So what will you wear?

Well, we're here to help.

Are you the Bride?
If you are, we're sure you're perfectly calm these days, right?  It's a big day, but filled with love, friends, celebration...and dancing!  There's the Silver Sky Ruffle Dress for the Engagement Party:

  You’ll need a dress for your Bridal Shower.  Try The Sequin Shift, a playful eye-catcher that shimmers as you work the room:

And when it's time to shine for the Rehearsal Dinner, try the Time To Shine Dress:

And let's not forget the honeymoon!  Wow him in the sleek, stretch satin beauty of the Timeless Dress:

Have you found the right dress for your Bridesmaids?  The Twist Dress has them gliding in colorful chiffon:

Mother of the bride?  Nothing's too good for her, but all eyes will be on you too, so you need the perfect dress.  Classic, dazzling, comfortable since you'll be busy doing on The Day - and most importantly, it's got to be you!  Try The Party Perfect shirtdress:

Maybe you're the Mother Of The Groom - arrive in classic style in our Timeless Style Dress:  

Ok, so you're a Guest Of The Wedding.  You'll be in lots of photos and you'll want to look your best.  The Donna Ricco fit is legendary.  And we have plenty of looks with as much comfort as style. 

Evening Wedding?  It's about understated style, with plenty of functionality.

Daytime Wedding? It's all about color! 

So whatever you're looking for - from chiffons  

to an eye-catcher  

...or you're ready to go bold!    Check out our boldly color-blocked Sassy Sarong Dress, the exotic East Meets West Dress, the sultry red Origami Pleat Dress or the sizzling Hot In The City Dress.  Or go for a  flirty floral with our Flourishing Floral Dress.   We’ve got something for you.

Alright ladies, let’s talk.  Did you lavish the new couple with the top gift on their list?  That’s no problem.  Check our Sale Page for fantastic deals on some show-stoppers, like After Hours, Blossoms To Blooms, Satin Finish Dress, In Nature and  The Twist Dress.

And for great ideas and advice, whether you're the Bride or a Guest, check out MarthaStewartWeddings.com for the latest in wedding fashion trends.

The Sugar and Spice Dress. Colorful yet casual, this versatile dress is perfect for everyday wear. From picnic or barbeque to paired with the the Three Quarter Sleeve Cardigan in black or The Essential Shrug in white for the office – this dress has it all.	The Fablue-ess Dress. Royal blue is definitely my favorite color to wear and this just happens to be uber eye-popping! The shirring creates a slimming effect: just grab some heels and jewelry and you’re all set for date night!	The Peplum Dress. I have really adored peplum since it first burst onto the fashion scene and this dress does it just right: feminine and flattering without being too over-the-top and the bow detail is just an added bonus! If you’re looking for a dress for that special soiree, look no further!

I hope that helps showcase some of the amazing dresses up for grabs but be sure to check all of them out for yourself to find the one (or ones!) that will work best for you!

The Sale Away” sale ends Monday 4/23, so hurry now before it sails away!

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.

Perhaps you had a sunny winter - or maybe you had plenty of snow – either way we're here to tell you - we LOVE Spring and we've got great new Spring dresses for you and plenty more coming so you can arrive in STYLE this Spring! 

We’ve got new flirty florals, fabulous new shapes,  figure-flattering sheaths and chic chiffons all new for you!  Nothing’s more effortless than a dress, so GET DRESSED!

Spring is a time of change, and we've done a little of that too.  As you can see we've made some changes to DonnaRicco.com:  bright colors on every page and a great new way to show you our bright, beautiful dresses!  Our new displays help keep the focus on every detail of the dress and help make your choices easy.

Thanks to your feedback, we've made changes to your online Return process too.  Here are 4 easy steps to help you try it out:

1.  Log into My Account.  On the Account Dashboard, there will be a list of your recent orders.

 2.  Next to your Complete^** order, click on the View Order link then click on the Return link. It’s located in the top right corner.

 3.  Enter your contact e-mail address.

4.  In the section for Return Items Information, select the item(s) you wish to return, the quantity, the desired resolution, item condition, reason to return, and any additional comments, then click Submit.

On the left sidebar, when you click My Returns you can view your pending return and check the status of any recent returns.

 **Your order must have a Complete status for you to request Return Authorization.

We love receiving your feedback so let us know what you think about our new look and our new easy Returns process.

