Merchandising Calendar for July 2014

Press Tip: Media publications are currently working on their long lead stories for fall and the holidays. Increase your chances of landing a print feature by making your seasonal collections available now.
^This is why we are working ahead!!

To keep things looking in line with the current season, use Etsy’s Rearrange Your Shop tool to move these holiday items to the final pages of your shop.
------------
    Themes

{{ Northern Hemisphere- fall, Southern Hemisphere- spring))

---    Holiday + Sports Related
Cyber Monday: Cyber Monday is a shopping occasion gaining a reputation as the best day of the year to find sales while shopping online. We’ll be hosting a special Cyber Monday promotion November 30 for sellers interested in participating. Stay tuned for details as we get closer to November including how to participate as a seller.
Black Friday through Cyber Monday Weekend: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are shopping holidays gaining a reputation as the best days of the year to find sales. Etsy will be supporting sellers’ site-wide promotions throughout the weekend. All sellers are welcome to participate with any and all special promotions you may be running on these dates. Etsy will be promoting sales via three universal predetermined tags that will be promoted from featured areas of the site.
How to Get Involved: Sellers conducting a promotion during these dates may use these tags to be included in the site wide promotions: 1. Black Friday Etsy, 2. Cyber Monday Etsy, and 3. Free Shipping Etsy. Use one or all of the appropriate tags for your sale items and specify the details of your promotion clearly at the top of the item description for each item. Note: Please do not use these designated tags unless you are promoting a sale during the 11/25 – 11/28 weekend, with the details clearly laid out in the item description. Please only apply the Free Shipping Etsy tag to listings that have already been adjusted for free shipping.
Thanksgiving: holiday decor, entertaining decor and items neccesary.

Au revoir to prints- It was the season that saw designers whose sartorial signature is usually print leave that behind in favour of something new. See embellishment from Mary Katrantzou, bejewelled brooch confections from Erdem, knits from Peter Pilotto and a move to more solid blocks of colour over paradise prints from Matthew Williamson among them.

Folk and fairy tale- From Dolce & Gabbana's forest tale, Alexander McQueen's nod to Game of Thrones, Fendi's take on Little Red Riding Hood and Valentino's sense of ethereal enchantment, designers looked to a whimsical and imaginative world for their inspiration this season. Which is exactly where that cape steps in again.

Patchwork- There was a distinct cut-and-paste mood going on for patchwork from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jonathan Saunders, Lucas Nascimento, Missoni, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Helen Lawrence.

Quilting- If it wasn't patchwork, it was quilting and sometimes both together. Temperley London, Miu Miu, Hunter, Christian Dior and Balenciaga were among the top candidates for doing down.

Yoda and co...- Possibly the most unlikely fashion week spot but there he was on the catwalk of Rodarte, at the label's Star Wars themed collection. We got a reprise of the cult Seventies film in London too when Preen by Thornton Bregazzi made Darth Vader their motif of choice. May the force be with you next season.

Universe- We were seeing stars everywhere: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Diane von Furtsenberg, JW Anderson, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Preen and Phillip Plein. And then it got intergalactic with Star Wars references at both Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Rodarte


---    Colors
http://www.pantone.com/images/download/PANTONEVIEW_home___interiors_2014_color_palettes.pdf

Zesty - From Christian Dior's jarring colour combinations to Dries Van Noten's sunglass-worthy shades, Prada's punchy brights, Miu Miu's metallics and all the electric eye shadow beauty looks worn in between, it was a fashion month of vibrant and zesty colour.



---    Textures
Items made from or incorporating rich and raw sturdy fabrics, fibers, and yarns: cashmere, industrial felt, silk, raw silk, wool, burlap, and canvas.

fuzz, feathers and fluff - Hairy Or put another way: fuzz, feathers and fluff. It was everywhere. See MSGM, House of Holland, Sophia Webster and Marques' Almeida's adorned feet; Marni and Givenchy's shrugs; Prada's piping; and Rodarte's collars to name but just a few.

Jewels - Jewels took on crown-sized proportions, encrusted on medieval hoods at Dolce & Gabbana; splaying out over dainty dresses at Erdem; adding a regal touch to Simone Rocha; and bringing a whole new dimension to Mary Katrantzou and Celine.

Velvet -A multitude of designers rediscovered this most tactile of fabrics for next season: Emilio de la Morena, House of Holland, John Rocha, Vivienne Westwood, Michael Van Der Ham, Emilio Pucci and Nina Ricci all got touchy feely.


---    Other
Autumn and winter entertaining leading up to Thanksgiving: creative and unique tabletop accoutrement, dinnerware, glassware and bar, table linens, food for your feast, centerpieces, invitations, menus, and hostess gifts.
Winter fashion: warm layers, boots, bags, accessories, jewelry, legwear, and emerging industry trends.
Autumn and winter weddings: attire, decor, invitations, favors, and gift ideas.
Holiday gift-giving: mothers, fathers, teens, children, coworkers, friends, the person who has everything, the host or hostess, pets, personalized and custom gift options, stocking stuffers. November is your time to shine with items that would make great gifts. Plan ahead and be sure to include why your item makes a great gift and who it might be for in the item description.
Paper goods: holiday card sets, thank you card sets, invitations, 2010 calendars, gift tags, and favors.

Capes and cloaks- Wrap up next season in a consuming cloak or cape. Daks, Bora Aksu, Todd Lynn, The Row, Thakoon, Valentino, Peter Pilotto, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen all championed the cover-up, while everyone else put a good case forward for layered, statement scarves as a garment in their own right.

Glitter boots - The new must-have we didn’t know we even needed until we saw it, thanks to Matthew Williamson, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.

Lace-up shoes  - Chanel's trainers; Emilio Pucci and Antonio Berardi's super sandals; Celine's brogues; Alexander McQueen's frilled booties; not to mention all the lacing that underpinned the Christian Dior collection overall. It's clearly time to get tied up.




--------------
    Dates to remember

Citrine is November’s birthstone, and November’s astrological signs are Scorpio and Sagittarius (October 24 – November 22: Scorpio and November 23 – December 21: Sagittarius).


November is known as
    Aviation History Month
    Child Safety Protection Month
    International Drum Month
    National Adoption Awareness Month
    National Epilepsy Month
    National Model Railroad Month
    NAtional Novel Writing Month
    Native American Heritage Month
    Peanut Butter Lovers Month
    Real Jewelry Month
    National Sleep Comfort Month

