I have a new fashion crush thanks to Hysteria and his name is Alexander Berardi. I was first introduced to the collection by Alicia who found him on one of her buying trips and was instantly in love with his collection. When she showed me what she had found, I too was on board and was so excited that a trunkshow was forthcoming. So tomorrow night Hysteria is kicking off a weekend long trunk show with this amazing designer . I had the pleasure of meeting Alex last night at the DC Sample sale...if you missed it you must be on the lookout for the next one. I already thought the collection was amazing before I met him, but after spending a few hours with him I was officially in looove. I think Alicia and I are in competition to be his biggest fan! You must, must, must come by and check out his Spring collection. The pieces are super chic and modern but what I love the most is the ease of the collection. You really don’t have to cinch up, buckle up, and squeeze into any of his pieces. They are, as I love to say, enough on their own. How much easier can it be to put one piece on and be done. He has done the thinking for you…all you need to do is put it in your closet and wear it…easy enough? All of these looks can be worn with flats, a big bonus for a great look during the day and all are timeless and not overtly trendy. These are pieces you will have and wear forever. I could go on and on and on about his collection as I often do when I find someone new and amazing. Seriously, he is one to watch and I would suggest scooping up a few pieces before everyone else does! Be a trend setter instead of a follower...with these pieces it isn't difficult. All of your friends will be asking you what you are wearing. So much more fun to say you are wearing a new great designer instead of something that everyone can get their hands on at any store in the area. Can you tell I am excited! Above are my faves. See below for the trunk show schedule. See ya there! xo - Susan



Thursday: Trunkshow VIP preview 7pm...Cocktails and goodies
Friday: Trunkshow during business hours 11am-6pm
Saturday: Breakfast preview 10am...Alex will be at Hysteria until 1 PM. Mimosas and breakfast treats
Sunday: Trunkshow during business hours 12pm-5pm

How to Make a Dress Work Overtime

So many times we buy a dress with one event in mind but unless it is a lime green bridesmaid dress, you can actually wear a dress many different ways for a lot of different occasions. A belt or a jacket can really change the look of a dress. The key is to pick simple, classic shapes that fit you well and the dress can then be transformed with simple accessories and wardrobe staples like a blazer, a jean jacket, or a cardigan. Check out the video below of our stylist, Susan, showing Sarah, a member of our sales staff, how she can transform her favorite dress for Spring.



We have also included some of the other great dresses you will find at Hysteria as well as images of Susan and Tess trying on their favorites in several different ways. Note that the dresses they are wearing do not come with a belt, but by adding one she has changed the look of the dress. This is an easy update that any of us can do. In the video, Sarah's dress does come with a belt but by removing it and adding a different belt, it also changed the look and feel of the outfit. There are endless possibilities. Have fun!
P.S. All of the shoes are right next store at the Shoe Hive. One stop shopping, gotta love it!

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.