FIRST LOOK AT FALL TRENDS

Doncaster clothing, one of North Carolina's great family-owned companies, has thrived since it was founded in 1931 in Rutherfordton. Its business model is to sell directly to consumers through a nationwide network of wardrobe stylists.

Doncaster customers have already had first pick of the new offerings for Fall during shows its wardrobe stylists hosted recently. One of them, Marguerite Rupar, invited us to her Dilworth studio to see what's in style once cooler weather arrives.

Marguerite says when it comes to color, the two buzz words are "Wine and Pine" because burgundy wine and pine green are big trends. Also in style are floral prints, pants with a wider leg and higher waist, a variety of capes, and vests in different lengths including super long. 

Here are our favorite new looks: 

Faux Suede Trench, $695.

Leather Moto Jacket, $850.

Matte Sleeveless Cardigan, $250.

Python Zip Dress, $475.

Boho Floral Dress, $495.

Star Katherine Pant, $295, with Animal Print Ruffle Blouse, $295.

Quilted Faux Fur Vest, $450.

Reversible Paisley Print/Leopard Print Wrap, $250.

Doncaster stylists, including Marguerite, will be showing these looks, along with Winter fashions,  during limited appointment-only showings Sept. 28-Oct.7.  Details: 704-370-0433; www.doncastercharlotte.com.

OUR FAVORITE SUMMER SHIRT

Rash guard shirts aren't just for surfers anymore. Now anyone can protect their skin from the sun - and still look stylish - with the Land's End line of Swim Tee Rash Guards. The beauty of these shirts is that they can be worn on or off the beach, which is why they've become our favorite shirt for hot days spent running errands or doing other casual activities. 

They're super soft and incredibly lightweight with built-in UPF 50 sun protection that earned them a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. And the moisture wicking fabric keeps you dry and comfortable. They come in 45 different colors and prints. Normally $59, they are currently on sale for $29.99. So now is a great time to either give them a try or add a few more to your collection. 

LINGERIE TIPS & TRENDS FROM SOMA INTIMATES

In celebration of the new location of Soma Intimates at SouthPark mall, we dropped by to talk to the lingerie store's stylists. During our time at the spacious new store, we learned that although a wide age range of women shop there most customers fall in the 50 and up category. The stylists filled us in on what's popular with that demographic and shared some of their best bra tips.

Vanishing Back Full Coverage Front Close Lace Bra, $54.

Vanishing Back Full Coverage Bra: Its full coverage and wide band that smooths means it doesn't leave any lines or bulges in back. Due to customer demand, a wire-free version is now available. Some of the older customers, especially those in their 80s who may have difficulty reaching behind to hook a bra, say they appreciate that it also comes in a front closure style. 

Enticing Lift Unlined Full Coverage Bra, $58.

Enticing Lift: This new addition to Soma's collection of bras is already a hit because it has full coverage and provides support and lift without adding volume, which can cause the bra to wrinkle and pull away from the body leaving a visible line under clothes.

Bra Tips: Neutral colors (tan, ivory and black) are the most popular. Bras will last for a year if you take care of them. Always wash them in a mesh bag on delicate and make sure the back is hooked. Lay bras flat to dry - never put them in the dryer. When storing your bras, unhook them and stack them on top of each other. Never fold a bra in half. You should be fitted for a new bra at least once a year, but every six months is ideal. (Every Soma store is staffed with Expert Fit Stylists.)

Vanishing Tummy with Lace High Leg Brief, $25.

Vanishing Edge Panty: Its patented stay put technology makes panty lines vanish. It also comes in a shaping panty that has tummy control. Although there are several styles to choose from, If you buy the tummy control you'll get the best results if you buy a style with more coverage, such as the high leg brief.

Embraceable Super Soft Brief, $11. 

Embraceable Super Soft Brief: One of the best-selling panties, it's a customer favorite because it offers full coverage and is made of a material that's even more soft and breathable than cotton. 

Cool Nights Metallic Lace Nightgown, $70.

Pajamas: Soma's line of Cool Nights pajamas are made from a blend of rayon and bamboo that helps regulate body temperature while you sleep. We love that the gowns and camisoles in the collection all come with built in soft support.

LOOK LIKE AN OLYMPIAN

Look like an Olympian without having to go to Rio by shopping the Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection at Macy's. Although you won't win a medal for it, each purchase helps support the U.S. Olympic team. Now is the time to buy because these sporty and patriotic pieces will had a spark to your July Fourth festivities. Then you can wear them again during the Olympics Aug. 5-21.

Beach Towel, $60; Shirtdress, $78; Jersey T-Shirt, $55; Stretch Leggings, $98.50; Full-Zip Hoodie, $98.50; Printed Rashguard, $151; Scarf, $110.

CHARLOTTE'S HOTTEST NEW BOUTIQUE

Items at Goodwill's new GW boutique are organized by color in chic displays. 

Charlotte's hot new boutique, GW, just opened June 8 and it's destined to be a hit. Although it looks like it could be in a high-end shopping center, it's on Wilkinson Boulevard at Goodwill's shiny new Opportunity Campus, hence the name GW. 

GW boutique sells the best clothing, accessories and home decor donated to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. 

Tonya Nations, vice president of store operations, gave us a tour and we were impressed with the merchandise and the mission. It's filled with some of the best clothing and home decor items donated to Goodwill displayed in a color-block style similar to the popular chain store Charming Charlie. 

Clipboards with sheet music make a clever display for jewelry at the new GW boutique.

The prices generally range from $3 to $24, but some top designer items can be $50 and up. The boutique is run by a team of professionals with a retail background that includes Belk and Nordstrom. It's also a job training site where those who are helped by Goodwill can learn about working in retail. 

True bargain hunters will also be interested to know that the space next to GW is devoted to a new outlet store called Second Editions. It has bins of deeply discounted clothing, plus shoes, jewelry, books and items for the home that are pulled from other Goodwill stores because they weren't snapped up within three weeks. 

GW Boutique and Second Editions are at 5301 Wilkinson Boulevard. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. For details, click here.

AFFORDABLE STYLE FROM A LUXURY DESIGNER

Luxury designer Reed Krakow is making sure everyone can afford to be stylish with REED, his new lower priced line available exclusively at Kohl's. And those prices just went down more thanks to a Memorial Day Sale. To see more REED on sale, click here.

Top row, from left: Asymmetrical Colorblock Maxi Dress in Ink Combo, originally $79; on sale for $29.60. Colorblock Column Dress in Blue/Black, originally $74; on sale for $29.60. Colorblock Jumpsuit in Black/Tan, originally $98; on sale for $39.20. Ankle Jeans in Dark Blue Wash, originally $54; on sale for $21.60.

Bottom row, from left: Colorblock Vest in Black/White/Tan, originally $78; on sale for $31.20. Atlantique Large Pouch in Optic White faux leather, originally $29; on sale for $21.75. Chambray Sleeveless Shirt in Blue Wash, originally $50; on sale for $20. Scuba Midi Pencil Skirt in Boa White Black, originally $54; on sale for $21.60.

COLORFUL WORDS OF WISDOM

SHEPHERD MCMILLAN POOLE, LEFT, WITH ROBERTA FREYMANN AT THE ROBERTA ROLLER RABBIT TRUNK SHOW IN CHARLOTTE

Roberta Freymann, the designer behind the Roberta Roller Rabbit label, made an appearance in Charlotte recently. She was here for a trunk show of her summer collection that included her signature women's tunics and dresses made of superfine cotton and handcrafted by artisans in India. It was hosted by Shepherd McMillan Poole, the exclusive sales representative for the brand in Charlotte. (Shepherd hosts two trunk show a year - one in the spring and one in the fall; for updates contact her at 704-578-0226 or smpoole@me.com.)

a look from the roberta roller rabbit collection

The designer launched Roberta Roller Rabbit in 2003 after sensing women were craving more relaxed, bohemian-inspired clothing that was chic and looked good on a variety of body types. It's no wonder she hit the kurta on the head. A look into her past success at predicting fashion's next big thing is pretty amazing.

