Dear Friends,
We just can't believe it! Our first newsletter...and, even more exciting, we have a website! Visit us at www.francesheffernan.com and "stroll" through our virtual tour. Send a note to your favorite sales associate or just window shop on the web.
And, watch for more info about FRANNIE, our sister store, opening this spring in the space next door. Are we busy??? Don't ask...
In this holiday season, I want to personally thank you for your business. We value your loyalty and are always thinking of ways to make Frances Heffernan a place where you are comfortable in creating your own personal fashion statement. I've tried to capture this attitude on the "Our Philosophy" page on the website. See if you don't agree.
Stop in the store soon and say "hello"...and PLEASE let me know what you think of the newsletter and website...while you shop for your favorite little thing.

Warmly,



 
 

FH In the Press
Chicago City Guide featured us in their November issue and again in January. They took some fabulous shots at Millennium Park with Douglas Hannant's evening gowns. The cover was shot at the "Cloudgate" structure designed by artist Anish Kapoor, now under wraps until spring. But Millennium Park is still worth the trip. Definitely a smash hit. Kudos to Mayor Daley.
In fact, if you're downtown for any reason you should make time to see the spectacular "Jackie" exhibit at the Field Museum through May 8, 2005. It's more than a fabulous fashion show; it's a history lesson in how her taste and passion for the arts influenced American diplomacy. And it was only 40 years ago. So many changes in such a short time!

 
 
New Designers
Dorothee Schumacher, for FRANNIE
New Jewelry
Lauren Harper
New Employees
Hollis Pertzborn
New Footwear and Bags
Henry Beguelin


 


 
For Resort/Holiday 2004-5


WINTER WHITE - Freshen up your wardrobe with lots of clean and alluring winter white! Wear a new soft mohair or fur blend sweater to work, a sparkly new dress to a special holiday party, or lots of winter white fur to keep you warm. An alternative to black, winter white becomes the new neutral, and the fashion color to be seen in.



NEW FRESH COLOR - Color has taken on a new softness and feminine charm. We believe these lightened brights are so flattering for everyone whether in an array of knit tops, prints, or accessories. Apricot, watermelon, banana, soft turquoise, eau de Nile-these are the new mouth-watering colors of the season.



THE JEWELED BAG - Whether sparkling with sequins, beads, or chunky gemstones, a great sparkling evening bag is this year's must have fashion accessory! Choose your look in either black, silver, gold, or multi color...and carry a little handbag that's sophisticated, glamorous, or just plain fun.



THE FEMININE CAMI - You've seen the look of the season...a feminine cami worn under the ever important jacket, coat, cardigan. What fun it would be to have a wardrobe of camis this season...bare and sexy but always feminine with lots of lace, trimming, or sparkle. It's the perfect top to update the most basic black pant or skirt.



THE FASHION COAT - The coat has become a fashion item...functional, for winter, but even more fun as the stylish outfit completer for every look. Look to the deluxe fabrics from satin, brocade and velvet, to fun fur and chic Jackie O. We especially love the classic tweeds now embellished with lots of sparkle, novelty buttons, fancy trimming, and fur collars to follow the "more is more" fashion trend for 04/05. Try on a new coat, you'll be glad you did!



FUR, FUR FUR! - Even if you already have a little (or a big) fur something, you'll want more fur in new and different items! We invite you to come in and see our great fur capes and stoles, bags and scarves. And, don't forget that simple touches of fur trim may just be the most elegant way to go! Wear fur in its natural colors or colored for fun-something with fur signals your fashion savvy this season.



THE CAPELET - More feminine than the poncho or shawl, the capelet and shrug are the newest overpieces of the season. These special little tops capture a charm and allure when just covering the shoulders and worn over feminine cami's and bare dresses. We love the capelet and shrug in glamorous fur or delicate lace-you can choose one that's just right for you.



EMBELLISHED VELVET - The most deluxe fabric of the season decorated with beads, sequins, and rhinestones...what could be better?! Or, more glamorous, or more trend-right?! Try on a new way to feel special and fashionable. Wrap yourself up in the plushest velvet jacket, coat, pant, scarf; add a little sparkle, and have the merriest season ever.

 

With Douglas Hannant
Douglas is one of the 55 designers we bring to our customers at Frances Heffernan. You may have seen some of his gowns in the Rush University Medical Center Fashion show. They looked grand on models, Susan Bulley, Abra Prentice Wilkin, Ann Casson, Cynthia Chereskin, Kimberly Vertolli Kirk, Shauna Montgomery, Sarah O'Rourke Schrup, Teresa Wilkie, and Mmes. Caleel and Wilson. I am so proud that we've been part of this fabulous fundraiser for over 70 years.
Here's a little more of the story about Douglas.
An Illinois native, Douglas Hannant launched his first collection in the fall of 1996. His debut collection set the stage for him to redefine luxury for the modern American woman. Hannant filled a gap in the luxury market with his couture sportswear separates in which he blended day and evening with a youthful regard that is both sexy and elegant.
Hannant succeeds in distinguishing himself from other designers through his innate understanding of luxurious fabrics, exotic furs, and innovative embroideries.
In addition to Susan, Abra and other Frances Heffernan customers, Douglas also dresses Charlize Theron, Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lorraine Bracco, Celine Dion, Marisa Berenson, Patricia Clarkson.

 
 
Frances Heffernan Calendar
January
19,20,21,22 Sale
23 Sale, open 10-4


February
Trunk Show Dates:
Feb 3-4 Temple St. Clair fine jewelry, Wolford Camis
Feb 8-9 Maria Pinto
Day and Eveningwear
Feb 10-11 Yeohlee The Collection
Feb 11-12 One Girl Who
TS Dixin
Feb 17-18 Neil Bieff Eveningwear

 
  To keep up with all the news and especially news about FRANNIE, sign up for our newsletter and visit our website at www.francesheffernan.com