1 + 2 Dia de los Muertos
1 All Saint's Day
1 Book Lovers Day - first Saturday of the month
2 Daylight Savings (Ends- Fall back one hour at 2am)
2 All Soul's Day
2 Deviled Egg Day
2 Look for Circles Day
3 Housewife's Day
3 Sandwich Day
4 King Tut Day
5 Gunpowder Day
5 Guy Fawkes Day
6 Marooned without a Compass Day
6 Saxophone Day
7 Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
8 Cook Something Bold Day
8 Dunce Day
9 Chaos Never Dies Day
10 Forget-Me-Not Day
10 USMC Day
11 Veteran's Day
11 Young Readers Day second Tuesday of month
12 Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
13 National Indian Pudding Day
13 Sadie Hawkins Day
13 World Kindness Day
14 Operating Room Nurse Day
15 Clean Your Refrigerator Day
15 America Recycles Day
15 National Philanthropy Day
16 Button Day
16 Have a Party With Your Bear Day
17 Homemade Bread Day
17 Take A Hike Day
17 World Peace Day
18 Occult Day
19 Have a Bad Day Day
20 Absurdity Day
20 Beautiful Day
20 Great American Smokeout  - third Thursday in November
20 Universal Children's Day
21 False Confession Day
21 World Hello Day
22 Go For a Ride Day
22 National Adoption Day - Saturday before Thanksgiving
23 Eat a Cranberry Day
23 National Cashew Day
25 National Parfait Day 
26 Shopping Reminder Day
27 Pins and Needles Day
27 Thanksgiving - Eat, drink, and be thankful.
28 Black Friday - Friday after Thanksgiving
28 Make Your Own Head Day
28 Red Planet Day
28 You're Welcome Day - the day after Thanksgiving
29 Square Dance Day
30 Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day

Pagan/Wiccan Calendar
*source: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/a/2013-Pagan-Wiccan-Calendar.htm
    1: Mexico's Day of the Dead
    2: Birthday of Wiccan author Sirona Knight
    11: Veteran's Day
    17: Full moon -- Mourning Moon at 10:16 am
    24: Celtic Tree Month of Reed ends
    25: Celtic Tree Month of Elder begins
    28: Thanksgiving day (United States)
    30: Birthday of Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, founder of Church of All Worlds
    30: Festival of Hecate Trivia

Merchandising Calendar for June 2014

To keep things looking in line with the current season, use Etsy’s Rearrange Your Shop tool to move these holiday items to the final pages of your shop.
----------------
    Themes

{{ Northern Hemisphere- fall, Southern Hemisphere- spring))

Etsy’s holiday season picks up from October through December. Harvest and Halloween seasons pick up as early as so start stocking up on and listing your holiday offerings now in preparation for the seasonal rush ahead.
Tagging Tip: The seasonal terminology “fall” is primarily American English. Make sure to include the more internationally recognized term “autumn” in your seasonally appropriate item descriptions and tags.


---    Holiday + Sports Related
The first weekend in October typically marks the end of Oktoberfest, a 16-day celebration originating in Germany where family and friends celebrate the festivities while indulging in all sorts of rich, hearty foods. As this favorite festival comes to a close, it sets the stage for the harvest season and bounty ahead.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: An annual international health campaign to help raise awareness. The color pink and ribbon symbol embody the universal themes surrounding this cause.

Thanksgiving: October is Thanksgiving in Canada and when Americans begin planning for November festivities. Classic Thanksgiving symbols include the turkey, cornucopia, Pilgrims and Native Americans, seasonal food, and fall foliage. Hostess gifts, table settings, and hearty treats are all items shoppers will be looking for.

Halloween:
Tag your Halloween products appropriately and consider offering extended shipping options for the last minute Halloween costumes and treat ideas.
Shoppers begin planning and searching for Halloween gear as soon July on Etsy. That's why we're going to be ahead of the game by listing Hallowen items early.
^A good reason for why we are starting things so early.
celebrity references, clever baby and toddler get-ups, haunted houses and vintage harvest nostalgia.
Zombies are big hit, vampires {anything from the classic victorian, to True Blood, Twilight, and Underworld}.
pet costumes, baby costumes, group options, last-minute ideas, photobooth props, and the classic color combinations (orange, black, yellow, white, red, green, purple).
Halloween decor, costumes, treats, favors, containers, party ideas, diy inspiration, ready-made accessories, makeup and rising trends. Think about targeting the different faces of Halloween, including the young, old, scary, creepy, cute, and funny.
The darker side of Etsy shines in October: blacks, grays, deep purples, blood red, Gothic, dark arts, steampunk, anatomy, science, sci-fi, geekery, spooky dolls, and all that goes bump in the night.
Tip: many people are into these themes all through the year as well.


Beltane {for the southern hemisphere}
Good blog post describing Beltane > http://mysticmedusa.com/2009/10/beltane-vs-halloween/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane

Au revoir to prints- It was the season that saw designers whose sartorial signature is usually print leave that behind in favour of something new. See embellishment from Mary Katrantzou, bejewelled brooch confections from Erdem, knits from Peter Pilotto and a move to more solid blocks of colour over paradise prints from Matthew Williamson among them.

Folk and fairy tale- From Dolce & Gabbana's forest tale, Alexander McQueen's nod to Game of Thrones, Fendi's take on Little Red Riding Hood and Valentino's sense of ethereal enchantment, designers looked to a whimsical and imaginative world for their inspiration this season. Which is exactly where that cape steps in again.

Patchwork- There was a distinct cut-and-paste mood going on for patchwork from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jonathan Saunders, Lucas Nascimento, Missoni, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Helen Lawrence.

Quilting- If it wasn't patchwork, it was quilting and sometimes both together. Temperley London, Miu Miu, Hunter, Christian Dior and Balenciaga were among the top candidates for doing down.

Yoda and co...- Possibly the most unlikely fashion week spot but there he was on the catwalk of Rodarte, at the label's Star Wars themed collection. We got a reprise of the cult Seventies film in London too when Preen by Thornton Bregazzi made Darth Vader their motif of choice. May the force be with you next season.

Universe- We were seeing stars everywhere: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Diane von Furtsenberg, JW Anderson, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Preen and Phillip Plein. And then it got intergalactic with Star Wars references at both Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Rodarte


---    Styles
Innovation- Pushing the fashion boundaries, we had Alexander Wang’s colour-changing clothes and Fendi’s drones, Fyodor Golan’s phone dress, while Anya Hindmarch used a conveyor belt to show off her bag designs.

Nine to five dressing- Even on the catwalks of seasoned eveningwear labels we were hard-pushed to find it. See Gucci, Lanvin, Temperley London and Christian Dior among them. Meanwhile, Ghesquèire's debut for Vuitton focused on releavant wearable clothing for day and Paul Smith and The Row flew the flag for laidback luxe - even Pucci relaxed its usual high-octane glamour.

Times Three - Three was the magic number when it came to bags: Balenciaga showed the new way to wear your bag is three at a time, while Cara Delevingne created three styles of the "Cara" bag for Mulberry this season.



---    Colors
http://www.pantone.com/images/download/PANTONEVIEW_home___interiors_2014_color_palettes.pdf

Zesty
From Christian Dior's jarring colour combinations to Dries Van Noten's sunglass-worthy shades, Prada's punchy brights, Miu Miu's metallics and all the electric eye shadow beauty looks worn in between, it was a fashion month of vibrant and zesty colour.




---    Textures
fuzz, feathers and fluff - Hairy Or put another way: fuzz, feathers and fluff. It was everywhere. See MSGM, House of Holland, Sophia Webster and Marques' Almeida's adorned feet; Marni and Givenchy's shrugs; Prada's piping; and Rodarte's collars to name but just a few.

Jewels- Jewels took on crown-sized proportions, encrusted on medieval hoods at Dolce & Gabbana; splaying out over dainty dresses at Erdem; adding a regal touch to Simone Rocha; and bringing a whole new dimension to Mary Katrantzou and Celine.

