photo by Ryan Lely
There were eras where the fashion industry dictated to the public what they had to wear, and chic women knew that belts, handbags and shoes had to match. Contemporary styles are much more democratic. The Number One rule is: there are no rules.
But, as ever, there are trends, and 2008 offers several paths – or catwalks – to tread, whether it’s in Manolo Blahnik pumps or BCBG flats.
The future’s so bright, you gotta’ wear shades
Color is the most noticeable element in spring collections, with every designer using incredibly bright shades. Hot coral, kelly green, persimmon, canary yellow, Chinese red and neon pink provide the “pop” for spring wardrobes, while muted earth-tones like pebble gray, wheat, khaki or curry ground the look.
“The spring color palette perfectly reflects… the season,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Stabilizing neutrals combined with pops of brighter colors to create unique, distinctive looks are the basis for a great spring and summer wardrobe.”
A mini for me
The top colors are liberally represented in boutiques and clothing stores in Sonoma, sometimes emerging in solids, other times in patterns such as a sleeveless silk mini dress from designer Cynthia Vincent found at Ginger that is shot through with sunny yellows and bright greens. “The line is feminine, stylish, comfortable, and most of all, original,” said owner Karen Kirn. The shop also carries ISDA & Co. cotton tops and tunics styled in romantic empire cut designs and James Jeans in the new high rise waist styles. Kirn predicts a continuing interest in metallic fabrics spun with copper and gold and accompanying jewel-toned handbags.
Fashion loop
You could go to Bloomingdale’s or you can simply step into The Loop to find lines like Graham & Spencer’s Velvet, or Free People, noted for their soft and sensuous 100 percent cotton apparel designed to flatter the figure. “Mod” is the rage again, and color punctuates the displays, where sizzling shades of coral, kelly green and bright blue appear in solid color tops and tunics that can dress up a pair of Joe’s Jeans or the new “Angel” cut from AG Jeans. Retro-hip T-Bags dresses reflect the ‘70s in their halter-empire cut and animated patterns and colors. “The brilliant colors and patterns this year give women a lot of options. You can layer and mix them with each other, or create visual interest by adding them to softer, natural pieces,” said the store’s owner, Joene Kelly.
The wine country collection
“Prints, florals, layering and more natural fabrics are all important for spring,” said Emmelie Alexander, assistant manager of Angelique. The shop offers Taylor & Hyde’s safari-inspired long and short dresses with dramatic prints and Nally & Millie’s selection of tops. The shop also features designer Isabel de Pedro. Each season de Pedro bases her apparel on a culture or country; this fall she will introduce her Wine Country collection.
It’s a jungle out there…
“Animal prints and a safari look, with giraffe and zebra prints, are very popular this season,” said Chelsea Levine, general manager of Simplicity, “and they are coupled with soft browns, khaki and cream that help to define the bold prints and bright colors.” Denim jeans by Fabrizio Gianni are also a frequent choice, paired with more casual tops during the day, and dressed up at night with a silk blouse or metallic top.
Slip into spring
At Marlene Adelle, tropical print sundresses by Speed Control and strappy wedge sandals from A. Marinelli are catching the attention of shoppers, including out-of-town visitors. . who are already thinking about summer clothes. Baby doll-style blouses and filmy, short shift dresses in geometric designs, and soft, figure-flattering tops from Silvie & Mado are popular, but the !iT Jeans (a favorite of Oprah’s) are the biggest sellers.
Ladies choice
“Lots of vibrant color and refined fabric finishes,” is how manager Jeanne Garro describes Chico’s spring collections. With an integrated approach to outfitting customers, their inventory consists of easy-care separates that can be blended in numerous ways. Fabrics range from linen to modal, a natural fiber made from the beech tree that is made into a jersey-like material. Spring tunics and tops have a softer silhouette, more texture and playful decorative designs. “There are so many choices that women can pick the best look for them and not have to be out of step with fashion,” said Garro. “They are now free to design their own personal style.”
The Loop
461 First St. West
707.939.8400
Simplicity
492 First St. East
707.938.5422
Angelique
452 First St. East
707.938.9988
Marlene Adelle
450 1st. St. E., Suite G
707.938.3848
Ginger
25 East Napa Street
707.933.8600
Chicos
29 E Napa St
707.933.0100
