Spring styles are looking bright
Local fashion gurus say spring style is full of bold colors
By Christy Fantz (Contact)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
GET THE LOOK
Chelsea, 935 Pearl St., Boulder
www.chelseabella.com, 888-447-0097
Besos, 1949 Pearl St., Boulder
www.besosboulder.com, 303-304-3300
Urban Outfitters, 938 Pearl St., Boulder
www.urbanoutfitters.com, 303-247-0828
HANG ON TO THESE
These are all great staples, say Jessica Anderson and Michelle Kesser at Chelsea, that will carry you through spring 2009 and seasons to come:
-- Leather bomber jackets
-- Leggings
-- Scarves
-- Wedge sandals
-- Flat gladiator sandals
-- Waist belts
-- The boyfriend jean
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Local fashionistas agree on style trends for spring fashion: whites and bold colors, flowing harem-cropped pants, '60s-inspired trends and gladiator sandals.
Because of the state of the economy, much of what is already in the closet can be kept and paired with a new accessory, says Lyndall Beck, assistant manager at Boulder boutique Besos, 1949 Pearl St.
"Hang on to stuff in the closet," Beck says. "Update the trends of last year -- if they have an asymmetrical top from last year, they can pair it with a new updated pant."
Besos manager Susan Hammer agrees. She says the asymmetrical look from last season is still very popular in tops and dresses.
Beck and Hammer also say the bohemian, hippie-chic look will be big for spring.
The two say to look for a Cleopatra-inspired look with jeweled necklines, ruffles on hemlines and tops, sheer fabrics and pairing gladiator sandals with little dresses.
"Spring is looking a little more feminine," Hammer says. "It's bringing in a more flowy look ... a softer, fuller look."
Kara Davidson, the women's department manager at Urban Outfitters, 938 Pearl St., says when it comes to colors, the store has been receiving a lot of split merchandise.
"We have a lot of really bright colors coming in -- like super-'80s style colors," Davidson says. "And then we also have a part of our stuff that's just going to be very light and floral -- kind of muted colors for spring, with subtle pops of color."
Davidson says to look for "architectural-type clothing" -- fabrics with interesting themes on necklines, pockets, buttons and designs.
Davidson also says the leggings paired with tunics, plaid flannels over tank tops, chunky heels, tank tops with back detailing and, of course, the gladiator sandal will still be big in spring.
"Another big thing will be mixed prints -- like floral and plaids together," Davidson says.
She says she is excited for the spring line. She is even seeing biker- and grunge-style clothing making its way into the store.
And minis.
"Tight, tight minis paired with leggings," she says.
Davidson says to also check out Urban Outfitters' Renewal line -- an eco-friendly way to dress.
"It's very fun stuff and it's all vintage. It's all old material that they reuse, re-sew, remake," Davidson says. "We're getting some dresses and pieces in and they are very well made.
"It's a mixture of all styles -- bright, poppy colors, some plaid and some really light feminine stuff tucked in."
Owner/buyer Jessica Anderson and manager/buyer Michelle Kesser of boutique Chelsea, 935 Pearl St., say dresses are coming back in a big way this spring.
"In an economy where every dollar counts, customers are looking for a one-piece outfit purchase and the dress fits the bill," Anderson says. "We saw and fell in love all over again with so many maxi dresses.
"Also known as the hostess dress or the goddess dress, this floor-sweeping silhouette is as versatile as it is glamorous. A simple cotton maxi paired with a flat sandal gives the perfect look for day, while one made of vibrant silk in an eye-catching print worn with a dizzying pair of stilettos is pure drama for night."
Kesser says the '60s-inspired frocks are reinventing spring fashion. Sheath dresses paired with a waist belt and prairie-print mini dresses will make waves.
The ladies say color does not disappoint for spring. Standouts will be orange -- from creamsicles to deep corals -- and hues of purple, blue and green. They also said look for butterfly prints and dip-dye or tie-dye treatments to fabrics.
As for accessories, go big.
"Accessories we loved were large, embellished handbags, chunky statement necklaces and studded bracelets along with flat sandals festooned with feathers," Anderson says. "Accessories, as this past season has taught us, are a great and economical way to update your look for less."
And the jumpsuit. The '60s-born, '80s-popularized trend is back for more.
"Fun and crazy trends we saw are the return of the jumpsuit and the presence of harem pants," Kesser says. "We don't think harem pants have enough steam to sustain them past this season, but they're definitely a trend you can't ignore."

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