As always, thank you for shopping with us at DonnaRicco.com.  And don’t forget to Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and PIN! your favorite dresses!

We always love to see what YOU love to wear from Donna Ricco... so we took your Top 10 Favorite dresses and you can now have them for 30% off!... Happy Shopping!

This time of year we weren't surprised to see that the "Time to Shine" dress hit number ONE as our top Customer Favorite!

With the on-trend and oh-so-wearable one shoulder detail, the shimmering sequin under layer bodice, and luxurious haze shaded flowing chiffon... this dress is perfect for occasions all throughout the year!  You can accessorize with cool jewelry and hot colored shoes for any Holiday parties that are coming up!  Cheers!

The Donna Ricco "Hot Spots" dress is also a top Customer Favorite!

The ruffle neck, surplice bodice in an always stylish animal print, and a black skirt (attached) are the perfect elements of style!  This is a look you can pull off for a fabulous soiree and feel confident and sexy doing it!

Another Customer Favorite is the Donna Ricco "Luxe Be a Lady" dress!

A fabulous silhouette with longer sleeves for some warmth and coverage, sequins detail adding shimmer and shine, and shift styling for a contemporary look!  This is an amazing dress for desk to dinner and anywhere in between.  

You can accessorize with tights and boots or slip into some high heels for a completely different look!

These are three of our our Top 10 Customer favorites!  

Check out what else is on the Hot List and for a limited time receive 30% off our Top 10 Customer Favorites!!

Happy Shopping!!

so hurry up and get your dresses!  

Here are some of our top final sale dresses from Donna Ricco customers:

The Satin Finish Dress is at the top of your list and we know why!  This dress has the perfect styling and color for all year round!  A dress that has multiple end uses is so important in these difficult economic times and you can't go wrong with a special price of $46.00!  

Cheers!! 

Another FINAL SALE top seller is the Modern Roll Neck dress!  

This dress is a great transition dress because it can be worn with a cute pair of pumps, then with tights and tall black boots for a completly different look!  

See how Kathie Lee Gifford did it...

The top third FINAL SALE customer favorite is The Every "Body" Dress!  

We think this dress has it all!  This dress is what we call a "non-print" print... which means it is a printed dress, but it is very easy to wear since it is not too much print.  The neutral tones mixed with pops of color also make this dress easier to wear and less scary for some of you who don't like too much color.  Finally, it is a jersey dress that has ease and comfort so it can literally take you from morning to night and you'll still feel amazing and confident!  

Hands down... one of our fav's too! 

We hope you enjoy shopping our FINAL SALE and don't forget we have some beautiful

"NEW ARRIVALS" as well!

Happy Shopping!

and right now there are some amazing dresses at prices that even we can't believe!

Some of our favorite hidden gems that are part of our FINAL SALE product:

The Little Black Dress is a staple in most ladies closets

and this dress is one that you have to have!

Final Sale Price:  $42.00

Animal prints are hot, hot, hot all season long and this dress is a great transition dress for Summer into Fall and back into Summer!  

The styling is so flattering and we have the perfect shrugs to pair with this dress for a little warmth during the fall months!

Final Sale Price:  $42.00

Red Dress Alert!  

This is one Red hot dress that is the perfect shade and silhouette for a night on the town or a cocktail party!  The dress has beautiful origami inspired pleating at the bodice and is in a luxurious stretch satin fabric that moves with you...

and above all, a dress that can be worn with confidence!

Final Sale Price:  $46.00

We hope you enjoy shopping our FINAL SALE as much as we love having it!  

Happy Shopping!

Please note: Items marked as Final Sale- No returns, exchanges, store credit or refunds will be honored on Final Sale items.

Stop and Stare Dress

We love this dress for it's fitted silhouette and easy cowl neck line.  Paired with a pair of black peep toe pumps and an animal print belt, this classic style dress in a bold red color would be perfect to wear  front and center to the Michael Kors show.

Line by Line Dress

 Another great sophisticaed silhouette for fall!  Not only do we love the simplicity of the black and grey stripes, but we can't get enough of the inset waist and small leather belt detail.  Which designer's show might you spot us at in this Donna Ricco dress?  None other than Donna Karan.

 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!

The Return of the Bustle - 1883

While women's fashion in the 1870's started to introduce long, lean lines, fashion saw a re-emergence of "the bustle".  Now characterized by skirts with fullness beginning in the back of the waist and tight corseted tops,  the "S" shape was now in vogue.  During this same time, organizers in London founded the "Rational Dress Society" so as to "protests against the introduction of any fashion in dress that either deforms the figure, impedes the movements of the body, or in any way tends to injure the health.."  

