Archive for August, 2021

TAKE ONE!

Posted in STAFF PICKS, tagged , , on 27 August 2021| 2 Comments »

Your Close Up.

Didn’t we see you in that film last year, the one with you-know-who?  We recall you climbing the stairs of Arnie’s in the opening scene all the while giving your companion a piece of your mind. In comes the zoom lens on that beautiful face in that stunning jacket. 

Ah yes! After all, there can only be one leading lady and she’s definitely no ‘shy thing.’

If you haven’t already added a shacket to your wardrobe, tis the season.

For those not familiar with the term, a shacket is a slightly oversized shirt-jacket and is the absolute “chef’s kiss” for layering and is currently blowing up the fashion scene. What’s so great about it? Thicker than your average shirt, but thinner than a heavy winter coat, they are perfect for layering over fall sweaters or even under an overcoat. Buttoned up as a shirt or effortlessly undone as a jacket, they exude a seriously cool fashion look. The best part? They suit us all no matter what body type or fashion persona. 

From Tribal this longline bold plaid shacket has someone’s name written all over it. The relaxed fit is ultra flattering when paired with leggings or skinny or straight cut jeans. Dress it up with a pencil skirt or a funky fuller skirt paired with your favorite fall handbag and boots and you’re ready to be the star!!

49% POLYESTER, 26% ACRYLIC, 13% RAYON, 8% NYLON, 4% WOOL

MACHINE WASH DELICATE CYCLE COLD WATER, WITH LIKE COLORS, DO NOT BLEACH, LINE DRY, LOW IRON IF NEEDED. 

$115

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Off the Cuff…Greetings From Santa Barbara~

Posted in Uncategorized on 26 August 2021| 1 Comment »

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Liverpool and Tribal and Avalin

Posted in 5 ways to Wear it, tagged , , , on 25 August 2021| Leave a Comment »

Quote of the Week:

Well… Kermit may think so but our newest sweater from Liverpool loves being green. And we liked it so much that we featured an entire aisle of new clothes around the newest array of sweaters and sweaters and more sweaters in from Liverpool, Tribal and Avalin.

FASHIONED CREW NECK SWEATER

This lightweight cozy piece is fabulous with a dolman sleeve. A front and back center seam detail creates a clean and modern look. 

All Day Comfort ◆ Great Fit

  • Scoop Neck 
  • Hi-low hem detail
  • Dolman sleeve
  • Side slit detail

composition: 50% Wool, 50% Acrylic 

$98

And the first thing that came to mind when unwrapping this beauty was LAYERING! Over patterned or solid color collared blouses or cowl necks or turtlenecks with pencil skirts or straight leg jeans or print or plain leggings. Throw in a scarf or statement necklace at the simple neckline and you have a great outfit.

Come see what’s on the aisle today! All new and we had fun making new outfits!

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Windows they say

Posted in Features, tagged , , , on 24 August 2021| 4 Comments »

Quote of the Week:

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” ~ audrey hepburn

Have you noticed how the wearing of a mask draws immediate attention to the eyes? Of course you have, as that goes without saying.

Except that I needed to say it! 

Since I returned to work last April, I’ve looked into the eyes of so very many ‘beautiful’ women shopping in our store. This virus has literally changed the “face” of all of us and, at a time when we need most to see fellowship and hope in one another’s facial expression, we’re denied access.

However. . . I’ve seen determination and affirmation. I’ve seen both acceptance and frustration. I’ve seen a tear or two and I’ve seen many a smile. Yes! All that in all those beautiful eyes.

We all know and experience the discomfort of wearing the mask. That feeling of ripping off your bra or taking off those shoes is equivalent to tearing off the mask. It’s pure relief!

However. . . please keep smiling behind that mask. I will too! There is a twinkle in the eye when we smile that outshines the mask. 

We wear a mask to protect one another. It is an act of kindness.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” ~ audrey hepburn

This is a thank you from us at Sound Styles for helping to keep us all safer by the wearing of a mask while indoors at any establishment and we are grateful.

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Off the Cuff…Alley Talk!

Posted in Uncategorized on 20 August 2021| 1 Comment »

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Fall Clothes

Posted in Features, tagged , , , , on 17 August 2021| 4 Comments »

Quote of the Week:

And this week’s quote comes from so very many of you, our beautiful customers. How many times have I heard those words spoken just in the past couple of weeks? Too many to count and I count myself right in there with the rest of you. I too love fall clothes.

There are a few mumblers and grumblers out there. You know…. about not wanting to “go there yet!” Well, they don’t have to go anywhere yet as the fall clothes are in the store and summer is still “out there.” So, rest easy, and take it at your own pace.

But, seriously, dear friends?

I can’t believe anyone wouldn’t look forward to the fun that is fall fashion. And, believe it or not, we are selling sweaters and down coats and fall dresses in the midst of summer’s heat. The one certainty in the Pacific Northwest is that fall will definitely make its appearance, as opposed to spring which can be fickle.

Two words: Sweater Weather! Is there anything better than a size-too-big cable knit sweater over your favorite jeans when it’s 50 degrees out? I think not!

From the blessing of boots to silky scarves, from the wale of corduroy to the warp of wool, the clothes I get to wear from mid-September through the end of November include my most loved pieces. Long live the boots + jeans + sweater ensemble and all of its wonderful variations. Have you noticed in fashion layouts that the sweater vest is making a revival? Pair it over a collared blouse or mock turtleneck and voila! Then there’s my favorite word: Over-sized! Everything from a jean jacket to a tunic top to a dress from Europe is now “fashionably” over-sized. What a relief. Comfort and fashion in one garment.

