| | Published April 10th, 2013
| Looking Good in Lamorinda Bright and Fun Fashion Trends for Spring
| | By Moya Stone |  | | Essie Davis plays Phryne Fisher in "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" scheduled to air in April on PBS. Photo provided
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TThe new twist on color this season is Toxic Pastels and bright hues in green and yellow. Black and white combo is also on trend, following Marc Jacobs' New York Fashion Week runway show highlighting bold geometric black and white prints. Long skirts are big as is the Grecian column dress. In slacks the low-waist is finally taking a backseat to the high-waist, which is more sophisticated and creates a nice long-leg look for the petite among us.
I spoke with manager Amy Humann from Specialtees about current trends selling in Lamorinda. She tells me that women want a change in silhouettes. "People are getting away from oversize," Humann explains, "and moving toward a more fitted look." Other popular fashions include peplins, patterned denim, and a high hem in front and low hem in back seen in dresses, skirts, and blouses.
The look in jewelry is still big, bigger, and biggest. It's popular to layer shorter statement pieces with long strands of thick chain necklaces in Lucite or plastic. Mixing metals is no longer taboo as we now embrace combining silver with gold, including various shades, like rose gold.
Good News. We welcome Francesca's, the newest women's clothing boutique in Lafayette. Located in the Clock Tower on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Francesca's took over the old Sandy's space and actually offers similar but slightly more youthful styles of reasonably-priced attire. Francesca's is a franchise with boutiques located around the country, over 40 in California alone. Now that spring is in high gear, Francesca's has an array of looks for the season including dresses, skirts, blouses, short-shorts and tees. Also on offer are handbags and a large selection of costume jewelry.
Good Finds. We are very lucky to have in our own backyard The Cotton Patch located on Brown Avenue in Lafayette. Although mostly known for quilting, the shop's selection of bright cotton fabrics is perfectly suited for summer ensembles and it seems to me that spring is the right time for sewing projects. Thinking ahead to the hot summer months, create your own cool summer skirt in bright colored cotton. I also like the idea of a maxi dress with matching hat. Why not be the belle of the beach with a bathing suit cover?
Good Happenings. New York may have Fashion Week, but the Bay Area has Discarded to Divine. Brought to us by St. Vincent de Paul San Francisco, and now in its eighth year, D2D is a salon and auction of one-of-a-kind fashions and home decor items made by local designers from donated pieces of clothing and fabric. It's the ultimate fashionable up-cycle. This year's event will be held April 16 at Gensler's on Harrison Street in San Francisco. Tickets are $75 and include the opportunity to view the creations up close while enjoying wine, hors d'oeuvres and hobnobbing with some of the designers. All proceeds go to the St. Vincent de Paul San Francisco Wellness Center. Can't wait? Well then, attend the preview at the de Young Museum on April 12. Check the website for more information: www.discardedtodivine.org.
Good Views. As an enthusiast of vintage fashions, particularly the 1920s, and a fan of mysteries, I am super excited about the new television drama, "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries." Filmed in Melbourne, Australia the debut series was a big hit there and in the UK when it aired last year. Now it's coming to America on DVD and KQED is set to broadcast the series starting April 22. The mysteries are simplistic; however the costumes by Australian costumer Marion Boyce are the real treat. The Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher, played by Essie Davis, is a well-clad 1920s woman of the world with plenty of money, wits, and courage. Miss Fisher has an extensive wardrobe, so we get to see our heroine plotting her next move in silk kimono; chasing bad guys in fine tweed suits; and slinking around potential beaus in beaded gowns. It's a feast for the eyes. Put on your best cloche hat, or fedora for the gentlemen, and tune in.
Till next time, go forth in style.
Moya Stone is a local fashion writer and blogger at www.overdressedforlife.com.
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 | | Joseph Ribkoff drop neck sweater dress.
Photo courtesy Specialtees
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA