Sheer is here!

Do you dare to be (kind of) bare? Sheer blouses and tops are definitely making a HUGE statement on runways this fall. Sheers are light, pretty and feminine, plus they hide any lumps and bumps. You can belt them, adorn them with jewelry or let them just flow over a cute pair of slim pants, skinny jeans and heels.The secret of getting the look right is to layer  loose,  flowing, sheer tops, tunics or dresses with camisoles, tanks tops and other  form-fitting shapers. Stop by Downtown DIVAS and check out our fabulous feminine and flirty sheer blouses as seen in the pics below!

Where the wild things are!!

Animal prints are making a HUGE comeback this fall with leopard prints dominating the CATwalks all over the world!!!!!  These unique prints can be seen on clothing, shoes, and accessories- adding some WILD to your look! This fall, designers are mixing the prints with bold colors, stripes, floral designs, and other vibrant patterns. Come check out Downtown DIVAS unique animal print pieces including a Peacock feather silk tank and leopard dress (as seen below)!!! 

Fringe away!

There is truly something about fringe that suggests the wearer wants to have a great time! Inspired by '20's flappers,  fringe give us something to celebrate! Wearing anything with fringes can make you appear unique and spontaneous! This trend definitely adds extra edge and glamour to outfits, bags, and accessories. Designers are influencing this fabulous fringe on the fashion scene all over the world! Come check out the variety of unique fringe pieces Downtown DIVAS has to offer!!

By: Michelle Petrillo

BRIGHT is the new black!

Bold bright colors, including coral, turquoise and cobalt blue, may seem like difficult shades to wear, but designers are taking them to new extremes for Summer 2011. These colors will definitely make you blend OUT in a crowd. Temporarily say goodbye to your darker wardrobe, it’s time to add some major BRIGHTNESS to your unique look!!  Whether you pair your brights together, or add a bit of neon to your black basics, anything goes and remember, the brighter the better!!

By: Michelle Petrillo

It's officially Summer at Downtown DIVAS! Check out these HOT new arrivals.....

Red, white and blue!!

Whether it’s a day at the beach or an evening of fireworks, we have all of the essentials to make your 4^th of July memorable! We have unbelievably sexy bathing suits, shorts, tanks and incredible dresses. We even have red, white and blue striped bandeaus to show off your American pride! While you’re here, pick out the perfect beach bag, clutch and jewelry to make your outfit unforgettable! Remember divas…own the night, it’s the 4^th of July!  

A sneak peek at our newest arrivals..........

Floral print dresses are a must have for Summer 2011. Theses delicate and feminine prints are good for all occasions. Layer your favorite bangles, add a clutch and you will have a complete and polished look! 

LOVE this dress! The bright colors, interesting pattern and deep V open back, make this dress a Summer favorite! Maxi dresses are a great go-to piece when you can't find anything in your closet to wear. 

One top, two incredible looks! FRINGE, is another trendy piece for Summer. With so many ethnic prints and bohemian inspired styles to choose from, you can't go wrong with fringe this season! 

THANK YOU MS. KIM HOWARD FOR BEING THIS WEEKS "MODEL!!"  What better way to model our clothes, than by using the people who wear our merchandise the most, our customers! We <3 YOU!! 

The Extra Things Matter..........

Downtown Divas is committed to our customers! We are offering the following services:

Closet reorganization: Let us do the work and get that closet looking clean and organized again! We will even give you advice about the current trends and what’s a fashion don’t! Starting price is $65.00. (Price based on closet size)

Trunk Shows: Don’t have time to shop? Divas will come to you! Invite your friends for a girls’ night out and shop our racks from the convenience of your own home or the venue of your choice!

In-store Parties: Want the V.I.P treatment? Make an appointment to shop the store after hours and enjoy refreshments, giveaways and a store full of your closest friend!

Personal Styling: These appointments can be made before or after hours.This allows you to come in and get one-on-one attention from one or all of our stylists. These appointments book for $25.00 which will be applied to your purchase the day of your appointment.  Please call the store and book your appointment today!  

Alterations: We will alter DIVAs merchandise and your other clothing for less than $20.00!

