In Living Color

Whether you love a fresh, preppy look or you're looking to have at least one thing in your closet that isn't black, summer is the perfect time to add color to your wardrobe.  Here are a few subtle and bold ways to liven up your look.

1.  A scarf!  Tie a pretty scarf around a handbag, your hair, your waist, or around your neck as God intended it.  You'd be amazed what it can do to a plain t-shirt or a pair of jean shorts.

We love this cobalt blue scarf tied to a cream bag and popped with turquoise and orange accents.  That blue scarf takes the handbag from cute to rich in seconds.

2.  Speaking of handbags, they make color super easy and fun!  Don't worry about being matchy-matchy with your outfit; matching your handbag to your shoes is blasé these days.  Imagine the statement this pretty Trina Turk (the girl knows her color combinations) handbag could make with a black or chocolate brown dress.  

For all-season color, opt for stripes rather than floral.  Red leather accents give this colorful purse timeless appeal.

What a difference the kelly green handles make on this Coach bag.  Definitely a summer bag, its rope patterned fabric would bring Chesapeake charm to a white ensemble.

3.  Belts!  Cinch your dress or color block your look without looking like a clown.  A pretty belt, or even a scarf worn as a belt adds interest and shape to your wardrobe.  Imagine this adorable outfit without the fun of its red belt.

4.  Jewelry punctuates an outfit with both style and mood.  Bright baubles add energy to your look.

5.  Still feeling shy about color?  How about some bright shoes?  These yellow satin shoes ring femininity and are easily paired with black, white, or denim for a flirty look.

We also love the pops of red in these nautical little ballet flats.

6.  Finally, you can go bold by choosing bold fabrics and prints.  The late Lilly Pulitzer brought bright colors to her collections, and with that generations of women dressing with youthful elegance.  Think Jackie Kennedy (a Lilly fan herself):  chic sophistication.

We hope you're inspired to liven things up in your wardrobe!

Prom and Spring Formal Season Fashions

We are thrilled for prom season this year!  This year's hottest looks of bold colors and geometric black and white looks make dressing for prom so FUN!  Young ladies are also looking for unique cuts and strong lines to make themselves stand out from the rest.  Here are some our favorite looks from Honeysuckle!

This stunning blue dress pops and has that extra sparkle detail at the gather top.

Don't leave the arms bare-pick up some pretty stacked bangles that mix color and shine.

We LOVE the mix of animal print and floral in this draping dress.  The bust is to die for with its twist and beaded details.  

For those with darker skin tones, this sheer white dress with butterfly-inspired print and iridescent beading is perfect!  It is fully lined to the knees and then sweeps the floor with a delicate hemline.

This flowing dress would be lovely for a waterfront event.  The blue print and unique cut make it extra special.  

Add some simple rhinestone earrings to compliment the stunning print and lines.  These waterfall earrings echo the water pattern in the fabric.

Finally, we love the fun shape and beading in this salmon dress.  Salmon is such a flattering and appropriate color for a young lady, and coupled with this empire waisted dress, creates a vibrant look for a formal event.

If you're more into this year's more geometric look, opt for a black and white look.  We've always loved this classic style!

This gown loves a girl with curves, and the layers of necklaces adds texture and dimension to the look.

Wear your hair up with this one:  our favorite part of this dress is the bow detail on the back.  So sweet!

The modern lines on this satin mermaid gown are simply stunning!  We also love a white dress for spring, but the black details give this dress a more grown-up look.

The details on this dress make it stand out-we're head over heels for the sophisticated ribbon and bow details the back.

Don't forget to shop for accessories while you're trying on your dress!  It can make all the difference to have it on while you're pairing the right baubles for your event.

We'd love to help outfit you or your daughter for her next big event.  Make a day of it, and stop by the shop to see what is in store.  Make sure the check out our window displays, Designer section, and Formal Wear section to see our full inventory.  And as always-let our staff know what you're looking for-we may have something in the back that hasn't hit the rack yet.  With our lovely selection and Honeysuckle-sweet prices, she can choose her favorite gown for a most memorable evening.  

Preparing a guest room

With the fall and winter holidays behind us, and spring right ahead of us, lets consider taking this down time to spruce up the guest room.  What does every guest room need and how can you furnish the room on a budget?  

1.  A bed:  naturally, you need a place for your guests to sleep.  Consider a queen size bed if one will fit.  We love this classic four-poster bed!  It is so inviting and interesting!

2.  Bedside tables.  If they will fit, include bedside tables for guests' to use for their phones, jewelry, and other nigh time needs.  We especially love beside tables with storage.  This pair was only $89!

3.  Lamps:  putting a lamp next to the bedside is important.  Guests may want to read in bed at night.  Also, should your guests wake in the middle of the night, they will be unfamiliar with the room and it will be helpful for them to turn on a bedside lamp.  Lamps create layers of light in the room, making it interesting, warm and inviting.

