Short with tights - one of the key looks right now

Bergdorf Goodman recently sent out a blast email to customers highlighting a "BG Key Item": a $1,100 pair of shorts in a nude, buttery leather by The Row, the fashion label designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Saks Fifth Avenue is showing a pair of $446 Geren Ford shorts in crinkled black leather in its spring catalog. At the Ikram boutique in Chicago, several customers have shelled out $3,100 for tight black leather shorts by the label Chrome Hearts.

Hysteria currently has a pair from V-Moda for $352.

	V-MODA Black Leather High Wasted Shorts High waisted, pleated, lambskin shorts./100% Leather/Made in USA

Step into fall with "Over the Knee" boots

It's approaching day by day, degree by degree. Cooler weather is upon us and in order to stay one step ahead, it's time to start thinking about your fall wardrobe. Trend #4 this season is "Over the Knee" boots. The Shoe Hive next door to Hysteria has a great selection and we are here to help you with how to pair them.

Mark & James has made a statement with a deconstructed sweater, a little fur collar and then finished the look with over the knee boots. One reason this look works is that it is monochromatic. Simplicity is key with this look.

The mini is a great way to accentuate the drama of the high boot.

Anne Hathaway rocked a look in one of our favorite films, "The Devil Wears Prada". Take a cue from this look by mixing classic separates and keeping your boots close to the leg (Chanel always nails it) and with a feminine heel. One golden rule to this look, keep the leg covered with a tight. You've taken the risk with the footwear, no need to drive it home with anything overt (no cleavage necessary).

This fur collar tuxedo sweater coat from Autumn Cashmere - available this fall at Hysteria - screams for a black suede over the knee boot. If you are wondering which heel, it is really a personal preference. If your short, go for a platform or a heel. If you played center on the basketball team, go for a flat - they all work with the right proportion on top. Although if this is too near the edge for you, opt for the flat-heeled style, which will keep the look more of a foxhunt classic style.

This dress above from Lorrie Lester is a perfect dress for an over the knee suede boot. This dress is also available in an animal print and solid black at Hysteria for $264.

Try going a little understated with a silk dress and over the knee boots. If the dress is loose fitting you have the ability to go with a bare leg if desired. When choosing your boots this season, keep in mind how tight they fit at the top of the thigh - if they are too tight you may find muffin top thigh - beware of this fashion faux pas. If you find a boot where the top of the back laces up you can achieve a most proper fit. The other extreme is not pretty either so avoid a swashbuckler costume appearance.

Taylor Swift Loves Leona... So does Hysteria!

Designer Lauren Leonard interned at Milly after graduating from University of Alabama and decided she has what it takes to make it in fashion. Success for Lauren was good old fashion perseverance and of course some talent for designing what she loved and would wear herself. After her first capsule collection, she took the money she made and invested back into herself. Project Runway took notice of Lauren Leonard and called three different seasons to convince her to participate in the competition. Her pass on this opportunity has not impacted the success of Leona as it is now represented in over 80 stores internationally. Watch for the debut of her swim collection this spring!
Taylor Swift has been a fan of Leona for some time. It's no wonder with Leona's bend for girly fashion forward dresses and a . With a lot of hard work and dedication, Leona took off not only in the United States but in Europe as well. The collection has a definite Southern charm about it and sweetness about it without being too traditional. Fresh is a much more suiting description for Leona.
Hysteria is excited to showoff some great styles that will work now and go into fall with grace. Ask us about Leona's collection for bridesmaids. Contact Hysteria for more information regarding Leona's collection for bridal.
And one last piece of information on this bright young designer... she designs with a conscience and also has Leona Green Label. This collection utilizes the unused fabric from her Leona line retailing for under $150.

Travel Tips for Summer Trips

Check out Jessica Alba in her Houlihan JBrand, Cargo Jeggings at LAX airport. When you are wondering how to travel in style this summer take a tip from Jessica...Sunglasses, a sharp carry-on bag, flat shoes or yes, even flip flops and easy on the jewelry. Try and avoid metal pieces that can set off metal detectors. It will make your life easier. Don't forget to have something to cover your arms and your child's arms for a cold airplane.

Michelle Vale is a Finalest in the Independent Handbag Designers Award

Michelle Vale Entrechat 3 in 1 Convertible Bag
in Washed Grey Leather with our patent pending removable hardware.
Recently featured Vogue's Most Wanted.

What is your design philosophy?: Harmonious Luxury

What makes your handbags innovative?: Our patent pending custom removable hardware, which also allows our bags to be convertible.

How were you inspired by mark. by Avon?: They support companies that are innovative and are working to support designers that are striving to be innovative.

What is your price-point range?: $900
However her Balance Tote is priced at $355 - Now at Hysteria

What else has influenced your design?: New York City

Hysteria has two of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards Finalists

Elle Nicole's Saloon fringe hobo, altnerate leather, retails $130

Danielle Diferdinando on her Elle Nicole bag line....
What is your design philosophy?: Quality, function, and great styling

What are the retail price-points of your line?: $65-$130

Do you change your silhouettes and materials every season?: We have classic sihouettes that we continue every season with and change the material and we also bring in new styles each season.

What other handbag designers have inspired you?: Bottega Veneta, Trussardi, Balenciaga

Which stores currently stock your handbags?: Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neimanmarcus.com, Holt Renfrew, Lane Crawford and Hysteria

J Brands Houlihan - Homage to "Hot Lips"

J Brand honored Major Margaret J. "Hot Lips" Houlihan of M.A.S.H. with their skinny cargo pant. The Houlihan will no doubt be one of the hot items of the summer for those who join the ranks of the stylish and fashion forward. As "military" trends continue to influence fashion as far as Fall 2010, these fatiques will keep you on the edge and get you in the mind set of "reporting for duty" - although your only duty will be to look casually chic in this uniform. Consider sizing up as they are best worn slightly loose fitting - not quite the same fit as their close relative - the "jegging". Hysteria receives their first delivery of the Houlihan this week. Retails for $230.

Sarah Jessica Parker's cute Michelle Vale bag is the perfect bag for getting around town this summer. The Balance Tote is $355 and is available in a variety of colors. Come see what every style girl is loving about the Balance. Michelle Vale's signature hardware is on the inside - so refreshing. Now you will have a bag that can go everywhere and will be timeless because after all, it's a tote! There are pockets on the inside for your phone, keys, lipgloss and a secured zipper pocket. Come discover the simplicity of the understated luxe bag - we promise you won't be disappointed.

Sucker Jeans have found their way to Garden & Gun...

although Hysteria has had them since the very beginning. The first group hit our doors September of 2009 and we've been taking followers who love the brand one by one. It's not a hard sell either. The soft touch of the puckered 10 oz seersucker that is 97% cotton and 3 % spandex speaks for itself. Then you try them on and you're amazed at the fit and the comfort factor. Four styles to choose from for women and another four styles for men. Savannah, Monroe, Fulton and Macon - named after southern cities with a lot of charm. Sucker Jeans proudly calls Charleston, SC home ~ a city we feel a kindred spirit to in Old Town Alexandria. Although we are located in the historic district, we are quite progressive and don't mind reminding you every now and then. Check out Sucker in the newest release of Garden & Gun Magazine (April/May 2010 issue).

Look Inside This Garden & Gun Cover To Read About Sucker