Allure Magazine's August 2010 issue featured a great, quick and easy guide on how to wear this summer's colorful silk headscarves.  Thanks for the great mention, Allure!  A head scarf is a simple yet chic way to add color or a casual glamour to any outfit.  Be sure to clip this 'how-to' and post it inside your closet door or tuck it into your dorm mirror for quick inspiration!

Echo is proud to congratulate Nadia Klionsky-Olidort for receiving the Florence and Irwin Zlowe Memorial Award for her painting "Reflections."  The award was given by the The National Association of Women Artists which was founded in 1889 and is the oldest professional women's fine art organization in the United States. Nadia has been a studio artist at Echo for 9 years working with our designers by painting and preparing artwork for Echo's scarf collections.

This painting “Reflections” is oil on canvas, as most of her other works are.  While traveling through Maine and the greater New England some years ago, Nadia said "I was struck by the remarkable similarity between Cathedral woods on Monhegan Island and the Russian countryside where I spent many summer growing up. I'm engrained in this reminiscence, this reminder of the relativity of time that I try to convey."

Nadia was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she began her art training at a school affiliated with the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts. After immigrating with her family to the United States she attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, where she continued her studies with an emphasis on landscape painting. Nadia said "As far back as I can remember, I have been fascinated by nature- its majesty, mystery, and above all else, the absolute sense of timelessness. I have been enchanted by atmospheric conditions that produce fog and haze, evoking the still mood of tranquility. I have been drawn to scenes that convey the passage of time, such as twilight, sunsets and sunrises. What is important to me the most is not just a rendition of a realistic landscape, but the feeling, mood, and emotions that it inspires. I am most interested in capturing the poetry of these moments, and in this sense, my point of view is similar to the "Tonalist" school of painters." Tonalist is a 19th century American art movement that includes James Whistler, Frederic Church and George Inness. Nadia's work is represented by 2 galleries in Maine, in Kennebunkport and in Portland.

"Reflections" by Nadia Klionsky-Olidort

We wanted to share this beautiful photo with you sent it to us by Rosemary:

"My daughter Mari (right) lives in Portland, OR and purchased all three Echo scarves from her favorite local boutique (Mink, on Hawthorne). One was a birthday gift for my other daughter Katie (left) who lives in NYC. We all got together for my 60th birthday in Arizona at the end of May and mine was also my birthday gift. We had a photo session to mark the occasion and this was just one of a number of great shots that my friend Heather Hill captured."

Thank you Rosemary, Mari and Katie for sharing this great moment in your lives! It's beautiful to see the bond between the two generations and we love how you share the same love of scarves!

Monday June 21st is the longest day of the year.  However, just how long that day is depends on what part of the world you are in.  if you are in Alaska, you've got a long day ahead of you. And a Monday even.  Sunrise in Anchorage was at 4:20am and the sun won't set until 11:42pm. If you're in New York the sun came up today at 5:20am and won't set until 8:30pm.  Good luck getting the kids to bed.

Some facts about summer. The phrase 'dog days of summer' actually came from the Egyptians.  They believed that the constellation, Sirius, the dog, since it was visible at sunrise and sunset, actually contributed to the heat that the sun gave off - therefore the dog days were even hotter than the rest of the summer.  A popular misconception was that 'dog day's' referred to the way dogs lay around in the heat. Well that can be true but I'm pretty sure Fido's naps are seasonless and he won't be up doing his taxes when Fall rolls around.

In the Victorian era, people felt the sun was a nice thing to enjoy - from a distance.  Women wore long dresses and carried parasols to prevent any sun exposure (and this also explains the multiple fainting spells.)  Popular thought at the time said that having a tan meant one spent a lot of time working in the fields so it became symbolic of class level. This fair-skinned trend lost some steam when in 1903 Niels Finsen was awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for his “Finsen Light Therapy."  He discovered that sun exposure increased the Vitamin D intake therefore warding off the diseases popular in that day such as a form of tuberculosis and rickets.  Then, in the 1920s, two French women officially swung the trend scales towards tanning. Coco Chanel got a sunburn while visiting the French Riviera on the Duke of Westminster's yacht and Josephine Baker, a “caramel-skinned” singer in Paris, became popular. The popularity of these fashion icons turned the public's perception of tanning to something beautiful, healthy and even luxurious.
Today medical science tells us that tanning really isn't healthy but it can be healthiER with the right SPF sunscreen.  That's Sun Protection Factor.  Or Some Pretty Fashion.  So wear a big hat and enjoy the dog days of summer.  That's fashionable!

