I just returned from Cape Town South Africa and then straight to market and thought I would share some of the new spring trends. South Africa has a strong European influence, so it was fun to see what the stores there were showing. I am here to tell you they were showing color.

Look for these new trends:

*Blouses definitely rule the fashion world. These are not the blouses of the past, but fuller, flowing tops that have a totally new feel and look to them.

*Skinny pants are stronger than ever. Print pants are a new fresh feel.

*Glitter shoes – get some! Either pumps or smoking slipper shoes.

*Choose wildly fun accessories in neon colors.

It’s easy to find a new spring trend that fits your life. Color it up, girls!

There is something special about our most southern city. Something hard to explain, but easy to detect. The landscape, the architecture all has its own feel

Holiday lights, and stores all have decorations streaming from their windows. But in Miami everything is different. Spicier…

I feel lucky to love the community where I live. It fits me.

Ahh

Tuesday: my husband won a big baseball award and we had live satellite trucks and cameras in our living room most of the day.

Wednesday: up very early for a 7am hair appointment and spent the day at Bella. Found an old favorite Yansi Fugel dress to wear today. Really need to clean out my closet this weekend. Never happening. One of our players is getting married in Miami and we will be there.

Love the dress I have for that event. Photo to come this weekend.

I was sitting having coffee and thinking about what to wear to a weekend event. It made me think of what is new this season. It is a truly new season of color.

Here are my fall/holiday trends:

Scarves: Still a very important accessory. For me, a scarf is the perfect item to give me that finished look. Great way to add color.

Colored jeans: The options are almost unlimited. I love the rusty palette.

Color block: This trend is a refreshing way to bring color into your closet. Get a bit of bold color, but not all over. Love some of these sweaters.

Ladylike handbags: Look for subtle bows, soft leather and vegan leather, chain detail for handles. Ahhh…the very personal choice of a bag just got easier. There is color here, too. Small cocktail bags in deep green.

Skirts: Straight but with a twist. Many have center panels that give a straight illusion, but fit everyone.

Color: In general this is the biggest trend. Finding a way to make it you is the fun.

David and I fished last weekend in a CF tournament. Fishing clothing is not too fashionable, but totally fun! did have on a bit of color, though.

I have been home a week now. Fashion week was in full swing. Trunk show featuring Atlanta designer Jane Darling was showing at Bella. October was here for sure.

Fashion changes so quickly, just like we do. Children grow up, people move away, we travel and turn the pages on our life.

Clothing reflects that in all of us. Each season spins new colors in our lives and our clothing.

Step into the new season of your life. Branch out a bit and find something new to wear that doesn’t look like last year.

Your life is new. Shouldn’t your closet be?

Well, I am finally home for good!

Love baseball, but love home more. Ana Lise and I shared a seat on the way back.

Can’t wait to celebrate Bella’s eleventh birthday this month. Fall is definitely in the air and the holidays are right around the corner!

Wow…life!!!

It is a stunning morning here in the Capitol. The team won last night, so we are here today for a final game in the Division Series.

Red is the team color, so I wore a beautiful cape with a fur collar. After lots of cheering with friends from around the country, we won in the ninth inning.

Today I will visit another store similar to Bella, go for a walk along the Potomac and get ready for a ball game. Hopefully it will not be my last.

In NYC today at market.

Wow…This was what one buyer was wearing. I guess it takes all kinds of taste levels.

Bringing home a suitcase full of new fun jewels.

I love my job.

Atlanta had a breast cancer moment at the game. All survivors.

Alexandria has this grand flag. I love the look at night. Reminds me of the founding fathers and their dreams for us.

At the shoe boutique a young woman was finding the shoe for her wedding. She spoke no English, but shoes have their own language. She asked me to help choose. I voted for these.

I am flying home today. Back to Bella. So blessed to be able to do and see all this.

Time to get up and make the 7:30am flight to Orlando. If all goes well, I can be in the store by 10:30am.

I plan my work for the plane ride home: review the marketing calendar, plan NY market trip for next week, make sure Cartise trunk show samples arrive on schedule. These two planning hours have become routine to me.

Leaving my husband has not. He drives me to the airport on quiet DC streets. We review our schedule; when I will see him and in what city. This week it will be on Friday. We measure time by what team he is playing.

“I will see you at the Marlins game!” I shout as he drives out of the departure lane.

He waves.

I am about to land in Orlando. I gather my work and prepare to zoom off to Bella. I shed my baseball wife life and slip easily into my proprietor role.

Ahh, it’s a good fit.