Velvet - A multitude of designers rediscovered this most tactile of fabrics for next season: Emilio de la Morena, House of Holland, John Rocha, Vivienne Westwood, Michael Van Der Ham, Emilio Pucci and Nina Ricci all got touchy feely.



---    Other
Fall Fashion + Intro to Winter Fashion: Shift in materials, colors, and layers in the categories of clothing, accessories, and jewelry. More specifically, key basics, layering elements, the introduction of winter accessories and outerwear components, thick fabrics and rich leathers, autumnal tones, vintage boots and heavy-weight all-weather bags.
 Winter accessories and outerwear components pick up momentum this month as shoppers plan winter wardrobes and search for holiday gift ideas. Think scarves, hats, gloves, fingerless gloves, mittens, legwarmers, cowls, cozies, coats, jackets, and footwear.
 Tagging tip: Try adding the term "fashion" and "apparel" to your appropriate items to reach a broader shopping audience.

Harvest: October’s harvest themes are centered around decor and table accents that transition into November’s entertaining, especially Thanksgiving. In the decor frame of mind, think home accents big and small, bringing the outdoor seasonal nature and hues indoors. Emphasis on hostess solutions and gifts, toasting, and celebratory dining. Harvest themes encompass fall planting, preserving the summer garden’s bounty, rustic farm references and fall foods.

Capes and cloaks- Wrap up next season in a consuming cloak or cape. Daks, Bora Aksu, Todd Lynn, The Row, Thakoon, Valentino, Peter Pilotto, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen all championed the cover-up, while everyone else put a good case forward for layered, statement scarves as a garment in their own right.

Glitter boots - The new must-have we didn’t know we even needed until we saw it, thanks to Matthew Williamson, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.

Lace-up shoes  - Chanel's trainers; Emilio Pucci and Antonio Berardi's super sandals; Celine's brogues; Alexander McQueen's frilled booties; not to mention all the lacing that underpinned the Christian Dior collection overall. It's clearly time to get tied up.






Opal is October’s birthstone, and October’s astrological signs are Libra and Scorpio (September 24 – October 23: Libra and October 24 – November 22: Scorpio).

-----------------
    Dates to remember


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
international drum, and vegetarian awareness month.
Oct Eat Better, Eat Together Month
Oct Go Hog Wild – Eat Country Ham Month
Oct National Bake and Decorate Month
Oct National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Oct National Chili Month
Oct National Dental Hygiene Month
Oct National Popcorn Poppin’ Month
Oct National Roller Skating Month
Oct Spinach Lovers Month
Oct Talk About Prescriptions Month
Oct Vegetarian Month

    October 1-3: National Day, China
    October 1: Labor Day, Australia
    October 1-2: Harvest Moon Festival, Mid Autumn Festival
    October 1-5: National Day, China
    October 3: Techies Day
    October 3: German National Reunification Day
    October 4: National Golf Day
    October 7-8 Yom Kippur
    October 10: Thanksgiving Day, Canada
    October 10: National Day, England
    October 12: Farmers Day
    October 13: Columbus Day
    October 14: Winnie The Pooh published, 1926 (UK)
    October 16: Boss’s Day
    October 18 Sweetest Day
    October 24: United Nations Day
    October 26: Deepavali
    October 30: Switch to wintertime (France)
    October 31: Halloween


Oct 1 National Denim Day
Oct 2-9 No Salt Week
Oct 3-9 Fire Prevention Week
Oct 4 Improve Your Home Office Day
Oct 4-10 Financial Planning Week
Oct 10 National Cake Decorating Day
Oct 10-16 Build Your Business with Business Cards Week
Oct 10-16 National Chestnut Week
Oct 23 iPod Day
Oct 24 Mother-in-Law Day

Events in October:
Spring Racing Carnival (Australia)
Oktoberfest winds down
Sukkot, sundown
Thanksgiving Day in Canada


Pagan/Wiccan Calendar
*source: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/a/2013-Pagan-Wiccan-Calendar.htm
    1: Birthday of Isaac Bonewits, founder of Ár nDraíocht Féin
    12: Birthday of occultist Aleister Crowley, 1875
    18: Birthday of Nicholas Culpeper, noted herbalist, in 1616
    18: Full moon -- Blood Moon at 7:38 pm
    20: Birthday of Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary
    27: Celtic Tree Month of Ivy ends
    28: Celtic Tree Month of Reed begins
    31: Samhain
    31: Beltane (Southern Hemisphere)
    31: Covenant of the Goddess formed in 1975

What Have You Shrunk Lately?

In April I dug out my old Shrinky dinks and played around with my sharpies to make some pretty cool pieces. After I seal them, and sand them {sharp edges in spots} I'll create some really cool jewelry.

Here's links to the posts of what I've done so far

Shrink Plastic – Workshop Log 4-10-14

 

Shrink Plastic – Workshop Log 4-16-14 

 

Alter Your Shrinky Dinks After Shrinking

So what have you shrink lately? Share your shrinking adventures in the comments.

Merchandising Calendar for May 2014

To keep things looking in line with the current season, use Etsy’s Rearrange Your Shop tool to move these holiday items to the final pages of your shop.

--------------
    Blog post Ideas

September is National Coupon Month- so have a coupon code for your store.

back to school, first day of school, school organization

Fall fashion items spotlight- your's or fellow handmade sellers

National Honey Month- honey making products {flavors etc}, honey bee keeping products for cold + warm seasons;
Classical Music Month- favorite classical artist
Backpack Safety America Month- back to school time remmeber to inform kids to not overstuff their bags.
National Chicken Month- chicken food products, chicken keeping products
National Coupon Month- couponing products, coupon for your products
National Mushroom Month
National Rice Month- rice products, and recipes.
National Skin Care Awareness Month- lotions etc, health tips.
Pizza Bake Month- recipes
National Waffle Week- recipes, products
Video Games Day- what's your favorite?, video game and other geeky items.
U.S. Tennis Open Tournament- tennis fashion and equipment
Talk like a Pirate Day- who doesnt love pirates!
Oktoberfest
Autumnal Equinox in the northern hemisphere
Fall fashion items spotlight
Fall weather photos

--------------
    Themes

{{ Northern Hemisphere- fall, Southern Hemisphere- spring))
While emphasis is usually placed upon the seasonality of the Northern Hemisphere, it’s important to remember that the Southern Hemisphere is preparing for spring. Maintaining seasonally appropriate options year-round is good practice for boosting international and overall sales.

---    Holiday + Sports Related
Celebrations and Traditions: Labor Day, the U.S. Tennis Open, Oktoberfest, weekend cookouts, family gatherings, references to sports, beer drinking, festivals, and German traditions.

Back to School: wrap up back to school promotions early in the month, with a heavier focus on fashion and office gear. Think organizational essentials, gadget and computer accessories, notebooks, writing utensils, cases, book bags, backpacks, satchels, lunch carriers, and fall fashion.  Creative gadget cases, docking stations and accessories.

