While browsing the new spring line from Donna Ricco I was instantly inspired to plan a tropical getaway!  I mean, why not?  NYC just can’t seem to make up its mind regarding the weather – getting my hopes up one week with unseasonably warm temperatures and then just letting me down the next frigid week! I’m in desperate need of some fun in the sun!

I hear the islands of Maldives are nice this time of year (well, actually I didn’t but I just finished reading an article detailing an enviable trip an author took to a couple of the resorts there and thought: yep, that’s the place). 

Now, what to wear?  For my inevitably long flight, I’ll be sporting DR’s East Meets West Dress, the perfect balance of cute and casual with a fitting name to boot!  Fresh off the hydroplane, an islander will welcome me to one of the remote islands with a refreshing coconut to quench my thirst after the long trip it took to arrive in paradise, mmm!

Then, a quick change into DR’s Sheer Beauty Dress, with all its vibrant colors, on my way to a festive beach party – umbrella drink in hand, big floppy hat and sand beneath my toes!  Doesn’t that sound exquisite?  

Well, a girl can dream at least.

For now, I’ll pray to the weather gods that New York will shape up to have a breathtaking spring/summer so that I can parade around in that Sheer Beauty Dress/drink/hat ensemble on a fabulous rooftop with all the feel of a tropical getaway but a little closer to home.

With fall right around the corner, what better way to kick off the start of the new season with Mercedes Benz  Fashion Week?  Here in New York, the streets are bustling around the Lincoln Center as designers, models and fashionistas prepare for one of the biggest night in the industry!

 Friday is here and so is a much anticipated three day weekend!  As the last weekend of summer vacation is upon us, we here at Donna Ricco have our beach bags packed, our picnic baskets stocked full of perfect picnic food, and our favorite summer dresses ready for one more stylish wear.

 Where will you wear your Donna Ricco this weekend?  A picnic in the park?  A family BBQ?  On a shoreline with your toes in the sand?  Share with us!

Wheverever you find yourself, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! And don't put your white away just yet - we have plenty of ideas in store on how to preserve and carry your favorite white statement pieces into fall.  Stay tuned!

In the meantime, take a look at some of our favorite Labor Day  dresses and where you might find us around New York in Donna Ricco.

Grey Matters Dress

Dinner with  loved ones at The Central Park Boathouse, followed by a lovely evening stroll through the park!

Shirting the Issue Dress

atching the sunset on a boat cruise in Montauk after a day in the sun.

What's Knot to Love Dress

Attending an evening show at The Lincoln Center!

As Labor Day approaches, we're taking a look at the evolution of women's fashion from the late 1800's to present day - how not only the aesthetic of fashion has changed, but the attidue of women towards fashion and the role this plays in today's culture.

One of the many reasons we here at Donna Ricco love our dresses is for their ease and versatility.  Whether we're mothers, students or career oriented women, it might be safe to say we all agree looking fabulous can and should be fun and effortless! To help you enjoy those little moments in life that zoom past and keep you free from any wardrobe stresses, we're taking you from Daytime to Evening in a few easy steps while also throwing in a few tips and tricks for weekends and even fall!  One dress, four different ways.  Ready, set, dress!

We always tend to look forward to the weekend that when Monday comes most of us get what we call "the Monday blues".  Well, we have the cure for those blues at donnaricco.com!  Two words:  New Arrivals!!

This Friday we thought we would let things chil out a little... why you may ask? Well our research here at Donna Ricco has led us to discover that after this weekend there is officially only one month of summer left... gasp... We know this is a shocking discovery. So to acknowledge the end of our dear friend the month of July and say hello to another named August we believe we should just sit back and Smile. 

In addition to a fun loving song... which hopefully made you do the summer song sway (that bizarre movement that happens whenever you listen to a upliftingly relaxing tune)! We thought that we should add in some color to make you Smile! Since summer isn't finished yet color is a necessary item! Also wearing bright colors does make you happier so why not!

Both of these dresses are a classic fit, meaning it is a style that will flatter any body type! We chose these dresses because of their simple style and fun, smile enducing colors! 