A New York Times article from 2010 credits her with being a "pashmina pioneer" in the mid-1990s and more recently for popularizing the jeweled bib necklace trend by creating a sensation with her bold necklaces made of multicolored stones.

Roberta is a native of London whose mother was a famous model and muse for Balenciaga and Jaques Fath. During the trunk show, she shared some musings of her own about Charlotte women and the one color you should keep away from your face.

Why do you think Roberta Roller Rabbit has been such a success?

"Because it's comfortable and it's very feminine, but it's not frumpy."

You've lived and traveled all over the world. What do you think about women in Charlotte?

"I love Charlotte women. They are so charming and like me, they love color."

What's one of the main things you learned about fashion from your mother?

"My mother was extremely elegant. She died at 101. She told me to never wear black - it's no good for the face."

FASHION ADVICE FROM THE FOUNDER OF LISETTE L MONTREAL

Lisette Limoges, the co-founder and creative director of the Lisette L Montréal clothing line, was in Charlotte recently for a trunk show of her fall collection at Paul Simon Women at the Village at South Park. Accompanied by her new rescue puppy, a Maltese named Jupiter, Lisette and her daughter, Kathryne, assisted a steady flow of customers - so many that there was a waiting line for the dressing rooms. (The photo above is of Kathryne, Jupiter and Lisette at Paul Simon Women.)

The brand's rise to popularity began with one item on the top of almost every woman's wardrobe wish list: A great fitting pair of pants. A built-in mesh panel for tummy control and a variety of on-trend styles and patterns to choose from keep customers coming back for more. Now the line also features skirts, tops, dresses, blazers, accessories and the athletic-inspired Lisette L Sport. 

Limoges, 66, was in Charlotte following a business trip to Charleston as one of the sponsors of the Family Circle Volvo Cup Classic tennis tournament where she met two famous fans of her designs - South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Martha Stewart. 

While at Paul Simon Women, she was kind enough to answer our fashion questions in her beautiful French-Canadian accent: 

Q: Why do you think women of all ages have responded to your designs?

A: Every woman is on the go and they want to look good and feel comfortable. Whether you're traveling or staying at home, the clothes feel good and they're wash and wear so they're easy.

Q: Are there certain ways to wear the collection depending on your age?

You have to take the pieces you love and adapt them to your body. Kathryne is wearing her pants with a fitted, shorter top. I'm wearing mine with a tunic top (the Adele 31-Inch Tunic Pull-On Blouse). It's a wardrobe staple. I have it in white and black. 

Q: What is one of the biggest trends for fall?

A: Gauchos are still coming on strong. And wearing a matching top and bottom. Kathryne is wearing that look today with her matching blazer and pants. But then she'll also break them up and wear them with other pieces. 

Q: What is your best fashion advice?

A: You have to feel good to look good. It all starts inside.

LINE UP FOR THIS NEW LABEL

Get in line to become a fan of La Ligne New York, a new clothing collection founded by fashion insiders Valerie Boster and Meredith Melling (both former Vogue editors) with Molly Howard (rag & bone's former head of development). The company's name (ligne is French for line) is a clever take on their belief that the stripe is always classic and chic.

The label offers what it describes as everyday essentials and statement pieces - all including at least one stripe. And we adore the company's motto - it really captures the fresh spirit of the clothes: "If you can't eat, dance, sleep and drink in it, we won't make it."

Top Row: Bleu Man Shirt, $195; Fluid Line Dress, $400; AAA Sweater ($275) and Pipeline Pant ($275); City Slicker, $300.

Bottom Row: Varsity Tee, $115; Signature Pareo, $95; Luxe Top, $280; Coquette Top, $335.