 This same year, CoCo Chanel, mother of relaxed and functional women's wear was born!

1945- 1960 From the end of World War II to The New Look

Following the end of World War II, women saw extreme revival and innovation in fashion.  From Dior's New Look in the late 1940's to the undying trends of then First Lady Jackie O, fashion was as diverse as ever, full of color and experimental hem lengths. The New Look, characterized by cinched waists, full skirts and soft shoulder pads was an updated, more comfortable look from that of the previous 50 years.  Jackie O became a fashion icon, known for her famous pillbox hats and tailored suits.  Freedom rang throughout the expression of women's wear and paved the way for timeless chic.

Diversity Drives Fashion into a New Millenium: 1990 – Present

After decades of specific style defining a period in time and gender, the 1990’s were distinguished individuality.   Trends largely varied and women began to see strong transitions away from spending a lot of time on their appearance to effortless, eclectic dressing.  More characteristically, fashion has become extremely accessible.  Dresses have made their journey from the crinnolen era and time intensive dressing to being able to slip one on and walk out the door to work.  How women dress and why has taken on almost as much diversity as the clothing themselves. 

To the Office

Who has time to fuss over fashion?  Gone are the days of laying out your outfits the night before work, and in are the days of effortless chic.  A simple solution for the office, pair this dress with flat leather shoes, a great fitting blazer, sophisticated briefcase, and you're on your way to work!

On the Town

We love a dress that takes us from the office to a night out in a matter of minutes.  Treat yourself to one last summer pedicure (or two), pop off the blazer from a day's work, and slip your feet into your favorite "out on the town" shoes. Since this dress is a bold statement in itself, we recommend a simple heel with a pop of color, a purse small enough to maintain elegance but large enough to hold the necessities, and your favorite red lipstick!  

Weekend

What's easier on a summer weekend than visiting the farmers market, a great flea market or hosting a lovely family BBQ in a beautiful dress? We can't think of much!  Enjoy the perils of summer in this Donna Ricco dress with comfortable sandals, shades to protect your eyes, and a lovely straw basket to hold your market treasures.

Fall

As summer fades and fall breezes move through the air, take your dress with you into the next season!  With it's rich harvest colors  “Here Comes the Sun” is just the right piece to transition into your fall wardrobe.  Layer with a great wrap sweater, black tights and your favorite boots for a whole new look!

Every month we add new product to Donnaricco.com.  Some amazing new pieces have just arrived and they are great transitional pieces from Summer into Fall (and beyond!).

Let's start with the Mad for Plaid Dress!  This dress is an amazing addition to the  Donna Ricco line.  It is sleeveless, so it is still comfortable for the hot weather we're  getting.  Once things start to cool down, add a little shrug on top, some tights and  boots, and you have an entirely new look!  Super Chic!

This Borderline Floral Dress is a new twist on one of Donna's signature dresses (which is also a major customer favorite!!)  This silhouette has a slight cap sleeve, with a surplice neckline (completely flattering) and a ruffle detail with some shirring down the front.  You can wear this dress all year around and it is in a luxurious stretch satin material giving you an amazing fit!

 The Animal instinct dress is another must have dress for all year long!  We like to call  this a "non-print" print:  meaning for those of you afraid of wearing print... don't be with  this dress!  This neutral animal inspired dress has a slimming black panel that  elongates the body.  The cowl neckline and wrapped front add to the figure flattering  details of the dress.  This is one dress your closet won't see in it for very long  because you will wear it for everything!

We hope you love the new product coming out on donnaricco.com and remember...

"Life feels different in a Dress!"  

Happy Shopping!

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! 

 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!

.    

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! 

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! 

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! 

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

The month of August is also known to bring on the summer heat, so when departing on your summer adventures you will definitively need the perfect summer travel dress!  The key to stylish traveling is finding a material that doesn't wrinkle easily, and is comfortable enough to wear for hours on end!! Then to amp up your style add fun accessories that can be worn even when you're on the run! 

The below dresses are a great example of the perfect Summer Travel dress.  The matte jersey material is comfortable and won't wrinkle the first time you sit down (or the second & third!), and the color is fantastic! Since it is summer reach for bright, fun colors, you are going on vacation after all!