Even better these dresses are super easy to accessorize!

 Pair these dresses with a pair of nude heels, or if you're looking for a more casual look try a pair of woven wedges in a light tan color! As for jewelery you can really go either way! Whichever you prefer silver or gold! Just pick a couple of bracelets, yes you can wear couple with this style, and a pair of simple earrings. The earrings can be dangle but don't need to be anything too fancy! Remember just do what makes you smile! 

 Happy July! 

So getting ready includes many different (sometimes difficult) steps (especially on those special dress up days). So here to help is a little "hair to" guide... get hair to instead of how to... We decided to pair some of today's popular styles with their perfect hair partner... celeb pictures included! 

 This year the one shoulder dress has been a huge hit! It is a dress that gives off a strong impact on its own, so keep your hair simple. You definitely want to show off your shoulders when sporting this dress so try a low messy bun. This way you look as though little effort was put into your hair, allowing your dress to shine! 

 A dress with a deep "V", especially like the one below with the decorated collar, needs a classic and clean look. Try tying your hair up in a flirty ponytail, you can have it loose or slicked back, whichever you prefer. By having your hair back you show off the collar and a beautiful neckline.

An embellished neckline is similar to the "V" neck dress. It too deserves for your hair to be pulled back so try a sleek ballerina bun, or if you would prefer a more casual style put your hair up in a relaxed ponytail or bun!

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A classic shape, especially in these summer months, is the tank (or sleeveless) dress. This is a more casual look that really allows you to do whatever you feel like with your hair. This is the style that would be glamed up a bit with some flowy curls, or a pretty half up half down look.

For all of you fabulous short haired ladies reading do not fret we have some ideas for you too! 

1. ACCESSORIZE!! Play with clips and pretty barretts... no they're not just for your daughters and nieces! 

2. Try new looks like a pixie cut or just add some layers if you prefer volume! 

Dresses look great with short hair! It allows you to accentuate the beauty of the dress you choose to portray you... so Rock It! 

Happy Hairdressing! 

It occurred to us that we haven't posted on one of the most important style nights we have as lovely ladies... date night! For some, what to wear on these occasions can be utterly simple, but not for all.

So we took it upon ourselves at Donna Ricco to help those of you (and us) figure out what to wear, and for what type of date! 

First there is the classic dinner and a movie combination. This is a casual date, you don't want to go over dressed on a movie and dinner date, so just play it simple. By keeping it simple we don't mean just show up in jeans and a tee-shirt, you want to look more excited than that! So choose a dress, something you might wear in the day as well.

You can pair the dress with heels if you so choose, but nothing too high or dressy remember casual! 

Next there is that special dinner date, usually involving a dashingly handsome man who sweeps you off your feet and brings you to the hippest, classiest place!   So for these nights you obviously must look your best! 

Finally there is the lunch date.  These dates are when your dashing man decides to suprise you with a picnic in the park, or if it has past that time a lovely lunch filled with hand holding and yummy cafe lattes! This is a date that doesn't take too much effort to prepare for so embrace it! Throw on a dress and you are all set! 

Whether your going on a date with someone new or your long time love... you always want to look and feel your best.  And let's remember ladies, "life feels different in a dress!"

Happy Dating! 

Last Thurday night Donna and her husband Tom went for a chic dinner with friends 

at Lure Fishbar in Soho NYC!  After hearing about the fun they had we began to think about fun weekend nights ! 

Nights on the town usually include a basic list of fabulous things (including but not limited to) :

• * fine dining 
• *fun music (which hopefully means fun dance moves)! 
• *great company
• *even better fashion! 

So for our nights out on the town we chose some fun and flirty dresses that emulate all the fun you have on those great weekend nights! 

This leopard dress is great for those nights of fancy dinners and classy drinks! You look the part, yet keep that playful sexy vibe! 

This magenta bombshell is a great dinner to dancing dress! If you like to get up and shake your groove thing then this is the dress for you! It is a classic fit that allows for you to twirl, while the dress moves with you... lets hope your date can keep up too! 

