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In Store:Spring Trends
With Janet Bennett
washingtonpost.com Shopping Producer
Wednesday, April 3, 2002; 1 p.m. EST
White is right and back in style this spring, along with safari jackets, handbags with fringe and peasant blouses.
Diane Daly, fashion director at Hecht's, talks with washingtonpost.com's shopping producer, Janet Bennett, about new trends
for spring and how to make the new looks work without being a fashion victim.
Below the transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Janet Bennett:
Welcome to our discussion today on spring fashion trends. I'm delighted to have Diane Daly here as my expert guest. Diane is the fashion director at Hecht's, a Washington mainstay. Diane, I know that Hecht's is a sponsor of the Corcoran exhibit on Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her influential role as First Lady in the '60s. Do you see any trends that Jackie popularized that are showing up in stores today?
Diane Daly: Janet, I was able to see the exhibit last night and it was wonderful. Yes, there are several looks that can be traced back to Jackie Kennedy- lady like suits in a variety of colors, dressmaker details like top stitching, sleeveless sheath dresses, sling back shoes and top handle bags.
Bethesda, MD:
I have seen the peasant blouses and skirts on the fashion runways as must-haves for spring. How can I (at a petite 5 foot 2)wear this style without appearing even shorter? Thanks!!
Diane Daly: Yes, peasant blouses are a new (and some might say old) trend this season. If you are on the shorter side you should probably wear a peasant top that is a little longer and loose flowing. If possible, wear a white top over a white skirt or pants-that creates a longer look.
Beltsville:
Knee high socks to go with knee length skirts? Tacky? In style? Good if you're a quirky dresser? I can't decide!
Diane Daly: I would have to say NO to those unless you are wearing your school uniform
arlington, va:
Help please! I'm a size 20 and am trying to find attractive spring clothes that don't cost an arm and a leg. I'm looking for something a little bit better made than the stuff at Lane Bryant but not as much as expensive as the clothes at Saks Salon Z. Is there hope for me? I'm a big fan of cute spring clothes but it feels like designers are scared to have heavier women wearing their labels. Janet Bennett:
Hi, Arlington,
Did you happen to read an article by Kate Betts in the New York Times this Sunday? It's all about the need for more plus-size fashion outlets. And according to the story, help is on the way as more designers are going into this market. The defunct Mode magazine is coming out again this May as Grace. Diane, your comments?
Diane Daly: We work closely with our vendors to develop lines for Womens Sizes. We recognize that there are some voids out there but more and more designers are signing on--you will see more and more updated and interesting looks for this Spring and summer.
Dupont Circle, D.C.:
Okay, I know white shoes are going to be
hip this year..but how can I wear them
and avoid looking like A. Elvis or B. some
old church lady in the Deep South?? Janet Bennett:
I love white shoes. But you're right; you don't want to look like a church lady or a nurse. I think the best way to avoid that is to avoid the all-white look from tip to toe.
Diane Daly: Actually, white shoes look great this season-especially strappy wedges. As Janet said, just be careful not to overdo the white. Wear them with a printed capri pant or a solid white pairof jeans.
The Plains, Virginia:
Okay, so I'm not from The Plains but it's related to the Gold Cup. What are the big looks this year for Gold Cup? What would you recommend for flattering shoes to go with those little sundresses that also won't sink into the grass?
Diane Daly: You can find a great variety of wedges out there to work with those pretty floral dresses & skirts. look for something that has a bit of embellishment like embroidery or beading that matches the color of the dress. Wedges are comfortable and won't sink into the grass like those stilettos!
Alexandria Va.:
I've noticed that the must-have accessory trend for spring is turquoise laden items. Are there any neat Native American shops or boutiques that carry turquoise jewelry in the DC/NOVA area?
Thanks for taking my question! Janet Bennett:
I just saw some turqouise jewelry--earrings and cuffs at Shake Your Booty in Georgetown. Also, they've got some nice, weathered-looking tooled leather bags.
Diane Daly:
Yes, turq is the hottest new trend in jewelry-working back to the "Bohemian" looks of the peasant blouses & tiered skirts. You can find turquiose jewelry at Hecht's this season.
Re: prairie skirt:
I have had for many years a white prairie skirt made with vintage lace that is now in style. Do I have to go with a peasant type top? What other options would you suggest?
Diane Daly: See, everything old is new again. Its great that you have a prarie skirt with lace -lace is another key trend this spring. You can wear your skirt with a simple sleeveless top or camisole. Look for one with a slight touch of embroidery.