Halloween is coming: Halloween searches are in their prime right now. Particularly popular at this time is decor, party supplies, full costumes and accessories (both baby and adult), jewelry, pumpkin decorating ideas, DIY kits, treats and treat alternatives, and the darker side of Etsy. Get in the game by listing your full Halloween line now.
  Celebrity references, film and pop culture reinventions, clever costuming plays on words, pet costumes, baby costumes, group options, vampire themes, folk and vintage decor, photobooth props, and the classic color combinations (orange, black, yellow, white, red, green, purple). Wizardry, magic, owls, and mysticism

Autumn: Seasonal shift in weather, colors, and activities. Think autumn home decor, entertaining, woodland motifs and nature’s symbols. Harvest themes encompass fall planting, preserving the summer garden’s bounty, rustic farm references, and fall food favorites. Tagging tip: “Autumn” is a more global seasonal association than the more American-based “fall” term; try including both as descriptive words.


---    Colors
*Northen- fall
http://www.pantone.com/images/download/PANTONEVIEW_home___interiors_2014_color_palettes.pdf

Fall Colors that work just about every year: turquoise, richer earth tones, mustards, cranberry, deep berries and wine, muted greens, gray and camel solids.
2013s fall colors from the runway/Pantone- pastels; grays- dove, smoke, charcoal; green in deep, rich shades that embody the autumnal season; wide range of cool blue hues {cobalt to sky-blue}; Winter White
 Emerald Pantone 17-5641, Mykonos blue Pantone 18-4434, Linden green Pantone 15-0533, Acai {deep purple} Pantone 19-3628, samba {red} Pantone 19-1662, Koi {orange} Pantone 17-1452, Deep Lichen Green Pantone 18-0312,  Vivacoius {pink} 19-2045, Turbulence {gray} Pantone 19-4215, Carafe {brown} Pantone 19-1116

*Southern- spring
"These are all fantastic tips... however, it is springing into spring here in the Southern Hemisphere... please don't forget about us... We've only just crept away from winter's grasp and really need some cheering! Please don't make ALL of the themes about the fall!"

---    Other
Fall Fashion: clothing, accessories, and jewelry. More specifically, key basics, layering elements, the introduction of winter accessories and outerwear components, thick fabrics and rich leathers, autumnal tones, vintage boots and heavy-weight all-weather bags.
Fashion: Plaid, polka dots, and lace embellishments. Feathers, menswear, blazers, vests and jackets, midi skirts, gray basics, tailored and wide leg pants, patterned leggings and opaque tights, oxfords, vintage boots.

Weddings: Most brides plan way in-advance for their weddings so it's really best to have wedding products themed for all seasons stocked year round. Fall, Halloween, winter weddings are coming up now in the Nothern hemisphere.

--------------
    Dates to Remember

Sapphire is September’s birthstone; September’s astrological signs are Virgo and Libra (August 24 – September 23: Virgo, September 24 – October 23: Libra).

September is know as
National Honey Month
Classical Music Month
Self Improvement Month
Backpack Safety America Month
National Chicken Month
National Coupon Month
National Honey Month
National Mushroom Month
National Rice Month
National Skin Care Awareness Month
Pizza Bake Month

National Waffle Week
Video Games Day
U.S. Tennis Open Tournament
Talk like a Pirate Day
Oktoberfest
Autumnal Equinox

September  1: Labor Day 2014
September  6: Father’s Day in Australia
September  7: Brazil’s Independence Day
September  7: Grandparents' Day 2014
September 10: Sewing Machine Day
September 11: Patriot Day or September 11th
September 16: Mexico’s Independence Day
September 18: Int’l. Eat An Apple Day
September 22: Chinese Moon Festival
September 26: Native American Day
September 26: International Rabbit Day
September 28: Confucius’s Birthday

Pagan/Wiccan Calendar
*source: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/a/2013-Pagan-Wiccan-Calendar.htm

  1: Celtic Tree Month of Hazel ends
  2: Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins
 10: Birthday of Carl Llewellyn Weschcke
 14: Birthday of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa in 1486
 14: Birthday of author Ellen Dugan
 17: Television welcomes Bewitched in 1964
 19: Full Moon -- Harvest Moon at 7:13 am
 21: International Day of Peace
 22: Fall Equinox or Mabon
 22: Ostara (Southern Hemisphere)
 29: Celtic Tree Month of Vine ends
 30: Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins

Merchandising Calendar for April 2014

To keep things looking in line with the current season, use Etsy’s Rearrange Your Shop tool to move these holiday items to the final pages of your shop.
-------------------
    Themes

{{ Northern Hemisphere- summer, Southern Hemisphere- winter))

---    Holiday + Sports Related

Back to School {aka time to stock office supplies!}:
 Fashion, office supplies and furniture, dorm room essentials and decor for the new apartment. Think journals, sketchbooks, portfolios, papers, writing utensils, pouches, backpacks, desks, storage solutions, and creative organizational concepts.
 Small space solutions, gadget cases and accessories, clothing, organization and the home office.
 Many adults stock office supplies at this time as well to catch deals. Cases, book bags, backpacks, satchels, lunch carriers, and fall fashion.
 Think in terms of all office supplies etc needed for college students, the kids, and teachers. Teachers need supplies too!
 Also the business people they need breifcases and other supplies for themselves as well.

Don't forget about Burning Man! People are starting to stock up now on funky, feathery, furry, glittery, fabulous costumes. The festival is in Late August/early September, but people prepare all summer for it.

Summer Wrap-up: Soaking up the sun and fitting in those last minute vacations. Outdoor entertaining with friends and family at garden parties, outdoor picnics, barbecues, and poolside fetes. Beach, lake, mountain and countryside weekend getaways filled to the brim with activities like camping, biking, hiking, backpacking, outdoor sports, gear and recalling the day’s events under the stars.

---    Styles
Americana expressed in a vision of American Pie with a picnic friendly look inclusive of gingham and patchwork and youthful separates like overalls. Think Daisy Duke and Ellie May in color.
The Machine Age- heavy metal, studs, leather
Grown up Grunge- Recent ethnic inspirations have included a nod to the Orient as well as Global Awakening, with a much more diverse pop culture influence. Spice Trail keys into the exotic lands of Morocco and India with rich material conversations like jacquard to heavy embellished details. Silhouettes speak to tradition with items like tunics and sarouel pants, while tribal patterns play up classics like tailored jackets.
Recent ethnic inspirations have included a nod to the Orient as well as Global Awakening, with a much more diverse pop culture influence. Spice Trail keys into the exotic lands of Morocco and India with rich material conversations like jacquard to heavy embellished details. Silhouettes speak to tradition with items like tunics and sarouel pants, while tribal patterns play up classics like tailored jackets.
Craft Punk- At Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton ignited a bohemian revival with artisanal macramé tunics given her usual dark spin. The theme continued with crocheted and needlepoint looks at Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and Roberto Cavalli.
Phantastic Fairy Tales – escapism into other worlds {think of your favorite movie and video game worlds}.
Baroque Vision- a step into yesteryear of emeralds, gold, intricate designs, from the dainty to the robust statement pieces romance and elegance are key.
Dark Romance-has a dash of magic and mystery. “A typical personality would be Oscar Wilde – the artists of the turn of the century (1900). It’s a very poetic trend.”
Bohemian Rhapsody
As seen at: Anna Sui(pictured), Topshop Unique, Chanel, Jonathan Saunders, Gucci
How to wear: The key SS14 take on boho blends the romantic 70s maxi dress and floppy hat with 60s Broderie Anglaise dresses, throwing in retro sunnies for good measure. Poster girls for this look include long-standing Brit It-girl, Alexa Chung and LA’s fashion sorceress, Rachel Zoe.
True Rock-mance
As seen at: Saint Laurent (pictured), Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Moschino, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang
How to wear: Mix one part 90s grunge with two parts Metallica fan-girl, any you’ll be on your merry way to tapping into one of the season’s most hardcore looks. If in doubt, paint it black and make it leather.
Athleticism
An athletic aesthetic clearly took over the runways, most notably, baseball caps, tennis-inspired dresses and varsity jackets. Wear them separate or all together.
Cowgirl mashup.
Urban cowgirl. Showgirl cowgirl. Bra-bearing Rosie-the-riveter cowgirl. Squeezing Western elements into outfits in unexpected ways kept thematic overkill at bay, and signalled a little sub-trend rising up in cowboy boots and embroidered shirts and low-slung oversized belts. Donna Karan, Rodarte and Alexis Mabille respectively brought the aforementioned urban/showgirl/wartime interpretations, while Louis Vuitton’s embellished jeans and Miu Miu’s use of fringing and suede added to the suggestion of a growing spring 2014 fashion trend.
Wear it now: this one is perfect for the fall / winter season as well as for spring, so you can get on it from anywhere in the world. Keep it cool and effortless in slouchy denims, plaid shirts, chunky belts and boots. For a sexier interpretation, mix Western elements with femme fatale ones: an embellished crop top, slinky dress or silk trench coat with dusty cowgirl boots, say, or a pair of denim overalls with heels.



