![](../images/for_pdf/0602-04301.jpg) | | Spring dress and cardigan by Darling available at
Zahra Boutique Salon in Lafayette.
| | | | | | The local weather thinks spring arrived sometime in January, but the official start of the season is now and that means it's time to talk (and wear) new spring fashions. For 2012 it's all about bright colors, patterns, feminine silhouettes, and dresses. Specialtees in Lafayette has stocked plenty of options for the season including the classic wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg and the current must-have maxi dress by Trina Turk. White peasant blouses with colorful embroidery are big this year and Specialtees has a nice selection by 3-J Workshop. Color is essential for all fashionistas and orange in particular is hot right now, but for some of us a little orange goes along way. Specialtees comes to the rescue with an array of blouses, t-shirts, and tank tops to help add just a bit of the color du jour.
For the woman who likes to mix and match, Pendleton store on Mt. Diablo in Lafayette offers blouses and skirts in pastel colors and floral prints. Pendleton has been an American staple in woven fabrics for men's and women's clothing since 1863. The Lafayette store has a small selection of summer suits, cotton sweaters, and Oxford shirts, which are all good looks for the office, charity luncheons, or a casual daytime wedding.
According to Shila Unal from Zahra Boutique Salon in Lafayette, Lamorinda women really go for the Boho look. This season Unal is selling maxi dresses and longer skirts paired with embellished tank tops or poncho-style blouses by BB Dekota. "The whole look for Lamorinda moms," says Unal, "is loose and comfy but with a flattering fit ... nothing boxy." Got stripes? Unal says they are a popular choice this season in dresses, skirts, and tops.
Vintage-inspired fabrics and designs by Darling are also well-received at Zahra Boutique. Floral fabrics, lace detailing and flowy dresses are signature looks for the UK based company, which is exclusive in the area to Zahra. Lafayette residents and regular customers, Nicole Graves and Nicole Jones like Darling's softer silhouettes and pastel colors although they say this is new for them. The friends usually go for more of a black and gray edgy style, but shopping at Zahra has opened their eyes. "This place breaks my comfort zone," said Jones one evening while attending a trunk show at Zahra. Previously ill-at-ease in color and anything frilly, Jones has fallen in love with the femininity of soft textures and bright colors, which is good timing for her as spring 2012 has been dubbed The Return of the Pretty.
Lots of color, pretty dresses, and above all comfort, it's all here for us this season at our wonderful Lafayette boutiques. No excuses - go forth in style.
Moya Stone is a local fashion writer and blogger at www.overdressedforlife.com.
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