Wholesale Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Blog

TARGET IS FOCUSING on a new set of retailing initiatives to get through the present tough financial situation and make them well positioned to regain a hefty share of the market when the economy gets better. The plan is multi-faceted, but relies heavily on the firm’s “Expect More, Pay less” mantra that, according to Kathryn A. Tesija, executive vice president of merchandising, “has guided us through boom times and bad times.”

So far, Target has proven itself a master retailer, and there is no reason to doubt the new plan will do just what the doctor ordered to guide the mega store chain through the present rough waters.

                — Merchandisers at practically every level of the business have something to learn here.

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Tesija says that “in this economic climate, we are emphasizing the ‘Pay Less’ part of the company strategy.” One requisite: To make sure prices match those of their main competitor, Wal-Mart.  The company has also revised its weekly in-store advertising circular, using fewer products and larger images, all focused on lower prices. 

PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES have been revised.  For example, the number of endcaps that feature merchandise at lower prices has been significantly increased to show off the value items.

• The way you buy can make a major difference in your promotional items.  Consider closeouts such as classic double row faux pearls spaced with fine link chain.  These exquisite, grey-toned pearls, which can be extended to 18 inches and will never go out of style, offer an ideal value-oriented merchandising opportunity.

Of course, price is not the total story.  Michael B. Francis, executive vice president of marketing, says that while customers are focused on price, he feels it is just as important to have an environment where people want to shop and where they can expect to get more at those lower prices. This not only maintains business, but helps build market share.

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WITH PRICE IN THE FOREFRONT of consumer consciousness, advertising has been revamped to communicate the value message. “We are being more explicit in terms of ‘Pay Less,’” Francis says. Now, three-fourths of the firm’s expenditures will be devoted to that position.  “And every vehicle we create will contain a bolder statement about Target’s value,” Francis admits.

The fall-off of sales at posh retailing emporiums is also affecting the way Target does business.  The firm is frankly running to pick up those disenchanted customers, telling them, “We have the same merchandise you’d find at Macy’s or Barney’s, New York.”  Except, of course, at lower prices. 

• To attract the upscale customer, try creating a new category of better merchandise which you can offer at value prices.  For example, former customers of high-end stores will surely be attracted to classic style wholesale jewelry, especially with real gemstones. Consider a handsome tiger’s eye necklace of polished chips featuring a domed oval pendant framed in silver-plated flat wire, all adjustable to a fashionable 20″. Very sophisticated!  

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NEWNESS IS WHAT IS SELLING in Target stores now.  And, according to Francis, “Punctuating our stores with up and coming designers is effective.” One way of doing that is by featuring designers in print and circular advertising which underscores the designers’ own voices.  The same can be done with popular brands that have a value reputation.

An important merchandising concept for 2009 is the company’s “rebalancing theme.”  It involves finding new ways to drive traffic and emphasize value. 

               –”We’re still out there taking creative risks and taking opportunities.”

A recent campaign based on the traffic-driving strategy involved showing off essential items against a Dolly Parton vocal in the background.  A big name that communicates positive messages both directly and indirectly!  

• You can do the same simply by playing music that conveys a positive message or feeling in your store. 

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TARGET IS ALSO INTEGRATING new product into its merchandising mix, with the idea of attracting customers it might not otherwise get. A major example is a grocery concept, now in its testing stage. Greg W. Steinhaffel, president and CEO, believes that  food customers make more store stops and spend four times more than non-food customers.  By adding food to the store’s merchandising mix, Target hopes to corral a bevy of new frequent buyers into the store.

• Just adding a new and exciting product category to your store can effect the same positive business results.  For example, you might expand your business into high-profile caps, which are perennially popular best-sellers.  Modified military caps look great on men and women alike, and come in white, black and khaki. These great looking caps sell to all age categories.  Other terrific choices include “Level Headed” ball caps, and 3-D embroidered American Eagle ball caps.  Put in some of these items and just watch the action!   

ELECTRONIC WIZARDRY is also in Target’s going-forward strategy.  Its goal is to put the entire store online and to integrate mobile commerce into its retail plan. To drive traffic to the company’s website now, an on-line free shipping offer has been increased from 25- to 50,000 items. 

We can’t say enough about the importance of computer merchandising.  If you‘re not really computer literate, change your ways now.  This is the future and, like Target, you want to be in on it!

Imagine a line of wholesale fashion jewelry that is totally immune from changing fashion trends and totally immune from economic downturns.  Now let’s go a step further-imagine very few wholesalers supply it and very few retailers present it to consumers.  This is a dream product!