---    Colors
Gold, gold, gold!
head-to-toe white was the most noticeable trend to come off the catwalks
Pink {light shades, mainly} the season's best blushes were done up in everything from leather to ruffled gowns. There’s still plenty of style mileage left in the hue that makes boys wink. Best worn as one hero-piece, such as a coat  or jacket. Unexpected pink accents soften spring's athletic and edgy looks.
Chromatic Energy- mettalic sheens of all colors
Pastels- Along with pink, mint green and other pastel favorites showed up on the runway.
Monochrome/ Black and White- This classic combination will continue its run well into spring and summer.
Metallics + Iridescence- Satin and metallics in every colour of the rainbow brought a heavy dose of glamour to proceedings this season. For a cool shiny vibe go for a satin suit or else work sheeny fabrics for day to night – these piece are far too pretty to be saved for best.
White- White-on-white ensembles continue to be chic.
Orange is the New Black


---    Shapes, Patterns etc
base distinction- basic shapes especially popular for metal jewelry {ovals, squares, circles, etc}
patterns and prints- florals, geometric, etc
Tropic Thunder- Even the most staunch city dwellers can appreciate a lush flora and fauna print. Prepare to get transported to paradise in rompers, jumpsuits, dresses and tees that showcase everything from palm fronds to hibiscus.
Geometric Prints- Flashback to geometry class for next season's print craze: grids, triangles, concentric circles and more.
Logo-Mania {Say it loud and proud}- Next season we’ll all be wearing our style on our sleeve as that 90’s staple makes a marked comeback. Whichever message you choose to transmit, make sure it makes a subversive statement. Whether your clothes are shouting a motto or a brand, make sure its from the rooftops
Matchy (Mis-)Matchy- Spring 2014’s hottest look is no doubt about wearing one print on all items of clothing and accessories, or to clash several patterns in one outfit. If that seems too daring, then the third approach to this hot trend is to work one colour splashed on everything: shoes, bags, phone cover, the works. Too much is simply not enough.



---    Textures
Blue Jean Baby- All associations with the Texas tuxedo aside, denim on demin has basically evolved into a stylish institution. In a variety of washes, jean has gone high fashion, showing up on everything from tailored suiting to pencil skirts and trenches.
Fifty Shades of Suede- Say goodbye to safari drab. From the emerald green outfits on the Calvin Klein Collection runway to Ralph Lauren's lilac-colored trench and a pair of eye-catching fuchsia hot shorts at Emilio Pucci, the recent Resort collections were chock-full of vibrant suede pieces.
Lacy Sights- There was no shortage of lace in the latest lineups. While many took fine filigree in a romantic direction, designers including Christian Dior's Raf Simons, Derek Lam, and Christopher Kane sharpened up the typically feminine stuff with graphic mesh insets and webbed overlays that gave the fabric a new zing.
Florals- Team your neon florals and botanical blooms with edgy attitude and offbeat accessories, like metallic glam rock accessories, sky high sandals or chilled-out trainers. The two tribes within this trend are polar extremes - it's either the lady-like treatment or sassy urbanite styling.
Sheer greatness- Lace, mesh, and all things sheer continue to be on trend.
Fringing- Fringing takes on a broad range of styles for spring 2014. On the runways, it wasn’t just cowgirl and it wasn’t just flapper; I guess you could say it just was. Spanning eveningwear to casual, fringing and tassels swished onto the scene and found new ways to make a mark.
Wear it now: leather, silk, beading… if you can find a piece that works some fringing into the equation, invest.


---    Other
Summer attire and accessories come to fruition and take a bow as we begin to highlight transitional pieces leading into fall fashion. We celebrate the notion and idea of “long-term cool,”  meaning key components come into play as classic “build and layer” styling options intermingle with the current wardrobe that works for you.  Every woman has the basics, and this fall season is all about mixing and matching with seasonal accents for a winning look. Think layers, outerwear accessories, boots, and autumn color palettes.

Home Decor: Similar to the fashion world, autumn decor updates and renovations will debut in August.

Bath, Beauty & Wellness: Skin and body treatments, activewear, meditation aids, and healthy options for mind and body conscious routines.

Preserving the Summer: Final summer vacations, outdoor activities, community events & fairs, open air soirees, summer fashion, and lighter, brighter colors. Emphasis on outdoor entertaining, hostess gifts, bath and beauty, outdoor lighting and savoring the last of summer nights.

Harvest: Autumn decor, fall planting, preserving the summer garden’s bounty. Farm, rustic, and woodland motifs. Savoring the last bounties of the crop, storing and canning the excess from the height of the local market, references to the orchard, vineyard, ripening wines, and hints of autumn richness in the air.



---    Specific Items
Knuckle Rings
ear cuffs
crop tops {a more modest approach by layering with a cami underneath or a high waist pants/skirt was showcased on the runways}
Satchel Rage- We've witnessed a move toward more structured handbags recently, and Resort was all about two-handled satchels, which turned up at Lanvin, Givenchy, Fendi, and more.
Micro Wave- Crop tops weren't the only short orders this season. Designers like Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, and Mary Katrantzou put the legs on display, too, with upper-thigh-grazing miniskirts that require a nice pair of stems.
Trouser Roles- Pin-thin stovepipes are officially over. In keeping with the season's focus on easy elegance, the favored pants silhouette of the moment is low-slung and ultra-relaxed. Baggy, billowy trousers turned up in the latest lineups from
Cold Shoulder- How to wear: Don’t bare all for SS14, instead tease the rest of your torso into a frock but showcase your décolletage and collar bone.
Pleats? Yes, Please.- How to wear: Go for tight pleats on dresses, skirts and accessories. The broader pleat is a thing of the past… Well, for now.
Full Skirts- The voluminous ladylike silhouette is here to stay. Pair the tea-length skirt with tights and boots during the winter. This ladylike trend is ideal because aside from looking like a princess, it accentuates the smallest part of the body: the waist




-------------------
    Dates to remmeber
   The Peridot is August’s birthstone, and August’s astrological signs are Leo and Virgo (July 23 – August 23: Leo, August 24 – September 23: Virgo).