Pant hem: $15

Pant hem w/ original hem: $20

Zipper replacement: $17

Button replacement: $6

Button re-sewn on w/ button:  $3

DIVAs Buy Back Program: Downtown DIVAS is now accepting high end, gently used clothing and handbags! We will be purchasing these items you no longer want in exchange for "DIVA DOLLARS!" (store credit) These are the brands we are currently looking for: Vintage DIVAS clothing, Michael Kors, Urban Outfitters, Cache, Arden Be, Bebe, Juicy, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Guess, Jessica Simpson, BCBG, True Religion, Lucky, 7 For All Mankind, and Banana Republic.

* All clothes must be clean and pressed

New Summer arrivals in tomorrow.......

Looking to ROCK the latest in this Summer's trends?? Well your in LUCK! Downtown DIVAS has yet another GORGEOUS shipment of Summer arrivals that will be HERE tomorrow! (June 12th!) 

Don't miss out on these GORGEOUS Summer must-haves!! 

Want to be notified of NEW shipments, sales or in store party's and events before anyone else? Become part of our email list and you will be the first to know! Also, receive a gift certificate for your birthday that will be valid the entire month of your special day! Just shoot us an email at: downtowndivasorlando@yahoo.com!!

We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!

Hello again darling divas! <3

Please forgive me ladies for not doing a better job with keeping up on our blog. The school year keeps us pretty busy around here and sometimes we let the little things go. Now that it is Summer time and things have slowed down a bit, I promise to make time for the “little things” again!

Now let’s talk fashion! J Here are a few hot trends for Summer 2011.

Natural makeup: No more heavy or smoky eyes. It’s simple this season. Try light browns, golden oranges and pale yellows! (a nice beach sun-kissed tan and a small wave in your hair will complete this natural look!)

Stripes:   Both black & white stripe and red & white stripe are just a few looks to this seasons nautical inspired looks.

Shades of Tangerine/coral: Coral is our number one selling color right now at Downtown DIVAS and go figure it happens to be one of this seasons go to colors! Try mixing your coral apparel with different shades of nude clothing add turquoise jewelry and you will be a huge hit this Summer!

Bohemian Goddess- Who doesn’t feel good in a gorgeous maxi dress? These beautiful goddess inspired dresses can make any “girl” feel like a “woman!” They are elegant and feminine.  Maxi dresses are good for so many different occasions…..a cruise, after a day at the beach, dinner with bf, a day of shopping, just to name a few!

Bangles- Layer as many bangles and bracelets as you want! Mix and match as many different combinations as you can imagine! 

Let your "inner-diva" run wild with all these fun Summer trends!

Personal Stylist....

Downtown DIVAS is now taking appointments for personal styling! These appointments can be made before or after hours. This allows you to come in and get one-on-one attention from one or all of our stylists. These appointments book for $25.00 which will be applied to your purchase the day of your appointment.  Please call the store and book your appointment today! 

My personal favorite's The Golden Globes 2011.......

Angelina Jolie
Swarovski-encrusted Atelier Versace gown

Anne Hathaway
Backless Armani Prive gown, embellished with paillettes and Swarovski crystals

                                                                     

Jennifer Lopez
Zuhair Murad Dress

Halle Berry
Zuhair Murad Dress

                                                  

Mila Kunis
Custom made by Vera Wang

                                                                        

Guiliana Rancic
Zac Posen Dress

                                                                     

                                                                               

NEW Year, NEW Styles.......

Happy NEW YEAR Diva's!!

As we welcome a New Year, we also welcome new and exciting fashions! 2011 is going to be a GREAT year for fashion, I can just feel it already! We received some beautiful Spring transitions pieces last week, these items have been flying out the door! If you haven't stopped by to see what is new at Downtown DIVAS, you truly are missing out! Tomorrow, we will receive another NEW shipment of GORGEOUS Spring floral and pastel colored dresses, blazers, a HUGE shipment of jewelry and belts and MORE! Here is a sneak peek at tomorrows arrivals!!!

                                                                    

                                                                              

                                                                              

                                                                            

Holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list.......

We understand how difficult last minute shopping can be so, we created this list to give you some ideas. Looking for a gift for someone that has everything? What about a female secret Santa? Your best friend? Well, look no further, we made this list just for YOU!!