Now wake up from the dream because it’s real.  Most call it theme jewelry and the Cadillac is “Best Brand”.  Probably, most women in America have never seen the line and yet it has the quality that will be the future generations sought after vintage jewelry. 

Why is it immune from trends?  Because theme designs in Best Brand’s line appeal to the heart and not trend consciousness.  This fashion jewelry uses exquisite design and detail to provide immediate recognition in endless themes that go straight to a consumer’s interests.  Such superbly detailed themes magically open the door of emotion that overpowers heady decisions about fashion trends. 

The strength of the line is wholesale pendants with matching earrings.  Best Brand has a pendant and matching earrings for nearly any theme that comes to mind.  Themes as obscure as barrel racing take on life with such detail and realism the eye immediately recognizes it. 

What about Gospel singing?  There’s a pendant for that and, of course, matching earrings.  This wholesale jewelry line goes through almost every aspect of music with musical instruments and notes as well as themes in Jazz and Rock & Roll.  

Many hard to find themes populate the line like, teapots, gymnastics, cooking, and light houses as well as unique designs for more common themes like sports, sea life, flowers, pets, and animals.  But even in sports, less common themes find expression such as girl’s softball, hockey, and volleyball plus cute jewelry for cheerleaders. 

The range of pendants and earrings boggles the imagination-motorcycles, tractors, dance, occupations, inspirational, family, and animals and reptiles from swamp to safari.  If we haven’t hit a hot button yet, here’s more-pets, Seasonal jewelry, the Wild West, palm trees, birds, butterflies, ships, and pirates.  Can you think of something we haven’t mentioned?  It’s probably there. 

Yes, the themes are extensive, but the quality is just as exciting, carrying fashion jewelry to a new height.  Most pendants and earrings start with a thin sheet of steel stamped with raised relief that amazes with so much detail coming fro a single piece of metal.  Backs are sealed so the dimensionally raised pendants and earrings are hollow and light weight.  Next comes the finishing process with plating, antiqued recesses to bring out detail, and hand polishing.  Some pendants and earrings have color applied by hand.  The unbelievable factor-most wholesale under $5.00!

More proof that the Best Brand theme line is immune from fashion trends goes back to the mid-nineties when minimalism swept trends and fashion jewelry wholesalers and retailers alike were closing up shop.  During these hard times for fashion jewelry, the Best Brand theme line boomed with endless designs that could change looks as easy as changing chokers. 

Is it immune from the economy?  Display this fashion jewelry in your showcase with pendants and earrings that have something for everyone’s special interest and customers have to stop and study all the detail.  Can a woman that loves her Yorkie pass up a cute Yorkie pendant when she spots it?  Can a Mom so proud of her son in baseball walk away from an attractive “baseball Mom” pendant?  Especially in a bad economy the human spirit finds relief by buying some little item that brings a happy experience.  The emotional appeal of themes is just too powerful to resist!

Costume jewelry has always taken some of its best ideas from fine jewelry, replacing expensive, real gemstones with amazingly real-looking stones like CZs, rhinestones and glass that cost just a fraction of the price. 

A prime example of that movement can be seen in the fabulous new costume jewelry collection being introduced by Prada, the super-expensive fashion brand that has formerly stood for some of the most expensive accessories in the world. 

Now, however, Prada is unveiling a group of costume jewelry pieces that mimic real jewelry with remarkable skill. We don’t expect everyone to go out and buy Prada…the pricing is still high, by costume jewelry standards.  But, it is important to be aware of the products and to see the kind of jewelry the firm is manufacturing. 

              – After all, this is an incredibly hot brand, and getting “the Prada look” isn’t a bad thing to try for. It’s just about guaranteed many top costume manufacturers will be doing just that!

Prada is using a number of innovative materials in its new collection, like crystals of various sizes that are treated with thermic shock to create a cracked effect. They are then put on grosgrain ribbons which are linked to chains and clasps made with silver-alloyed metals. These, in turn, are used to form the collection’s necklaces, earrings and bracelets. 

The new Prada necklaces will retail from $695 to $750, while the earrings will run $350.

But, the good news is, you don’t have to spend that much to still get plenty of Prada-like power.  In making your buying plans, look for jewelry items with large, expensive-looking gemstones. 

Prada uses a good deal of turquoise in the new collection, along with clear crystal and both silver- and gold-toned gold in one piece. The firm also works with matched sets. Mixed metals rank high in this new grouping.  So do crystals or CZs on ribbon or on metal link chains.

