Starting around St. Patrick's Day, we get a healthy dose of green from, well, the green clothing we sport and the green beer we consume.
But then we become greedy; we want more. We start to think, "Where's all of the green trees and the green grass and colorful flowers? We need them now! We're sick of all this white!"
In that vein, we're happy to report that spring has not been cancelled. Retailers are boldly leading the march into spring fashion 2008. And what a spring it will be: vibrant colors, fun florals, slick patent and classic style.
We chatted with several boutique owners to get the lowdown on the spring fashion forecast, sans snow and slush.
Liz LeBlanc
Co-owner, SHOP
1918 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood, (414) 962-4030
What they carry
"The hope is that women will want to and will be able to wear our clothes today and ten years from now," says LeBlanc.
"While we do carry some 'of the moment' or more trendy items, the majority are timeless classics." LeBlanc hits the major fashion markets in Chicago and New York City and chooses what will fit the store's concept and her customers.
Spring forecast
Trenchcoats. Talk about classic! "Trenchcoats are all over the place for spring and we have quite a few to choose from at SHOP," says LeBlanc. One version of the classic wardrobe staple gets kicked up with a sassy print and three-quarters sleeves. The store also has more basic styles, too. Bonus: you can wear a trench with, well, pretty much anything and instantly add a shot of style.
Cotton everything. "Cotton tops, bottoms and dresses are great because they are very affordable and you can buy them in tons of colors and they are easy to layer, mix and match or wear by themselves." LeBlanc says they'll have cotton pieces in basic black and gray as well as violet, teal and a variety of shades. Because color is hot this season consider pairing more unconventional shades together like blue and yellow for a fun color combo or tone it down with a more subdued gray / violet combo.
Wide leg denim. Shown in most major fashion magazines, the wide leg silhouette is certainly having its moment. Perhaps it's the rebellion against the skinny jean from seasons past. Says LeBlanc, "I am really liking wide leg denim, although I think it is going to take a while for it to catch on." Always remember to pair wide leg denim with a fitted top, otherwise you'll add unnecessary bulk.
What's she's picking up
Alara white button down shirt, $180. "I have been searching for the perfect (white collared button down shirt) for years and have finally found it!"
Tailor New York khaki colored poplin pants, $140. LeBlanc says she'll wear her Alara shirt with these.
Bella-chic gray flutter sleeve sweater ($60) worn over a pureand simple white tank top, $20.
People's Liberation wide leg jeans, $224.
Faye Wetzel
Owner, Faye's 1 and Faye@play
18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, (262) 472-0070
1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, (262) 241-8386
What they carry
Of-the-moment designers like Tory Burch, Michael by Michael Kors, Theory, Missoni and classics like Diane von Furstenberg. "Faye's 1 is for the more serious side of your life-career, social occasions, et cetera," says Wetzel.
Faye@play is dedicated to casual collections and separates. Find vintage washed Lacoste polo shirts, Joe's Jeans, Juicy Couture jackets and tunics and Susana Monaco dresses.
Says Wetzel, "We really do our homework. Faye's has four buyers, and we shop the markets in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas and LA. If it's out there-we know about it. We take pride in the fact that our customers travel the world in our clothes and report back to us that they feel confident and pretty and receive compliments wherever they go."
Long and short dresses. "As a businesswoman, I always hold my breath when we go to spring market. Some years the fashions can be tough for anyone over 20: everything is sheer and tight and short! Well, I am breathing very easy in my stores this spring because the ladylike trend from fall / winter continues," says Wetzel.
Wetzel is excited for the streamlined, shorter silhouettes hitting her stores like sheaths and trapeze styles. "Belted at the waist gives (the trapeze dress) a whole new 2008 attitude. And, the trapeze dress is being worn over leggings, slim skirts and jeans."
On the opposite end of the spectrum, relax in a long maxi-dress: "While short dresses abound, the long dress is the new darling of fashion. Whether breezy and beachy in feel to Copacabana redux to embellished and sexy, this long look strikes a balance between glamour and ease."
Prints. Glance at a vibrant, graphic Tory Burch shift dress and the message is clear: brights and bold prints are hot. "I'm thrilled the trends of color and prints are running counterintuitive to what usually happens in our business. Usually, Seventh Avenue mirrors Wall Street: the Dow takes a dive, and hemlines fall and clothes get serious. Not this season! I believe that spring fashions have the potential to lift our spirits."
Also look for florals, Pucci-esque patterns and tribal prints.