When traveling in the summer heat, it is usually best to wear something not so constricting, rather than something that is figure skimming. The below style is great when traveling to somewhere hot... like desert air hot! So reach for something that flows with your body and what is better than an on trend print dress!  

If you are traveling somewhere that is not as warm as you are used to this time of year, a three-quarter length sleeve is the way to go. You still have that summery feel because you are wearing a dress and hopefully reaching for a bright color... Even taking a swing at color blocking – pair your favorite bright colors or bring it back to black or neutral tone. By having the three-quarter length sleeve, it takes away the chill and still has that bright color look so you will still be reminded that it really is summer time!  

Last but definitely not least... the LBD! Every woman needs a Little Black Dress for her travels! It is the most versatile thing in your closet, because after you have finished your jet setting, all you need to do before hitting the town is throw on a fabulous pair of heels and some darling jewelry! 

So remember, where ever your travels take you this summer and however you're getting there 

a dress is always best!! 

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?

If you aren't too keen on the idea of pairing  pink with orange... yes it does work ladies... do not fret you can still hop on the fearless fashion band wagon! Try wearing one bold color in monochromatic pieces like dresses! Dresses are easy to do with this trend because you can just pick one color that suits you and play around with accessories. It takes away the fear of pairing the wrong blouse with that bright green skirt you just bought (which a yellow would go perfectly with, by the way...).

Take this teal number, it is a great color that will allow you to stand out in the crowd, but because of it's classic cut you look ready for business! 

If the long sleeves are throwing you off, I understand it is summertime! Try this magenta sleeveless dress! 

These two colors on their own are fantastic, but pairing them together is even more fun! So if you are ready to go head first into this BOLD trend, try mixing and matching! This teal and magenta would make a great combination! Just remember to stick with basic pieces when mixing bold colors. By wearing classic pieces with these bold colors you will be right on trend, by moving away from simple classic cuts you will have taken being bold a little (a lot) too far! 

Good luck with the colors of the rainbow! 

Shirting the Issue: 

This is a great choice for this specific occasion, especially if you are hosting! It is a great cut, and allows you the freedom to run around and be social with out having to worry about any dress casualties. The print is perfect for the Fourth of July, you get to show your pride in blue, and then by pairing this dress with red accessories, everything from a head scarf to wedges, you become an American dream! 

Simply Chic: 

This dress is a classic A- Line shape that is very flattering and gives a clean classic cut look. White is a great color anytime in the summer, and since you'll want to embrace the American spirit, it is a easy color to "decorate". Like the one above, this dress can be paired with any red or blue accessories, giving you some creative freedom when getting dressed for your celebrations! 

In Bloom: 

This is perfect summer dress, and really hits the nail on the head for the Fourth of July. Even though there isn't any blue you still cover your bases with red and white, and this dress is such a classic American cut. It gives an amazing hourglass silhouette, almost like a modern day fifties dress skirt, with a summer print. Allowing you to embrace any task whether it be as hostess or the perfect guest, as it is such a easy breezy dress to wear! 

Fablue-ess: 

Unfortunately the weather doesn't always work in our favor, so if you are celebrating Indpendence Day somewhere there is a bit of a chill in the air, or rain, don't worry Donna understands! So you can always look to wear a fabulous elbow length sleeve dress. This allows you to embrace summer by wearing a dress in a bold color, and stay warm despite any chills that might be in the air! This dress is especially perfect for the occasion because what says "America!" more than a bold blue dress? 

Remember getting dressed up for holiday parties is supposed to be fun, whether you are going to a black tie affair, or just a simple BBQ, have fun! It is one of the freedoms we have,  to play around with what we wear, and enjoy ourselves while doing so! 

Happy Fourth of July! Have a safe weekend! 

The Burger: An American Classic, when people think of American food it is one of the first dishes to come to mind! Now everyone has their favorite way to eat a burger, so lets try a twist that will enlighten any taste bud! 

 A Bacon Swiss Burger with Avocado: This option is close to the classic Bacon Cheeseburger. By changing the cheese to Swiss and adding the Avocado you create a different flavor experience for your guests. The avocado adds a great summer taste to the heavy classic, making it feel lighter and a little more refreshing! 

{click photo for recipe!}

A Burger with Mozzarella and Spinach- Arugula Pesto: This burger is perfect for those looking for a lighter fare. The beef meat can be easily replaced with turkey, chicken, or a even Portobello mushroom! It is an Italian twist on the burger, that also makes the it feel like lighter dish for that hot summer evening! 

