Invite Cottage...monogrammed gifts, personalized stationery & invitations

Fashion Trends for Spring, 2012 from Kokoon

2012-01-24T15:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a great synopsis of Spring, 2012 fashion from my friend, the Kokoon rep (great clothing line if you aren't familiar with it http://www.kokoon.net/):

Here is a trend direction analysis from Kokoon's designer, Laine Weinberg if you are interested.....

Neutral shades of beige, nude, and blush are still very popular, and while there’s a push for pastels to make a comeback, theses neutrals are kind of taking the place of pastels in a more sophisticated way.

Light Greys, Charcoal, Mocha colors and Navy are also strong neutrals and look great when paired with the bright, saturated colors that are going strong. You’ll be seeing a lot of Reds and bright Pinks and Purples, Turquoise and Blues, Happy Greens and Yellows, and of course

Pantone’s color of the season: Tangerine Tango.

I’m so excited that Tribal prints are still really strong, and for people who shy away from prints in general, Tribal is a way to do prints in a more toned down way. And these type of prints are a great backdrop for jewelry.

Pretty Florals are making a huge comeback this season.

The 60’s ladylike influence has moved forward from just silhouettes to prints, and now you’re going to see a resurgence in floral prints. Adding to the feminine details are lots of Neck tie details and pretty blouses. I love watching Kelly Rippa, and she’s wearing a neck tie at least 3 days a week.

Sporty Stripes are one of the biggest trends of the season. In fact it’s almost impossible to source fabrics right now without about 80% of the fabrics being striped. But the fun part about the stripes are that there really is a big variety. From very wide, which read almost more like a print or color blocking, to tiny stripes which read almost like a solid.

I’ve never been much for traditional nautical stripes, but this season they look fresh and new, and stripes are adding a lot of impact to casual, sporty silhouettes.

A slouchy, relaxed, cool vibe is so important right now. Dropped shoulders, Wide sleeves and Dolman sleeves, hip-resting skirts… all contribute to that relaxed look.

Asymmetrical bodies are still interesting and important, as is draping and shirring, but now start to take on a more relaxed vibe.

70’s Influenced wide leg and flared pants, Maxi length skirts and dresses are gaining in popularity, and maybe this spring and summer our clients will embrace them.

Midilengths are also a trendy look, but I must say our clients (and most of you) have rejected them. We’ll have to let that one percolate for awhile.

One of the newest actual silhouette trends happening is the popularity of dropped waists.

This is something we introduced late last spring with the Drop it Like it’s Hot Dress, which we didn’t think would sell very well, and it was immediately embraced by our clients. This is another example of that
slouched, relaxed vibe that translates really well into our clients’ real lives.

80’s influenced off the shoulder bodies, like the Jennifer, are so feminine, and combine slouchy and sexy into one look. This was another body I was surprised was embraced so quickly by our clients. It’s easy to wear, and really looks great on all sizes and ages.

Openwork and body revealing cutouts have been a mini trend for the past few seasons, and I’m interpreting some of these details into very wearable and super cute items that I think will be very well received.

There’s always a little lace trend happening, and we have a long history of lace at KOKOON. We have some really cute lace details and a new little lace skirt that is very appealing, taking the lace look away from overtly sexy and again, giving it a more casual vibe.

In other trends, you can rest assured that no one will be taking your leggings away any time soon. Pants range from 60′s pencil ankle-croppers, to wide flares, to high waisted to super slouchy.

Crisp Black and White is always right for spring and again, is a way to ‘do’ pattern for our ladies who shy away from prints. We have a terrific ‘Waverider’ textured knit that is really beautiful and interesting.

2012-01-24T00:49:00.002-05:00

Whew, it's been so long since we last posted, but, we're back!!!! Last year was a busy one but the good news is that we finally got our new site, www.InviteCottage.com is up & live!We have lots to come but wanted to test out blogging on the IPad :)Kim

FREE Eco Friendly Bag with ALL Purchases Over $100!!!

2010-11-20T14:32:00.001-05:00

If you're like me, you see so many people carrying their reusable shopping bags in the grocery store that I feel guilty taking my traditional "paper or plastic"! But most of those reusable bags just aren't cute!!! Here is the perfect solution to that problem...stylish Eco Friendly reusable bags.

