LITTLE ROCK — It’s getting close to time to make your spring wardrobe selections. And you know the drill: If you’re one of those hard-to-fitters, or wear the sizes that run out first, you’d best make some decisions now.
For those who slept through the Spring 2013 New York fashion shows in September - or for those who didn’t but forgot - here’s a lowdown of “Women’s Most-Wanted Fashion Picks,” according to Belk Department Stores:
Bold print dress: From flamboyant flowers and kitschy conversationals to digitized tribal and tropical inspirations, you can count on patterns to create a lot of fashion fanfare. Geometrics and print mixes will also make the list.
Silky top: Hues make headlines as tailored shirts and tops in soft fabrics and bold colors update any warm-weather look.
Spring jacket: The jacket has reemerged as an all-important trend piece. Boxy blazers and sporty motorcycle-style jackets bring a casual sophistication.
Statement neck: Designers go bold or go home. Jewelry pieces run the gamut from floral motifs to sculpted metal collars. Count on some drama. (Yea!)
Sassy skirt: Polished and figure-flattering, the skirt is a spring staple. Full, flounced or A-line, this pick is feminine and fashionable.
Fancy pant: Sleek and slim or full and flowy, the patterned bottom will definitely raise the cool quotient of your spring wardrobe. Prepare to be dazzled by beautiful brocades and breathtaking jacquards.
Fashion wedge: Whether sky high or simple slivers, wedges are a wonder. Material mixes and sculpted shapes will have you in style - feet first. Watch your step.
Novelty knit: In lively prints or simple solids, trend right knits have a knack for easy wear and easy care. New shapes and refreshed finishes call the shots.
Something lacy: Sweet and sophisticated, effortlessly elegant, lace is easily one of spring’s most elegant essentials.
New tote: Style is in the bag with a carryall that is chic as well as functional. Check out north/south shapes and unexpected materials.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk Inc. has a store in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center in Little Rock.
COOBIE COOBIE COO!
Congratulations to Conway retailer Kicks Active Wear, 1014 Oak St., which won the Coobie “Valentine’s Day Store Window Display” contest.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, officials of Coobie, the seamless-bra brand, held a contest for all of its vendors, asking store owners to come up with clever ways to decorate their boutique’s display windows using the foundation garments. “Thousands of images poured in from stores across the country,” according to a Coobie news release announcing the winner. Kicks won two dozen of the bras.
Since its launch in 2008, the Coobie Seamless Bra ($18-$22) has made a name for itself in the intimate apparel market for its “distinct blend of comfort, quality, inimitable style and affordability.” A ‘one-size-fits-all’ garment for misses-size women sizes 32A to 36D (a full-size version fits sizes 38A to 42D-DD), it sports an integrated support design in a nylon/spandex blend and removable padding. For more information see shopcoobie.com.
HERE, “AVA” BUSINESS
In honor of International Women’s Day, coming up March 8, Ava Gray Direct is awarding one hopeful entrepreneur with her own home based fashion boutique … and the tools needed to make it a success.
Ava Gray Direct is a New York-based social selling company, offering “any wear” lifestyle apparel through a network of independent sellers, who earn commissions by selling at parties or online. The start-up kit is valued at more than $1,600 and includes the entire Ava Gray Direct collection of clothing and accessories, as well as catalogs and style guides.The winner of the company’s “Dream to Own: Win a Fashion Business!” contest will receive a kit and get to meet founder and president Lynn Zachos. The contest will run through Feb. 28, with the winner being announced March 8 through Ava Gray Direct’s website (avagraydirect.com) and Facebook page facebook.com/avagraydirect. To be considered, entrants must “like” and “share” the “Dream to Own: Win a Fashion Business!” contest post on Facebook and submit a 250-word essay on why they want to win. Essays are to be submitted via the “Contest” tab on the Facebook page.
BOOT UP
Here’s the latest line - well, the latest of which I’ve become aware - of winter-boot enhancements: Hugrz boot wraps, which jazz up a pair of tall boots, ankle boots or even shoes by simply sliding over the footwear. Collections, which include more than 20 designs ranging in price from $29.95-$44.95, offer long- and short-haired fur wraps, some that resemble sweaters and harken back to the leg warmers of ’80s yore and velvety animal-prints. The wraps have a circumference of up to 16 inches and a height of 8 to 13 inches, and can be worn scrunched or pulled up. Accessories are available to match or complement the boot wraps. Visit hugrz.com.
CUSTOMIZE ME
Speaking of customizing your fashions, I’ve gotten wind of two online retailers that offer fashion products that can be made to specification.
Milk & Honey’s customized ladies shoes may be designed online according to body type, style of toe, back/ straps, trim, embellishment, heel and size (4 to 12), with materials to mix and match. I designed a black clog-style shoe with a clunky 3-inch heel, ankle strap and big bow on the upper. I couldn’t pay the $315 for the finished product, but I had fun playing. Also available are ready-made styles, $200-$300, some with choice of heel height and further customized. Returns are accepted. See milkandhoneyshoes.com.
Hucklebury offers better-fitting luxury men’s shirts, $85-$95, “at affordable prices” and high-quality fabrics, including Egyptian cotton. Shirts are made with less fabric around the chest, arms and waist to do away with that “boxy” look; collars are fused from outside in and reinforced to eliminate collapsing. Collections include the mostly checked Orchard, the striped Thomas and the solid Presidential … in regular or slim fit and in a variety of colors. Free shipping and returns. Visit hucklebury.com.
GRAMMY GLAM
And the Grammy Fashion award for most unique dress goes to … Kelly Rowland.
Being a fan of modesty - and not being one to go with the crowd - I’m likely to catch some flak for this one. But I couldn’t help but admire the workmanship that went into the Georges Chakra gown worn by the shapely singer at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 10.The black, form-fitting, mermaid-silhouette gown sported a curved halter collar and was made distinct by a series of sheer vertical and diagonal cutouts that were body-flattering while revealing a fair amount of leg and bosom.
I’d love to see a version of this gown with its cutouts filled by an opaque nude or other contrasting material. It wouldn’t be any less stunning. Dressing Room is published biweekly. Got fashion and beauty news? Contact Helaine R. Williams, Dressing Room, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or e-mail:
High Profile, Pages 39 on 02/17/2013