SPRING COLOURS CREATE A SENSATION
Spring is all about comfort and easy, breezy style. Whether it’s a colourful tank top that can take you from drinks on the patio to work-aday wear, or the perfect spring dress for a special occasion, Gentries in the Scotia Centre has you covered. Owner Tammy Kehoe says finding inspiration this season is a snap with versatile styles and colours that will flatter everyone.
It seems denim is huge this season – with denim vests, skirts, dress and the ever-popular denim jacket – all finding their way onto shelves and racks. The denim look is also common in other colours as well – so a white denim jacket can be a perfect combo with a juicy tank in bright pink. Some of the denim styles are coming in a lightweight fabric that makes for a drapey-flowey pant or light blouse.
The first thing on everyone’s mind this spring is colour. Fresh, bold solid colours such as coral, mint green, red, pink, and a rather new addition – yellow.
“This year it seems like there’s so many different shades of yellow. It seems to go with the all the different skin tones,” says Kehoe. Coral is another popular colour this spring with many different shades from pastel to bold and intense all making appearances.
“There are so many different shades of it, it seems like anyone can wear one of the shades. There’s a colour for all of us,” says Kehoe.
Kehoe adds, for neutrals more and more women are turning to the deep blue. “Navy has been around for a couple of seasons now, and women are loving it.”
Navy is always an easy match with the plethora of pastel tones going strong this season. A soft mint green tee paired with a navy blazer, pant or cardigan makes a relaxed summer office ensemble.
The versatility in this spring’s offerings is also evident in skirt lengths. Maxi dresses are still making a splash, but there are many other skirt lengths available – such as midi, knee and above the knee.
If you’re looking for one piece to add some fresh style to your summer wardrobe, you cannot escape the shoulder-revealing trend. Dresses and tops can come in the daring off-the-shoulder look. For those who are a little less daring, you’ll find sweaters, dresses, and blouses all with the peek-a-boo shoulder trend. It’s featured in everything from dresses to every day t-shirts.
Colourful accessories are still a big trend this year – especially scarves and statement jewellery.
“People still really want the statement necklace for summer,” says Kehoe. A statement necklace incorporating the beautiful blues, mint greens, and corals for summer takes any outfit to the next level. “These bold statement necklaces and bracelets can really accent your outfit. With your scarf and your jewellery, all of a sudden you’ve got colour.”
The colourful accessories can also liven up the perennial little black dress, a crisp white blouse or even a simple tank top.
“Outfits seem to be made to showcase the jewellery and the shoes,” adds Kehoe. While she doesn’t carry shoes in her store, she loves seeing the colourful shoes – some with prints – and thanks to the popularity of the cropped ankle pants, those shoes can be front and centre.
With so many fashions showing off arms or shoulders, it makes a little shrug or cardigan absolutely essential. It can turn a tank top or sleeveless shirt into office attire, plus can keep you warm when there’s a chill in the air.
For special occasions, Gentries continues to offer customers lots of choices. Alex Evenings is a line of elegant special occasion wear featuring glamourous jackets paired with either an elegant silk skirt or wide pant. The separates are easier to fit for some figures and allow women to mix and match their favourite look for their occasion – whether it’s a graduation or a wedding.
All of her popular lines such as St. James, Eileen Fisher, Tribal, and Sarah Puccini have beautiful spring collections with so many options in fabrics and styles. It seems whether it’s skirt length, cut, fabric or colour – there is something to flatter and inspire everyone this spring. Pop into Gentries to add some spring sophistication to your wardrobe.