As for me, my heart races each time I enter the front doors of our store and see styles, colors, textures, patterns and layers just waiting my attention. The biggest question is “will I take home a paycheck this month?”

Let’s see…. I’ve already bought one Masai orange down coat and one Masai winter white sweater and one FDJ patterned turtleneck to go under my new rich brown Necessities hoody. Oops! Almost forgot the Renuar heathery, wheat colored soft turtleneck sweater dress. Maybe I should be asking Jenny for more work days in which to wear all my new belongings.

Then again, I’ll just take Shelly’s advice and dress for coffee at the Café Louvre. By all means, don’t forget to accessorize your new outfit with a pumpkin spice latté. In your weekend wanderings find a great location where you and your favorite outfit will photograph amazingly against a colorful fall backdrop.

As I began with a quote. . . so shall I end.

“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see”. ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Julie’s humble offering:

As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have days enough to wear all the multitude of textured, colorful layers that I can think to combine.

Alas! Big Sigh!

Please come by and discover all the store has to offer in new selections for the fast approaching autumn season.

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Off the Cuff…FABULOSO New Clothes!

Posted in Uncategorized on 14 August 2021| 1 Comment »

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It Has A Name

Posted in Features, tagged , , on 9 August 2021| 5 Comments »

Quote of the Week:

Alice is right and I feel vindicated when, in a previous post of mine, I mentioned that a day for me goes better (even when feeling not so great) if I make the effort to wear something pretty and “accessorize” it with a little make-up.

Just recently I bumped into somewhat of a scientific study that validates my observation and even has a name to go along with the study.

Have you ever heard of Enclothed Cognition?

It’s no secret that our clothing is an artistic mode of expression. A way of conveying to others a sense of ourselves. That’s why there are designated “fashion personas” and most of us embrace at least one or two of them in the way we select and wear clothes. What we wear can be an implicit non-verbal way to express our unique personalities to others.

Turns out that science now suggests that the clothes we wear affects our own behavior, attitudes, personality, mood, confidence, and even the way we interact with others. This is “Enclothed Cognition“.

Fascinating stuff!!

Let’s put it to the test, shall we?

What are you wearing right now? How does it make you feel? Does what you wear affect your behavior? If I go there with this new “science” then I can say “yes to the dress” which I wore last week in the store. It was a bit out of my comfort zone to even wear a dress but it elevated my sense of self and gave me confidence. Didn’t hurt that it sent several compliments my way. So, of course, I’ve already bought my first dress for the upcoming Fall season and can’t wait to wear it with tights and boots.

Then there is this:

Joules Harbour long sleeve jersey top in cream, navy, red and blue. Famed for the fit and the fabric, wear it anywhere . Boat neck, long sleeves, relaxed fit, breathable, 100% cotton, machine wash and tumble dry low.

Can you see yourself in this essential, easy fit top sitting on an Edmonds beach eagerly awaiting tonight’s sunset? Add a navy turtleneck for that extra coziness.

What would you be feeling?

Are you in a good mood?

Here’s hoping the answer is YES ’cause the Joules stripe is just waiting for you now at Sound Styles and it is eager to witness a fabulous sunset.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FYI: Who out there knows of Alice Temperley (the author of this week’s quote.)?

Nor did I.

So….. I did the research and it turns out that she is a well-respected English fashion designer who lives and designs and creates in her home called “Cricket Court” in Somerset England. I’m already a puddle!! The “banner” that surrounds her quote is really a hand-embroidered scarf which she designed. Gives you a slight sense of the romance of her collection Would that I had a home called Cricket Court in Somerset England. Where’s a good Englishman when you need him?

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The Sleeping Lady Sweater Dress

Posted in Features, tagged , , , on 2 August 2021| 6 Comments »

Quote of the Week:

“Sweaters need to be imagined, dreamed over.” ~ Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (well-known writer and knitter extraordinaire)

So… picture this

Sleeping Lady, Leavenworth.

Waiting beneath the chadeliered terrace, she slips on her favorite long sweater and offers her hand. Madeleine Peyroux sings quietly in the background while an October rain softly pelts the roof of their cabin.

“Dance with me?” She asks with a smile he knows all too well.

Earlier in the day, on the ride up, she confessed that modern, hectic life was catching up and she was tired of texts, emails, phone “jingles” and must see photos on social media pulling her down and demanding her time. Turns out, he had just the prescription – a week-end of ‘Austrian’ charm and at least 48 stems of edelweiss awaiting their arrival.

Who doesn’t love the comfy charm of a sweater dress?

Sweater dresses are cute, comfortable, can be dressed up or down, and they keep you warm and cozy. What’s not to love about these closet staples?

Another great thing about sweater dresses is that you can easily use them for layering your clothes. You are free to wear shirts underneath, fur vests atop, or choose bombers or leather jackets or long coats to layer with them.

We have a new one in from Tribal. Rich tobacco color in a ribbed soft t-neck style. Just long enough to cover the knees and be great with boots or tennis shoes. Picture yourself in the photo above on a beautiful Edmonds Fall day in a soft, feminine sweater dress.

Perhaps on the way to Leavenworth for October Fest? Or just for a pumpkin latté at your favorite coffee shop.

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