Livening up your wardrobe for spring, summer a truly bright idea
by Mackenna Guest on May. 23, 2008, under Uncategorized
Kelsey Lenihan models a spring-summer fashion for Collage Boutique.
Local boutique owners say bright, rich colors are in for this spring and summer. So have no fear this year – liven up your wardrobe with lemon yellow, coral, grass and emerald green in long, loose dresses or slim-fitting minis. Spice up summer outfits with turquoise, lime, aqua, periwinkle, pink and eggplant.
Accessorize with fluorescent-colored, oversized clutches, and with neon accents and bead and jewel embellishments.
Jennifer Senger, owner of Sigi’s Boutique at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave., says that this year “a lot of color is huge . . . just really bright and cheerful.”
Senger says that all different styles of dresses will be popular. Silk, floral and sheer patterns will be seen among a variety of flowing dresses worn with or without belts, and minidresses. Lengths will range from midthigh, knee, to floor.
“The thing that’s really selling the most right now is tunics and dresses,” she says. “People are kind of easing off the jeans.”
Senger explains that dresses rose in popularity last summer but are becoming an even stronger trend this season and incorporating more bright colors.
She says that the silhouettes of dresses are starting to move in closer on the waistline, giving more definition and showcasing women’s curves.
Kelly Rae Hadd, owner of Kelly Rae Boutique in Gallery Row, 6420 N. Campbell Ave., agrees that bright colors are definitely in, as well as easy-wear pieces.
She recommends lightweight and casual, masculine-styled women’s wear for the warm summer months. Think blazers and casual, simple and comfy tops.
Kelly Rae Boutique showcases the Boho chic look with Organic by John Patrick and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s line, Elizabeth and James.
The Organic line features organic cotton T-shirts that go with everything, while Elizabeth and James is an urban casual look in which all the pieces complement one another.
Hadd also carries Eskandar, a more sophisticated but casual, high-end line. It consists of loose-fitting, linen pieces well-suited to our desert climate.
She believes that this season, the girly, baby doll look is out and clothing that shows off curves and provides a much cleaner look and structure, is in.
Lissa Marinaro, owner of Zoë Boutique, 735 N. Fourth Ave., says bright colored clutches, big bangles and sunglasses and fabric flowers with crystal embellishments are great ways to accessorize this spring and summer.
Lace and crochet are popular styles to be found among rich-colored tunics, dresses and shirts.
Marinaro says one common trend is wearing long shirts that are snug and fitted around the waist.
She says sun dresses will always be a popular item for spring and summer here, but that this season she has seen more floral designs and patterns in them than in the past.
As for pants, popular styles this season are lightweight, wide-legged trousers and skinny jeans.
Marinaro says overall this spring, “People don’t seem as brand conscious as they were” because they are more interested in style.
At Collage Boutique, 747 N. Park Ave., owner Bebe Mehr caters to the fashion needs of young women, especially college students. She specializes in high-end looking fashion at affordable prices for every day, as well as evening attire.
She says neon accents are a great addition to neutral-colored clothing and accessories this spring and summer.
Belts from large to thin are still popular for accessorizing a fitted, pencil dress.
But especially popular this year are strapless and one-strap dresses in floral prints and such colors as bright green, yellow, orange, purple and rose pink.
Last year colors were much subtler, mostly browns and greens.
“Bright is kind of a new trend,” Mehr says.
Kelsey Lenihan models a spring-summer fashion for Collage Boutique.
Kelsey Lenihan models a spring-summer fashion for Collage Boutique.
A spring and summer fashion on display at Kelly Rae Boutique.
A spring and summer fashion on display at Kelly Rae Boutique.
Spring and summer fashions available at Zoe Boutique
Spring and summer fashions available at Zoe Boutique
Spring and summer fashions available at Zoe Boutique
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SPRING, SUMMER FASHIONS SOLD HERE
COLLAGE BOUTIQUE 747 N. Park Ave
Affordable high-end looking everyday and evening fashions for young women
KELLY RAE BOUTIQUE 6420 N. Campbell Ave.
Boho chic; brands include Organic, Elizabeth and James, and Eskandar
SIGI’S BOUTIQUE 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
High-end and casual wear, especially dresses
ZOË BOUTIQUE 735 N. Fourth Ave.
Dressy and casual designer wear, plus some vintage items for young women