 August is known as
National Golf month
Peach month
Picnic month

    August 1: Friendship Day
    August 1: Autumn Holiday (Ireland)
    August 11: Ramadan begins
    August 15: Liberation Day (Korea)
    August 15: India’s Independence day
    August 16: Chinese Valentine’s Day, also known as The Daughters Festival
    August 21: National Senior Citizens Day
    August 31: Hari Merdeka (Malaysia's independence day)

Events in August
 Woodstock Music Festival
 U.S. Tennis Open Tournament


Pagan/Wiccan Calendar
*source: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/a/2013-Pagan-Wiccan-Calendar.htm

    1: Lammas or Lughnasadh
    1: Imbolc (Southern Hemisphere)
    1: Birthday of medium Edward Kelley, 1555
    2 - 4: Dublin Irish Festival (Dublin, OH)
    4: Celtic Tree Month of Holly ends
    5: Celtic Tree Month of Hazel begins
    15: Birthday of Charles Leland, folklorist and author, 1824
    20: Full Moon -- Corn Moon at 9:45 pm
    20: Birthday of author Ann Moura in 1947
    31: Birthday of author Raymond Buckland

Merchandising Calendar for March 2014

To keep things looking in line with the current season, use Etsy’s Rearrange Your Shop tool to move these holiday items to the final pages of your shop.
----------------
{{ Northern Hemisphere- summer, Southern Hemisphere- winter))


---    Holiday + Sports Related
Patriotic Celebrations: Canada Day, The Fourth of July and Bastille Day are all celebrated this month. Patriotic colors, folk art, party decor, summer activities, festive outfits and firework displays are popular items coinciding with these holidays, red, white and blue, Americana, flags and symbols, patriotic decor, outfits and accessories. Stars and stripes, picnics, barbecues, grilling, spirits, and summer sports.

Sports: Olympics, Tour de France

Don't forget about Burning Man! People are starting to stock up now on funky, feathery, furry, glittery, fabulous costumes. The festival is in Late August/early September, but people prepare all summer for it.

Christmas in July Community Sale: Get involved in this year’s community-driven sale by tagging your sale items with the terms “christmasinjuly” and/or “CIJ” for the month of July. All shops are eligible to participate and sale items do not have to be holiday themed. Be sure to add promotional details to the item description of each item you tag. Learn more via the CIJ Team.
https://www.etsy.com/teams/12798/christmas-in-july

Back to School {aka time to stock office supplies!}:
 Fashion, office supplies and furniture, dorm room essentials and decor for the new apartment. Think journals, sketchbooks, portfolios, papers, writing utensils, pouches, backpacks, desks, storage solutions, and creative organizational concepts.
 Small space solutions, gadget cases and accessories, clothing, organization and the home office.
 Many adults stock office supplies at this time as well to catch deals. Cases, book bags, backpacks, satchels, lunch carriers, and fall fashion.
 Think in terms of all office supplies etc needed for college students, the kids, and teachers. Teachers need supplies too!
 Also the business people they need breifcases and other supplies for themselves as well.

Weddings:
 Engagement rings, both handcrafted and antique. Vintage, retro and rockabilly references, photobooths and props, fan programs, Mad Libs, personalized wine labels, fingerprint guest books, DIY decorations, and creative takes on the little details from save the dates all the way to favors.
 Think about how your line can offer or evoke outdoor options for both the ceremony and after-party.
 In addition, plan for and list autumn/winter themed options for aspects of events that are handled months in advance: announcements, invites, venue details, decor themes, attire, and honeymooning.

---    Styles
Americana expressed in a vision of American Pie with a picnic friendly look inclusive of gingham and patchwork and youthful separates like overalls. Think Daisy Duke and Ellie May in color.
The Machine Age- heavy metal, studs, leather
Grown up Grunge- Recent ethnic inspirations have included a nod to the Orient as well as Global Awakening, with a much more diverse pop culture influence. Spice Trail keys into the exotic lands of Morocco and India with rich material conversations like jacquard to heavy embellished details. Silhouettes speak to tradition with items like tunics and sarouel pants, while tribal patterns play up classics like tailored jackets.
Recent ethnic inspirations have included a nod to the Orient as well as Global Awakening, with a much more diverse pop culture influence. Spice Trail keys into the exotic lands of Morocco and India with rich material conversations like jacquard to heavy embellished details. Silhouettes speak to tradition with items like tunics and sarouel pants, while tribal patterns play up classics like tailored jackets.
Craft Punk- At Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton ignited a bohemian revival with artisanal macramé tunics given her usual dark spin. The theme continued with crocheted and needlepoint looks at Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and Roberto Cavalli.
Phantastic Fairy Tales – escapism into other worlds {think of your favorite movie and video game worlds}.
Baroque Vision- a step into yesteryear of emeralds, gold, intricate designs, from the dainty to the robust statement pieces romance and elegance are key.
Dark Romance-has a dash of magic and mystery. “A typical personality would be Oscar Wilde – the artists of the turn of the century (1900). It’s a very poetic trend.”
Bohemian Rhapsody
As seen at: Anna Sui(pictured), Topshop Unique, Chanel, Jonathan Saunders, Gucci
How to wear: The key SS14 take on boho blends the romantic 70s maxi dress and floppy hat with 60s Broderie Anglaise dresses, throwing in retro sunnies for good measure. Poster girls for this look include long-standing Brit It-girl, Alexa Chung and LA’s fashion sorceress, Rachel Zoe.
True Rock-mance
As seen at: Saint Laurent (pictured), Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Moschino, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang
How to wear: Mix one part 90s grunge with two parts Metallica fan-girl, any you’ll be on your merry way to tapping into one of the season’s most hardcore looks. If in doubt, paint it black and make it leather.
Athleticism
An athletic aesthetic clearly took over the runways, most notably, baseball caps, tennis-inspired dresses and varsity jackets. Wear them separate or all together.
Cowgirl mashup.
Urban cowgirl. Showgirl cowgirl. Bra-bearing Rosie-the-riveter cowgirl. Squeezing Western elements into outfits in unexpected ways kept thematic overkill at bay, and signalled a little sub-trend rising up in cowboy boots and embroidered shirts and low-slung oversized belts. Donna Karan, Rodarte and Alexis Mabille respectively brought the aforementioned urban/showgirl/wartime interpretations, while Louis Vuitton’s embellished jeans and Miu Miu’s use of fringing and suede added to the suggestion of a growing spring 2014 fashion trend.
Wear it now: this one is perfect for the fall / winter season as well as for spring, so you can get on it from anywhere in the world. Keep it cool and effortless in slouchy denims, plaid shirts, chunky belts and boots. For a sexier interpretation, mix Western elements with femme fatale ones: an embellished crop top, slinky dress or silk trench coat with dusty cowgirl boots, say, or a pair of denim overalls with heels.



