personal adornment.  Their subtle vibrations affect the physical, emotional, mental, psychological, and spiritual levels of being.  They bring out particular qualities, and open the gateway to spiritual understanding.A crystal broach just might be your BFF this season; you can cluster them together for a dramatic touch on: a purse, hat, denim pockets/sleeves/collars, belts, hair, just about anywhere.  Don’t forget to toss a pair of crystal or sparkly earrings and a tiny pewter clutch (they match everything) in your work/day bag in case you happen to hit a Holiday celebration or quick get together at days end; you’ll be ready and looking festive in a snap – switch the earrings to crystal and ditch the big bag for the evening bag.  Jeweled accents worn in the hair is stunning. A bold bib style necklace will certainly make you feel like a star anywhere you go. A rich silk & velvet ruffled scarf with sparkles will get you feeling like royalty instantly; speaking of scarves Serendipity has a circle scarf with fringe that is Caliente this season!  There are so many ways to wear it and it is all season, stop in for a complimentary scarf lesson…this list can go on so wherever this season takes you, we’ll get you there in style. Let’s get your wish list going:

The best thing about a wish is no one can ever stop you from wishing.

Fashion Tip: not able to afford as much on the Wish List this year, try gifting someone an accessory of yours that maybe she/he may have admired before;  write a note saying why you want her/him to have it, how much your relationships means, and to always think of you when wearing it.  I still believe in the hand written message it’s quite thoughtful.

P.S. be sure to clean and make any necessary repairs before wrapping.  The response may be bigger than you think – it’s not about the dollar value of the gift, it’s about the giving of the gift.

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!

Stop by Serendipity where all your wishes come true.  XOXO Kim

You’re the best for making us the best! The entire staff at Serendipity “Accessories to express yourself” would like to give a giant THANK YOU to “Pittsburgh Magazine” and the fashionistas of Pittsburgh for voting us the Best New Boutique in the Burgh!!!!!! We were acknowledged and celebrated at the Andy Warhol museum last week; our shiny star is greatly appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.  WOW what a great way to kick off the Fall 2009 season!

This Fall season bring us bold rich color, sparkly and exotic accents to be seen anywhere and everywhere unexpected anytime of the day, but most importantly, a lesson from the boys.  That’s right, the boys!  Across the spectrum of fashion for Fall you will see a male flair on the female radar. So ladies go raid your man’s wardrobe and borrow anything that will fit you well; a vest, any kind of hat, driving gloves…you will see lots of plaid with more untraditional color schemes ex. instead of navy/white/yellow you’ll see mixes of purple/blue/red.  I say take a lesson from Carey Grant, Warren Beatty, the tone of style from the TV series “Mad Men” (check it out – you know what they say about a sharp dressed man/woman).

Then all you have to do is add a feminine touch, perhaps a few brooches clustered on a neck tie worn around the neck like a necklace not around the collar and tied like a man’s tie.  All you hippie-chics are still going strong so send your message of change the only way us fashionistas know how – stylin’.  There is something so funky and fun about wearing something with tons of really long fringe and even the peace symbol. You are who you are and you wear what you are – let the world know it.  Accessories are going to be your BFF this season. It’s what adds the edge, image, power and expression of yourself.  Where would Sara Jessica Parker be without all her incredible accessories? ; Which leads to one other trend for the season – think Sex in the City – especially when out on the town; catch an episode or the movie and that’s all we’ll need to say.  One single exotic accessory can change your entire image & attitude plus you’ll be the talk of the town.

So are you ready for change?  It begins with one step out but you need to take it.  Take a step out of the box and into Serendipity for a whole new you.

Key Colors: bright oranges to deep reds, any shade of purples, rich blues, cool greens with warm hues like chocolate brown.

Key Trend Accessories: bold cuff bracelets, fur & hats of any kind, knit hats & scarves, mini clutch (fits right inside that endless work bag – go right from office to happy hour),fringe, giant chandelier earrings, large 3D flowers on necklaces, dresses or add a floral brooch to a plain bag and ooh-la-la, metallic anything, layered links, studs, crystals & rhinestones.

FASHION TIP: Tired of those pesky deodorant marks on dark clothing?  Take an old hosiery, one that was snagged, roll into ball and rub it with pressure in different directions (vertical/horizontal/circular); the white marks come right off.  Perfect to toss into your purse to touch up under the arm area throughout the day – small, indiscrete, reusable & washable.

Until next chat,
XOXO Kimberly

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You’re the best for making us the best! The entire staff at Serendipity “Accessories to express yourself” would like to give a giant THANK YOU to “Pittsburgh Magazine” and the fashionistas of Pittsburgh for voting us the Best New Boutique in the Burgh!!!!!!  We were acknowledged and celebrated at the Andy Warhol museum last week; our shiny star is greatly appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.  WOW what a great way to kick off the Fall 2009 season!

This Fall season bring us bold rich color, sparkly and exotic accents to be seen anywhere and everywhere unexpected anytime of the day, but most importantly, a lesson from the boys.  That’s right, the boys!  Across the spectrum of fashion for Fall you will see a male flair on the female radar. So ladies go raid your man’s wardrobe and borrow anything that will fit you well; a vest, any kind of hat, driving gloves…you will see lots of plaid with more untraditional color schemes ex. instead of navy/white/yellow you’ll see mixes of purple/blue/red.  I say take a lesson from Carey Grant, Warren Beatty, the tone of style from the TV series “Mad Men” (check it out – you know what they say about a sharp dressed man/woman).  Then all you have to do is add a feminine touch, perhaps a few brooches clustered on a neck tie worn around the neck like a necklace not around the collar and tied like a man’s tie.  All you hippie-chics are still going strong so send your message of change the only way us fashionistas know how – stylin’.  There is something so funky and fun about wearing something with tons of really long fringe and even the peace symbol. You are who you are and you wear what you are – let the world know it.  Accessories are going to be your BFF this season. It’s what adds the edge, image, power and expression of yourself.  Where would Sara Jessica Parker be without all her incredible accessories? ; Which leads to one other trend for the season – think Sex in the City – especially when out on the town; catch an episode or the movie and that’s all we’ll need to say.  One single exotic accessory can change your entire image & attitude plus you’ll be the talk of the town.

So are you ready for change?  It begins with one step out but you need to take it.  Take a step out of the box and into Serendipity for a whole new you.

Key Colors:  bright oranges to deep reds, any shade of purples, rich blues, cool greens with warm hues like chocolate brown.

Key Trend Accessories:  bold cuff bracelets, fur & hats of any kind, knit hats & scarves, mini clutch (fits right inside that endless work bag – go right from office to happy hour),fringe, giant chandelier earrings, large 3D flowers on necklaces, dresses or add a floral brooch to a plain bag and ooh-la-la, metallic anything, layered links, studs, crystals & rhinestones.

FASHION TIP:  Tired of those pesky deodorant marks on dark clothing?  Take an old hosiery, one that was snagged, roll into ball and rub it with pressure in different directions (vertical/horizontal/circular); the white marks come right off.  Perfect to toss into your purse to touch up under the arm area throughout the day – small, indiscrete, reusable & washable.

Until next chat,

XOXO Kimberly