Welcome

We're smack dab in the middle of summer and the heat is on. With all the backyard BBQ's, garden parties and college send-off celebrations - the social calendar can get plenty crowded - not to mention stressful. At this busy time of year, I refuse to get my Tiara in a tizzy or let the barometric pressure regulate my blood pressure. When I start to get that 'in-over-my-head' feeling, I get out - as in stepping out - and head over to The Shops of Saddle Creek; There's food, fun, fine shopping and the forecast is always favorable.

This just in from the fashion forefront: The hot ticket items this season are Patent Leather, the color yellow, and pearls - lots and lots of pearls!

See you at Saddle Creek!

The Queen of Saddle Creek

Your questions answered by The Queen of Saddle Creek.

Dear Shopping Queen:
My husband and I have been invited to a splash bash pool party. He thinks it's a great idea and is already perfecting his backstroke at the Germantown Athletic Club. I, on the other hand, can't imagine lounging by the pool, acting cool, while not looking like a fool! Can you throw me a life preserver on poolside fashion protocol?
Signed,
Undercover in the Cabana

Dear Undercover -
Come out, come out, wherever you are! No need to stow away when you can make a fashion splash without getting your hair wet! There's one simple rule when dressing for the pool - think like a bathing beauty and not an Olympic swimmer - and remember, Speedos and string bikinis belong on the teen scene. For the bathing suit basics, Talbots has you covered. Their line of water wear is practical and pretty. You may want to stop at Lucky Brand Jeans and grab a pair of trunks for your hunk - top it with a tropical Tee and he's good to go. LOLA is next on the agenda for a pair of great sandals - a flip on the traditional flop. Chico's has some sexy sarongs that cover up without looking fit to tied. And Sunglass Hut is featuring eye catching sunglasses which will have you looking cool by the pool without appearing washed out! Everybody in the pool!

Dear Shopping Queen:
Our office has finally agreed to Casual Dress Friday - which is a good thing. There are only four women in the legal department - which is an OK thing. Knowing what to wear while still maintaining a corporate image - is a confusing thing. Help!
Signed,
Uptight Gal Friday

Dear Uptight Gal Friday -
Dressing down does not mean you are jumping off the corporate ladder. These days corporate casual is claiming real estate on the racks of many upscale fashion houses. Banana Republic, noted for their sophisticated and casual clothing offers several color scheme options with myriad mix and match possibilities. Ann Taylor Loft has a fabulous line of linen which is cool, crisp and can be coordinated to look both casual and corporate. The Gap is a definite go-to for the basic Tee's which can be dressed up or down. For the bling thing - J. Jill boasts a bevy of baubles which coordinate beautifully with the bright colors being featured in the casual dress section of J. Crew. Sunkist Orange and shades of Yellow are high on the color spectrum this season and can make any outfit pop.

So, dear Uptight, let your hair down and have some fun - it's summer - and Casual Dress Friday is looking mellow yellow!

Dear Shopping Queen:
My kids are invited to several college send-off parties. While I want to be generous with the gifts, I don't want to break the bank. Can you suggest an appropriate present reflective of our 'congratulations' without risking ending up in collections?
Signed,
Not Too Gifted

Dear Not Too Gifted -
Now, now, my dear, don't sell yourself short - you know The Shops of Saddle Creek is the place to go for gift-giving 101. They are the Hallmark in the outdoor one stop shopping experience! Explore Eddie Bauer for him or Indigo for her - and pick up a little something that can be paired with the Saddle Creek Gift Certificate - my personal favorite - and just the ticket to treat that special someone to the Saddle Creek experience! It's priceless. No need to over-think on gift giving - it's as easy as A, B, C. And, with all the money you've saved you can go to the head of the class and treat the family to a night at American Cafe. They have grade A food, grade A service, and grade A prices.

Here's a last minute Shopping Queen tip: Check out the Center Events link on our web site for up to the minute promotions, happenings and hot ticket specials. It's good to be in the know on all the out door opportunities at Saddle Creek!

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Email your questions to me by clicking this link Queen of Saddle Creek. While I can't answer all questions, I will answer those that seem to be on everyone's mind.

~The Queen of Saddle Creek

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