Happy New Year! We know you’ve already made your resolutions, but there’s one more we want to sneak onto your list. In 2008, dare to try something new! We’re not talking about a wholesale reinvention of yourself, we’re talking about tippy toeing a few steps outside of your comfort zone to discover new looks. There are some fantastic trends coming for 2008, and it’d be a shame if you missed out because of a lack of encouragement. So, we’ll be your pep squad!

Just remember this—don’t knock it till you try it. What may look “so not me” on a hanger could look drop dead stunning on. If we had a nickel for every time a customer was reluctant to try something new, only to give it a whirl and end up loving it, we’d have a 2-week spa resort vacation, including flight, paid entirely in nickels. Now, about all that new trend stuff….

We’re creating a new editorial feature called Trend Report. It’ll be a place for you to find all the hot new trends for the coming season, and of course, our expert Stylists will frequent Trend Report, giving you some fantastic and practical outfit ideas to help you wear it all. Coming soon, we’ll keep you posted.

With shoe shopping, it always comes down to, “Do I need these?” To figure out what you need, you need to first find out what you already have. Time to clean out the shoe closet! You might rediscover some old favorites, and find out if those “timeless” heels actually make sense a few years after the big splurge. It took a weekend to get through my collection, and I did find a few holes. With all the holiday discounts it’s a good time to fill them!

I’m pretty covered in the boot department. I have a lot of polished “formal” boots, but these nonchalant F-Troupe Flat Boots are a must have casual addition, great over tights or skinny high-waisted jeans.

I love flats but don’t have any ballet flats. F-Troupe’s Polka Dot Ballet Flats and quilted Criss Cross Mary Janes are fun, and the Sam Edelman Capri Ankle Flats in patent are an absolute must have this season, perfect and perky with tights and tunic tops!

The disco ball TOMS Shoes Silver Glitter Slip On Shoes were too retro fabulous to pass up and are the newest addition. Breathable and super comfy with built-in arch support, I’ve been wearing these every day. At $48 and for a good cause, I’m considering every color to have a pair for home, the office, the warehouse, and the car trunk just in case.

That makes six additions to my shoe collection this season, but hey, I need 'em all!

Don't forget to check out Kick It Up: The Shoe Lookbook.

SAN FRANCISCO - Tobi kicked off the holiday season in festive style with a party hosted at Ozumo in the heart of SOMA. Employees and models alike dressed in dashing attire and were served contemporary Japanese cuisine. Check out the coverage below, where Tobi Style Scout captured the magic of the night through the outfitted and their outfitters.

To view larger images, visit Tobi's Flickr page.

From solids to prints and dress shirts to dresses, Tobi exemplifies the season's hottest looks with its coveted brands. Here are some of Tobi's own in memorable key pieces that are great options for your own holiday parties.

Without a doubt, this year's party captured the essence of Tobi--people having a great time while looking and feeling their best!  Elated with accomplishment for 2007, smiles for photos with friends and models and toasts all around closed this night of fashionable holiday celebration. Happy Holidays from Tobi!

Share your comments with us at feedback@tobi.com!

Designers are giving the collar some attention this season. And, from what we’ve seen, the clock is ticking on oversized and floppy. Slim, tapered, and skinny are the buzz for suiting and casual. Whether it’s your new Helmut Lang suit or Cheap Monday jeans, a disco collar would look pretty silly. Here are some smart and very sharp suggestions for dress up and every day.

Rag and Bone spring samples came in and we’re ready to go on safari! In men’s and women’s, Rag and Bone for Spring 2008 is a nice mix of military and resort with signature tailoring taking the theme outside of the expected. It’s amazing how Neville and Wainwright reinvent standards for a collection that’s both familiar and new. If you’re not already a fan you will be.

		SAN FRANCISCO - The sportcoat, a.k.a. blazer, isn't just for prep schools, court rooms or yacht clubs anymore. It has been reclaimed as an everyday cover. This week, Tobi Style Scout spotted three who take their blazers from indoors to outside, and day to night effortlessly.