4.  A clock:  try to include at least one bedside clock.


5.  Storage:  long-term guests may want to unpack their suitcases.  Clothing storage is simple:  include empty hangers and space in the closet and a few drawers.  We like this secretary desk because it provides both ample storage and work space all in a compact piece that doesn't take up too much room. You may also consider an armor, where guests can stow both hanging and folded clothes, jewelry, and other personal belongings.

6.  Seating.  If space allows, include at least one place to sit for your guests.  
Consider a chair with a throw like this linen piece.

This armchair is oh-so comfortable and is perfect for an evening book.

A bench at the end of the bed is another space-saving way to go.  

You may like a stand-out piece like this upholstered chair with modern lines.

This armchair is charming and whispers Chesapeake to out of town guests.

7.  A mirror.  Guests will appreciate a mirror in their room when they are getting ready for the day.

8.  A few extras:  consider stocking the room with extra linens, toiletries, magazines, and even fresh flowers if you can.  A quick trip to the store to pick up these items shows you care.  It is also nice if you can add a little bit of local charm to the room.  This map of the Chesapeake sparks interest and gives a sense of nostalgia.

Remember that the room doesn't have to be "matchy-matchy."  A room should tell a story, and one that your guests will enjoy reading.  Come on in to the shop; we'd love to help you write one!

Insider Trading

If you've never shopped at Honeysuckle, or even if you've shopped with us and made it a quick trip, you may not know some of the insider tips that could completely change your shopping experience.  Here are some of those tricks that will keep you coming back for more:

1.  Read the tags:  Our price tags contain much more than price.  For example, our clothing tags include the brand, size, price, and classification (i.e. "high end").  They also often include the material.  Next time you look at a garment or accessory, check the tag:  it'll save you loads of time locating labels.  

2.  Look at the dimensions:  Our furniture tags include the brand, finish, and dimensions.  When you're at home, take down the dimensions of your space or existing furniture and use our tags to determine if the piece you're looking at fits your scale.  Reading our furniture and accessory tags will save you time measuring and also prevent you from having oversized or dwarfed furniture in your space.  

3.  Check the sales:  Each week, Honeysuckle has a sale on specific items, like denim or dresses.  This can save you money on items that you already planned on purchasing.  Check the store website or call to see what items might be on sale that week (it is also posted at the shop on our sale chalkboard).  

4.  Tag sales:  Our shop has a board with rotating tag sales.  Check the board; if you're on the fence about a price, it may help you make an easy decision.  You can't beat 1/2 off!

5.  Finally, ask for help:  Our staff sees everything that comes into the shop and they're experts on pricing.  If you are looking for something specific, we are HAPPY and qualified to help!  If you come in and can't find what you're looking for, ask one of our staff and we can either try to find it for you or make a note and contact you when it comes in.  We are here for you!

Belts are a cinch

Just because it is winter doesn't mean you have to feel frumpy in your clothes.  Stay warm while keeping your shape by cinching your shirt or cardigan with a belt.  Wearing a belt over an outfit or a dress is an easy way to polish off your look.

Just look at this top without a belt, 

and the many ways you can finish this look with a belt:

Some ideas on choosing a belt for you:

1.  Try it on in the store as you intend to wear it.  Everyone has a different shape and so it is important to try it on in the store.  Furthermore, you may wear a skinny belt over a shirt and cardigan, but you'd probably wear a thick belt over something like a black dress.  Think about how you'll wear it and try it on right there in the store.

2.  Find the right belt position for your shape.   Here is a guide from YouLookFab.com:  Sometimes your sweet spot will be a little higher than your natural waistline and sometimes a little lower. When you’re regular bust size and carrying a little extra around the midriff, positioning a belt just above the waistline is usually the sweet spot. When you’re short-waisted and well endowed, positioning a belt lower than the waistline in front and at waist level in the back is often the solution. If you’re long wasited, wearing a belt high on the natural waist is usually most effective.
This is so true.  I'm short and of average weight, and I've always been afraid of belts over maxi dresses or tops because I thought they would draw attention to my waist or make me look shorter.  But with a little bit of practice, I found my "sweet spot" and a way to make it work for me.

3.  Think about proportion:  long-waisted=wider belt; short-waisted=thinner belt

4.  Use a belt for texture.  If you're afraid of wearing a belt, try layering a cardigan or open sweater over it.  It will not draw so much attention to your waist, but rather add texture and dimension to your outfit.

5.  Look for elastic.  Belts can be uncomfortable for some people, so try one that is adjustable or has elastic.

6.  Avoid knits and stick with woven fabrics under your belt.  Structured woven fabrics like button-down shirts will help you avoid that unsightly "spill-over" that you might get with a knit.  

7.  Experiment with fabrics, textures, and sizes.  Think outside the box-sometimes a pretty silk scarf works great as a belt.  As a matter of fact, the first lady fashioned a JCrew scarf into a belt and wore it over her coat at the recent inauguration.  Check your closet and see what you can do with your belts and scarves.  Or, pop in to Honeysuckle and try on some of ours!

Photographs from Honeysuckle Quality Consignment

Advice from youlookfab.com and lovelyish.com