Shopping for a female secret Santa

Try a scarf! This weather is perfect to add a scarf to any outfit. Plus, you do not have to worry about size. Scarfs come in one size fits all! Our scarfs range from $19-$21

What about a make up bag by Big Buddha? There are colorful, handy and adorable! They come in purple, green, orange, pink, black and retail for only $20!

Jewelry-A small pendent necklace is a great gift for anyone! Choose from silver, bronze or gold. It doesn't matter if someone wears just silver or gold anymore, it is this Fall's trendy to mix and match your metallics!

Or......a gift certificate is good for any DIVA on your list!

Shopping for your best friend?


You know her best so this should be easy! Any girl always loves a new handbag, whether its for going out or everyday. Downtown DIVAS has several Fall trend bags for you to choose from ranging from $29 to $109. Remember, anytime you give a purse or wallet you should always add some cash! Its for good luck! ;)

What about picking her New Years Dress out? This is something very special to your best friend, especially if she loves your fashion sense! We have AMAZING dresses in and will be receiving plenty more from now until Christmas!

How about a sweater dress?? We LOVE these! ;) You can pair with a pair of lace tights and ankle boots and be set for a night out on the town OR you can pair with leggings and suede boots for a chic day look!

Shopping for you mother

Spice up your mother's look with some gorgeous jeweled chandelier earrings! What mother doesn't like to feel younger than they are??!! Plus, they will appreciate the fact that you bought them something at your favorite boutique-it will make them feel like you still think they are hip!

Big Buddha handbags are a mothers MUST!! I get my mother and step mother a Big Buddha handbag every year and they LOVE them! Each year, they look forward to what bag I picked for them! It has now become more of a tradition! ;) Big Buddha bags range from $65-$109.

Pearl Jewelry is another mother's favorite! (Diamonds too but we are trying to be budget friendly! Lol) A strand of pearls is always classic for your mother. OR, You can try a long necklace with pearl accents. Pair with pearl studs and you are set to go! Jewelry ranges from $10-$39.

Shopping for your sister:


No matter her age, older or younger, she will LOVE a DIVA's gift card! This way she can pick out whatever she desires. Especially if she is a teen or older, she will love to pick out her own gift. From our teens into our twenty's our style is constantly changing, so having the opportunity to pick out what our favorite fad is at the time would be perfect! We all still love to be unique in our own way! (Gift cards come in any increment)

Sugar lips tanks are a MUST for every fashionista! We carry over 20 colors and our tanks are ALWAYS buy two, get one FREE! (The same way Sugar Lips offers online, except we do not charge shipping!)

What about items from the Hollywood Fashion Tape line? The line ranges from mints, to fashion tape to silicone nipple covers! This line is great for any sister who is daring with her fashion!!

We hope these ideas will help you out this holiday season! Stop by or call the store if you would like any item help until you can get to the store. Please call 407-275-3433

Downtown DIVAS annual holiday party is Friday, December 10th!

We will be hosting our annual holiday party, as our way of saying THANK YOU to all our AMAZING customers! The party will be on Friday, December 10th from 4-8pm! We will be having drawings and giveaways all night long! Come enjoy a relaxing night of fun, cocktails and hors d'oeuvre's with your favorite DIVAS!

Please RSVP by email to: downtowndivasorlando@yahoo.com  You may invite as many guests as you would like, we just need to have a head count so we can provide the right amount of food and drinks!

Book your holiday party now......

Hello darling divas!

It's that time of year again to start thinking about your holiday party! Every year, we host holiday party's for our customers and their friends. We may either host them for you here at the store, or we can come to your house. It's totally up to you! The night is yours to design and we are here to make that night special just for YOU!

We ask that you invite a minimum of 10 guests. We will supply the food, the wine and the FUN! The hostess of the party will receive a $100 gift certificate and all the guest you invite will receive 15% off their total purchase! You pick them time and place and leave the rest to us!

Last year, spots filled up fast. So, please schedule your holiday party before its too late! You may call 407-275-3433 or email Cori at: downtowndivasorlando@yahoo.com

Happy Holidays DIVAS!
-Cori

“"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!” -Coco Chanel

Do you know what YOUR fashion colors are? Here is a color palette designed just for YOU!