These lightweight bags are so handy and cute, too! Keep them in the car, at home or wherever you need them most. Made of polypropylene, they wipe clean and are durable...even holds up to 40 lbs.!

While supplies last, we are throwing in a FREE Eco Friendly bag with every order over $100! So, get yours now while they last.

Congratulations to the Winner of the $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway!!!

2010-11-15T21:13:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Elizabeth Johnson, a student at Marquette University. She won a $100 Shopping Spree at http://www.invitecottage.com/. Wouldn't that be a great way to start out your holiday shopping???

If you didn't win or missed the chance to enter our contest, don't miss Flip Flops & Pearls giveaway contest for a $50 Invite Cottage gift certificate....ending soon.

Don't Miss The LAST Day to Sign up for the $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway!!!

2010-11-11T17:45:00.000-05:00

Win a $100 Shopping Spree at Invite Cottage (http://www.invitecottage.com/)!

Click on this link for details.

Just think of all that holiday shopping you could do!!!

20% Off Holiday Digital Photo Cards by Stacy Claire Boyd, Putnam House, Roseanne Beck & More!

2010-11-03T19:34:00.001-05:00

Don't miss this great opportunity to get just the perfect digital photo card for the holidays...at 20% off through November 14th!!!

Click HERE to see them all!!!

New...Selected Personalized Stationery & Notepads on SALE through Nov. 18!!!

2010-11-02T21:58:00.002-05:00

Don't miss great personalized stationery & notepads from Embossed Graphics...awesome sale! These are just a few of the sets on sale http://www.invitecottage.com/category.aspx?categoryID=172

Capital Note Card

Anthony 7 Tablet Set

15% Off Storewide...It's Our Treat!!!

2010-10-26T13:11:00.000-05:00

SPOOKY SALE...15% OFF STOREWIDE

through Sunday, October 31st!!!

Sale even applies to the Stationery & Notepad Sale...now 35% off!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Week for 20% Off Selected Personalized Stationery & Notepads by Embossed Graphics

2010-10-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this great sale by Embossed Graphics ending on Friday, October 29th. 20% off on some of their most popular personalized stationery & notepads. These make awesome holiday gifts...who doesn't love personalized stationery???

Here are just a few of the great items on sale this week

Visit our Whitney English Website Boutique!!!

2010-10-24T00:47:00.001-05:00

Don't miss our new site featuring the ENTIRE Whitney English line of personalized papers, stationery & gifts http://invitecottage.getpapered.com/.

Includes the best selection anywhere of holiday cards!!!

Or, if this isn't enough for you, be sure to visit our original site

Invite Cottage...papers & gifts

Visit our NEW Website!

2010-10-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

Soooo excited...new website is up http://invitecottage.getpapered.com/

Check it out for personalized papers & gifts from Whitney English, Twist Paper, French Blue & MORE!!!

WIN A $100 SHOPPING SPREE!!!

2010-10-18T21:16:00.023-05:00

Personalized Cutting Boards by Clairebella

Everyone loves acrylic wine glasses!

Personalized notepads make great gifts!!!

Entering is easy! Here's how:

1. Blog about the giveaway with link to http://www.invitecottage.com/ - good for 2 entries!!!
2. Twitter the giveaway (include @invitecottage & http://www.invitecottage.com/ in tweet)

3. Facebook the giveaway with link to http://www.invitecottage.com/ (must be able to view post)

4. Follow @InviteCottage on Twitter

5. Follow our BLOG

Leave a comment or email us at info@invitecottage.com (with a link to your post) to receive your entry(s).

Deadline for entries is Friday, November 12.

Drawing will be held on Monday, November 15.

Just look at some of the great gifts that you could win...just think of all that holiday shopping ahead.

GOOD LUCK!!!P.S. If we have a great response, we may do another giveaway before Christmas!

Just Ordered Some GREAT New Tote Bags!

2010-10-18T12:22:00.001-05:00

Saw these new tote bags by Whitney English and couldn't help but order some...light weight, great price and perfect for shopping, toting, etc. Should be on website by next week.

20% Off Selected Stationery & Notepads by Embossed Graphics...ends 10/29

2010-10-18T12:21:00.003-05:00

Working on a new Shopping Spree Giveaway...check back for details!