SPRING FASHIONS FROM TALBOTS & POPPY WHITAKER

Charity League of Charlotte, one of our city's longest-operating nonprofits, has helped children in the community since 1921. Its biggest annual fundraiser is a Fashion Show and Silent Auction Luncheon at Carmel Country Club. This year's event took place on St. Patrick's Day, so guests were lucky to see a performance by Rince na h'Eireann School of Irish Dance. WBTV anchor Molly Grantham was emcee of the fashion show that featured spring and summer essentials from Talbots at Specialty Shops on the Park and adorable cotton dresses for girls from Poppy Whitaker.

Classic pieces for spring and summer from Talbots at Specialty Shops on the Park.

Pretty little dresses with clever details from Poppy Whitaker.

A FRESH TAKE ON HALSTON'S DESIGNS

We've always admired the work of legendary American fashion designer Halston (1932-1990), and now we're also wild about the designs coming from the Halston Heritage brand that carries on his name. The current owners of Halston Heritage have managed to keep Halston's vision of relaxed luxury and 1970s glamour, but recreate it for our modern lives. 

Just like the disco anthem from Halston's Studio 54 heyday, we just keep wanting to buy "more, more, more" of the collection. Here are some of our favorite looks. To view all the offerings, click here.

Cashmere Blend Poncho Cardigan, $375. Slim Boot Linen Pant in white or black with a side slit at the hem that can be worn opened or closed, $275. Jacqueline Suede D'Orsay Shoe, $295 (also in silver metallic leather, $245). Sequined Cover Up (also in black), $295.

Silk Faile Structured Evening Skirt, $595. Organic Minaudière (one side is black, the other is white), $345. Rectangular Minaudière, $395. Lucite and Metal Large Box Minaudière, $495.

 Printed Draped Blouse, $275. Georgette Insert Poncho (also in black), $275. Pleated Poncho Top (also in black), $325. Cape Trench Coat, $495.

Wide Plaque Belk, $155. Elsa Large Slouchy Hobo Bag, $550.

MEET FRANCES VALENTINE

It's here, and it's more fabulous than we imagined.

Kate Spade, the real woman who built the Kate Spade New York brand (and then sold it), and her husband, Andy Spade, have started over fresh with a new line of Italian-made shoes and handbags called Frances Valentine. It just launched March 1 - perfect timing since there are plenty of brightly colored patent leathers, floral fabrics and gorgeous metallics to choose from. Her mix of modern whimsy rooted in classic design has us seriously crushing on this collection. 

Right now there is only one store in North Carolina selling the line (Monkee's of the Village at Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem). Go to Frances Valentine to view the glorious offerings. We want them all, but here are our favorites (prices range from $295-$595):

EXPERT EYE, EXPERT ADVICE

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Bajra shawls, $895 each, bring light to your face.

Charlotte is on the international fashion map thanks to Capitol boutique owner Laura Vinroot Poole. Her expert eye and knack for discovering new designers fuel the fashion dreams of her impressive list of customers. They adore her and her staff for their talent and wonderfully obsessive attention to customer service. 

Poole and her team attend A-list fashion shows at home and abroad to bring the best back to their chic clientele. So when she talks style for the 50 and older set, we listen. 

Most surprising confession: "I don't follow trends. I never have. I have no idea what the color or style of the moment is. I just don't think that way."

Biggest misconception about Capitol: "Throughout my career, I've had some women walk in and say that it's a young person's store and there won't be anything that will fit them. Mainly young women work here, but It's not that kind of a store. Most of my customers are in their 50s and 60s. A salesperson doesn't have to be your age to be able to help you. Working with someone who's not in your age group can help you get out of a rut."

A great fit: "Find someone to help you who's not a friend or a relative. A great salesperson can help make you look more like your true self. They can help you navigate all the styles and give you the confidence to update your look."

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Handcrafted Yaser Shaw shawl, $1200.

European inspiration: "Especially in Paris, the women all have shawls. It's amazing how a great shawl can keep you comfortable in all sorts of climates. I wear one almost every day. It sounds weird, but even in the summer a shawl can help shield you when it's hot. And I love a shawl for evening. It adds a little mystery."