{click photo for recipe!}

Along with the main dish every BBQ needs a good side. Since it is summer, fresh vegetables are in season and help you avoid an uncomfortably full stomach in the heat. 

Red White and Blue Potato Salad: 

Potato Salads are one of the essential side dishes at summer BBQs, so why not show your American Pride by coordinating this scrumptious side dish with our country's colors! This potato salad is simple, but the addition of blue cheese gives a surprising twist. 

{click photo for recipe!}

Corn is a summer BBQ staple, whether you prefer it on the cob or off is your prerogative, but to keep things a little less messy we decided to go with a cool corn salad for this celebration! Corn salad can be made anyway you like it, so put in your favorite summer vegetables and create your own concoction! We have thing for avocados so this recipe really hit a home run! 

{click photo for recipe!}

Now for your grand finale, as it is America's Independence day we shall end with another All- American classic, a pie. Instead of doing the classic apple pie, which is good but very Thanksgiving, try replacing the apples with strawberries, or any berries for that matter! Berries are a delicious summer fruit and are great for pies, they add a little bit of sweet and sour to your taste buds! 

{click photo for recipe!}

Happy Cooking! 

1. Tiki Torches: These are the best for your summer wonderland! They not only look amazing, but they keep away those pesky mosquitoes! 

2. Picnic Table with a Gingham Tablecloth: A basic, but all- American backyard necessity. Obviously the picnic table makes it easy to host dinners outside in the summer, while the gingham tablecloth adds a Fourth of July celebratory feel.

3. Candles: Candles make great centerpieces, like the tiki torches they kill two birds with one stone. They not only keep the table well lit for when the sun goes down, but they create an amazing ambiance for your party.

4. Sparklers: Not everyone is lucky enough to have fireworks on the Fourth of July, but don't let that get you down! There are other ways to enjoy this sparkly holiday! Sparklers are a great way for the kids to enjoy the sparkle of the Fourth of July. If you prefer not to have your children playing with sparklers then buy some jam jars and let them catch fireflies, its a great summer past time! They can even decorate the jars and keep them for the summer! 

5. Red, White, and Blue: Anything in these three colors will add to the atmosphere for your Fourth of July party. Whether you are a fan of streamers, balloons, or Chinese lantern, you will have an array of choices when you go to any party store. Have fun and don't go too overboard, always remember less is more! 

Although in the end all you really need to make your Fourth of July special is some good food and drinks, and even better company!

Happy Planning! 

For your day at work pair this piece with a blazer and you are all set for business professional.

Then at night, we get to go a little crazy! 

Then Donna brought me in to watch her in action during a fitting!

Finally, after learning about all the "ins and outs" of design Donna and I sat down and discussed her summer essentials. 

Check out what she had to say! 

1. What are the three things we would find in your beach bag this summer?

Donna:

Well a colorful pareo (*also known as a sarong). Secondly, a straw sun hat, you need to protect your face from the sun! Then sunblock of course! I may have olive skin, but I still want to protect it from harmful sun rays!

2.  You have a great hairstyle, how do you keep it so perfectly put together in the summer time? 

Donna:

My hair is naturally straight, it does have a little wave, but I just wash, dry, and use a flat iron. I have been doing my hair this way for so long that it is really quick to put together, although I do get it trimmed a lot to keep it looking healthy.

3. What are three suggestions you have to keep chic in the summer heat? 

Donna:

Wear comfy shoes! If your feet are happy, you have happy experiences! I like that flats are more acceptable in the summer, there isn't a need to wear killer shoes. Just make sure you look appropriate for the office, flip flops are for the beach! Wear a dress, they're cool and comfortable, and they look great with a cute pair of flats or wedges in the summer heat! Last but not least use the summer to relax! It is a time to be more casual and laid back, a time when rules can be broken. 

4. What are some of your favorite summer outings, and what would you wear to them?  

Donna:

I like to go antiquing, and for a day trip like that I would wear a pretty cotton dress with a full skirt.

Lunching in Bryant Park is always a nice break from the office in the summer time. So for that I would be at work and I would like something I can not only take to the office and a lunch, but something I can wear after work to dinner or for drinks and not worry about wrinkles!

As I said before summer is a time to relax, so taking weekends away is always nice. For a weekend away I would want a pretty dress with some color, allowing me to embrace my break! 