2010-10-17T14:27:00.002-05:00

Thinking about a $100 shopping spree for the winner of the giveaway. Entering is easy...just enter a post about Invite Cottage on your blog, and you will be entered!

New Website Featuring WHITNEY ENGLISH, BOATMAN GELLER & more...coming soon!

2010-10-16T10:55:00.003-05:00

We can't wait to share our new website with you all. This new sites includes thousands of personalized papers & gifts from Whitney English, Boatman Geller, French Blue, Twist, Hicks Paper & MORE!

You will be the first to know when it goes live!

Last Day for 2 for 1 Enclosure Cards & Stickers

2010-10-16T10:18:00.004-05:00

Don't miss this great sale...ends tomorrow!

20% Off Selected Personalized Stationery & Notepads

2010-10-16T10:14:00.003-05:00

Don't miss this great sale on selected personalized stationery & notepads by Embossed Graphics. The sale ends on 10/29, so order now! Great time to save some $ on Christmas gifts!!!

New Scout Bags in stock...gotta love 'em!

2010-02-16T20:58:00.003-05:00

Just got in the latest Scout bag styles. These were just released at the January markets, and they are so cute!

We're Baaaackkkk!

2010-02-16T20:56:00.003-05:00

It has been a long 6 days with the website down. Let's just say...technical difficulties! Quite an exercise in patience, among other things! Everything is running smoothly now - so glad to be back up and in business again. We missed you all!

Atlanta Gift Market...Here We Come!

2009-06-25T23:30:00.004-05:00

We are excited that we just finalized our travel arrangements for the Atlanta Gift Mkt. On this trip, we're going to be looking for the newest, cutest monogrammable tote bags to be found. We're also on a mission to find some really cute trays and things that can be monogrammed with a decal.

Any suggestions?

Personalized Notepads Sale Extended thru July 30!

2009-06-25T23:27:00.002-05:00

Whoo hoo, Embossed Graphics has so kindly extended their personalized notepad sale through July 30!

Embossed Graphics Notepad On Sale thru June 1!

2009-05-03T15:28:00.003-05:00

All personalized notepads and tablet sets from Embossed Graphics are 20% OFF through June 1. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to purchase lots of graduation gifts, end of school gifts, etc.

Scout Bags on Sale

2009-05-03T15:20:00.005-05:00

Selected Scout Bags are on SALE while they last! Scout has discontinued several styles to make room for new ones, so we have marked down all the discontinued patterns. This is a great opportunity to get the 0h-so-popular Scout Bags are great prices!!!

Tervis Tumbler Discontinues Circle Monograms

2009-02-27T10:45:00.003-05:00

Tervis Tumbler will be discontinuing their Circle Monograms as of mid-March! We will continue to take orders for them through 3/7.

The new monogram style will be a Diamond monogram.

Stock up now on the Circle monograms before its too late!!!

15% Off All Sweet Pea Invitations and Announcements!

2009-02-20T09:53:00.003-05:00

Don't miss this great opportunity to save on ALL Sweet Pea invitations and announcements! Sweet Pea carries such a great selection of invitations for all types of events as well as adorable birth announcements. http://invitecottage.myspstore.com/

2 For 1 Special at Sweet Pea Designs

2009-02-09T19:45:00.003-05:00

Hurry, the Twice As Nice Sale only lasts through February 15th!

BRIDES...Contact Us About Quantity Discounts

2009-02-09T19:42:00.002-05:00

We love Brides!!! Be sure to contact us at info@invitecottage.com or toll free at (888) 817-5696 to inquire about quantity discounts on personalized gifts, invitations, personalized napkins and more!

New Scout Bags are In Stock NOW!!!

2009-02-09T19:34:00.003-05:00

Everybody LOVES Scout Bags by Bungalow. Order yours early for Spring while they are still available.

Lilly Pulitzer Gifts will be here SOON!

2009-02-09T19:31:00.003-05:00

We are so excited about the new Lilly Pulitzer gifts that are on the way. Just talked to them today, and they should be here within about 2 more weeks. We'll let you know as soon as they arrive!!!

20% OFF STOREWIDE SALE...CYBER MONDAY ONLY (12/1)

2008-12-01T08:15:00.002-05:00

Don't miss this great opportunity to mark off lots of gifts on your shopping list. All of our personalized gifts, monogrammed bags, personalized stationery, etc. are 20% off!!! Be sure to tell your friends. Sale ends at midnight EST.