Finally, this dress is for those daring ladies who are really ready to hit the town running! For those of you who hit the clubs and are prepared to dance the night away this is your show stopping dress! 

So what ever your night on the town looks like Donna Ricco has got the dress for you! 

Happy Monday! 

Finally it's Friday... a day that leads us into two days of FREEDOM from the daily grind!!  We know - we can’t wait either!  So to celebrate Friday in all of its sheer and utter glory, the Daily Donna is going kick off the weekend with Funky Fridays!   Why not ease into the weekend blasting some fantastic tunes?  So while you stare (or possibly glare) at the clock to start your weekend, have a mini dance party of your own to prepare yourself for the fun you will have when the clock strikes! 

This week we chose "Firework" by Katy Perry, a newfound classic that we can't help but smile when we listen to. We know you'll find yourself grinning ear to ear with this song too, don't deny it! Plus, it's a great song to jump around to, gets that blood flowing, you're going to need to burn some calories if you're going to barbeque and partake in some cocktails!

Obviously, we could not leave you without a fabulous ensemble to go with this equally fabulous tune! For a song and a weekend inspired by being a "firework”, you need to be wearing something that shows your true colors! Let yourself go crazy!! We at Donna Ricco would pick a dress full of life and color that really shows off our fun side! 

This dress is not for a wall flower, this dress says I am here and I look FABULOUS!!! A true way to embrace your inner "firework"! Pair this with a pair of nude heels and some silver bangles and earrings (our personal favorites are hoops) and voila "firework".

Happy Weekend Everyone

xox

We  LOVE getting pictures of you fabulous ladies wearing Donna Ricco. So when you shared your photos with us obviously we must share them with the rest of the world! One Donna fan, Clare, sent us pictures of her in a Donna Ricco dress at work! She proved that when you go to work that doesn't mean you have to put away all the colors and prints in your closet! In fact we at Donna Ricco would like you to embrace them, just like Clare did! 

 

So why not try a print or some color... or both! 

These dresses are perfect for someone who isn't necessarily ready for big blasts of color, but is ready for some fun print in their workday wardrobe! Pair them with some nuetral pumps and some simple jewelry giving you a playful yet professional look! 

 

   

 

Now if print just isn't your thing we understand it isn't for everyone! So why not step out of the neutral color palette and grab some color?

A great color to start with is coral. Coral looks good on any skin tone. It  brings some bright into your life and is easy to work with. Especially for the summer coral is a great color to reach for! 

If coral isn't at the top of your list try this aqua blue! As it is summer it will excentuate any color the sun has given you ... even if it is just a freckle! These two colors are great for the summer and for adding a pop of color into your wardrobe, pair either of them with a Donna Ricco Shrug, or just leave your arms bare, plus a pair of nude pumps= perfection! 

 

    

 

Now for those daring to wear print and color! We have a few ideas for you! 

 

     

      

These are some prints with some color to allow you to express your fun side while being office appropriate! Many women aren't comfortable with wearing print dresses to work, but as long as you are wearing appropriately cut dresses like the ones above you will look and feel oh-so-chic!

Now bring some fun into your work week! 

Get Dressed!

 

 

 

Everyone needs some down home family time, even fabulous fashion designers! So to take a break Donna and her husband Tom took a trip with their sons, Marshall, Cooper & Dexter to Tucson, Arizona and Chicago, Illinois. 

While away Donna and her family did more than sit by the pool, though that wouldn't be too bad! They took trips to Miller's Surplus Store; a famous military surplus store that Donna and her family visit whenever they are in Tucson, went on hikes, and visited Titan Missle Museum.

The boys ready for take-off! 

Donna and her main men at Sabino Canyon!  

 Dexter, Marshall, and Cooper conquer Sabino Canyon! 

When hiking the family had to stay on the road, the trails were closed off due to fire hazards! Its a good thing that they went to Miller's Surplus Store to search for some cool military hats cause that is a one hot trail! 

Donna and her Dad in Chicago.

 Donna and Marshall. 

Donna and Dexter. 