Consider a bib necklace made of high fashion reconstituted turquoise stones set in a meandering pattern of metal.  It approximates the Italian look dramatically.  Also, look at fashion earrings in turquoise color, or a faux turquoise and crystal brooch with Victorian inspiration.  They all speak with the same refinement and beauty.

             — Remember:  Getting a hot designer look isn’t all that difficult. 

All it takes is, first, a keen eye for detail, and an appreciation of the original item. Then, you have to list the main elements of the item.  Think in terms of color, material, and stones.  Also, is the piece traditional, or modern? 

Some materials automatically give a rich appearance.  For example, crystal bracelets are wonderfully elegant, and perfect for that special formal affair.  Made of Austrian crystal, these bracelets will dazzle the eye delightfully. This is the mood you should look for when trying for jewelry with a “Prada sensibility.” 

Once you’ve got a line on all of that, start looking for pieces that match up with the original in at least several points.  And don’t forget to trust your own eye:  Do the pieces look alike?  If the answer is “Yes,” you’ve got a hit!

The media serves up a constant diet of bad news, yet wholesale jewelry seems undaunted as it continues to roll along.  Is wholesale jewelry the teflon accessory that nothing sticks to?  Not, quite! It just marches to a different drummer. 

Sure, bad news and the economy take their toll on high ticket items, but wholesale jewelry in the moderate price rage is far more susceptible to fashion trends than the economy and today’s trends strongly favor color and dramatic size in fashion jewelry.  This is fertile ground for wholesale fashion jewelry that delivers these trends so well. 

Beyond size and color, trends are classic, which implies a standard of excellence.  Fashion jewelry that fits into the classic framework seems to have an irresistible attraction that consumers can’t pass up. 

Components and design contribute to this intangible feature that the eye perceives as classic and semi precious stone has migrated to the top as the consumers’ favorite component.  Visit fine department stores today and you will see gemstone fashion jewelry filling the showcases.  These major retailers order well in advance of the season and have plenty of resources to make the right decisions. 

What else do we see in their professionally tailored jewelry lines?  Quality glass jewelry, especially Murano style glass jewelry is there delivering color to go with the season’s palette.  Here is classic jewelry that is truly wearable art.  And this is only the beginning of glass jewelry that has so many looks that it’s mind boggling. 

Glass jewelry can be faux pearls, just one rung below genuine in quality, or it can be faceted glass that rivals lead crystal for dressy looks.  It can be as unusual as millefiore that slices glass rods melted together to form a multitude of tiny flower designs.  Another glass art is goldstone that dates back to the Renaissance with sparkling metallic particles suspended in colored glass. 

A fall surprise in classic jewelry uses shell normally reserved for the summer.  Dark shell like black lip mother of pearl makes a spectacular statement with dyed freshwater pearls for a look that is totally fall.  Nature plays a big part in classic fashion jewelry. 

Yes, the media is pouring out bad news about the economy and wholesale fashion jewelry seems deaf to the message because economy is not its drummer.  So, fashion retailers, don’t worry about the economy; pay attention to fashion trends because fashion jewelry rises and falls to the drum beat of trends.

LAND OF MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE: Has there ever been a nation that has produced more exquisitely detailed and elegant jewelry than India?  From the majestic Taj Mahal to the spiritual enclaves of the austere Himalayas, India’s panorama of mystery, creativity, and alluring exotica flows endlessly.

History was no different in recent weeks, when India launched three different fashion shows to entrance international buyers. Most of the designs featured new, exciting talent and were strongly geared toward a western clientele. 

Despite the global economic downturn, sales surged.  Spirits were high.  All in all, the events were a smash success, with plenty of fresh ideas and selling strategies emerging.  Pantsuits, short hems and dresses filled the runways, along with wonderful Indian fabrics and motifs.  There were even teenie bikinis, a real rarity in this part of the world. 

MAJOR ETHNIC SURGE:  Ruthie Miller of American Rag pointed out that there is a strong surge of ethnic interest in America right now.  She felt this was the right time to introduce new Indian designers to the U.S., saying that the Indian look fits the current fashion look.

          — Here in the United States, chandelier earrings are already giving the Indian look a major boost forward, especially when they feature colorful jewels and seductive and dazzling movement.  Consider Austrian crystal earrings for beauty and ethnicity power.  Also, to maximize the color factor, look at crystal chandeliers in amber, Siam red, or peridot green. 

