Extra 25% off Markdowns!

Starting today, Friday May 29th, through Tuesday June 2nd, take an extra 25% off already mark downed products at Shade. Go check it out, you can't beat these prices! ShadeClothing.com

Bringing a Smile to Your Face.

As I was browsing online this week, I came across a couple things that made me smile, so I thought I'd share them with you. I love this! They turned this abandoned newspaper box into a planter. Cute idea for a flower box, don't ya think?

This is located in DC... I don't know about you, but I wish all our stop signs looked like this!

Poll Wednesday

We're always busy here at Shade designing away, so this week, I thought I'd check in with the design team and see what's happening! I was delighted to see we have some amazing things in store for the upcoming seasons, but one question weighs heavy on their minds right now. If you were to choose a print or pattern that you are most drawn to currently, which one is it... stripes, polka dots, geo's or florals? I know right now I am loving floral patterns. There are just so many great floral prints out right now, but enough about me.. I want to know about you!

Floral's:



Stripes:


Polka Dots:


Geo's:

Item of the Week

The item of the week is the crinkle top for $24.00. You will love this light weight shirt that is perfect for any occasion this summer. Pair it with your favorite jeans, capris or shorts... the possibilities are endless with this top. Check it out at ShadeClothing.com and while you're there be sure to check out the amazing prices on our sale items right now up to 60% off!

A Look at Some Fab Photos

Before you take off this weekend, on a fun filled Memorial Day vacate... I thought I would just remind you of the Fab Photo Contest, that way while you're off playin in your Shade, you remember to snap a few pics and send them our way! Even if you're not leaving town this weekend, have fun with this – be unique,  get together with your girlfriends and have a photo montage!  Here are a few pictures we have already received, so c'mon join in on the fun! You never know... you could just be a Shade star in the making! 

Remember to email your photo to contest@shadeclothing.com between May 18 – June 1 and you’ll be entered in the contest. We’ll select the top 3 finalists and then Shade Facebook fans will vote on the winner from June 5 – 15. The grand prize is a $50 Shade gift card and a feature on the Shade blog and facebook page.Click here for contest rules and details.

Memorial Day Sale - 25% off Swim

"Here comes the sun... little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter... little darling, it feels like years since it's been here ... here comes the sun, here comes the sun!" The sun has come out and there is no better time to buy your swimsuit than now!

All swim is 25% off today through Monday, online and at Shade stores. Go check out the great swimsuits Shade has to offer... I say it's alright.. little darling, here comes the sun!

ShadeClothing.com

Wednesday Poll & Item of The Week

Last week I polled a few of the newer tops at Shade, the smocked raglan top, the shirred raglan top with print and the crinkle top. The shirred raglan top blew the other two out of the water, coming in with 61% of the votes! It is definitely one of our more popular styles right now, and it happens to be the item of the week through May 24!

The price for this adorable top is $16.00... it doesn't get much better than that, so go ahead and buy one while you can at that unbeatable price, I promise you wont regret it!

As you are all aware, Shade is known for its basics such as the cap sleeve, baby tee and camisoles, but we also have a few tees that have been regular styles for the past couple seasons as well. This week, I want to know which of these tees have become another favorite basic style. The perfect tee, puckered tee or the scoop neck 3/4 sleeve ? Which one of these three do you love the most?

puckered tee

scoop neck 3/4 sleeve

perfect tee

ShadeClothing.com

Office Bright Side Style!

With all the bright side tee excitement today... I thought I'd share some behind the scenes office "bright side" style! I particularly liked that all three employees showed up with bright side tees paired with a different style of Shade cardigans, and even better, two of them are also wearing it with Shade skirts. Dressed head to toe in Shade, now that's what we like to see!

"look up bright side tee paired with the 3/4 sleeve cardigan"

"bright side block letters tee paired with long sleeve cardigan and white tulip skirt"

"look up bright side tee paired with 3/4 sleeve cardigan and shirred band skirt"

ShadeClothing.com

Winner of The Bright Side tee

Congratulations to Tiffany Fischer, the winner of a Bright Side tee.

Tiffany said: My favorite thing about shade is that no only do they have great clothing that is fashionable and modest, it also compliments my entire wardrobe and fills in the gaps. I LOVE Shade and I also love that they are doing something good for the community with their bright side tees :)

Tiffany, please send an email with your shirt size, favorite Bright Side tee design and mailing address to swinzeler@shadeclothing.com. We'll have another give-away next month, so keep checking in and spread the word about The Bright Side tees.