DC:
I have the opposite problem. I'm a size 0 petite but have a really hard time trying to find clothes and not look like I'm trying to 15 years old. The only stores I've found to have that is Jcrew and Banana Republic online, and those places can be pricy. Any suggestions?
How about shoes? I wear a size 5 so most times I end up at Payless.
Diane Daly: We do have a paetite department at Hecht's-have you had any luck there? Otherwise, I think Ann Taylor has a good selection of petite sizes. I often see size 0 and 1 there. Give it a try.
Washington, DC:
Can I still wear my plaid pants this Spring? What about other '70s-inspired patterns? Is retro now considered a no-go?
Diane Daly: You can wear plaid pants if they are in fresh new colors -that looks a little preppy . But-I would say to pack them away if they look 70s. The look is light, fresh and soft this season,
not quite a spring only question:
I am re-entering the work world after several years in graduate, and am having trouble getting the staple wardrobe together given the new trends towards more professional than the last few years and that we are in-between seasons.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Diane Daly: It really depends on the type of firm yoou are working for -tell me where you are working?
Virginia:
Diane, I'm stuck in the middle. I'm not exactly young (30s) so I feel uncomfortable wearing super tight, super short, hip hugging type things but I'm not exactly old either that I'd want to wear my mother's clothes everywhere. But when I look around that's all I seem to see anymore. Besides sun dresses, what's in these days for us in betweens.
Diane Daly: You cna definetly find great looks in the sportswear departments of Hecht's as well as many of the other department and specialty stores. Designers like Ralph Lauren, Nine West, DKNY & Jones New York design for women like you. Have you worn any of those ?
Takoma Park, MD:
I am a size 6. When I go to the Hechts in PG Plaza, I find almost nothing in my size. When I go to the Hechts in Wheaton Plaza, there is much more in my size. I'm aware that the PG Plaza store is smaller, but the lack of size 6 clothing seems disproportionately low.
I buy mostly in catalogues now. The size 20 from Arlington may want to check out Lands End. They have a full range of sizes, from Extra Small to Women's.
Diane Daly: We generally stock our stores with the sizes that have proven to be the best sellers. But I will pass on your comments to our buyers and they can relook at the selection at the PG store.
Arlington, VA:
Hi, and HELP! -- I'm in my mid 30's and tend toward a classic look, but would like to update my wardrobe with a few spring pieces that are up-to-date but not too trendy. Any fun ideas to spice up my (mostly black pantsuit) look for work, and liven my my (mostly black pantsuit) look for evening? I already look young for my age, so I want to avoid anything too cutesy. Thanks!
Diane Daly: The first thing you should invest in is a light color suit or dress. Try something in camel-its classic. You can wear white with it or if you want to go brighter, do an accent of coral or orange. Next, buy a pretty blouse with ruffle detail to wear with your black suits for day or evening. You can also buy a great new bag to help sharpen up your suits. Look for one with top stitching. For more casual-try a bright floral skirt with a ruffle hemline.
professional wardrobe:
I am working at a conservative law firm.
Diane Daly: Yes, a suit will do the trick. But choose something in camel
you don't have to go with the more traditional black or gray. Try Jones New York for style & great value. Garfield & Marks makes suits that look & firt great & wear like iron.
Spring Shoes:
I was just in London and they had all their
spring stuff out. While there were still a
few clunky, chunky sandal-type shoes, it
seems that for spring/summer there, it's
either completely flat sandals or pointy-
toed and spikey heeled shoes. If this is
popular there now, I guess we can expect
this next spring (maybe 2004) for DC? Janet Bennett:
If that's the case, no complaints here. Although I'm not a fan of spikes, I am getting tired of clunky shoes. Diane?
Diane Daly: Well, I love spikes myself-and nothing makes the leg look better. Actually, pointed toes and high heels were popular in the designer & couture lines last year and have made their way into the more moderate markets for this spring. You will definitely find them in the stores-Hecht's ran an ad on them a couple of weeks ago. The other great shoes are wedges, ankle straps and of course-slides. Also look for details like top stitching & buckles on your shoes.Clunky loks are more junior.
Washington DC:
You've had questions from the 30-ish crowd about not wanting to dress like their Moms --well, what is your advice for the Moms themselves? What's fresh and stylish for those of us who are in our 50s?
Diane Daly: You may not want to wear a prarie skirt & peasant top but you can certainly wear capri pant -they are the perfect alternative to shorts & jeans. Also, you can still be trendy by wearing pretty tops with soft ruffles or lace trims-maybe not too sheer. Color has no age limits-white with a bright color accent is a fresh look. Pick up a crisp white shirt-maybe one that is not too man tailored -a bit softer.
Try some fun jewelry to update yoour look-stretch stone bracelets, turquiose, coral-they all look new.
