Editorials direct from Europe

From Helsinki to Prague - funky fashion is everywhere - and I'm happy to report that we are completely up to date at Pistachio! We have many identical lines to what is being showcased in Europe right now! I saw Desigual, Custo, Repeat, Joseph Ribkoff, Part II, and much more. Our looks are right on target! Skinny jeans continue to be "in", tunics with tight shorts are a popular look and there are lots of cute summer dresses everywhere. Of course, they're actually having summer there! I loved the Swedish/Denmark look! I'll be posting some pics from there and found a few Swedish lines that I loved. Couldn't find Sandwich anywhere - which was a very big surprise. More later as I get my head out of the clouds!

- Janie Anderson. July 6, 2011

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Hi Fashionistas

Europeans love Linen - it's the perfect fabric for warm weather. Here's a little tip - after you wash it, put it in the dryer for just a few minutes, then shake it out, smoothing the wrinkles. Let it dry on a hanger and do not iron. This is what keeps linen soft and naturally wrinkled. Ironing makes it stiff and creased. The more you wear it the softer it gets.

Harem pants (gathered at the ankle) are a big look - in denim, patterns and linen. There were also quite a few harem pants with the low crotch (not really my 'look'). I bought my first pair of pleated pants - in lightweight cotton with the bottoms casually rolled up. I've got to admit, they are pretty comfortable.

Our Sympli collection at Pistachio is obviously European influenced. It is a more climate friendly option than the linen for us in Canada and we seem to appreciate the non-creasing quality. The looks are similar but the fabric is more versatile. One look that European women don't wear at all is the lulu lemon style. They wouldn't be caught dead in the exercise wear that West Coast women sometimes wear as street clothes.

I was actually surprised to see how many US chain style stores have taken over every city in Europe. It was a little disappointing to see fewer boutiques and local designer fashions than previous trips. I'm always looking for shops like Pistachio where I can find some very unique looks - I really had to search - especially in the larger cities. The bigger stores are really taking over everywhere. I did see a Topshop in Copenhagen and was disappointed - expecting to see the really hot looks, but instead they just carried similar fashions to H+M.

My next editorial will be on accessories - still a big look everywhere!

- Janie Anderson. July 7, 2011

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Just like here - accessories are huge in Europe - huge in quantity and huge in size - although I must admit, they do seem to be moving slightly away from the super gigantic looks we've been seeing lately - the usual rise and fall of fashion. Gladiator sandals still dominate the scene and oxford style shoes are gaining in popularity. I purchased a beautiful pair in shades of soft beige in soft buttery leather, in Prague, and am looking forward to wearing them with my linen pants from Pistachio. Even thought flats are popular, I couldn't believe how some women navigate the cobblestones in their stilettos - must take a lot of practice!

Scarves are still very popular, but not as 'big' as they were in Italy and France last year. The women in these Scandinavian countries dress more simply - with flowy, easy looks. For the most part, I tend to like the funky way the Italian and French women dress - a little more interesting. But the 'Scandis' are so beautiful, they don't need much help!

The super huge handbags are toning down - more average sizes are taking their place. All the travelers were wearing smaller cross-body styles. There is not the selection in this part of Europe that there is in Italy - in fact', my shoes were made in Italy!

Next editorial I'll talk about colour and prices - a real eye opener!

- Janie Anderson. July 8, 2011

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Just like Canada – there are many options in Europe for colour. There is so little difference really, from Europe to Canada, that I continue to be impressed with how up-to-date we are. The pale and barely-there colours continue to dominate the soft fabric looks in Sweden and Denmark whereas the more bright and lively cottons are everywhere in Prague. I especially liked the bright coloured shirts – lots of checks, plaids, striped and mixed patterns available – just like our Access shirts. I'm going to purchase those again in Vegas this summer. They are so perfect and even nicer than the ones I loved in Prague.

The prices in Europe are extremely high. Our prices are much better in Canada! Oslo, Norway has the 3rd highest prices in the world – so I didn't make any purchases there. We have a lot to be thankful for here – even with the HST. All the countries there have 15, 20 and even 25% sales tax! Although, the taxes are added into the prices before posting, so you don't feel quite so bad when purchasing.

Anyway, all in all – we have a great thing going here, and I will continue to do my very best in keeping Pistachio fashions trendy, funky and also classic in their appeal. After all, Fashion changes, Style remains!

- Janie Anderson. July 11, 2011

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