FASHION TRENDS
Peasant blouse offers style with comfort

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Rachel Barnette, UH fashion design student, suggests wearing peasant blouses with flared, low-rise jeans. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Q. Why did you choose this look?

A. "I'm doing a project in fashion forecasting and we picked the A-line silhouette and the romantic, Hispanic gypsy look as our trend."

Q. What features do you love?

A. "It's feminine but comfortable. It's not too revealing and you can dress it up or down."

Q, Where did you first see the trend?

A. "It stems from the movie stars. I think I first saw it on Penelope Cruz in a magazine, either 'In Style' or 'People.' "

Q. Did someone inspire you to seek it out?

A. "When I tried it on in (the store) bebe I was sold on it. I'm not trendy, and I think it will stay around for a while."

Q. Where did you find it?

A. "It's everywhere! I bought mine at bebe but I also saw peasant blouses in Wet Seal, Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch, even an aloha print one at Town & Country."

Q. Is this your dream blouse or did you have to compromise?

A. "I'm perfectly happy with this blouse. I love the short sleeves and it cost $32, which is realistic."

Q. What would you wear it with?

A. "Low-rise jeans with a little stretch to them and a flare at the bottom, strappy sandals with a 2 to 3-inch heel and a tooled leather belt. I wouldn't wear anything too busy that would distract. And nothing short; simple and long is better."

Q. Where would you wear it?

A. "Anywhere — dinner, movies, school. But not to the beach or a fancy restaurant."

Q. What's a no-no?

A. "A sheer white peasant blouse with no bra or a bra that shows — that's tacky. You need a camisole to polish the look."