As the days get progressively longer and the outdoor temperature inches its way upward, people look forward to shedding bulky sweaters and boots in favor of flowing dresses and kicky sandals.
But just what styles and colors are going to be "in" for 2015?
Fashion Hour at the Capital
5-7 p.m. today
Capital Hotel, 111 W. Markham St., Little Rock
Tickets: $25
(501) 374-7474
Those who crave some real fashion discussion, or who just want to gather with like-minded, clothes-loving friends for cocktails, can find what they're looking for at Fashion Hour at the Capital, 5-7 p.m. today, now in its second year.
The concept is simple, as Heather Collins, one of the event organizers, explains: "It's just a happy hour that centers on fashion."
Guests can sip signature cocktails, nibble light hors d'oeuvres, mingle and watch as two screens keep everyone informed on fashions past, present and future. While one screen will show video clips of spring fashion from New York Fashion Week, the other will display vintage clips from the 1920s through the 1990s.
As a new feature this year, attendees can share their own fashion thoughts in a video confessional. People are encouraged to share family stories and wear family heirloom pieces, like Grandma's hat or Aunt Mary's dress.
"It's a very Southern fashion heritage approach," Collins says.
Local designer Linda Rowe Thomas will be on hand again this year, displaying some of her latest creations.
Collins adds that this year, Esse Purse Museum has come onboard as a partner and with some imagination and their collection of purses, "they're going to create these wonderful centerpieces."
The fashion focus will extend well beyond the Fashion Hour event.
"Fashion Hour will also be a springboard, so to speak, for a fun series of spring events that will highlight fashion heritage and family bonds," Collins says.
The forthcoming Fashion Footprints events will be announced at Fashion Hour. While the details are under wraps until then, Collins says this year's signature cocktail will be served and they'll film and screen the video confessionals at each one.
"It won't be anything outrageous," she says. "No big galas."
The series is a partnership among the Capital Hotel, the Esse Purse Museum, Thomas and the Oxford American.
"Everybody brings something to the table," Collins says. "This is a partnership that's been waiting to happen. When we approached these people about it, they all said yes. It made perfect sense."
As for the Fashion Hour, Collins says, it's neither fancy nor fussy: "It's very casual. The idea is we want people to just walk over from work."
While the original plan was to reach out to, primarily, professional working mothers in their 40s, last year's inaugural event brought in a surprisingly eclectic bunch, including an impressive number of men.
"We had such a wide array of folks that we were not expecting. It was wonderful," Collins says.
That group included a woman who was a major designer in Germany decades ago, who came with her husband and created quite a following with stories of her career.
"They were divine," Collins says. "They entertained the crowd. We hope they come back."
Regardless, it's designed to be a fun, stylish evening out.
Collins says, "It's a wonderful time to shake off the cold and look forward to spring. It's a wonderful opportunity to get together with friends and just let loose."
Weekend on 02/12/2015