Lexees slip-ons feature interchangeable tops with
patterns that reflect the bright colors, florals and
retro paisleys that are all the rage. Find them at
Christina’s Unique Accessories and More in Wilmington.
The word in women’s fashion this season: floral prints, grassy greens and bright colors. While rotating your wardrobe to lightweight, warm-weather garments, supplement your inventory with great finds from local boutiques for an updated look this season. Designer styles may vary, but there are a few items every fashionista must have.
Start with the dress. “Dresses are a must for spring,” says Lisa Mester, owner of L Boutique in Greenville. On a recent buying trip to New York, Mester found dresses have a strong presence, with “knits in fun colors, the return of the ’60s silhouette and shift dresses, and Diane von Furstenberg has put the wrap dress back on the map, with her sophisticated, European sensibility.”
Thigh-high or flowing to the knee, dresses are feminine, flirty and ladylike for a softer look. Milly, a new line for Mester, uses beautiful floral prints, vibrant pink, green, turquoise and yellow, and prints inspired by antique textiles in her designs.
South Moon Under in Rehoboth Beach
has a large selection of the latest swimwear.
The floral Garden Party theme may be found at South Moon Under in Rehoboth Beach, where you’ll also find Great Escape Polynesian-inspired patterns with gold accents and Exotic Bohemian graphic and tribal patterns in linen, gray and neutrals. As eco-conscious consumers go green, fashion designers have responded. Green—from the actual color to iconic designs—has become the new black.
The hot color to have this season, however, is a non-color. White has moved to the forefront to make a statement if its own. White slacks or denim jeans with wider legs and mid-rise waistlines are great pieces to pair with cropped jackets and silk tops in bright colors and patterns. White trench coats with bold buttons—like one found at South Moon Under by designer BB Dakota—make a great addition to any wardrobe. Michelle Pipitone, the store’s marketing assistant, points to white showing up in every category.
White is prominent in handbags too—but so is black. Pick up a new handbag in patent leather, black canvas with white leather, or woven rattan with black patent leather trim. Then slip into a new pair of sandals or wedges.
This year, disregard the flats. Chris Ballas of Christina’s Unique Accessories and More in Wilmington, carries wedge-heeled slip-ons by Lexees, as well as Switchflops. Each line of flip flops starts with black soles. Straps and tops are interchangeable. Lexees features patterns that mirror the bright colors, floral and retro paisleys in current fashion. They coordinate easily with different outfits, and they make travel lighter, too.
Accessories are a must, with at least three pieces punctuating each outfit. “Take a crisp white shirt with the collar up and accessorize with whatever makes you feel good,” says Ballas. Long, layered necklaces, bangle bracelets, and hoop earrings of all sizes are popular. Ballas also offers trendy Trollbeads and Chamilia beads, the hottest things in charm bracelets.
“Fine jewelry will always be a staple in women’s fashion,” says Philip Livingston, owner of Elegant Slumming Fine Jewelry and Home in Rehoboth Beach, which offers a mix of fine and fashion-oriented jewelry. “The look will be bolder this year to complement the brighter colors,” Livingston says, “and because of the price of precious metals, there will be a lot of innovation. Chunkier rings, cuffs and bangle bracelets made of wood, crystal and Lucite create a bold look that’s more affordable.”
Elegant Slumming carries jewelry by Italian designer Marco Bicego, which Livingston calls the “best selling imported luxury line in the country.” Bicego’s work—multi-strand necklaces and bracelets in gold and multi-colored semi-precious stones—exemplifies the styles of the season.
To finish an outfit with something special, look to Lolita in Greenville. Owners Jill Berger and Michelle Santarlasci pull designs from New York and Los Angeles to populate the store. Great finds include hats from New York designer Eugina Kim. The fedoras and fashion headwear are the fave of celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman and Madonna.
Lolita also carries Love Quotes and Tolani, Missoni-inspired scarves that many a celebrity is also wearing. “We can’t keep them in stock,” says Berger. Love Quotes are made of Italian linen colors named Morning Glory, Raspberry Mousse, Sapphire and Cherry Pie. They come with an inspirational quote, and 10 percent of all sales are donated to children’s charities around the world. Tolani scarves are fine knits in zigzag, stripes, peacock prints and bright colors. The scarves—a soft touch around the face—add to the feminine look of the season.
If you select a few new pieces carefully, updating the closet is a snap. Think feminine, floral, colorful and white hot.
WHERE TO SHOP
Christina’s Unique Accessories and More
Talleyville Towne Shoppes
3646 Silverside Road
Wilmington, 478-7202
www.christinaballas.com
Elegant Slumming Fine Jewelry and Home
33 Baltimore Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, 227-5551
L Boutique
3801 Kennett Pike
Greenville, 655-8403
Lolita
Powder Mill Square
3830 Kennett Pike
Greenville, 656-4049
www.boutiquelolita.com
South Moon Under
120 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, 227-3806
www.southmoonunder.com
Sterling’s of New Hope
Union Square
New Hope, Pa., (215) 862-3444
www.sterlingsofnewhope.com