Saja...again

I discovered Saja about a year ago, and to this day continue to rave about the brand to anyone who will listen. For example,just  take this lovely blue dress from their Winter 2008 collection. Although I have a great deal of freedom when it comes to workplace attire, I do have friends who--horror!--cannot wear whatever they'd like to work. This is a piece that I think could even be incorporated into their wardrobes. The simple silhouette with a scoop neck and elbow-length sleeves is given a twist with soft draping in the front. It's such an easy, comfortable-looking dress that's also ideal for accessorizing with a pair of tights and a blazer (for work) or fun jewelry and some sleek ankle boots (for a fun night out). 

On Sale: Saja's sapphire dress

My friend Devina possesses an enviable eclectic bohemian style that would be difficult for anyone else to pull off. She wears embroidered skirts and colorful patterned dresses, adding layers of scarves, necklaces, dangling earrings, stockings, fun shoes, which--topped off with her mane of luxuriously long hair--make her look like some fashionable and exotic gypsy. That's why I thought of her as soon as I saw this gorgeous Saja sapphire dress. My love for the brand is no secret, and although I didn't get a chance to check out the boutique during my recent trip to NYC, thankfully some online retailers carry select items. This silk dress, in an intensely blue hue with detailed black embroidery, reminds me of Devina's whimsical sense of style. I could totally see her accessorizing this with her signature necklaces and black lace stockings. The embroidered collar and scalloped hemline are my favorite details about the dress, which gives off such a charming boho appeal.

My New Love, Saja

My encounter with Saja was purely accidental, the kind that makes me believe it was totally meant to be. I was browsing through some obscure website and came across a photo of a model in a Saja design. I was instantly attracted. After some research, I discovered that Yoo Lee is Saja's designer and that the brand was chosen from among 350 competing lines to be displayed in the Henri Bendel New York front window. There's a Saja flagship store in New York City's Nolita neighborhood (lucky New Yorkers!). For those of us who can't make it out there, Saja is sold at over 300 stores throughout the USA as well as in Puerto Rico, Canada, French West Indies, Spain, England, Ireland, Japan, and Indonesia. I'm still waiting to hear back from a Saja representative who promised me a list of southern California-area boutiques selling Saja. Exciting!

Here are some of my favorites from their Fall 2007 collection. I don't have the prices for all of them, but make sure to check out the Saja website for more. You can special order directly from their New York store if they have the item in stock!

Printed silk chiffon dress, $350
100% Cotton Long Cardigan, $100 (it's also available in Red,
Bright Blue, Dusty Purple, Cream, and Stripe)
Reversible Obi-Belt (Black/Brown), $295

Grey Jumper, $255
Silk Chiffon Sapphire Dress, $370

Two-Button Dress, $245 (also available in dark charcoal
and black)

Beaded Chiffon Top, $370
100% Cotton Turtleneck, $105
Wool Short, $185

Full Length Strapless Chiffon Gown, $525 (available in other
colors as well and in knee length)
Cardigan, $120

I'd be interested in knowing if anybody else has come across Saja, since it's not exactly a household name...yet. If you know of a boutique or store that sells Saja, please let me know!