TREND WATCH: Holiday sparkle

Holiday season is here, do you have your party shoes?

Lori's does!

We have countless choices for fabulous evening footwear, each of which will let your feet; your perfect cocktail dress; your personality, sparkle. Accessories that glitter and glow should be the hallmark of every soiree swinging girl come December.

After all, what makes spirits brighter than a sexy, glistening platform and a new favorite little clutch?!

Lori's is partial to peep toes this year. Richard Tyler has a delightful d'Orsay dish with black lace overlay, while Nina's impressed us with its array of all shoes shiny. Take a peek at the Vadonna, Gelsi, and Bolina (all $80 and under, too!).

Remember, party shoes are about glamour and fun. Choose the one (or two!) that bring out the sparkle in you.

STYLE WATCH: Spring colors

The leaves are only just hitting the ground, but we're already thinking about spring styles!

Lori returned recently from the Spring 2007 buying trip to Milan, Italy, where hundreds and hundreds of designers were showcasing their brand new warm weather fashions. (Check out Lori's most recent Passport to Fashion entry, where she scrapbooks the ins and outs of the trip.)

At the Milan show, she and Brian spotted several of next season's key trends, including woven shoes and minimalist strappy sandals. But what was also noticeable was the fabulous array of color on tap for Spring '07.

So you can start planning your wardrobe now, here's a Top Five preview:
1. Straberry Ice
2. Opal Grey
3. Sky Blue
4. Golden Apricto
5. Cafe Creme

Can't wait!

LORI'S SUCCESS STORIES: Help me with bridal jewelry!

This Lori's success story took place a few months ago, but we were particularly proud of how things turned out and wanted to share!

A Spring bride-to-be came into our Lincoln Park store, searching for the perfect wedding necklace. She had previously fallen head over heels for it and was ready to say "I do" to purchasing. Unfortunately, it was a style from a previous season that we hadn't had in the store in a bit. No worries, jewelry buyer Janet was there to lend assistance and one of Lori's favorite vendors, Marie Chavez, couldn't have been more heroic!

Not only did Janet and Marie track down the perfect nuptial necklace, but Marie made custom bracelets for each of the bridesmaids. Did we mention it all happened in about two weeks?!

It did.

And it was well worth it, as the entire party was beautifully accessorized for the dreamy destination wedding. Hurrah for happily ever after!

We do not have the exact pictures, but check out current designs from jewelry superstar Marie Chavez.

TREND WATCH: Cast your vote!

It's November and election day is right around the corner. At Lori's, we're campaigning on a fashionable platform.

A black patent Jeffrey Campbell platform, that is!

We support the Park because it's a comfortable way to add height, and the shoe's glossy patent leather pops nicely against this season's knits and wools. Lori wears hers with cuffed shorts and a tailored wool jacket for night events; and with cropped, slim pants for long days on the campaign trail.

Of course, behind every winning candidate is a great running mate. At Lori's, it's the Park in classic brown suede. The soft leathered partner is sophisticated and versatile, always ready to be paired with whatever trouser, jean or dress that comes its way.

We say, red state or blue state, cast your vote for the Park!