5. What are three additions you have made to your closet this summer?

Donna:

Bangle bracelets are a great summer addition, sometimes it's too hot to wear a necklace, and you just want your neck free. Bangles are a nice alternative, they're lighter and freshen up your wardrobe. I also like a nice light bag, the summer isn't the time to be carrying around a heavy leather bag, so having a light straw bag or a light weight canvas bag is a nice alternative. Also I learned about perferated leather bags, they would be a nice alternative as well because they're still leather, but not as heavy! Finally a light weight scarf is a great way to accesorize. It adds to an outfit without needing jewelery, especially to a solid dress, while warding off the chill of the office! Since I have short hair I like having a scarf to keep the cool air off my neck!

*Try pairing a scarf with a dress like this Donna Ricco number! 

6. What is your essential summer treat?

Donna:

                                                  A vodka seltzer with lime!                                                  

The summer is full of special occasions, weddings, anniversaries, and beachside cocktail parties; all times to put your best dress forward and allow yourself to shine! 

These dresses allow you to look simply your best! They are detailed enough so you don't have to worry about being underdressed, but simple enough to just pair with a pair of heels and look stunning! 

The summer days aren't always full of dazzling events, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look your best. With summer comes day events, time spent in the beautiful weather just enjoying what the day brings. So for all those baby showers, brunches, and picnics Donna has got you covered! 

These two dresses perfect for any of those day time events that fill our summers!

Unfortunately we don't just get "play time" in the summer, (don't we wish!) but that's all ok because we still have those long summer nights! So even though we may need to go into the office for the day we still have the sunny evenings to look forward to! 

So put away the trousers and slip into a dress, pair with a blazer and you are business professional; later take off the blazer and put on a pair of heels and you are ready for after work drinks! 

Then the best part of summer... the weekends! Nothing beats a summer weekend, nights out on the town with the girls, and fancy dinners while looking out at the sun set with a dapper fellow! So obviously we want to look dazzling when this fantastic time comes! Donna chose these two one shoulder dresses for these nights, allowing us to show off our sunkissed skin, and stop traffic in these flirty pieces! 

Check out Donna's Favorite Summer dresses and until Thursday select  Summer Dress are 30% off! 

Enjoy! 

Happy Shopping & Have a Happy and Safe Summer! 

Love,

Donna

Ever wonder where the process begins for the creation of Donna Ricco's magnificent dresses? Why the design room of course! The design process is something that no one but the designer (Donna) will ever know, but we did get a peek at the materials and all the choices to be made when creating a line! When exploring the design room we found so many different patterns and color swatches EVERYWHERE! These were just a few used for the Summer 2011, these swatches are what you see on the Donna Ricco website... except in dress form! 

After seeing these swatches there is an image of summer that came into mind. Picture yourself packing for a fabulous beach side vacation. You need a pop (or two) of color to help bring out your sun kissed glow, a funky print to show off your fun side, and a little sparkle for that romantic dinner night of dancing!

See it... I know I do! 

Just like you Donna is preping for a weekend full of sun and BBQ's and she knows exactly what she will be wearing!
 This "Take the Plunge Dress" is the perfect beach to BBQ number! It is easily packed into a beach bag, and is a great color for that sun kissed glow that has finally graced your skin! It's so easy to accessorize, just pair with a great pair of wedges and a straw bag, you can even keep on that fabulous sun hat you were wearing... we know you want to! 

There are endless options... a graceful white dress, but then it is summer so why not embrace color? Then what style? Strapless, a-line, or how about a full skirt? Well don't fret Donna Ricco has got it all under control! We have graceful whites, bright colors, and pretty prints.

So now, we at Donna Ricco would like to congratulate all Graduates and wish you all the best of luck with the opening of a new and exciting chapter in your lives! Mom this includes you too, who do you think she will be thanking after throwing her cap in the air? Enjoy this exciting time! Stop by DonnaRicco and get rid of those thoughts in the back of your minds, and fill them with you in a Donna Ricco dress! Just check out our Graduation section for dresses selected to help you look your best at the beginning of this fabulous new chapter! 

Audrey Hepburn set the standard for "Classic" pieces in Breakfast at Tiffany's 

A modern day twist of the Audrey Hepburn classic, by Donna Ricco. 

