This season promises to be a gratifying one for shopping. The latest women’s fashion is as easy to afford as it is to find. The season’s most prevalent trends include dots and peplum, both of which have debuted at BB1 Classic in Uptown Park.

These to-die-for Dolce & Gabbana polka dot pants run $625. With no quality compromise, you can feel hip and in-style in these fabulous stretch pants found at BB1 Classic for $149.

Another fun variation on polka dots is this revived retro print by Stella McCartney. The same feel and look can be found in several pieces by Luisa Cerano.

However lovely, this navy peplum dress by Elie Tahari is a shameful splurge at $1298. Consider its fiscal foil by Luisa Cerano.

Of course, we’re also seeing combinations, like this Oscar de la Renta printed peplum for $2290. As a devoted admirer of Isabel de Pedro, you can imagine how elated I was to find this same look at $369.

You’ll spot these dots and other hot spring items right now at BB1 Classic.

There is something to be said about cultural and financial changes in our society influencing the style of the modern woman. No longer is it mandatory to wear a pantsuit for a corporate or polished look. Women from all lifestyles are making an effort to “dress up,” and doing so with a twist.

It could be the soft flounce of a peplum on a dress as seen in the spring collection of Isabel de Pedro at women’s shopping haven, BB1 Classic,

or replacing a tailored jacket with a soft lace trim cardi from Beatrice & Sfizio that drapes gently over a pencil skirt for the office,

or merging that same cardi with a snake patterned jean for pre-school carpool.

It’s all about integrating a “cool factor” into your wardrobe that states not what you do, but rather your individual personality and lifestyle.

So, the next time you run out to fetch a Starbucks coffee, throw on a pair of patterned AZI jeans with your boucle jacket, and see how much shorter your wait in line becomes.

Visit BB1 Classic on facebook to see more looks you can do with your jacket, jeans, or cardi.

Now that Christmas, Kwanza, etc. have come and gone, it’s time to begin our Valentine’s Day wish lists. Your man will have an easy time shopping for you Uptown. A few suggestions:

A box of cupcakes from Crave are always tasteful and tasty (if predictable). Their presentation is always as beautiful as their cakes are moist and delectable.

High Gloss has its usual stow-stealing share of jewelry. Progressive pieces deftly crafted by local artists comprise collection that is most unique, particularly in an Uptown setting. Their harmonious balance of art and jewelry — bohemian and first class — gives even forerunners like sundance a run for their money.

For an even more surprising v-day gift shopping spot, checkout BB1 Classic. The current jewelry selection is a hip showcase of new designers — many limited edition edition pieces. While their jewelry collection is a bit more limited (the chic boutique’s primary focus is women’s fashion), you will find a deftly selected array of pieces spanning a spectrum of style and tastes.

Lux Life Sushi

One of my top Uptown Perks would have to be Uptown Sushi.

Cool and dark with mood lighting a la Blanche Dubois, this sultry haven is the perfect setting to put your shopping bags down, feet up, and recharge.

Warm staff keep the swanky décor comfortable and inviting, while taking great care to provide 1st class service. They happily go “off-menu” per requests (though the fare leaves little to be desired).

After a long day browsing the latest fashion, a shaggy dog roll always hits the spot.

. . . and invest in a pair of Skinny Jeans from BB1 Classic.

Available in a rainbow of colors, these super stretch jeans will make your limbs look long and lean – without fattening your wallet.

No matter what, the skinny jean has become a staple in our wardrobe, and the bold new colors make a fun counterpart to the black and brown pair we already own. No question, they do make a woman look skinny, and for those of us who have to cover up a multitude of imperfections, a longer top, tunic, or jacket does the trick.

Skinny jeans are easy to move in, and a flat shoe, platform, sexy sandal, long or short boot will change the look for so many different occasions. Great to travel in, they are comfy as the fabric is stretchy – the jean almost feels as if you wearing a legging, hence the new adopted word, “jegging.”

It’s a style that both Mom and her daughter can wear; the rise may differ a little, but BB1 Classic will have you covered both ways. Stop by Uptown Park or shop the latest fashion online to see the latest styles. We are loving the new contrast color combo – they sure give an illusion of thin!

So refresh, revitalize and relax. The look is cool in summer blues, but you will look hot in winter hues!