Indian designers adore color, especially bright, dazzling color mixed with crystals and sequins for gorgeous light refraction.  For nightwear, a particularly dramatic choice in the Indian-mode on the American shore would be rhinestone chandelier earrings with 2″ long drops.  These sparkling pieces would make any evening outfit shine!

FASCINATING COLOR USES:  Among the popular designers showing in New Delhi and Mumbai was Anukj Sharma, from Rajasthan.  The young designer’s work features Grecian styles, crepes, and georgette dresses. The use of color here was interesting, mainly browns and grays.  Other designers tended more toward exuberant colors, in true Indian tradition, showing bright hues and glittering embellishments and jewelry. 

An outfit from Lecoanet Hemant was particularly western:  A short-hemmed black skirt with white top topped by a transparent bright orange red shortie coat.  Another lovely look came from Prashant Verma.  Here an above-the-knee dress in modern black, blue and white print with shining embellishments looked very American Girl-ish.  A gorgeous Indian sari from Anuu Modi was done in shimmering gold, very light, airy, flowing. It was shown with a very ornate headdress, satiny slippers, and an unusual green pendant necklace. 

METALLICA:  Not only did the shows elevate Indian fashion to a high degree, they also acted as a dynamic backdrop to traditional Indian jewelry.  Just look at many of the handsome India-Indian ankle bracelets that are so popular, like a silver-plated ankle charm piece.  Also, the  profusion of metallic embellishments, which has been a mainstay of Indian fashion for centuries, gave an exotic, spectacular flavor to both accessories and clothing.

Not to be missed:  Indian bracelets, most of them done in rich metal finishes.  Bracelets were often piled in multiples up the arm, as has been the custom in the Middle East for a very long time.

                  – In this story, wonderful choices with strong India-inspiration are elephant bracelets, with wide artistic cuffs showing elephants in raised relief.  This is then bordered by textured gold plating.  These bracelets cross over the night-and-day lines, becoming as casual or as formal as the event demands. 

For a singularly formal evening, though, look at sparkling crystal bracelets, just perfect for that special affair.  These bracelets are beautifully made of Austrian crystal.  To be worn alone or with any other jewelry here:  Silver-plated bangles.

And for evening or day wear, go the Indian way with a barrage of silver bangles worn on both arms.  Spectacular!

THE BRIDAL MARKET is moving ahead, apparently unfazed by the economic downturn squeezing the country.  Designers are showing extravagant, expensive and altogether spectacular dresses and jewelry, insisting that while people may cut back in other areas, they will continue to spend — if not splurge - on bridal wear.

Fabulous, luxurious materials, glitzy jewelry, ebullient  folds of material, and styling that combines yesteryear with the most modern design expressions  are all contributing to the excitement in bridal right now. Look at all the areas of thrilling innovation.  Color is just one example.  Because, while there is the usual emphasis on white, many designers are showing a wide variety of other shades and color tones to update the bridal look to a 21st century plateau. 

For example, Vera Wang is showing fascinating shades of chestnut, maize, celedron and grey, saying she wants to play with color to provide “a light, optimistic” antidote to a very dark fall. Color is also optimistic, and is a perfect antidote, as well, for a sagging economy!

Most designers leaned effectively on embellishment for light plays and color excitement.  Carolina Herrera’s gowns were classic champagne and ivory, and took the softer approach even further with delicate wheat-colored beading and gently colored ribbons.

Bling, texture and interesting details were among the major design factors giving a very special look to this year’s bridal collections. Jeweled garlands, sequin straps, and sparkling double-strand bracelets further glitz-ed up the offerings.

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TODAY’S BRIDAL COUPLE is older than ever before, with the bride 26 and the groom 28 on the day they take their vows.  Putting off the wedding this long has its advantages for the bridal market, however.  It gives the couple more time to save for a real blow-out, and that can be readily seen in the extravagant spending that so often accompanies today’s weddings. 

The average wedding costs about $50,000 and even with some economies (admittedly few) being put into effect, most dresses run from about $350 to a few thousand dollars. This, of course, does not include the cost of jewelry, which can be just about any price.  An the important thing to remember here is that while the wedding dress will be put away right after  the wedding, (presumably not to be worn again, except possibly by the brides future daughter), jewelry can be worn again and again and, in almost all instances, will be.

                  — So bridal jewelry has a very important role to play as a lifetime investment. These are future heirlooms!

Big on the bridal circuit are tiaras, such as a gorgeous headpiece in faux pearls that lifts in the front with beaded floral motifs.  Or, you might choose a majestic tiara with pearl flowers that has embedded clear crystals for added sparkle.  More elaborate tiaras include a rhinestone and pearl crown or a scrollwork tiara with white pearls and rhinestones.

