Local boutiques offer variety of on-trend clothes

 

(Photo:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/prom-dresses-london)”Comfortable and cozy with a creative blend of textures and textiles” goes a long way in describing winter fashion this year.

Garments such as vests and flowing cardigans—some made with unexpected blends of lace, knitted or open-weave materials—make shopping not only fun but interesting.

At Mainstream Boutique and MODE, customers can find unique pieces they can be sure they won’t see on too many, if any, others around town, store owners say.

“People love the smaller stores, where they can find more unique items and get customer service,” said Kathy Klath, who owns Mainstream Boutique, a satellite store on the outskirts of Columbia Mall in Grand Forks. “I think people are looking for that.”

Kay Derry, who owns MODE (located on 42nd Street next to Tim Hortons), agreed.

“We only get a few (of each item), so when it’s gone, it’s gone,” she said. “That makes it unique. We want you to stand out, at a reasonable price, and be confident.”

At Mainstream Boutique, Klath offers a fitted single-breasted taupe tapestry coat with wider, rounded lapels trimmed in one-inch taupe lace—which is reminiscent of the ’70s.

In fact, some of the most iconic fashion staples of the 1970s, carrying over from the fall, are prevalent in clothing for the winter season, Klath said.

“Fringe, the poncho, flared jeans, cowl necks—they’re all coming back,” she said.

“It’s funny how we go back to what we had, but we tweak it. It’s how we wear it, too. There’s no right or wrong way—however you feel that day is how you dress.”

“It’s kind of like anything goes,” Derry said. “You might try a statement necklace or, depending on the top, it may be that ‘less is better’ or something simpler will work.”

Vests, sweater, tunics

The shorter vest, especially with fringe, is coming on strong for winter, Klath said.

Sleeveless long sweaters or vests and long-sleeved cardigans or “dusters”—we’re talking midcalf-length—in cable knit make a strong fashion statement this season.

Women of shorter stature should not shy away from these longer silhouettes, Klath said. “They can look good on shorter women, too.”

Tunics continue to be well-received by consumers.

“Tunics are very in,” Klath said. “(They) are so easy. In the store, they can be hard to decipher: is it a dress or a tunic? Someone who’s shorter could wear it as a dress.”

Some garments feature hems that dip down on the sides or vary from front to back, she said. “They’re high in front and lower in the back.”

Many of her mature customers prefer the shorter-length garment, which Klath makes sure to have on hand, she said.

She also is showing plenty of plaids, including the Northwoods’ classic red-and-black-checkered buffalo plaid, as well as sweater vests and sleeveless vests that combine knit, woven and even lace materials. And the influence of fleece on winter clothing options is unmistakable.

The hottest colors for winter are more subdued, drawing heavily from neutrals such as black, charcoal gray, taupe, browns and muddy greens.

“Taupe is a color for year-round,” Klath said. “It’s a really great neutral to wear either in a bottom or top.”

In her take on trending colors, Derry included sage or greyish green, muted mustard, a winey red-brown, deep plum, cashmere rose, orange, a vibrant amethyst orchid and a “stormy weather” blue that captures the blue-gray of a hazy, cloudy day.

Accessories important

Layering is key to putting together a great look this winter, Derry said.

“There’s a lot of layering,” she said. “You can make a whole new outfit with a scarf.”

Layering is not only smart but also very practical for wintertime dressing, Klath said.

“Scarves can add so much (to the look of an outfit) and keep you warm, too.”

They add a punch of personality to a new top or jacket, or even rejuvenate something you already own.

“Jewelry, scarves, hats or another accessory is an easy way to bring a new look to an old top that you’re sick of,” Klath said.

Look for anything with tassels, whether on jewelry, scarves, handbags or footwear.

And don’t underestimate the visual impact of “fun gloves in a plaid or an argyle print,” Klath said.

Speaking of the emerging popularity of prints, Aztec patterns are beginning to take center stage in fashion, she said.

The American Southwest influence also is evident in timeless jewelry that mixes turquoise with wooden beads and other elements.

Leather as a design element, and smooth or copper wire-wrapped natural stones, impart an ethnic vibe to necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Choosing the perfect belt can be a great way to change your look and add versatility to a wrap cardigan sweater, Klath said.

Pearls are not just for your grandmother anymore.

Pearls, which “are always classic and beautiful,” are worn more casually this season, Klath said.

Crosses, measuring 3 to 5 inches in length, grace long chains and take on new life when studded with pearls or other unusual decoration.

Best boots

When it comes to boots, there’s a height for every taste and preference.

Tall boots make an important fashion statement, Derry said.

Her store, MODE, is offering a selection that she got as an “opportunity buy,” she said. “We don’t usually have footwear.”

In boots of all types, “suede is in,” Klath said, noting especially the bootie, or ankle-height boot, with a wedge heel.

Shoppers also will find midcalf and lace-up styles, she said. Buckles add a bit of flare to an otherwise plain boot.

If you’re looking for just the right pair of jeans to tuck into those boots, you might want to make MODE your first stop. It’s known for its large selection of jeans and other designer garments that it scoops up from closeouts or overstock sales.

“We buy for less and pass that saving on to customers,” Derry said.

Like Mainstream Boutique, MODE is aimed at a clientele that varies widely in size and age, “from 8 to 88,” she said.

“I recently had a mom, daughter and grandma come in. They all found something in the store.”

“We help women shop differently,” Derry said. “I’m brutally honest; I want (customers) going out looking good. The most fun I have is dressing people … I want them to look great and feel comfortable and confident.”Read more at:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/prom-dresses-manchester