Jenni from DailyWorkit shared some great photos with us shot on a rooftop in New York City. 

Photos courtesy of Daily Workit and feature Echo's cheetah print infinity ring

One of the great trends right now for summer is a military or utilitarian look.  Echo's Imperial Safari collection takes that look and updates it with inspiration from African and Colonial India. Elements of this style can be integrated into any outfit without looking overly military or as if you were actually on safari.  Think: casual world traveler meets crafty elements of the exotic bazaars and caravans of decorative pillows, spices and jewels.  

This look contrasts touches of military influence and soft femininity while pulling inspiration from the luscious patterns and textures of these distinct cultures. Contrasting khakis and earth tones are punctuated with pretty intricate beads, and animal and black prints on delicate fabrics.  Metallic effects on fabrics, delicately powdered with gold and silver give accessories fluidity and femininity. Colors range from earthen neutrals in browns and sand to sun bleached corals, chartreuse greens and watery blues. Animal prints like cheetah and snakeskin are great patterns on lightweight scarves perfect for summer. Organic fabrics like raffia, linen, hemp and ramie become utterly chic in this summer trend because of their versatile, breathable and sustainable qualities.

So you can update your summer wardrobe easily - and quickly - by adding a few key accessories from this trend.   A simple white tee, khaki capris and a passport are your starting point. Add gladiator sandals, bold chunky rings and a beautiful ikat pattern wrap.  Life is an adventure and you are a world traveler - unique and exotic. Take a little bit of the luxury of each country with you as you experience all this world offers.

The key to a great look for your warm weather vacation is in the simplicity and versatility.  Not only do you not want to travel with a huge wardrobe, but you don't want to wear a huge wardrobe when the tropical breezes are in the 90's.  Packing simple, lightweight cotton staples like a tailored pair of cropped khaki pants and crisp white blouses is the best start. Build a wardrobe from there that is easily adapted to where ever you are:  the cabana, the pool or the yacht.  A pareo is a great item to wrap around your waist poolside or wrap around your shoulders as the sun sets over the harbor.  The right beach tunic can be a coverup by day and paired with a a tank and jeans, a breezy chic top at night. Jenni from DailyWorkIt  shared with us some great vacation pictures featuring a few items from  Echo's beach collection and she shows how one simple accessory, like the lightweight infinity neckring, can be worn several different ways, and be that special statement piece too.  Thanks Jenni!

While on a recent whirlwind trip to Paris (whirlwind = last minute, 3 day weekend) I learned the value of packing strategically.  I had no time for baggage claim nor the desire to waste energy on carrying serious luggage around the city.  Only a carry-on bag and a handbag would do. So first order of business was to find a compact carry-on and a handbag large enough for all the necessities.  I have a small rolling half suitcase with a retractable handle so that was perfect as an overnighter (or overseas-er) then I grabbed a large, neutral beach bag - they're the perfect size and squishable and very durable - for the immediate items.    I packed a dress that doesn't wrinkle and decided knee high, flat boots were the way to go.  I had to consider how I could repurpose items I wore on the plane into other outfits later in the trip - so layering was the best approach.   The key to looking fresh after 7 hours sitting up in a small seat, overnight, is all cosmetic.  A small pouch of facial cleansing wipes, deodorant and toothbrush works for me. Also, there might be some value to all those shots of celebrities at airports: did you ever notice that most are wearing a hat and / or a scarf? Definitely sunglasses - that's a given. But the scarf and hat really do more than just merely point out that 'hey I'm a celebrity hiding under here.'  They hide airplane-seat head. And bloodshot eyes.  My ultimate travel item was a scarf. I worked it into every outfit.   I draped it around my neck during the flight to ward off the cool drafts.  When I landed, I stopped in at Charles DeGaulles' beautiful bathrooms (why has the U.S. not figured this out?)  and by simply flattening and folding the scarf lengthwise several times, I wrapped my hair up in a headband and voila! a new look!  The third look came later that evening. I refreshed my look by putting my hair up in a strategically messy chignon, wrapping the scarf around like a headband, leaving a bow tied in the back.  We ate chocolate and hazelnut crepes in a plaza in old Tours. I loved that I could blend in with the locals.  I tried this look also in Rome and Florence.  I must have sufficienctly blended in there too - enough where people asked me for directions- in Italian!  Voila!  3 different looks - one scarf and one small strategically packed handbag.

Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel has become an expert on packing the perfect travel wardrobe.  Among the things she recommends is picking one color for your wardrobe such as a neutral and adding color with a scarf or a belt.  She also recommends bringing a sweater and a book everywhere you go.  I like wearing a wrap - since they are larger, they can be casual or elegant depending on your situation.  Sarah, one of the designers at Echo, says to choose a dress or other items made of jersey because it won't wrinkle and she likes to bring a few, favorite chunky necklaces as easy statement pieces for her travel wardrobe.  In the video below, Samantha's stylist,Cristina, talks about fashion tips from Paris and what makes all those women so beautiful.  One point she makes is the prevalent use of the right accessories - one of them being a scarf.  And shoes.  She said French women walk a lot but they wear heels. And that the French can spot American tourists by their sneakers. I think that's a overgeneralization. Has she seen us fashionable American ladies lately? She must be thinking of that horrible '80s trend - the Reeboks with the skirt suit. But not anymore. The right espadrille or strappy sandal can be quite comfortable and fashionable. They'd better look again, because that beautiful lady strolling by the river Seine might just be an American! An American who knows how to pack a bag for a great trip to Paris!

You may have many reasons for why your favorite color is your favorite color - or maybe you don't know why.  Perhaps it's the feeling it gives you. Maybe it reminds you of someone, something or a special place.  Colors have a profound effect on our mood - whether you are aware of it happening or not. But choosing the right color for the right time might be just that little boost you need.  Therefore the colors you choose for your wardrobe and in your home are pretty important.  Do you have one room that is your oasis? Do you have a go-to shirt for those important meetings? What color are they? Double - check. I'll bet you'll be surprised :)

"An apple reflects a shade of red to the retina, forming impulses that travel as coded messages to the brain, where hormones are released, altering metabolism, sleeping, feeding and temperature patterns. So you see, we don't just notice colors, we feel them. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, they empower us. Dawn to dusk, they rule our world, transforming nature's energy into personal realization. Every color has its own personality and in each lies knowledge and clarity."  ~Suza Scalora

So in advance of the first day of spring (Saturday March 20) I'd like to offer a bit of enthusiastic, playful optimism. Here is a little yellow for you.

Color At Home: Creating Style With Paint ; Flower Power Wallpaper;  Lilies in Bloom Scarf

Here are some meanings that colors portray or suggest:
Brown - stability, earthy, reliable
Blue - tranquil , intuitive, trustworthy 
Green - growth, abundance vitality 
Red - energy, determination, passion 
Purple - spiritual, passionate, visionary 
Turquoise - refreshing, cool, imaginative 
Gold - illumination, wisdom 
Lavender - romantic, imaginative, fantasy 
Magenta - outrageous, imaginative, inovative 
Light Blue - peaceful, sincere, affectionate 
Orange - happy, courageous, successful 
Indigo - knowledge, power, integrity 
Pink - friendly, compassionate, faithful 
Yellow - enthusiastic, playful, optimistic 
Aqua - motivated, active, dynamic

If you're a reader of the New York Times, take a moment to flip through to the magazine this Sunday and see our new spring ad, shown below. It features 3 different scarves and the overall image looks like a flower. Hope the color brightens your day and that flowers are blooming wherever you are!