While the days get longer and begin to heat up, so do the fashions.  Ladies...whether you walk the catwalk in Milan or the halls of MPK...here are just a few tips to put some spring in your step and brighten your summer flare.

• Embellished flats – strappy or jeweled, either one does the trick
• Colorful dresses – while the trend is mini, you may want to save that one for the dance floor
  
• Light lips – just a touch of pink or bronze
• Statement necklace – big, bold and colorful
• Short red nails – color is back but long is not
• The shirtdress – the classic style with an updated twist
• Untamed hair – texture and color...but make it natural
• Oversize hoop earrings – adds elegance and spice to any outfit
• Winged eyeliner – subtle and thin
• A lightweight scarf – Loose and pretty, elegant and feminine

Simply put – Paul Frank is one of my favorite designers.  Sure, you see his famous monkey Julius on the t-shirts of tweens and teens alike, so why would a XX year old marketing exec from Austin TX proudly show off her new iPhone case cover that her husband bought? (thank you honey)

Because to me...it is so much more than just a brand.  Paul Frank is creativity, innovation, art, brand and community – that has made a ton of money - all wrapped into one.  As a marketer – this is the bar.

Meet Julius.  The most recognizable, simple monkey face to date.  Julius comes with a set of friends.  They are close and go through many adventures together.  The characters are simple in design, but striking in their execution and lovable by nature.

Paul Frank never set out to be a fashion designer.  He started as an artist and musician in Southern California.  His designs took off in the late 90s and grew from the ground up.  Viral and hot, this brand became of of the most coveted to score.  I think you can say he was before his time.  He recognized the importance of community and human interaction.  He put little money into traditional marketing, but funded the most immersive, communal web experience out there.  He took his show on the road and toured the country in an RV – bringing Paul Frank to the people.  (I still remember the day I chased his bus down Congress Ave.) And he distributed through particular chains and boutiques that made it special for the consumer.  He was ahead of his time and many of the ideas used today he was using years ago.

So what is my take away besides the cute monkey?  Design what you know and love – start from a combination of heart and head.  Deliver a good, appealing product: simple can always be better. Create a place where others can share, experience and learn.  Don't set out to change the world with an overblown marketing campaign and force messages of greatness -let it grow from the ground up.  And most importantly – be patient.  Success will come.

This last year brought us an explosion of amazing watches which continued to move them from the time piece category to an out-and-out fashion statement.  Faces got bigger, straps got colorful, some styles got clunkier and many sported bling.  Models donned watches as is they were David Yurman bangles and wearing a triathlon watch with a suit became as acceptable as wearing a black t-shirt for a keynote address.

This year brings even more art, design and creativity to the watch fashion world.  Check out some of these fashion finders and enjoy!

      For the Square in your family

For the Modern risk-taker

   For the Fashionable athlete

        For the True athlete
 

           For the Rich and Famous

WARNING: If you are like me...who wears their watch face on the inside of their wrist...stick to affordable

As far as style goes...here is the must have for the millionaire on-the-go.  Hermès is going into the designer car business.  Hot off the autobahn we have the Fbg par Hermès -  a $2.35-million edition of Bugatti Veyron's speedy 16.4 coupe. 

 

And while you may not see too many of these in Austin, TX, I do recommend paring the roadster with a Hermès Birkin bag for every day use.  The bag is a steal at $48K. 

 

Everyone will be Green with envy :)

Its a new year and so goes the next wave of color and style in business and in fashion.  2008 is about elegance and functionality, simplicity and affordability.  From software to soft”wear”, lets take a look at what's hot for 2008.

For Women

• High-waisted wide-leg pants and jeans
• Sheath dresses

• 
Bright, bold colors and prints
• 
Highly textured fabrics
  

For Men

• A dark-wash jean
• Casual loafers
• A great polo shirt
• Sideburns

For Software

• Dynamic provisioning
• Touchscreens
• Acquisitions
• Software at your service
  

Its here! Welcome to the first-ever edition of Softwear Chic's Guide to the Holidays! I am
excited to bring you cool ideas for gifts, holiday cheer, and a few fashionable must-
haves for the chic geek in us all.   I sure had fun pulling it together.  Download and enjoy!

A very special thanks to GC and MH for making me look so fabulous.  You are both truly amazing!

Just an early plug for the Softwear Chic's Guide to the Holidays coming later this week. 

Check back!!!

 

For a good humor break, one of my employees sent me pictures from the 1977 JC Penney catalog.  With everyone I opened, my laugh got a little louder (and for those of you who know me...that can be REALLY loud.)
 
So let me just say to all the men out there – whether you paid $17.00 for the JC Penney special in 1977 or $1700 for the Prada S/S collection in 2007, a jumpsuit does not work...under any circumstance (and no man-bags either.)

   

While it is fall in most of the country, Austin TX is still sporting spring-like weather...and so goes the fashion in the office.  Check out Squire Earle (Identity Management) and Ryan Bearden (Customer Marketing) – two software marketing guys who's energy and enthusiasm is contagious (and clearly called each other to plan their outfit.)