Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 14, 1990 TAG: 9004250215
SECTION: AMERICAN WOMEN'S SHOW PAGE: AW3 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: SARAH COX
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Keeping an eye on the trends will be a dizzying feat even for the most fashion-conscious, as the entire spectrum of accessories, clothes, colors and fabrics will be represented during the weekend of March 16, 17 and 18 at the Roanoke Civic Center. Fashion shows will run hourly from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Sort through it all - the soft colors of spring, the early harvest hues, the sheerest chiffons and sturdiest lycra, the three-inch dangling earrings and delicate crystal bobs - and certain strong undercurrents catch the eye for the coming seasons: Black and white, bold-on-bold colors, classic rather than trendy, practical but feminine, and the unique.
One place to find a fair representation of this, with an emphasis on the unique, is G.G. MaGann Boutique on the Roanoke City Market. Beginning with the name - in honor of the family's great-grandmother MaGann - it is a store filled with antiques, but the setting does not inhibit the weary shopper from flopping down and surveying the goodies.
"Antiques are an everlasting thing that never go out of style," said Gayle Stephens, owner. "Most of my clothes are like that, too. You can add to them, season after season, particularly the Anne Pinkerton line. Her things are timeless."
Stephens said she caters to a wide range of ages, but mostly a mind set - the customer who wants a young, sophisticated look. "I like having an eclectic look. I don't want any one, total look. I'm thriving on the unique and unusual. I don't want to look like any other store. I wanted an air of being comfortable. When people come down to the Market, they want to be comfortable."
Her walking shorts may be a reflection of this comfortable attitude. Stephens said they're big for spring and lengths run the gamut from just grazing the knee to hot pants, although she doesn't carry the latter. Another, more career-oriented version is the split skirt, a fuller cut designed to wear in the office or on a day off. And shorts have even taken on the suit jacket as a companion in the office.
Another look, one that can complement the fit figure or hide a multitude of sins, is leggings with a tied chiffon skirt. Stephens said it's a resurgence of the 50s look, particularly the chiffon and organza accent in skirts or big tops.
Another fashion-forward boutique in the American Women's Show is Patina. "I try to cater to women over 20," said owner Bonnie Jackson. "It's an updated look with flair."
She said that her clothes are not necessarily for the office, but rather are unique and for special occasions. For that big dance, for bridal gowns or wedding attendants, she carries Lorrie Kabala, a lacy and satiny formalwear line of dresses running from $300 to $600. "Some of these dresses are so special that the mother of the bride feels she will be overdoing it," said Jackson.
Also shown at the Women's Show will be dressy suits - too dressy for the office, according to Jackson - and black and white clothes complemented by a wild array of accessories.
Accessories, from belts and earrings to handbags and hats, have become an essential part of the wardrobe of late, and an essential part of Patina's business. "We feel that jewelry and accessories are so popular and important now, for the reason that you can dress up your own clothes with them," said Jackson, adding that a new outfit is not necessary when accessories can change a look. And customers don't have to worry about buying the wrong size.
Among Patina's large selection of sterling, 14-karat and costume jewelry shines a particular favorite: Austrian crystal. From $10 to $110, these earrings can stand in good stead for evening or office.
G.G. MaGann also carries an unusual line of jewelry, Nepal By Elizabeth, which is polished pewter made by a couple who live near Fredericksburg, Va.
And for the final notch in accessories, you can "belt it" with wearable art. Handmade, one-of-a-kind, and ethnic looks are popular now, ranging from crocodiles to coins. According to Jackson, natural stones like amethysts, onyx and turquoise are prevalent belt decor and go with ethnic handbags, which can be handpainted, beaded or tapestry.
But when you're ready to shed the baubles and don the leotards and aerobic shoes, you can still be in the height of fashion. The latest, displayed by Mary Lugar at Dance, Etc., are tight pants and thong leotards - the kind you have to wear tights with - in a variety of neon colors such as lime green and hot pink.
Now workout wear is made in a heavier material, either cotton-lycra or shiny nylon-lycra blends, which prevents it from running as easily. "You can add colors and build your wardrobe, and they give a lot of support," said Lugar.
And Lugar's new footwear, to be modeled this weekend, includes Arc Technology by Avia (about $100 per pair), which has new features for shock absorbtion and stability. Another new item is Avia's Hydrolite material, imitative of leather but 20 percent lighter and machine-washable. Shoes made from this cost about $80.
If the swimming pool's the exercise medium, stores are showing more practical swimwear. "This year we're selling swimming suits, made for swimming in - a very athletic line," said Lugar at Dance, Etc.
Patina is showing a new line by Jerry Hall, plus the ever-popular Half Moon. Both are more athletic-looking - "the kind you can actually use in the water," said Jackson. "They are made well and fit well, so they won 't move around on you."
Before packing the newest in swimwear for a spring or summer holiday, wedding couples will be able to survey the latest in bridal and tuxedo fashions during the American Women's Show. "We will have the latest in bridal fashion and entertainment during the show," said Dody Matze of Perfect Wedding, a bridal consultant business. She plans to include ethnic dancing, live music, and a post-show reception table that will advise brides-to-be not only about gowns, but how to keep the crowd happy. Mitchell's Formal Wear and Celebration Bridal & Formal will be exhibiting their fashions.
"Girls are asking for a lot of silk," said Mary Lou Gilbert, owner of Celebration Bridal & Formal in Lynchburg. "More girls are going to colors that look the best on them - not necessarily white." These color choices range from white to ivory to blush or pink.
Headpieces that have forehead bands are most popular now, said Gilbert. She will even be showing her black wedding gown - originally purchased as an advertising ploy. "If you have a black wedding gown, then you must have everything," she said. Two bold young brides have already purchased it, however.
To help sort through this selection of fashions, colors and fabrics, Colors & You Boutique will be there to analyze your colors and advise on makeovers. "We do seasonal color analysis," said co-owner Shirley Hammond. "We feel that people fall into categories just like seasons of the year."
According to Hammond, spring people are usually strawberry blonds with blue or green eyes and peachy complexions. Autumn has the same colors, but stronger, and its candidates are darker redheads and brunettes. Summer is an offshoot of winter. "We think of wintertime as almost being colorless - black and white - and we need to add brightness to it: reds, yellows and hot pinks. We have to brighten it up because it's so `low-chromo.' "
by CNB