The style of the dresses at Donna Ricco allow women to follow in the footsteps of these fashionably classic ladies. At Donna Ricco we are celebrating the 3 year anniversary of a true testement to Donna's classic design. In June 2008 the first Lady herself wore a Donna Ricco dress for her appearance on the View... Now who can deny that our First Lady, Michelle Obama, is on the her way to joining the women in fashion idol history!

Our lovely First Lady, in Donna Ricco, alongside the fabulous women of the View. 

Donna Ricco herself with the dress worn by Michelle Obama! 

Like the ladies of the past Mrs. Obama tends to wear the classic A- Line pieces allowing her to show off her strong shoulders. This is a great style that suits most every body type, alongside a dress with a full skirt, these styles give us ladies a way to look effortlessly chic.  

This one shoulder Abstract Art Dress is perfect for a night on the town...Sexy and Chic yet super comfortable in a fluid jersey fabrication.  

The Sugar and Spice Dress is an on-trend amimal print in a very lady-like silhouette.  This "bra-friendly" dress (yay!) is perfect for any daytime event into evening, and you will love this silk/cotton blend... if feels so luxurious!

   The Dancing Florals Dress is a must have staple for this Summer.  It can be worn to a daytime wedding or dressed down to work with a little Donna Ricco Shrug.  It is a cotton/spandex blend so it has a very nice feel and is super comfortable for any warm weather events!  The neutral toned background paired with the stunning pops of color are perfect for those of us who like color, but like to stay a little grounded! 

Stay tuned for more New Arrivals this Summer at www.donnaricco.com!

Our Spring Cleaning Final Sale event is happening now and you can find everything from ready to wear now (some sunshine please!) or stock up on some colder weather dresses in preparation for next Fall.  Either way we have something for everyone. We have also added new styles to our daily Sale category  & New Arrivals category for you to enjoy!

We hope you enjoy adding some new pieces to your wardrobe!

Happy Shopping!

www.donnaricco.com 

Please note: Sale applies to select styles only. All discounted items are final sale. No returns, exchanges or refunds. No adjustments to prior purchases. No other offers or coupons are applicable towards the purchase of any final sale item. Product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices and availability were accurate at the time this message was sent; however, they may differ from those you see when you visit DonnaRicco.com.

Donna is pictured with her son Dexter (left), and Cooper (right).  Her oldest son Marshall is at college studying for exams so we'll have to catch up with him later.

We went behind the scenes with some of Donna's staff to see what they love about working at Donna Ricco and what they LOVE about being a Mom!

Hayam Guirgis - Production Manager at Donna Ricco

What do you love about working at Donna Ricco?

"16 year of pure Excitement!  Love the challenge & rewards every day!

I enjoy seeing Donna's new collection every season and feel proud to be part of managing & producing beautiful dresses.

The variety of dresses we make for every woman & every occasion will make you think twice about wearing anything but dresses. 

 We have a wonderful team/family here & glad to be part of it."

What do you love about being a Mom?

 Being a Mother is the best thing that ever happened in my life (next to marrying my husband of course! lol).  There is no greater joy in life than being blessed with 2 beautiful kids that love you endlessly & make your heart glow just thinking about them.

I love hearing their voices, all their cuddles & kisses, seeing their smiles, wiping their tears, take away their fears, and laughing with them without end.   The word “Mama” is a beautiful sound to me every second & as you know you could hear it more than 100 times a day. 

My beautiful daughter Gabrielle is my best friend and my precious son Jacob is my #1 fan.  What more can I ask for!   Every moment spent with my family is far beyond gratifying.  I love every aspect of being a “Mother” as its rewards are endless. 

Life is beautiful because of my kids."

Caryn Nadel Lipschutz, Account Executive/Sales

What do you love about working at Donna Ricco?

“I like that after 12 years of working here I still learn about fashion daily from Donna.  She taught me that you wear one trend, which I listened to and take off one piece of jewelry before leaving the house, which works all the time.

Walking into our showroom everyday is still a good feeling watching this company maintain its place in the market for 20 years.  Knowing that our company is always evolving, and growing, that we have had loyal customers through out the years.

Our company over the years has become a second family, home away from home, every employee here gets each other and we are a strong team, good bad or indifferent."

 What do you love about being a Mom?

Being a Mom is my greatest accomplishment, I am so proud of the men my sons have become.  They have taught me not to take myself too seriously and to laugh more.

No matter what the day brings or whatever curve balls life throws your way, seeing the smiles on their faces even at the ages 22 and 29 makes it all worth wild.”

