2013 Spring Fashion Tips From A Boston Fashionista
Seams Couture
152 Main St.
Wenham, MA 01984
(978) 473-3398
www.seamstheshop.com/
Mixing 1920s accessories with modern style is a fresh look for spring
Harper Della-Piana, head couturier at Seams, has worked as a professional customer and wardrobe supervisor for Broadway productions, major motion pictures and television shows like "Spin City." She said she's already seen fashion-forward brides coming in asking for drop-waist gowns, beading, fringe and feathers.
"Between 'Downton Abbey' and the new 'Gatsby' my prediction is that '20s style is going to be hot," says Della-Piana. The secret to bringing 1920s style into your wardrobe without looking like you're wearing a costume is to pick just one vintage element and pair it with modern shimmer or soft florals rather than dressing in '20s style from head to toe.
Color
After a few gray months of snow and early nights, everyone is waiting for spring color. "We all need to wear as much color as possible in February onwards," Harper Della-Piana said. Luckily, the spring 2013 runways were filled with great new shades to fill your closets this spring.
A strong peach shade was featured prominently on the spring 2013 fashion collections of many designers, she said. It was seen paired with everything from Easter egg yellow to spring green to jewel purple. Designers featured such a strong mix of colors in their spring collections that everyone should be able to find some new favorites whether it's a shimmering icy shade or a strong cobalt blue or shocking pink.
At this point everyone should be ready to shed those bulky snow jackets. As the temperatures start creeping upward, it's time to retire those winter jackets and start looking at new silhouettes for spring.
"Lady coats are still going to be the thing we all need," says Harper Della-Piana, adding that coats are also a great way to bring in some of spring's other trends. "Everyone should get a colorful spring coat."
Nina Ricci featured pale pink lady coats in her spring 2013 collection while Ralph Lauren embraced spring growth and opted for a stronger green shade.
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Layer it
"Layering of knits and chiffons will be gorgeous and delicious this spring," says Jemesii Delande, a Boston-area fashion model, jewelry designer and owner of the place to go for fashionable pups, Five Chihuahuas.
Besides being fashion forward, it's a great way to make the transition from winter to spring. Rather than pack away those winter clothes, especially in Boston when it's always anyone's guess as to when spring has really arrived, find ways to mix and match them with trendy spring staples. A chiffon blouse paired with winter's knit skirts, or layering a chunky sweater over a pleated chiffon skirt helps you, and your closet, easily make the move from winter to spring.
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Maxi skirts
Many around Boston find themselves shying away from skirts and dresses as the temperatures plummet for winter. If you're dying to get back into some more feminine looks, but also want to beat the lingering chill, a maxi skirt will be your new best friend this spring.
"Maxi skirts are also delicious," says Jemesii Delande. "A long pleated skirt paired with a simple sweatshirt is a fantastic mix of high and low style."
Even better, maxi skirts are a great way to keep using your winter staples, like sweater tights and ankle boots, throughout the spring until the weather is warm enough to start thinking about how your style will grow and change for summer.
Renee Mallett is the author of several books about art, culture, and New England. She was the owner and director of an art gallery and has written about arts and entertainment on a national level for several print and online journals. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