Congratulations to BB1 Classic, a premiere women’s fashion destination in Uptown Park, for receiving the US Commerce Association 2012 Award for “Best of Local Business” Women’s Specialty Clothing Store — for the 4th consecutive year.

The US Commerce Association (USCA) “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses nationwide. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that have achieved exceptional success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that contribute to the positive image of small businesses through service to their customers and community.

GhostZip Bag: a cool Italian product that perfectly matches the new trend

Three friends from Milan-Italy and an idea: a zip that once done becomes a bag, a tie or even a furniture complement.

The breakthrough happened, and in a big way, when they presented their line of bags at “L’artigiano in fiera” in Milan (The Craftsman’s Fair) where twenty kilometers of zip were sold in nine days (it corresponds roughly to two thousand bags).

Paris Hilton, Aida Yespica and Ela Weber are just some of the personalities seen sporting a GhostZip bag. The company even earned a quote in Wikipedia under “cerniera” (zip in Italian).

What’s the recipe for their success? Perseverance, an unparalleled attention to details, a super quality and an unstoppable creativity. Colors, shapes and functions are declined endlessly in a varied number of products, satisfying even the most exigent of customers.

Sporty, elegant, small, big, each bag has something for everyone.

GhostZip arrives now in the United States on preview sales thanks to Laura Bernardi, a global brand manager and a marketing consultant whose desire to encourage and support young Italian entrepreneurs.

Every GhostZip bag is an all-italian handmade product protected by a patent. The GhostZip bag can carry up to 32Kg (65 pound). All zip are made in Italy and ISO 9001 certified by Kiwa Gastec Sicert.

Despite being handmade in Italy, the prices are very affordable.

Convenient for those who travel: when unzipped, it fits in a minimum amount of space and can be machine-washed.

Laura is sure the GhostZip bags will be a tremendous success here. She says “they make a fantastic gift idea… an unzipped GHOSTZIP turning into a bag always brings a smile. They are so beautifully and cleverly designed and the range of color perfectly match with the new trends”

A complete selection of the Ghostzip Bags is exclusively available at BB1 Classic, in Houston. Shop women’s fashion online or shop at Uptown Park Shopping Center in the Galleria area.

Chiara Colombi, Professor in Fashion Design at Politecnico di Milano, Italy – Trend Researcher and Fashion Consultant introduce the new trend and explain why the Ghostzip is the perfect accessory.

“Mix and match and no total look is the new rule: accessory makes the look so it must be an original one.” she said, “The trends for next summer will come from the influence of the next Olympics: special attention to technical materials (the zip is ad hoc as new material) and gold (metallic accents and accessories and then, again the zip).

The colors are glazed so still very bright pastels (as evolution of the fluo touch) and hot tropical – very brilliant warm colors.”

Material research is essential to innovate aesthetic qualities and functionalities. The zip is a new material and the bags made of Zip are the perfect combination, especially if they are Made in Italy!

Cabo, Cannes, Caprice – all good things seem to begin with a “C” these days.

Women’s fashion online at BB1 Classic displays the perfect Colorful Collection from Cappopera. Made in Italy, this Capsule of floral and eyelet pants, skirts, dresses, and tops will take your breath away and make you feel like you are at a lush resort.

The easy stretch fabrics with playful zipper and grommet details Can take you from dawn to dusk and adapt to any occasion.

Caviar and Cocktails, anyone?

Admittedly, shoe shopping options in Uptown Park are limited, but as so often the case, quantity and quality have little in common.

Lenny e Cia is one of a handful of special boutiques that has made such a unique impression on me that it has actually become a frequent setting for my recurring (good) dreams.

Tucked in the northwest corner of Uptown Park, you may have noticed Lenny e Cia last time you were enjoying a wine flight outside The Tasting Room – but perhaps you missed it. The store exterior is decidedly minimalist, painted soft beige and with understated eggshell white awnings in clean, elegant lines. So when you step inside, you are completely unprepared for the eye-popping showcase before you. Immaculate fixtures display luxurious shoes (and tenderly-selected accessories) under illumination so warm and glowing Blanche Dubois would have never left.

Besides their own designs, you’ll find a selection of other fine brands, including Melissa, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gautier, and more – all gleaming footwear heels and flats in bright, bold colors.

Check them out next time the mood strikes you to shop unique women’s fashion in Houston.