Rag & Bone Lady Chamberlain Jacket	Helmut Lang Single Breasted Jacket	Borne Siren Suit Jacket	SONIA by Sonia Rykiel Polka Dot Button Jacket
Diesel Jultras Jacket	Modern Amusement Future Blazer	Acne Jeans Aktie Suit Jacket	Opening Ceremony Removable Collar Blazer

Share your comments with us at feedback@tobi.com!

It was hard, but it had to be done. I retired all of my low-rise skinnies. Packed away, bon voyage, no tears, I’ll write you muffin top. Unless you want to carbon date yourself, I suggest you do the same. They’ve been on their way out for months, don’t be the last one standing! So you take my advice, what’s going to replace the fresh void in your denim wall?

It takes some getting used to, but don’t knock it till you try it—the high waist. Yes, it’s an acquired taste but the trick is finding the right cut for your body shape, and to do that you can’t throw in the towel after trying on just one or a few pairs. There is surprising variety too. You can do skinny or wide trouser, barely high, mid-high and nose-bleed high. If you’ve never ventured into this trend territory, here’s a suggestion: try the Grey Ant Carpenter Jeans.

Grey Ant was one of the first to revive the high waist, and the first line that we carried in a high waist. They do it better than most. There is always the danger of falling into the mom jean hazard zone, but find the right fit for you and you’ll see that high-waisted jeans are on your side, tucking in that tummy and waist!

If you’re curious what designers want and where they spend the holidays, check out From the Designer: The Holiday List in Tobi Editorial. We got the what and where from some of you favorite designers and brands. Check in regularly to find out who we're featuring for the week!

Muted colors are huge for spring 2008, but that doesn’t mean a springtime prohibition on outgoing, fun and energetic! Case in point, Twinkle by Wenlan.

Whimsical is what we expect from Wenlan Chia, and that’s what we’re getting from Twinkle by Wenlan for spring 2008. The imaginative patterns and modern prints are youthful as always, but with silhouettes growing more refined, a trend towards sophistication we first noticed in the holiday 2007 collection. Signature Chia details add refreshing energy and adorable charm to the subdued spring color palette that’s heavy on grey and cream. Twinkle by Wenlan has fun with elegance, livening up pieces with a design verve that makes the gentlest greys look vibrant!

Check out Sneak Peek to see Twinkle by Wenlan for spring 2008!

What’s our favorite holiday activity? Opening presents! You picked the perfect gift. Don’t let it sit under the tree in a shabby shipping box. Wrap it up! Tobi gift boxes are clean, elegant, thoughtful, eco-friendly, and free for all orders of $250 (after all discounts and coupons have been applied) or more! Just choose gift wrap at checkout, and if your order qualifies for free wrapping it will show no charge, otherwise you pay just $5.

Gunmetal and ivory on the outside but green at heart, we use responsible media to ensure Tobi gift boxes and packaging are the most eco-friendly in the industry. Our gift boxes, gift tissue, folders, cards and stickers are made from 100% recycled material (40-50% post consumer waste), and by using only soy-based organic inks and aqueous varnish, they also 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Our shipping boxes are composed of 30% recycled materials with 100% recycled dunnage. Both box and filling are 100% recyclable. The only component not at least partially made from recycled materials is our ribbon, but we’re working on that too!

In addition, we have achieved a Zero Carbon footprint. By supporting carbon emissions offset projects including reforestation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, we have completely offset our own emissions from utilities, air, travel, commuting, shipping and printing. For more information on how you can do the same, visit www.carbonfund.org.

The boxes are nice and sturdy so please reuse and recycle!

Rachel Comey sent all her models down the runway wearing nerd chic glasses, the perfect finishing touch to a spring 2008 collection that has us all rushing to renew our library cards! Smart detailing in each piece is feminine and sexy, without being overly girly. We’ll get a full preview for you later. For now, take a peek at these showroom pics from our buying trip!