     

At the Titan Missile Museum Donna was chosen out of the crowd to control the simulated launch of the missle! Here they experienced the inner workings of an underground missle site that kept America safe during the Cold War!

 

The boys after a pick game of hoops! Mr. Ricco definitely won MVP! 

Donna and her family spent time BBQ-ing with family and catching up After a fun trip and some family time it is back to "real life", but the time spent with family makes it  worth it! 

How do you like to spend your family time?

Be BOLD this summer in bright colors. 

The holidays are a great time for friends, food and nice conversation... the only question is what to wear? 

What would a Fourth of July celebration be without great BBQ style eats? Here are some tips to make your Independence day menu delicious!! 

It's almost the Fourth of July! Lets start planning the party shall we?

In prepartation for the weekend, Donna has some style tips to take your look from business professional to night on the town ready! 

Check out our interview with Donna Ricco about her summer essentials! 

Take a look at the designs and prints from this summer's collection! 

Take the Plunge this weekend with Donna Ricco! 

Caps off to our 2011 Graduates!

Donna Ricco provides every woman a way to follow in the footsteps of the past's classically chic fashionistas. 

Getting ready to heat things up this Summer with our New Arrivals at www.Donnaricco.com!

Donnaricco.com is having one of our biggest sales of the year... SPRING CLEANING!!

Come behind the scenes with Donna and her team on this Mother's Day...

Get ready for spring with Donna Ricco’s new spring line. Springtime dresses should be fun & flirty with flower inspired patterns & bold colors. The dresses in Donna’s spring line truly capture the essence of this fabulous season while allowing you to look your springtime best! Comfort and style are paired together effortlessly through Donna’s dresses, which makes it easy to wear her dresses to almost any occasion or event, and the 2011 spring line proves that elegance doesn’t have to be difficult! Some particularly alluring spring dresses include the ‘One With Nature Floral Dress’, and the ‘Catch the Bouquet’ dress. The ‘One with Nature Floral Dress’ embodies the idea of spring with the fresh colored floral pattern and the stylish one shoulder silhouette. The ‘Catch the Bouquet’ dress is flowing and bright, perfect for springtime warmth and sun. The embellished neckline adds a hint of elegance to the piece, yet the versatility of the dress makes it appropriate for any spring or summer event!

FYI, tried on 2 new Resort stock dresses and they looked and fit great!:

8840681M  - Cumin Stretch Cotton Twill

8970434M - Stretch Denim with Studs and Belt

Can't wait to wear them!

Donna Ricco

Designer

Donna Ricco Spring 2011 Photo Shoot

Spring is right around the corner and Donna Ricco has an amazing new line that will be available starting next month! Put away those winter sweaters… It's time to get DRESSED!

Style 8554537M in Dark Charcoal in Weight Watchers Magazine January/February 2011 issue.

Style 8681571M in color Lacquer

New York Market week is under way and the Donna Ricco showroom busy busy busy! Our buyers aren't afraid of a little snow coming our way! Fashion must go on!

Welcome to DONNARICCO.COM next version. I am pleased that our new website is launching for 2011. We are a fashion site first and foremost, always putting our best and most recent designs out to you. The new site will make viewing, searching and buying Donna Ricco fashions an easier, faster and much more pleasing experience for you, our customers. Look for additional features and benefits in the weeks ahead. Thank you for your loyalty and support.   

Tom Puls  President-Donna Ricco

At Donna Ricco we want to first wish everyone a very happy, safe and healthy New Year!  

As you can see, we are updating our look and really listening to your comments on what you would like to see at Donnaricco.com.  We will gradually be making more changes to give you the best shopping experience possible.  Please continue to let us know how you're feeling, what you love, what you don't love, and just about anything.

The Daily Donna will give you a behind the scenes look at Donna Ricco in action with her design team, photo shoots, fashion tips and advice, press and much more!  Anything you want to know, just ask!

We really look forward to a great 2011 with you as our wonderful customers and stay tuned for all the news!

All the best,

Kristi

Brand Manager at Donna Ricco