What's she's picking up
Lafayette black and white "scribble" print cotton skirt, $379. "That's going to take me a lot of places. I can start to wear it very soon with a black fine gauge cashmere cardigan. But, it will take me all the way through summer paired with a black or white T-shirt or tank."
Tory Burch flip flops, $45. "I'm a flip flop freak. And, at $45 a pop, they don't break the bank."
MZ Wallace gunmetal nylon bag, $325. "Of course, it's 'my' color. But, the bag itself is the perfect combination of fashion and function."
Diane von Furstenberg Ayoka dress, $365. "This dress is a white/brown/black print. [It's] a very flattering sheath style with some ruching at the waist. My staff is probably going to get sick of seeing me in this dress."
Katie Knuteson
Store manager, HERS
309 N. Water St., (414) 273-HERS
What they carry
"We like to be known as a New York style boutique because we do all of our buying in New York and L.A. We like to bring in the designers from those locations so that we have a separate selection from department stores, so we're more of a specialty shop," says Knuteson.
Spring forecast
Scarves. "We're seeing scarves all over. We just got a slew of bright colored scarves in silks," says Knuteson. Tie one around your neck for a splash of color or the handle of a handbag for a ladylike look.
Patent leather. A holdover from fall 2007, patent is still slick. While it may conjure up images of the '80s, new silhouettes keep patent fresh. Try a Kooba handbag in Kelly green, black patent or fuschia, says Knuteson. Headbands and belts are more subtle ways to incorporate patent without overpowering your look.
Nautical look. Get the look of the high seas on dry land with this vintage, yet refreshing look. If done right, it's more charming than, well, sea captain. Knuteson recommends a Deborah Lindquist cardigan: "It's a vintage cashmere cardigan. We have this beautiful baby blue one with pearl accents, pearl buttons and anchors. You could wear that with white denim pants and do the whole nautical look with that."
Bright Colors. It's like an announcement to wake us out of our winter doldrums: spring is here, and it's loud! Crayola-esque colors like fuchsia, bright yellow, Kelly green and cobalt blue will make their way into everything from shoes to handbags to paint-splattered dresses. "We'll be getting in this amazing dress from a brand called Mint. It's a splatter-paint dress and we've been seeing that look all over magazines: designers are going artsy."
What she's picking up
Kooba black patent leather "Isabella" bag, $545. "I am absolutely obsessed with them; they are so well done and they are the best leather out there."
Anlo white denim trousers, $205. "They are just the hottest thing and it's another one of my favorites."
A scarf, $30 to $40. "(It's) just a little accessory I can tie around my handbag and tie my whole look together."
Clai Green and Danielle Operle
Owner and store manager, Fred
524 N. Water St., (414) 273-3733
What they carry
"We can offer customers a selection of something different every day of the week. They can come in on Monday and they can come in on Friday and we can offer something completely different," says Green.
He points out that they buy directly from factories and carry a very limited amount of clothing, thus eliminating those clothing mishaps where you and a friend are wearing the same-gasp-top. Fred also clocks in at very affordable: about $29-$88 for most items.
Says Green, "If you're really trendy and hip, we have something for you."
Spring forecast
Cropped jackets. This wear-it-everywhere essential comes in new colors and styles. Try a bracelet (three-quarters) sleeve version and stack up some bangles on an arm. Wear a flowy tunic underneath a cute short-sleeve crop style and pair it with a long necklace. The possibilities-and styles-are endless. Green likes the cropped, belted lightweight coat in aqua.
Prints. Lest you don't believe this is a trend, behold: another print devotee (actually all of our experts mentioned this trend). Pick up a floral dress in a softer pattern or score a one-two punch with a graphic floral (or print) in cheery brights.
Operle says this trend extends to accessories with statement bangles, tribal necklaces and colorful accent pieces.
A-line tops and dresses. The A-line is something every girl can love: hello, instant figure flattery! "They're a great fit for anyone whether the girl is a size zero or a size 14. It makes the body look fantastic," affirms Green. Look for details on dresses and tops like flashy embellished necklines and puffed sleeves.
What's she's picking up
TCEC painted dress, $72. "TCEC is a new line for us. This dress is bright and painted, and has an embellished neckline," says Operle. "It's artsy-it looks like someone painted all over it."
TCEC lightweight viscose cardigan in gray, black and camel, $68. "There's a lot of detail to this brand."
Jeffrey Campbell flat gladiator sandal in silver, $68.
Trinity organic silk blouse, $48-$68. "It has a lot of detail with pleats and more ornate buttons. It's a popular line and we sell out of it right away."