Brunettes:


For brunettes, your best fashion colors are gem-tones! Luckily for you, gem-tones are in this Fall seasons color swatch. From fuchsia pinks, to bright yellows (steer clear from an Icy yellow though), intense purples and my personal favorite, turquoise! The blue-green hues of turquoise often offset a brunette's hair and can look absolutely striking! RED, another Fall fashion clothing color. No one can wear red like a brunette! It looks classy, elegant and beautiful! Looking for an alternative for black brunettes? Well look no further, GRAY is YOUR new black! Gray is just as stylish just a tiny bit less intense! Softer colored grays, look great paired with a bright gem-toned color! Try a gray high waisted pencil skirt with a bright colored top! SO glamorous!


Blondes:


For all my fellow blondes, its a tiny bit more difficult to describe just one color palette for us. There are so many different shades of blonde from sassy strawberry blondes, to light blondes to an ash blonde. In order to figure out your best fashion colors, make sure to define what shade of blonde you are first. If you are a golden blonde, try sticking with soft earth tones: browns, greens, oranges, peaches and camel. Avoid gray. If you have an ash blonde or are more of a cool blonde, try clothing with mauves, plums, pinks, nudes and blue-greens. Avoid clothing in orange or golden colors, you could appear looking too pale. If you have more of a yellow blonde or a strawberry blonde (you probably have peach or golden under tones to your skin) you look great in Spring colors. Try sticking with an ivory or navy's, browns, marine blues and some warm grays. Stay away from black. It could tend to drowned out your skin color. Honestly, it has depends on your under tones in your skin, your eye color and the shade of blonde you are.

Redheads:

My FAVORITE color for women with red hair is emerald GREEN! Make them green with envy ladies!  The difficult part when choosing clothing colors for redheads is again there are hundreds of different shades. The darker your red is, the lighter your clothing color should be. Be careful though, lighter colored pastels can play against a women with red hair.  Try to watch the colors you wear so that they do not clash with your hair. Example: Red and Pink are a serious NO, NO together! I also love GRAY on redheads. A "stay-away" color for redheads is BLACK. If you love black, try a black pencil skirt or slacks. Creams, browns and blues are also stunning clolors for a redhead! 

Have a hair question or looking for a new stylist?? Here are a few of my personal favorites! (I have way too many friends that do hair, I rotate all of them because I can't just choose one!)

UCF Area:

InStyle Salon

Stephanie Goller: 850-508-5242

Christina Scarp: 407-538-3589

Shirley Goller: 407-963-8797

Headlines Salon

Lissette Cruz:407-579-4667

In Avalon:

Peter Jacobs Salon:

Brandis Blihar: 407-557-5556

In Winter Park

Studio K 

Kayla Ritter: 407-913-6733

Katie Pennick: 407-965-9944

About the owner......

People are always asking me- ‘How did you get started in this industry? What is your story?”

So, here it is. THE “glamorous” life of a small business owner……

I was a small town girl growing up in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Fashion? What’s fashion in NH?  At the age of 12, I started modeling for The Limited Too. It wasn’t until then that I realized the real definition of fashion. I know you think “Limited Too?  Fashion?” But YES! It was an amazing experience for a 12 year old girl to walk a runway while having hundreds of eyes staring at you and learning what really goes on behind the curtains of THE fashion industry.

It wasn’t until my second year of college that fashion caught my eye again. At the time, I lived in Melbourne Beach, FL and was attending a community college to one day pursue a career in criminal justice. Studying crime investigations/technology would make anyone need something to bring them back to reality. My escape while in school was shopping at this AMAZING boutique called Downtown DIVAS. After years of spending my life savings every week at this boutique, the owner confronted me and asked me if I wanted to work for the company, I was honored. However, being little Miss Independent I had one request. I would start working for her but would like to franchise my own store by the first of the year, which was only three months away. That quickly changed when Downtown DIVAS went from having one store to having three stores overnight and I agreed to stay on as the regional manager. Three short months turned into three long but wonderful years! After years of late night hours, early mornings, buying trips, merchandising the stores floors until 3am, managing three stores and their employees, I decided it was time I traded in my title.

