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Sept. 30, 2004
Blaze a trail for fashionable fall jackets
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There's a whole list of must-haves this fall from the perfect poncho to round-toed pumps, but believe me, it will be impossible to get through the season without at least one fabulous fitted blazer. Of course, I recommend buying several, and my favorites are tweeds, with glen plaids running a close second. Blazers are amazingly versatile pieces that can dress up a pair of jeans or add polish to any outfit. And they're flattering on so many body types. With oodles of styles, loads of colors and prices ranging from about $50 to $500, you're sure to find one perfect for you. Things to look for: waist-nipping cuts, velvet bows, fringed sleeves and hems, distinctive buttons, perfectly placed pockets and funky appliqués. Big spenders and label lovers will find excellent cut and quality at Les Amis, Sweetie, Carmilia's and Canopy Blue. For a long, lean silhouette, Sweetie has two notable knee-length styles: Trina Turk's classic red, black and white plaid ($374) goes with anything, and the red and white tweed jacket by Burning Torch ($524) features hand-beaded flowers on the back. But hurry — Sweetie owner Joeanna Purdie has little self-control when unbelievably gorgeous pieces like these come in. At Canopy Blue, I love the chocolate brown, blue and cream knee-length tweed by Bei ($534) and Tracy Reese's khaki and jade tweed jacket with fancy jade and gold buttons ($460). Carmilia's has a green, cream and grey tweed Theory jacket ($490) that could easily span the seasons. The selection at Les Amis runs from the trendy knee-length Calypso jacket with a ruffled lapel that cascades down the front for $292, to a very affordable turquoise and chocolate brown jacket by Tree People that is trimmed with brown velvet ribbon, for only $108. For lower prices, attention to detail and one-off style, go to Anthropologie. Think equestrian style, soft rounded hems, big '70s collars, texture, peplums, contrasting buttons, top stitching, perfectly placed pockets and fringe. Anthropologie has it all. Most blazers range between $118-$188. Girls on a budget will find super-cute styles with excellent fit at Reputation, Nordstrom's Brass Plum and Trendy Wendy. Blazers rarely exceed $60 at these shops and usually hover around the $50 price range. Reputation has a $56 fringed Chanel-esque blazer that comes in pink and white, black and white and blue and white. At Nordstrom's Brass Plum department, several of the blazers there rival more expensive and pricier labels in other Nordy departments. For customized and one-of-a-kind blazers, check out the Bella Sisters. Cynthia Lucas and Jenna Stamper (actually close cousins in real life) rummage for vintage and gently worn blazers, then recycle them by altering the cut and adding suede appliqués and reclaimed cashmere hoods and sleeves. Most jackets are $80 or less, but some are as high as $120. The blazers are available at the Fremont Market, Pretty Parlor, Damsel and Olivine Atelier. (NWsource editor’s note: Damsel closed in January 2006.) Suzanne Jaberg is another local designer who's turning out one-of-a-kind jackets with interesting details at reasonable prices under her Suzabelle label. Revamped vintage tweed, wool and velvet jackets feature hand-painting, velvet ribbon, floral appliqués and attached velour hoods; they range from $70-$100 and are available at Velouria, Pretty Parlor, Retail Therapy, Le Frock, Red Light, Damsalfly and I Heart Rummage. SPOTLIGHT ON DEREK ANDREW"People come in here and think our clothes are from L.A.," says sales associate Jennifer Bryston of the Derek Andrew boutique. "They don't know they're designed here in Seattle." Veteran designers Cynthia and Derek Federman originally opened their boutique in 1996 in downtown Seattle. They later moved to the Eastside and opened a new shop in 1999. You'd never expect a boutique this chic to be situated in a parking lot next to Cost Plus, but you'll forget all about that when you walk through the doors. Sparkly vintage chandeliers hang from sturdy open beams — a warm and cozy effect in contrast to the stark concrete floors. The boutique is conveniently organized by color, but you'll be constantly distracted by supple Luella Bartley leather handbags, gorgeous Jeff Gallea belts, Pucci-esque Alan Stuart cosmetic bags, Samantha Chang lingerie and the center-room display of fragrant Tocca and French Seda candles. Once you make it to the racks, you'll find the Federman's own designs, such as the sporty TwillTwentyTwo label which includes a line of tweed jackets trimmed with faux fur, and Twisted Heart, a line of casual warm-up tops, tanks, hoodies and pants embellished with rock-star glam such as sequins and deliberately tattered hems ($44-$100). They also carry spendy labels such as Burning Torch, Juicy Couture and loads of high-priced jeans including Italian-designed Notify, Rogan and Joe's Jeans. Expect prices to reflect the quality and up-to-the-minute trendy nature of much of the merchandise, but you'll also find affordable items from the Federman's China T line that includes basic T's and tops. COMING UPSaturday, Oct. 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Reincarnate that favorite pair of jeans or T-shirt with the help of local designer Carlisia "Mac" Minnis from Mac Productions. She's holding one of her Reconstruction Days at Reputation in Wallingford. Minnis sets up shop to revamp and breathe new life into your favorite clothes, and in 30 minutes or less, she'll turn jeans into minis and T's into fashion statements. Bring your own embellishments such as zippers, buttons, sequins, ribbon, leather and denim scraps, or choose from items offered during the workshop. The cost of the workshop is $15-$40, depending on services and materials provided. I HEART RUMMAGEMost first Sundays of the month, local artists and craftspeople set up shop in the Crocodile Café from noon-4 p.m., selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to handmade cards. If it feels like you're shopping in a bar, you are — it's dim, smoky, crowded and there's a DJ. Just go with it and order a Bloody Mary to counter the effects of Saturday night, then shop the tables filled with reconstructed clothing, silk-screened T-shirts, loads of handbags, knit hats and scarves, hair accessories and pins, stationery, ceramics, jewelry and art. Most items are one-of-a-kind and prices are reasonable vendors often sell for less than the local boutiques that carry their goods. For more information go to the I Heart Rummage Web site. Kathy Schultz is a free-lance writer who lives in Seattle and loves to shop. Her column updates every Thursday on NWsource. If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail her. Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company |
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