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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Thursday, March 17, 2005

Brilliant colors splash spring fashion

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Spring fashion 2005 is busting out all over. It's all about an artist's palette, splashed with brilliant shades of cerulean, tangerine, lemon yellow and lilac.

Amy DeFilippi's spring handbags and shoes include metallic textures and vintage looks. The grad student and yoga teacher found the shoes at a New York boutique.
Ethnic inspirations abound, and, while "ethnic" used to connote something earthy, this season it translates to exotic and bohemian.

Nothing is left unadorned: Every item, from headbands (yes, they're back) to espadrilles, is embellished with beading, bows or embroidery.

White is the hot trend, looking so fresh paired with all the brights, as well as with metallic accessories, the must-have in shoes, bags and belts.

Texture is titillating with opulent brocade and Jacquard fabrics giving just a hint of it, while crochet bumps it up a notch on everything from boleros to belts.

The silhouette from neck to waist is snug. Shrunken jackets and nipped-in cardigans are perfectly suited to the fuller skirts that are so fresh now. Shorts are longer, skimming the top of the knee. Pants are cropped.

Espadrilles, ballet slippers and wedge heels are kicking out the stiletto. Footwear is all glammed up with beading, embroidery, hardware and bright prints.

Safari chic is making a comeback, but it's more refined than in previous seasons, as in MaxMara's soft cotton jackets and bold, graphic, African-inspired prints.

Exotic locales such as Marrakech and Mumbai are serving as inspiration for designers from Paris, New York and Milan. India-inspired everything seems to be taking the United States by storm in true Bollywood style.

We asked The Advertiser's fashion forum members to choose a spring trend and make it their own. Here's what they said.



SHERRY CHOCK WONG

Sherry Chock Wong likes embroidery and bright colors.

Photos by Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Profession: Singer/actress, now performing in the Girlie Revue Cabaret show at the O Lounge.

Favorite spring trend: "Asian-inspired pieces, including but not limited to silk cheongsams, embroidery, obis, kimono styles, floral prints and jewel tones."

Why these pieces? "The delicacy of Chinese designs appeals to my aesthetic sense and they also reflect my heritage."

Found at? Pink corset at Charlotte Russe, silk embroidered skirt in Hong Kong.

Where else did you shop? Forever 21.

Best features? "I love the craftsmanship of the embroidery; the floaty, ethereal quality of the silk; the energy and spirit of the vibrant colors."

First spotted: "On Nicole Kidman in a fur-trimmed chartreuse Galliano gown at the Oscars."

Inspired by: "I am currently inspired by the style of Anna Sui."

Are these dream items or a compromise? "Even when I compromise it turns out to be a dream."

Wear with? T-shirts and cowboy boots.

Wear at? The theater or a party.

A no-no with this trend? "To interpret it too literally, head to toe, like a costume. You want to use Asian themes like condiments: Sprinkle them in to add flavor."



MELISSA MAY

Melissa May
Profession: Environmental planner.

Favorite spring trend? Circle skirts and espadrilles.

Why these pieces? "I'd say both of them chose me. I can't say no to bright colors these days."

Found at? "I discovered the vintage Yves Saint Laurent circle skirt in the racks at Urban Nomad — what a find! The espadrilles were another score — I found them on sale at The Sandal Tree."

Where else did you shop? Neiman Marcus, Betsey Johnson, Scoop NYC (online), www.Anthropologie.com.

Best features? "COLOR! And the playful, girlie silhouette that the wedge-heeled espadrilles and the full skirt create when worn together."

Melissa May's favorites are a circle skirt and espadrilles in eye-catching colors.



First spotted at? "I noticed these styles a few months ago when they started showing up in magazines and catalogs; J.Crew had some great espadrilles before the trend really blew up."

Inspired by: "(Nobody). It was one of those semi-psychic fashion impulses."

Are these dream items or a compromise? "You can't do much better than a shocking yellow vintage YSL skirt, so no compromises there! As for the shoes, I love them to pieces but would swap them in an instant for a pair of Michael Kors espadrilles with metallic leather straps — size 10, any takers?"

Wear with? "I'd wear the skirt with a form-fitting tank or blouse tied at the waist. A fitted jacket works as well. As for the espadrilles, they look great with just about anything. I often pair them with short shorts, Capri pants and, of course, full skirts! Both these pieces also work well with the brightly colored bags and jewelry that are everywhere this season."

Wear at? The skirt has become my Saturday daytime favorite, but I couldn't see wearing it out at night i it's too Donna Reed! The espadrilles also have a decidedly daytime look. They can easily go from the beach to a nice luncheon without looking out of place.

A no-no with this trend? "The important thing with the skirt is to avoid wearing it with loose, baggy tops — you don't want to look like the Stay Puft marshmallow man! A boxy top can also work for a more 'architectural' silhouette. The espadrilles have fewer limitations — there are a huge variety of styles and colors that could fit almost any occasion. I might draw the line at bridal espadrilles, but that's just me."



CATHERINE LY

Catherine Ly likes the versatility of a simple blue top.
Profession: High school senior.

Favorite spring trend? Bright and vibrant colors. She chose a simple blue top as an example.

Why this piece? "Its simplicity makes it very versatile — it can be worn with various pieces to create many different looks."

Found at? Hollister Co.

Where else did you shop? Macy's, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap, Nine West.

Best features? "The elastic detail along the neckline."

Trend spotted at? "I didn't see it at one specific place, but I noticed that elastic and anything else with stretch is becoming more widespread as manufacturers are attempting to make fashion comfortable."

Inspired by? No one.

A dream item or compromise? "I am happy with it — I didn't have to compromise at all."

Wear with? "Jeans, a denim or dressier skirt, and maybe even a jeans jacket or blazer."

Wear at? "Anywhere — to school, the mall, dinner, etc. It can be dressed up or down to make it perfect for pretty much any occasion."

A no-no with this trend: "Too many bright colors — you should stick to one or two."



AMY DeFILIPPI

Amy DeFilippi
Profession: Yoga teacher, graduate student in the School of Social Work.

Favorite spring trend? Metallic accessories, such as shoes.

Why this piece? "I love the casual look of these shoes."

Found at? A boutique in New York.

Where else did you shop? "I shop wherever and whenever I can."

Best features? "I love pieces that can be worn for a dressy occasion or a casual event. That way you can get more use out of them."

Amy DeFilippi shows off her shiny shoes. Metallic textures, she says, have "such a presence" that it's best not to overdo it in an outfit.

First spotted? "In pictures from the 1960s, and in my grandmother's closet."

Inspired by? "Not really. I have had three or four metallic handbags that I have found in vintage/antique stores for years. I have always been attracted to things that are shiny."

Dream item or compromise? "Well, it's not couture. ..."

Wear with? "Usually a solid color rather than a bold printed item. Metallic has such a presence it shouldn't be overwhelmed."

Wear at? "That's what's so exciting about metallic — you can wear it anywhere."

A no-no with this trend? "It would be easy to overdo this trend, making it cheesy. Too much of a good thing is never good, especially if it's metallic."