---    Colors
Gold, gold, gold!
head-to-toe white was the most noticeable trend to come off the catwalks

Chromatic Energy- mettalic sheens of all colors

Color Trends: Combinations of metallic with neutrals; reds, whites and blues; citruses (lime, lemon, grapefruit, blood orange, tangerine); robin’s egg blues, sepia tones and tea stains. Patterns in seersucker, stripes, gingham, and houndstooth will also be trending.

Pink- There’s still plenty of style mileage left in the hue that makes boys wink. Best worn as one hero-piece, such as a coat  or jacket. Unexpected pink accents soften spring's athletic and edgy looks. {light shades, mainly} the season's best blushes were done up in everything from leather to ruffled gowns

Pastels- Along with pink, mint green and other pastel favorites showed up on the runway.

Monochrome/ Black and White- This classic combination will continue its run well into spring and summer.

Metallics + Iridescence- Satin and metallics in every colour of the rainbow brought a heavy dose of glamour to proceedings this season. For a cool shiny vibe go for a satin suit or else work sheeny fabrics for day to night – these piece are far too pretty to be saved for best.

White- White-on-white ensembles continue to be chic.

Orange is the New Black


---    Shapes, Patterns etc
base distinction- basic shapes especially popular for metal jewelry {ovals, squares, circles, etc}
patterns and prints- florals, geometric, etc
Tropic Thunder- Even the most staunch city dwellers can appreciate a lush flora and fauna print. Prepare to get transported to paradise in rompers, jumpsuits, dresses and tees that showcase everything from palm fronds to hibiscus.
Florals
Team your neon florals and botanical blooms with edgy attitude and offbeat accessories, like metallic glam rock accessories, sky high sandals or chilled-out trainers. The two tribes within this trend are polar extremes - it's either the lady-like treatment or sassy urbanite styling.

Matchy (Mis-)Matchy
Spring 2014’s hottest look is no doubt about wearing one print on all items of clothing and accessories, or to clash several patterns in one outfit. If that seems too daring, then the third approach to this hot trend is to work one colour splashed on everything: shoes, bags, phone cover, the works. Too much is simply not enough.

Geometric Prints
Flashback to geometry class for next season's print craze: grids, triangles, concentric circles and more.

Logo-Mania {Say it loud and proud}
Next season we’ll all be wearing our style on our sleeve as that 90’s staple makes a marked comeback. Whichever message you choose to transmit, make sure it makes a subversive statement.
Whether your clothes are shouting a motto or a brand, make sure its from the rooftops

---    Textures
Blue Jean Baby- All associations with the Texas tuxedo aside, denim on demin has basically evolved into a stylish institution. In a variety of washes, jean has gone high fashion, showing up on everything from tailored suiting to pencil skirts and trenches.
Fifty Shades of Suede- Say goodbye to safari drab. From the emerald green outfits on the Calvin Klein Collection runway to Ralph Lauren's lilac-colored trench and a pair of eye-catching fuchsia hot shorts at Emilio Pucci, the recent Resort collections were chock-full of vibrant suede pieces.
Lacy Sights- There was no shortage of lace in the latest lineups. While many took fine filigree in a romantic direction, designers including Christian Dior's Raf Simons, Derek Lam, and Christopher Kane sharpened up the typically feminine stuff with graphic mesh insets and webbed overlays that gave the fabric a new zing.


---    Other
How about bugs? There's no summer without 'em, and there's no shortage of items with bugs as a motif (jewelry, for example). I'm thinking of CUTE bugs, f course - ladybugs, butterflies, cicadas, dragonflies, bees....not the OTHER kind.
Aaah yes, birds, bees, bugs...the bird houses have been lovely lately on Etsy, but don't forget about all the amazing bird Feeders out there. I've got some in my shop made out of upcycled vintage traffic signal lenses-they rock especially in the urban garden. And the wild summer birds are enjoying them immensely. Yay for summer! All those items are gettin' me in the summer mood for sure-nice.

References to Harry Potter, Brave, Alice in Wonderland — all trending in pop culture. Think in terms of symbols like arrows, birds, wizardry, magic, enchanted forests, rabbits, and whimsy.
Consider other current movies for 2014 that everyone is raving about, and pull symbols or color combinations from them.

Gardening items are still going strong in the northern hemisphere. Remember to think about {gardening, and animal husbandry} products for fall, spring, and winter seasons. by stocking for all seasons you get the early and late shoppers, as well as international sales.

Home Decor: Alfresco {outdoor} living, canopies, furniture and lighting elements. Collections and organizational solutions incorporating with vintage finds. Natural materials, sturdy and textured raw fabrics. Fireplaces and pits, outdoor kitchens, string lights and lanterns, window curtains, drapes, shower curtains, bedding and hardware. play equipment, outdoor playhouses, sports equipment, outdoors games {think giant chess sets for the lawn, or outdoor bowling etc}.

Kids toys and other items: birthdays are all year round, so kids items do well just about any time of year.

Summer Travel: The international vacation, tropical and cultural fashions, jet-setting, adventure, traditional heritage events, souvenirs, travel gear, accessories, and luggage. Toys, activities, and entertainment for the little ones. Think in terms of the beach, countryside, forest and mountains. Outdoor activities on the rise include camping, biking, hiking, fun at the beach, fishing, and water sports.

Collecting: Summer months bring an opportune time to take advantage of antiquing, collecting, flea markets, outdoor bazaars, and vintage renewal.

Fashion: References to Americana, stripes, seersucker, nautical, preppy, and classic styles return with the Fourth of July. Grecian styles, empire waists, tunics, asymmetrical and A-line cuts are trending.
 Broader options for summer focus on showing some skin, open toed shoes, lightweight materials, and sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, makeup, balms, hats and coverups.

Summer Living: Garden parties, outdoor picnics, barbecues, family get togethers, poolside, beach and lake weekend getaways, summer camping, biking, hiking, camping, backpacking, outdoor sports, gear and other activities. Planting, harvesting, preparing, and dining from the garden and local foods. Shopping at markets, going to festivals, relaxing.

Culinary Trends: Food preservation and canning. DIY culinary kits are on the rise. Classic cocktails, homebrewing, beer and wine accessories, herb infusions and kits, garden to table.
 Expect farmer’s markets, seasonal food options, raising animals, community gardens, and co-ops to continue to grow in popularity. Think in terms of how you can lend to these concepts in the form of tabletop accessories, containers, tools, and seasonal calendars. July’s seasonal food options include carrots, gooseberries, strawberries, spinach, tomatoes, watercress, cauliflower, fennel, asparagus, cabbage, celery, cherries, lettuce, nectarines, new potatoes, oyster mushrooms, peas, peaches, radish, raspberries, rhubarb, french beans, trout, pilchards, clams, pike, and pigeon.