15% Off Storewide through Friday, November 28th!!!

2008-11-26T21:47:00.002-05:00

We're celebrating everything that we're thankful for by offering 15% off everything in our store through Friday, November 28th!!!

This a great opportunity to order monogrammed gifts, personalized stationery, monogrammed bags, and more for everybody on your shopping list.

Order deadlines are quickly approaching, so don't delay!

25% OFF ALL SWEET PEA DESIGNS HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS

2008-11-21T10:11:00.003-05:00

We are excited to announce that Sweet Pea Designs is now offering 15% off of all their Holiday Photo Cards. And guess what, we're throwing in another 10%, for a total of 25% OFF ALL SWEET PEA DESIGNS HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS!!! What a deal!

To receive the additional 10% off, enter the Promotional Code: Merry in the checkout area.

Sweet Pea has not given us a deadline date yet, so order now to ensure that you get in on the special price.

Follow us on Twitter

2008-10-26T10:40:00.003-05:00

Join us on Twitter. It is a really fun way to keep up with our every move, up to date news, etc. If you're not familiar with Twitter, it is a hot new social networking site whereby you post your every move, thoughts, events, etc. Follow others and invite friends to follow you.

What got me interested in Twitter was the CEO of Zappos's use of it. As he travels around the country as the leader of the great ecommerce site, he posts funny thoughts and happenings through his travels, as well as interesting events in his role of CEO.

I also just joined a group of Twittering moms. Of course, there are also sub-groups like Foodie Moms, Wine Moms, Book Club Moms, Moms of Multiples, WAHM's, etc. Fun way to spend some time!

Save $10 on your next Invite Cottage order.

2008-10-21T07:06:00.002-05:00

We've made it easier than ever to earn$10 off your next purchase at Invite Cottage!
What's the catch? It's simple, post a link to www.InviteCottage.com on your favorite social bookmarking site (like Digg, Del.icio.us, Reddit, StumbleUpon), social networking site (like Facebook or MySpace) or even your own website or blog, and earn $10.00 off your next Invite Cottage order.

Once you do it, click here to let us know about it.We'll review your entry and if it's approved, send you a unique reward code.

Take a walk on the WILD side this Fall!

2008-10-21T06:57:00.003-05:00

Look at these adorable new wild gifts that we've just added.

20% Off ALL Sweet Pea Designs Orders through October 31st!

2008-10-17T07:57:00.003-05:00

We're feeling really generous today and wanted to pass along some more great deals. Enter the coupon code "October 2008" to receive 20% off you entire Sweet Pea order. Add this to the Free Return Address offer, and just think of how much you can save on your holiday photo cards!

20% Off ALL Orders over $150 through October 31st!

2008-10-17T07:49:00.002-05:00

Yep, we're offering 20% off your entire order of $150 or more through October 31st! This is a great opportunity to do some early holiday shopping and save on all monogrammed gifts, personalized stationery and more. And, order your holiday photo cards and save big $.

Don't forget that Sweet Pea Designs is offering a FREE return address on all holiday photo cards through October 31st.

Storewide 10% Off Sales Ends Wednesday, October 15

2008-10-14T20:32:00.002-05:00

Don't miss this last chance to take advantage of our storewide 10% off sale. And, as always, Free Shipping on all orders over $150!

Check out these adorable new Monogrammed Clogs

2008-10-11T08:04:00.003-05:00

In need of some fun in your wardrobe? Look no further...these new monogrammed clogs come in a great selection of fun fabrics. Choose from zebra, leopard, and polka dots to jazz up all of your outfits.

New Monogrammed Market Tote Baskets are HERE!

2008-10-09T13:03:00.005-05:00

We're so excited to have these new monogrammed market tote baskets in stock!!! This is such a great tote, we really promise...it is perfect for on-the-go, carrying all those loose items in the car, the grocery store, beach, travel and more. The basket measures 19"l x 11"w x 9"h. The metal frame folds up so that the entire basket will fold flat. Also, there is a velcro closured handle wrap for carrying comfort....you will just love this basket

Great Deals from Invite Cottage...personalized papers & gifts

2008-10-09T12:56:00.003-05:00

With the crazy economic times and the holidays right around the corner, we at Invite Cottage want to ease the pain of holidy shopping. Until October 15th, we are having a STOREWIDE SALE...everything in our store is 10% off.

