ANDREA'S BEAU

Homebase: Washington, D.C.

DESIGNER: Andrea Chafetz

Sizes: Children through adult; Wholesale prices: $4.50-$25; $20-$40 for special occasion pieces

With 23 years offering fine hair accessories to the children's market, Andrea Chafetz, a longtime proponent of Internet sales and marketing, has relaunched www.andreasbeau.com. "Our new site," says Chafetz, "features sharper images, truer color depiction, and much, much easier navigation." What has stayed the same for stores and buyers? "Easy access to in-stock and new items that can be found between the trade shows, convenient shopping and the excellent personal service customers have come to expect."

Fall 2009 is "all about textures that evoke comfort, as in a warm throw on a chilly night," the designer says. To achieve the "by the fireside" look, Chafetz, an obsessive shopper of fine textiles and trims, is employing cable knits, chenille, and soft fun fur in dramatic jewel tones. 

Vintage Sequins

Velvet Cookie

For a formal look, Chafetz is continuing with her popular Treasures collection. Working in two palettes: muted pastel tones embellished with elaborate metallic embroidery, and rich, lush fabrics with ornate details. Styles like Vintage Sequin shimmers with embroidery that's reminiscent of the 1930's. Her Velvet Cookie blends sophisticated fabrications with playful embellishments.

A big hit in Chafetz's collection is the new soft headbands. "Our customers are telling us they love the styles and the easy to use, super-comfortable adjustable strap," says Chafetz. "It's a total winner."

Girls (and their moms) can look like ballerinas without having to do a plie! The front piece can be moved close to the forehead and the back can be spaced closer to the crown for that Degas' dancer look. The adjustable back band allows the wearer a custom fit.

Adjustable back band

Japanese Garland collection

Special occasions call for special accessories and Chafetz's Crystal Rhinestone hairpin fits the bill. Hand woven from silver plating, the delicate piece glimmers like a snowflake with genuine Swarovski crystals and pearls.

(To celebrate the relaunch, retailers will receive a promotional discount on online orders until the end of March 2009.)

Telephone: 202-966-7004

E-mail: Info@andreasbeau.com

www.andreasbeau.com

Originally published March 4, 2009