---    Specific Items
Knuckle Rings
ear cuffs
crop tops {a more modest approach by layering with a cami underneath or a high waist pants/skirt was showcased on the runways}
Satchel Rage- We've witnessed a move toward more structured handbags recently, and Resort was all about two-handled satchels, which turned up at Lanvin, Givenchy, Fendi, and more.
Micro Wave- Crop tops weren't the only short orders this season. Designers like Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, and Mary Katrantzou put the legs on display, too, with upper-thigh-grazing miniskirts that require a nice pair of stems.
Trouser Roles- Pin-thin stovepipes are officially over. In keeping with the season's focus on easy elegance, the favored pants silhouette of the moment is low-slung and ultra-relaxed. Baggy, billowy trousers turned up in the latest lineups from
Cold Shoulder- How to wear: Don’t bare all for SS14, instead tease the rest of your torso into a frock but showcase your décolletage and collar bone.

Pleats? Yes, Please.- How to wear: Go for tight pleats on dresses, skirts and accessories. The broader pleat is a thing of the past… Well, for now.
Sheer greatness- Lace, mesh, and all things sheer continue to be on trend.
Full Skirts- The voluminous ladylike silhouette is here to stay. Pair the tea-length skirt with tights and boots during the winter. This ladylike trend is ideal because aside from looking like a princess, it accentuates the smallest part of the body: the waist

Fringing- Fringing takes on a broad range of styles for spring 2014. On the runways, it wasn’t just cowgirl and it wasn’t just flapper; I guess you could say it just was. Spanning eveningwear to casual, fringing and tassels swished onto the scene and found new ways to make a mark.
Wear it now: leather, silk, beading… if you can find a piece that works some fringing into the equation, invest.


----------------
    dates to remember

 The ruby is July’s birthstone, and July’s astrological signs are Cancer and Leo (June 22 – July 22: Cancer, July 23 – August 23: Leo).

July is known as
National Blueberries Month
Cell Phone Courtesy Month
National Ice Cream Month
National Grilling Month
National Horseradish Month
National Hot Dog Month

    July 1 Canada Day
    July 4 Independence Day (4th of July)
    July 4: Hot Dog Eating Contest, Coney Island
    July 9 Independence Day (Argentina)
    July 13 Embrace your Geekness Day
    July 14 Bastille Day
    July 20 Marine Day (Japan)
    July 24 Amelia Earhart Day
    July 24 National Drive-Thru Day
    July 27 Parents' Day 2014

events in july
 World Cup
 Tour de France
 Men’s Fashion Week, Paris
 National summer sales (France)
 Shark Week

Pagan/Wiccan Calendar
*source: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/a/2013-Pagan-Wiccan-Calendar.htm
    4: Independence Day
    7: Celtic Tree Month of Oak ends
    8: Celtic Tree Month of Holly begins
    13: Birthday of Dr. John Dee in 1527
    19: Rebecca Nurse is hanged in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692
    22: Full moon -- Blessing Moon at 2:16 pm
    31: Birthday of author JK Rowling

Spring Summer 2014 Trends

Hot colors for Spring/Summer 2014  {think March through August}

Pink

There’s still plenty of style mileage left in the hue that makes boys wink. Best worn as one hero-piece, such as a coat  or jacket. Unexpected pink accents soften spring's athletic and edgy looks.

Pastels
Along with pink, mint green and other pastel favorites showed up on the runway.

Monochrome/ Black and White
This classic combination will continue its run well into spring and summer.

Metallics + Iridescence
Satin and metallics in every colour of the rainbow brought a heavy dose of glamour to proceedings this season. For a cool shiny vibe go for a satin suit or else work sheeny fabrics for day to night – these piece are far too pretty to be saved for best.

White
White-on-white ensembles continue to be chic.

Orange is the New Black


Hot Themes and textures

Florals
Team your neon florals and botanical blooms with edgy attitude and offbeat accessories, like metallic glam rock accessories, sky high sandals or chilled-out trainers. The two tribes within this trend are polar extremes - it's either the lady-like treatment or sassy urbanite styling.

Matchy (Mis-)Matchy

Spring 2014’s hottest look is no doubt about wearing one print on all items of clothing and accessories, or to clash several patterns in one outfit. If that seems too daring, then the third approach to this hot trend is to work one colour splashed on everything: shoes, bags, phone cover, the works. Too much is simply not enough.

Geometric Prints
Flashback to geometry class for next season's print craze: grids, triangles, concentric circles and more.

Logo-Mania {Say it loud and proud}

Next season we’ll all be wearing our style on our sleeve as that 90’s staple makes a marked comeback. Whichever message you choose to transmit, make sure it makes a subversive statement.
Whether your clothes are shouting a motto or a brand, make sure its from the rooftops

Cold Shoulder
How to wear: Don’t bare all for SS14, instead tease the rest of your torso into a frock but showcase your décolletage and collar bone.

Pleats? Yes, Please.
How to wear: Go for tight pleats on dresses, skirts and accessories. The broader pleat is a thing of the past… Well, for now.



Styles That are a hit for spring summer 2014

Bohemian Rhapsody

As seen at: Anna Sui(pictured), Topshop Unique, Chanel, Jonathan Saunders, Gucci
How to wear: The key SS14 take on boho blends the romantic 70s maxi dress and floppy hat with 60s Broderie Anglaise dresses, throwing in retro sunnies for good measure. Poster girls for this look include long-standing Brit It-girl, Alexa Chung and LA’s fashion sorceress, Rachel Zoe.

True Rock-mance
As seen at: Saint Laurent (pictured), Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Moschino, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang
How to wear: Mix one part 90s grunge with two parts Metallica fan-girl, any you’ll be on your merry way to tapping into one of the season’s most hardcore looks. If in doubt, paint it black and make it leather.

Athleticism
An athletic aesthetic clearly took over the runways, most notably, baseball caps, tennis-inspired dresses and varsity jackets. Wear them separate or all together.

Cowgirl mashup.
Urban cowgirl. Showgirl cowgirl. Bra-bearing Rosie-the-riveter cowgirl. Squeezing Western elements into outfits in unexpected ways kept thematic overkill at bay, and signalled a little sub-trend rising up in cowboy boots and embroidered shirts and low-slung oversized belts. Donna Karan, Rodarte and Alexis Mabille respectively brought the aforementioned urban/showgirl/wartime interpretations, while Louis Vuitton’s embellished jeans and Miu Miu’s use of fringing and suede added to the suggestion of a growing spring 2014 fashion trend.
Wear it now: this one is perfect for the fall / winter season as well as for spring, so you can get on it from anywhere in the world. Keep it cool and effortless in slouchy denims, plaid shirts, chunky belts and boots. For a sexier interpretation, mix Western elements with femme fatale ones: an embellished crop top, slinky dress or silk trench coat with dusty cowgirl boots, say, or a pair of denim overalls with heels.



Other Trends to look for

Sheer greatness

Lace, mesh, and all things sheer continue to be on trend.

Full Skirts
The voluminous ladylike silhouette is here to stay. Pair the tea-length skirt with tights and boots during the winter. This ladylike trend is ideal because aside from looking like a princess, it accentuates the smallest part of the body: the waist

Fringing
Fringing takes on a broad range of styles for spring 2014. On the runways, it wasn’t just cowgirl and it wasn’t just flapper; I guess you could say it just was. Spanning eveningwear to casual, fringing and tassels swished onto the scene and found new ways to make a mark.
Wear it now: leather, silk, beading… if you can find a piece that works some fringing into the equation, invest.