Best tip: "Always think about bringing light to your face. Pearls are famous for that. It's also part of the beauty of a shawl or a great pair of earrings - to bring color near your face."

Aquazurra Lace Up Flats, $685.

Flats are where it's at: "A great flat will change your life. No one is going to be tricked into thinking you're taller because you wear uncomfortable high heels. When you're comfortable, you look more like yourself."

Biggest change: "Women buying jewelry for themselves has become a big part of my business. The old-fashioned idea was that men buy jewelry for you. Now women buy it for themselves."

A COZY CHIC SOLUTION

Deborah Williams, president of Professional Consultant Group, is out and about a lot while meeting with clients or attending events. But for those days she's at home working on her computer, she shared her solution for being cozy and chic: UGG Australia's Isla cardigan and Andrie pants. 

"They're both so soft and warm," she says. "And you can run out to the mailbox in them and still feel stylish."

"The Isla cardigan ($98) is made of soft fleece and comes in two colors. The Andrie pant is no longer available online, but try the Oralyn pant ($75) which is made of cotton jersey lined with fleece and comes in four colors; or the Farah legging ($78) that's made of fleece and comes in three colors.

The Isla cardigan, from left, Farah legging and Oralyn pant:

FAST FASHION WITH A FRENCH FLAIR

Carine Roitfeld, 61, is a Parisian-born former model who has become one of the fashion world's most influential tastemakers. On Feb. 11, she launched her second collection forJapanese fast fashion label Uniglo. Titled Uniglo X Carine Roitfeld, it features dresses, pants, tops, jackets and accessories with Roitfeld's mix of feminine and edgy flair. 

Standouts are military blouson jackets along with elegant knee-grazing skirts in three different styles: pencil, wrap and ruffle. 

If you want to order, hurry. Less than 24 hours after launching, the site is already low on stock: Uniglo.

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MILITARY BLOUSON IN OLIVE, 69.90. ALSO AVAILABLE IN OTHER MATERIAL AND COLORS. 

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RUFFLE SKIRT IN BLACK, $49.90.

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WRAP SKIRT IN KHAKI (SHOWN); ALSO AVAILABLE IN NATURAL AND OLIVE. $49.90.

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BLACK JACQUARD PENCIL SKIRT WITH A CROCODILE DESIGN, $49.90.

SPRING STYLE FROM DONCASTER

Doncaster is known for its beautiful, quality clothing worn by sophisticated women around the country. It's also one of North Carolina's great family-owned businesses that has thrived since it was founded in 1931 in Rutherfordton. Its business model is to sell directly to consumers through a nationwide network of wardrobe stylists.

The stylists will be showing Doncaster's Spring line through Feb. 12. Marguerite Rupar, one of Charlotte's Doncaster stylists, invited us to her Dilworth studio for a look at the new offerings of custom-fit pants and jeans along with elegant dresses, jackets and tops. Details: 704-370-0433; www.doncastercharlotte.com.

Here are five of our favorite styles: 

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The classic blazer gets an update with notched lapels and origami-like folds that add interest, not bulk. In Twine (shown) and Navy. $450.

A "bubble" pattern adds fun to this coat that looks equally great dressed up or down. In Sunset (shown) and Twine. $795.

An inverted pleat on the blouse and the flare of the skirt are modern yet forgiving. In Navy (shown), White, Black and Crimson. Blouse, $225; skirt, $250.

This silk blouse can be worn three different ways. In White and Black. $275. (Silver and crystal pin, $95, sold separately.)

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A subtle zebra print in gold and white adds style to this elegant, and versatile, jacket ($650) and dress ($395). The jacket is also stunning with white pants.

THE LOW DOWN ON HIGH HEELS

It seems the lower the heel, the more in step with modern fashion you are. Taking a cue from fashion runways, retailers are offering more stylish options for lower-heeled, and flat, shoes than in recent memory. That’s great news for those of us who either need a break from our higher heels, or have shunned them altogether. Here are five that work day or night.

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