SPRING FASHION FLING
FROM SHOWY STRIPES TO SEXY SHOULDERS, SUBURBAN FASHION MAVENS BREAK DOWN WHAT TO BUY NOW.
From showy stripes to sexy shoulders, suburban fashion mavens break down what to buy now.
This season, it’s all about wearability. That means that Main Line ladies can rejoice knowing that many of spring’s top trends are just as appropriate for lunch at Estia as they are on the runway. Need another reason to celebrate? Some of spring 2016’s most beloved looks are still relevant in 2017—just updated with a fresh twist. Read on to find out what in-the-know boutique owners are stocking for spring.
COLD SHOULDER
One of the major must-haves for the past year, shoulder-baring blouses have women of all ages showing skin in a whole new way. “The off-the-shoulder top is still huge,” says Kirna Zabête (915 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-5817777; kirnazabete.com) owner Beth Buccini, who has brought fashion’s biggest names to Bryn Mawr by way of her celebrity-approved New York boutique. “Like Donna Karan famously said, every woman looks fantastic in an off-theshoulder top… because no one has fat shoulders.” Sara Campbell, president and designer of Sara Campbell (1012 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-525-3094; saracampbellwebsite.com), is also embracing the design. “We’ve captured the trend tastefully with a few of our flowy tunic
SPRING’S TOP TRENDS ARE AS APPROPRIATE FOR LUNCH AT ESTIA AS ON THE RUNWAY.
tops.” This subtly sexy look is also showing up poolside, just in time for spring getaways. “Cold shoulder and off-the-shoulder swimsuits are all the rage this year,” says Merrill Levin, president and CEO of Shirley & Company (42 Greenfield Ave., Ardmore, 484-416-3146; shirleyandco.com). “This can be seen in almost every swimsuit silhouette, like ruffled bikini tops and one-piece swimsuits with lace detail.”
SUPER STRIPES
Stripes in every formation are huge this season, whether it be broad bands of color or skinny lines. “I love big stripes and I cannot lie,” says Conni A. Mcdonnell, vice president of operations for Touché Accessories (King of Prussia Mall, 610-2652526; toucheaccessories. com). “Spring 2017 has refreshing bold patterns that add a pop of color and dimension. In addition to the classic black and white stripe, there’s an undertone of bold color and irregular spacing reminiscent of racing tents and Nantucket awnings.” And since she’s based out of New England, Campbell is over the moon about stripes. “We’re from the home of all things preppy and nautical, so any stripe that reminds us of our beach umbrella is an automatic yes!” she says.
SHIRT OFF YOUR BACK
Old-school button-down oxfords have been reinvented and modernized this season. “I’m loving the mix of masculine and feminine shown in the updated oxford,” says Fran D’ambrosio, owner of Ella’s Grove (385 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, 610-642-4422; ellas-groveboutique.myshopify.com). For Mcdonnell, that means an interesting sleeve with a bell cuff, ruffle detail, or cut-out.
Even aforementioned trends like stripes--specifically banker stripes, says D’ambrosio--and off-theshoulder silhouettes are making the button-down cool again. “I think it’s the contradictions that make this look so interesting,” adds D’ambrosio.
CHOKEHOLD
And perhaps in what’s been the most ubiquitous jewelry trend of recent years, chokers still have a chokehold on the necks of even the most staid Main Liners. “Choker necklaces seem to be evolving in design, with lighter variations for warmer months,” says Campbell. Mcdonnell agrees about the updated iteration of winter’s heavier choker. “Think thin cords, suede, lace, or ribbon with a small bauble or crystal accent. Wear one or 10 in varying lengths. I’m still seeing these on Paris streets, and loving the creative ways they are worn by women of every age.” At accessories wonderland Marlyn Schiff (119 Coulter Ave., Ardmore, 610-642-3811; marlynschiff.com), the eponymous designer says chokers remain a top seller, and pair well with of-the-moment tassel or lariat necklaces.
“CHOKER NECKLACES SEEM TO BE EVOLVING IN DESIGN, WITH LIGHTER VARIATIONS FOR WARMER MONTHS.” —SARA CAMPBELL