Introducing the Fab Photo contest – win a $50 gift card

We hear from people all the time about the reasons they love Shade – the extra long tops, perfect layering pieces, modest yet fashionable styles, fantastic fit, comfortable fabric and the list goes on...

Now it’s your chance to show us how you wear Shade. Enter the Fab Photo contest by sending us a fun, creative photo of you wearing your favorite Shade item or outfit. Everyone has their own style and we want to see how you take our products and make them your own.

Have fun with this – be unique, get together with your girlfriends and raid each others closets to make an outfit or snap some photos while you’re out playing over Memorial Day weekend. Email your photo to contest@shadeclothing.com between May 18 – June 1 and you’ll be entered in the contest. We’ll select the top 3 finalists and then Shade Facebook fans will vote on the winner from June 5 – 15. The grand prize is a $50 Shade gift card and a feature on the Shade blog and facebook page. Click here for contest rules and details. We want to hear from you, so get out that camera and start snapping some pics.

ShadeClothing.com

Recipes by CK: Granola Bars

I love this recipe for home made granola bars. Simple to make and yummy to eat. The longer you cook them, the more crunchy they become (obviously, right?), so it just depends on if you like a softer or crunchier granola bar on how long you bake them. Also, if you want to be healthier, raisins or any dried fruit will substitute nicely for chocolate chips. I've also played with the idea of adding some coconut, cause that's just how I roll.

1/3 c. oil
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 T. honey
1 t. vanilla
1 egg
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 c. oats
2 c. rice krispies
1 c. raisins (or chocolate chips if you don't have said raisins or just plain don't like them)

In large bowl, combine oil, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and egg. Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. mix well. Stir in oats, cereal, and raisins. Grease 9x13 inch pan. Press mixture into pan. For chewy bars bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees. for crunchier bars, bake 25 minutes. Slice into 16 bars.

Free Bright Side Tee and Discounts for Team Shade Members

Good news! We have extended the "Free Bright Side Tee contest" until midnight on Monday, May 18th. We will announce the winner on Tuesday, May 19th. So be sure to enter by leaving a comment on the May 11th post below.
Also for all of you, "Team Shade" members, starting today through May 17th, we are offering you a 15% discount on full price merchandise at ShadeClothing.com only. This offer is not valid in stores, it is online only. If you are not a Team Shade member yet, check out the website or any store location for more information on how to register and join today! Customers who register online for Team Shade, May 14 – 17, 2009 will receive the 15% discount. You will also receive private offers and fun previews and benefits throughout the year by becoming a member.
Last but not least, I hope everyone is having a fabulous day.

ShadeClothing.com

Its Poll Day Wednesday

Looks like the Bright Side Make a Wish graphic tee came in first place for the poll last week! Not far behind, was the Bright Side Bloom and Bright Side w/Block Letters graphic tees. I hope you have had a chance to buy one and make your contribution! All of them are really adorable.

This week I am curious about a few of our newer items: The crinkle top, shirred raglan top w/print and the smocked raglan top. I own all three of these tops and love them all... they are perfect shirts to wear alone or throw a cardigan over them to dress up a bit and go. They are all light and fun for the summer, but which one appeals the most to you? If not all of them! You can vote for more than one on this poll, so go ahead and cast your votes!

Crinkle top

Shirred raglan top with print

Smocked raglan top

ShadeClothing.com

Item of the Week

The item of the week is the geo print tunic for $20.00. This top has a very summery, paris vibe to it and will pair perfectly with white or denim capris or shorts!  The fit is flattering and my favorite part is that it has little hidden pockets on the sides to put your hands in when you're feeling a little shy or flirty for that matter! Check it out quick cause $20.00 dollars is a great deal for this shirt!

 

ShadeClothing.com

Enter to win a Bright Side tee

Enter to win your favorite Bright Side tee. The Bright Side campaign is a series of Shade graphic tees being sold in stores and online to help raise money for families in need. Leave a message on this post by Sunday, May 17th, tell us what you like about Shade and you'll be entered to win one of the 7 graphic tees from the Bright Side campaign. Want more chances to enter? Become a Facebook fan, blog about The Bright Side or start following the Shade blog. Tell us what you did to get that 2nd, 3rd or 4th entry. We'll announce the winner on Monday, May 18th.
shadeclothing.com

Give Away Today

It seems to me that everyone likes something for free, right? But the real question is.... is anything really for free anymore or is there always a catch? Well not here folks.. Give Away Today has free giveaways everyday! Today they are featuring Shade and giving away 3 different prizes for Shade products. A Bright Side tee, $25 gift card, and $50 worth of product (customers choice). So if you would like to add a little more Shade to your wardrobe, I suggest checking it out and enter to win today! Take a look, great site, great concept. http://giveawaytoday.blogspot.com/

Also just a reminder that our item of the week this week is the v neck tee. The v neck is a fun, classic style that is good for everyday wear or just the right piece to go with any outfit.

ShadeClothing.com

Poll Wednesday

Looks like the swim results are finally in... and coming in at first place is the slimmer swim bottoms! They came in at 47% compared to the rest! Congratulations slimmer swim, you deserve it, you are great and cover up all the right spots for a women. Second place goes to the swim skirt with bottoms! Good job to both of you, you truly are just the right bottoms for any swim top.

I am sure you are aware of the Bright Side Campaign since it's all I have talked about for the past few weeks, but now that it has launched and you have seen the shirts, I'm curious to know which one you are going to buy or have already?! I really do love them all, so its been a tough decision for me. Maybe you can help me out by telling me your favorites. Take a look and see what you think...
http://www.shadeclothing.com/Product/Womens/Modest/Bright_Side/Overview

ShadeClothing.com

Mother's Day Cards

Well in case you've forgotten... or are anything like me, just too busy to even think straight, Mother;s Day has snuck up on us again and is only a few days away! So obviously, I haven't had the time to think about getting to the store to find that perfect card for her, and to be honest, it's always hard to find a special card that's not completely generic and in the hallmark section like all the rest. So CK (Shade's graphic designer), Lyndsay (Shade's fashion designer) and I decided it would be fun to design a few for you, exclusively from Shade. I promise you won't find another one out there quite like them! I also posted a few of our other favorites on the Martha Stewart site that you can check out as well. So, if you are feeling crafty this year and like a "one of kind" card for your mom, these are the cards for you! Download and be happy you don't have to hit the chaos of the mall this year.

The Shade Collection:
Outside floral card:


Inside floral card:

Outside "mom" card:


Inside "mom" card:

Stencil for the cut out of the outside "mom" card:


Outside vintage floral card:

Inside vintage floral card:

The Martha Stewart Collection:

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/mothers-day-cards?lnc=e4921384a96fe010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=lpg_holiday&lpgStart=1&currentslide=11&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/mothers-day-cards?lnc=e4921384a96fe010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=lpg_holiday&lpgStart=1&currentslide=14&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs


http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/mothers-day-cards?lnc=e4921384a96fe010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=lpg_holiday&lpgStart=1&currentslide=12&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

In honor of Cinco De Mayo, we celebrated here at Shade, with a fun array of homemade mexican dishes, salsa and the ever so popular pinata tradition. As I was watching my fellow employees blindfolded, scrambling, and swinging vigorously for the pinata hanging above them, I wondered.. how did this tradition come to be? So I jumped online and did a little research and found the meaning of the pinata to be a fun bit of knowledge to know!

"The most traditional style piñata looks a bit like Sputnik, with seven points, each with streamers. These cones represent the seven deadly sins, pecados - greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath and lust. Beautiful and bright, the piñata tempted. Candies and fruits inside represented the cantaros (temptations) of wealth and earthly pleasures.

The blindfolded participant represents the leading force in defying evil, ‘Fe’, faith, which must be blind. People gathered near the player and spun him around to confuse his sense of space. Sometimes the turns numbered thirty three in memory of the life of Christ. The voices of others cry out guidance:

Some call out deceits, or false directions to disorient the hitter.

Secondly the piñata served as a symbol of ‘Esperanza’, Hope. With the piñata hanging above their heads, people watched towards sky or heaven yearning and waiting for the prize. The stick for breaking the piñata symbolized virtue, as only good can overcome evil. Once broken, the candies and fruits represented the just reward for keeping faith.

Finally the piñata symbolized ‘Caridad’, Charity. With its eventual breaking, everyone shared in the divine blessings and gifts.

The moral of the piñata: all are justified through faith."

I dont know about you guys, but I found this information quite suprising! I dont think I'll ever look at a pinata quite the same.. haha. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and here are some of the "behind the scenes" pictures from the Shade crew celebrating the day! Enjoy and Happy Cinco De Mayo!