And, we are still offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150!

Take advantage of these great savings to get started on shopping for personalized gifts and papers for your friends and family!

Sweet Pea Designs Free Return Address on Holiday Photo Cards until October 31!

2008-09-14T19:22:00.006-05:00

Sweet Pea Designs is offering a great deal until October 31. Purchase any of their holiday photo cards and get a FREE return address on the envelopes. Don't miss this one!

Join Kim's Friends on Facebook

2008-09-14T19:20:00.003-05:00

Kim would love to add you to her friends on Facebook. Get to know her, her friends and family, interests and more. She would love to get to know you, too!

Join us on Facebook

2008-09-14T19:17:00.003-05:00

Join our Facebook Group to be the first to be notified of new items and special sales. We also have a great Facebook Group Members' Discount!

Custom Printed Wedding Invitations Are Now Available at Invite Cottage!

2007-08-04T08:39:00.002-05:00

We're so excited to announce that we are now offering the full line of wedding invitations by Birchcraft! You are able to view and purchase a tremendous selection of custom printed wedding invitations and accessories. Of course, we offer a discount on them, too.

You can enter all of your information and view a proof immediately. Make changes until you get them just right for the wedding of your dreams.

Boatman Geller Stationery is HERE!

2007-07-29T12:59:00.000-05:00

YEAH!!! We are so excited to have recently added the full line of Boatman Geller custom printed notecards. They are to die for!!! And, we've even discounted them off of the regular retail prices....how can you resist?

Take a look at a few of these adorable designs

View them all here http://www.invitecottage.com/search.aspx?keyword=boatman&page=1

More new lines to come soon!

Happy Summer!!!

2007-06-24T13:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Summer!!! Can you believe it is finally that time of the year again! Time to get outside and celebrate the warm air, catching fireflies and eating watermelon. For those celebrations, doesn't everybody just need a monogrammed party tub?

Or how about these new, preppy monogrammed koozies...

These are just a couple of the new items that we've added recently. We'll be back in touch with more soon!

Happy Spring...almost Summer!

2007-05-12T09:31:00.000-05:00

Hi...we've been away from the blog alot this Spring, but we're back! We've been busy getting in some really cute items that we ordered at the Atlanta Gift Market in January as well as adding products to our site.

We have some really cute new invitations and monogrammed enclosure cards. Be sure to check out the enclosure cards...they're to die for!

Also, we have some of these great new bags in, but we really want to get some better pictures before we add them to our website. You'll just love the fun, bright colors. Add a monogram for the perfect summer personalized tote bag!

We're also really excited about some new tennis racquet covers that we have in. Once we get some better photos taken, we'll be adding these onto our website. These racquet covers are just screaming for a monogram!

So, check back with us for these new things....we're really excited about sharing them with you!

MURVAL JUTE TOTE BAGS ARE IN!!!!

2007-03-07T08:40:00.000-05:00

Finally, the Murval Jute Tote Bags have arrived!!! We've been waiting several months for them, so you can imagine our delight when 3 very large boxes showed up yesterday. And, Murval has introduced a medium size bag. It is a great size for everyday running around. We'll be adding those to our site in the next few days.

So, we now have the large bags in Chocolate, Tan, Black, Fuschia & Green. We have medium ones in Chocolate & Fuschia....I think you'll really like them.

We also got in some really cute pink & green polka dot rolling coolers...just in time for Spring. We'll be photographing them and getting them up on the site shortly. There are striped ones on backorder, due in the next few weeks.

We'll let you know when more cute things come in...we're excited about them!

Wow...our first Blog entry!

2007-01-14T15:46:00.000-05:00

Wow...we are really blogging now! We have so much to tell you about the personalized gifts, personalized stationery and new monogrammed baby gifts, bridesmaids gifts and groomsmen gifts that we have on our website. We also carry a great selection of invitations for all of your parties and festivities.

This is our first blog entry, and we just wanted to post it now to get going. However, we'll be back soon with lots of new items as well as some old favorites.

In the meantime, check out our website www.InviteCottage.com to see our line. You might just find what you're looking for and a whole lot more!