Kristi Baudone, Director of Brand Communications

What do you love about working at Donna Ricco?

“I’ve worked for Donna Ricco for 13 years and the thing I love about it is that I am constantly learning new aspects of fashion and life every day!  Donna is not just a brand she is a woman who is inspiring and I think that is what makes it so wonderful.  We have all worked together for so long now, and it never gets boring!  We have a great team and Donna is an amazing role model.”

 What do you love about being a Mom?

“I just don’t know if there is any better feeling… My son has given me a whole new light and it amazes me everyday to watch him learn and grow.  Being a Mother changed the way I see life and it just makes everything more beautiful.”

Sharon Ramcharan, Production Coordinator

What do you love about working at Donna Ricco?

 "It’s a joy and a blessing working for such a talented Designer as Donna Ricco.

Each day is so thrilling and exciting knowing I get to be involved in various aspect of Production and experience the entire process until our beautiful dresses hit our customers. 

Donna makes it very easy for me to get ready for work each day.  Knowing I can only look in my wardrobe and find a dress that can make me feel comfortable and flattering. It also helps me to deal with less hassle and it’s definitely a time saver especially in the morning. Oftentimes, there is nothing but dresses in my closet; all I need to do is just simply pick one because her selections are just incredibly beautiful and fabulous"

What do you love about being a Mom?

"I have three children, I love the rewarding experience of being a mother to these precious children, their smiles, and kisses are what keep me going every day.

You get lots of hugs and kisses when they are young, as  they  grow up we have the best relationship ever , I feel privileged to be a mother and I know that I did the right thing  bringing them up as they will come to me and confide in me..  Experiencing life as mother is the best feeling a woman can ever have in a lifetime. "

All of us at Donna Ricco want to wish all the Mom's a very Happy Mother's Day! xo

Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe

Spring is a busy time of year, and we seem to be always on the go. Being prepared and ready for every occasion the day and night has to bring is a crucial aspect of dressing this season. To achieve this one has to go the root of the problem…the overflowing closet! Yes ladies, Spring cleaning is upon us!

Although this may seem like a daunting experience, believe us it is worth it. A more organized and fine-tuned wardrobe means more room for a refreshing, uplifting and effortless new look this spring.

April has just arrived and it is time to awaken your wardrobe from it's winter hibernation! Here are some tips on how to do so:

• Out with the old and in with the new

 This is the hardest part but don't be hesitant to throw out/hand down anything that no longer fits or is no longer in fashion- Remember fashion is forever changing. Keep your key pieces that are classic and timeless and that suit for every occasion. Store away any of your winter warmers for next year that you know you will wear again.

• Pick your Palette…Color trends this Spring

This spring is all about color! Leslie Harrington, The Color Association US explained in a recent interview that it has been a tough winter with crazy weather, so we’re going to be craving "happy, bright feel-good colors." Colors to look out for this season include yellow's green's, and shades of blue…something Donna has in abundance! Check out our Tribal ChicDress or our Color Splash Dress to brighten up your day.

April showers bring May flowers, and lots of beautiful florals at Donna Ricco!  Donna is known for her one-of-a-kind prints, and she has all of the on trend floral prints for this spring.  April is the month when everyone is ready for that warm spring air to breeze by, and in many parts of the country, it is.  But, what do we do if we still have a chill in the air?  Well, our April style guide suggests stepping out in one of Donna's beautiful floral dresses and pairing it with one of her shimmer shrugs to make your Spring look complete. 

One of our favorites is the Rose to the Occasion Dress!  You can pair this with the Gold Shimmer Shrug and be set for any event, holiday or night out!  We love this dress because of the amazing print, the gold belt detail and the cool skirt that has shirred detail and was seen all over the runway.  Donna put her twist on the dress to make it an on trend look but super wearable.

Another look not to miss for April (and spring!) is WHITE dresses!! or anything white!  You may or may not be ready, but Donna has stunning white dresses for day and night!  We love the Ever After Dress and the Simply Chic Dress!  White dresses are so fun to dress up because you can really make them your own... a fresh, clean palette to dress up with fab shoes or chunky bracelets with pops of color!  

Have fun with fashion, and put your own twists on some of Donna's Spring dresses! We want to know how you’re wearing Donna this Spring and some of your fashion tips!   

-Donna Ricco

Donna Ricco Spring 2011 Photo Shoot

Tom Puls  President-Donna Ricco

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