In the fall of 2004, at the young age of 24, I bought the Orlando location. I went into purchasing the Orlando location knowing it was going to be a long road ahead of me and knowing I would have to turn the business around. There was never a thought inside my head that told me I couldn’t do it. My first month in business, I doubled our sales. My true belief behind my success as a business owner is passion. Without passion, uniqueness and individuality you will never remote to your full potential. Owning a business is a 24-7 job! All the hours, tears and sleepless nights are worth every second the feeling I get when I walk into my store, still 6 years later.

What do I see in my future? I would love to have a consulting firm for people who would like to one day own their own business. Fashion is definitely one of my main passions but running the business would have to be my first choice. Fashion fades and comes and goes, owning a business, being unique and original is all in the individual. Business never fades if you desire a true passion for it. The passion, drive and determination I have for my boutique has no limit. I have learned so much in the past ten years and cannot wait to see what the next ten years has in store for both myself and Downtown DIVAS. No matter what I do, I will always keep this store, knowing that this store alone got me to where I am today. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I look back now at my ten year journey with Downtown DIVAS and feel honored to have accomplished so much and the experiences I have been through. 

Celebrating our 8th Anniversary!!!!

I cannot believe Downtown DIVAS has been open 8 years!!! WOW, crazy how time flies......literally!! Thank you to all of our AMAZING customers! Without each and everyone of you, we would not be here!! I LOVE and appreciate all of you!!!

Come celebrate with us.......
Tuesday November 2nd, we will be having a champagne toast from 5-8pm! Give-aways all night long!!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the entire store will be on SALE!!

All jewelry will be buy one, get the 2nd 50% off!
All clothing will be buy one, get the 2nd 30% off!
With every item purchased you will receive an entry for a FREE Downtown DIVAS gift certificate!!
FREE gift with every $100 purchase and $250 purchase!!

Again, thank you for all your support it does not go UNNOTICED!!!

Now Hiring......

As many of you already know, my AMAZING store manager Sara Romero will be graduating in December and moving away to further pursue her degree/career in fashion! We will miss her beyond belief but wish her the very best! We know she will go far in her career and also know we have made a friend for life in her! We LOVE you  with all our hearts Miss. Sara! :)

So with that being said, Downtown DIVAS is looking to welcome yet another AMAZING employee!

NO phone calls please! MUST have a minimum of 2 years retail/sales experience and able to work weekdays and weekends. We will work around some school schedules. Please email your resume to Cori at: downtowndivasorlando@yahoo.com. We will be staring interviews early next week.


I look forward to receiving your email.

Thank you!
-Cori

7 days, 7 looks, 1 Fashionable DIVA

Putting together chic and different outfits everyday takes some brain power, lucky for you DIVAS we have made it just a little bit easier and taken care of it for you.

Take a look at our 7 DAYS, 7 LOOKS, 1 FASHIONABLE DIVA style guide below:

Monday Mornings are hard to get dressed for. Wear a BOLD print and your favorite jeans and instantly look put together. A bright color, or eye catching print will liven up any pair of jeans or slacks and it doesn't take much effort.

Tuesday's are usually busy, busy, busy. With so much on your agenda and so little time, looking good has to be done quickly. Put on a fun, loose fit dress and a few accessories and be ready to take on the world.

Wednesday "Hump" Day. This day should be all about being noticed. The weekend is almost here and the rest of the week should be a breeze. Take your time and rock this stand out ensemble. 

Thursday's Dress for Success. Wearing an animal print and pairing it with a long pencil skirt says to the world " Here I am and I am ready!" Remember that being professional doesn't mean being boring.

T.G.I.F that's right its casual Friday, so be casual with a comfortable tank, jeans and throw on a sweater vest, cardigan or light jacket :)

Saturday is party night!!! Time to put on those heels, get dolled up and hit the town.

Sunday FUN-day. Relax, enjoy the day and take care of all those little things YOU want to do. 

A maxi- dress is immediately my "go-to" piece for Sunday's. Its a comfortable knit and it looks chic.