Reston, Va.:
What's a good bag to wear for business occasions but also cute enough to wear at night?
Diane Daly: For evening you would want a smaller hand bag so I would suggest a "Demi" it fits under the arm but is quite flat & has a top zip. Coach makes a great one with its logo. If this is too small for business, just use a nice, neat black tote and keep the bag inside it for evening.
Baltimore, Md.:
I love the semisheer peasant blouses that are everywhere this spring, but what does one wear under them? I don't want to look like Gwyneth at the Oscars, but I'm not sure if the lines of a bra would mess up the look. Would a fleshtone camisole be about right?
Diane Daly: The sheer camisole is fine-just make sure that anything you wear is not of a heavier fabric than the top. You could wear just a bra in the evening if you are so inclined.
Alexandria, Va.:
Sort of a spring fashion question. I am going to Italy in a couple of weeks, and I know they are very big on looking fashionable there. What would you recommend packing that looks sharp and is still comfortable? What kind of shoes? Also, is there anything there to look out for to bring back (I would guess shoes, but maybe something else?) Thanks!
Diane Daly: The Italians are indeed very fashionable and very well put together. I would suggest that you pack some nice( pressed) khaki pants, some dress pants, a couple of capris and a pair of jeans. A nice dress for dinner is a must. Sweaters & Cotton tees are a good idea -they wear well and don't need pressing. Keep you shoes low heeled and comfotable. Something with a soft rubber sole will be good for walking around. The "Bowling" type shoes are trendy and comfotable and can be worn with all your bottoms exept maybe the dress pants. You should bring a terrific pair of pointy toe heels for your dress.
As for what to look for? Shoes are okay but handbags are better. Ask for the Prada outlet near Milan. You may get great on the big designer names like Gucci, Louis Vutton, etc. Also-fabulous baby clothes!
Bethesda, MD:
I'm in my early 30s and already saturated of the paesant look. I haven't even been shopping yet, but the pictures in catalogues and ads have done it for me already. It's so -not- my style, I would feel pretty silly wearing it.
So what other trends are out there? Right now it looks like everything is peasant-ized...
Diane Daly: The peasant look is not for everyone but there are many other looks for this season. Color is everwhere and it looks fresh & new. Why not try a pretty floral skirt in a sheer fabric with a sweater set?
Inside the Beltway:
I try to update my old spring wardrobe with the latest in accessories. In addition to great new bags and turquoise jewelry, what about belts? Wide? Buckles? Stitching?
Diane Daly: Belts are hot! They are wider than last season and have great details. Look for western styles with tooled leather and etched buckles. Fringe on belts is also a new look.
Bethesda, Md.:
What kind of shoes are cute and sexy for someone with flat feet?
Diane Daly: Can you wear a low wedge? Wedges are all over the place this spring. They are strappy and sexy.
Germantown, Md.:
Ballet Flats - LOVE THEM, but can't find them anywhere but Saks 5th. I'm seeing them for Spring in all the fashion magazines - why aren't there any on the shelves? I can't afford $350 for a pair of Manolos - my husband would kill me! Does Hechts or anyone else carry this classic style for less?
Diane Daly: Ballet flats were really not shown in the market for this period. The emphasis was on details like thongs, wedges, high heels & pointed toes.
Washington, D.C.:
Here's my problem:
I have a black tie wedding to attend at the end of May. I am a size four and want something that is classy and not cheaply made. But it seems that all I can find at Dept. stores are dress for Prom kids, that are horrible quality and expensive. Where else can I go and what is in style right now. I am in my early twenties and I don't want to look like I am 16.
Help!
Diane Daly: Try the ladies dress department in Hecht's-Ralph Lauren Dresses has some very sophisticated cocktail & black tie dresses. Look for something that has an asymetrical neckline for a very new look.
DC:
What's up with the Hecht's in Friendship Heights? I'm a Petite 4, and the entire petite section is full of frumpy clothes or Ralph Lauren. Is it the demographic of the area (older, conservative?) It's in such a convenient location for me, yet I never go there unless I'm looking for shoes.
Diane Daly: We are always looking at ways improve the selection of merchandise in our stores. The Friendship Heights store has traditionally been a little more classic but we are seeing changes and are working to change as well. One of the big issues in that store is space constraints. Thanks for your input-we always appreciate hearing from our customers.
I'm signing off now-sorry I couldn't get to all of your questions but there were some really good ones! Don't forget to read Janet's column every week.
Bye
Janet Bennett:
Thanks, Diane and everyone who participated in this fashion trends discussion. It's been fun and informative. Now it's time to go shopping.
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