Hairdos significantly affect the kind of earrings being worn.  Hair pulled straight back in a bun, and looking particularly good with traditional or classic bridal dresses, almost demand interesting earrings. Color can be used effectively regardless of whether the dress itself is white or colored.

Linear earrings are especially elegant for bridal.  Look at faux pearl linear drops for a perfect example.  A slightly more dramatic linear is a 2-inch long linear pearl.

Some hair styles are tightly fashioned into bunds, others are very casually pulled back into hair bunches with an almost “I-just-got-up” look.  Wedding earrings like hoops and other less ornate styles go well with this look. 

Traditional looks call for more formal earrings, like long silvery drop earrings, or even chandelier crystal earrings.  Button earrings are always very chic. Necklace and earring sets are very hot this year.  Think about a glass pearl necklace with earrings in ivory and brown for a wonderful contrasting look to the bridal ensemble.  Also look at a clear Austrian crystal white pearl necklace and earring set.  Austrian crystal, we might note, is especially popular for bridal, as it makes a fabulous heirloom piece after the ceremony!

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Dresses this year break down into a number of different stories, including minimalist, modern, romantic, and even ancient, as well as styles seemingly taken from ancient Greece. 

For example, Badgley Mischka showed a contemporary long white sheath dress with a light flare at the bottom and a heavily crystal-encrusted design at the top, crossing over into shoulder straps.  Reem Acra put forth a romantically Grecian dress flowing from the shoulders to the floor with an elaborate waist band of grey stones and embroidery.

The grey embellishment was also designed into a dress by Platinum.  Here, a dress of sweeping material folds formed huge white rose flower below the waist and emphasized a grey gem-encrusted bra above. 

From Atelier Aimee and Claire Pettibone came signs of an interesting design direction:  both showed dresses with big pink and green-leaf corsages at the back waist. Pettibone’s dress was a tight fitted white lace, while Aimee’s dress was more frou-frou, with pink ribbon detailing. 

Douglas Hannant showed a dress with magnificent African looks, fittingly worn on a beautiful model with the same generic appearance.  The dress literally pours down to the floor, where it ends in a very slight flare.  The outfit features a stunning cape over the dress with a highly detailed flowery neckline. 

Angel Sanchez showed a somewhat classic fitted dress with a flared ruffled and tiered skirt, while Amsale showed another classic look in beautiful white chiffon falling down to the floor from a top with ornate ruffled straps.  A big pouf of chiffon at the back of the dress gave a spaghetti strapped dress from Christos a very new look.

THE AGE FACTOR:  There is more generational marketing now than ever before, with a strong realization that an individual’s place in a generation influences what he buys and how he sees things.  But targeting the right age groups with the right message isn’t always as easy as it might seem.  Still, being up on the latest research where generational differences (and likenesses) are concerned can help you reach and successfully influence the right buyers for your fashion jewelry and accessories. It can also make a major difference in your own buying decisions.

In the latest Harris Interactive poll, some 4,000 adults described the Baby Boomer generation (aged 44-63) as having the most positive effect on society, even as they felt this generation was self-absorbed and materialistic. Generation X (Aged 32-43) was seen as the most innovative.  The Millennials (aged 13-31) were considered the most self-indulgent, even by six out of ten members of the group itself. 

(An interesting side has to do with group titles. For example, the Millennials like to be called the Internet Generation, while Generation X prefers the name Generation Tech.  The Silent Generation (aged 64-84) went for the title the Responsible Generation.  The Baby Boomers were happy with their standing moniker.)

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MARKETING MISHAPS:  Many marketing and consumer executives feel that brands are not speaking successfully to the various age groups.  They point to some major bloopers, like the TV commercials for the sporty Honda Element, meant to attract consumers in their 20s. The ads appealed, instead, to a much older group, with people 45 and older ending up buying the supposedly “hot” SUV.    

Some very successful generational appeals, according to marketing pro Tom Julian,   include ads for technology and entertainment aimed at the Millennials, and promotion of brands that express an “attitude,” such as Boomer-targeted travel and financial services.

The fashion industry has long marketed to age-specific groups, especially young people.  A few major merchandisers, like Brooks Brothers, have actually been successful at cross-generational appeals.  One way they do that is by recognizing that as group members grow up, they tend to keep the symbols and images of their youth with them, and this, marketing experts think, gives them a particular sense of style. Appealing to that sense of style can be a business booster. As generation expert Neil Howe says such imagery can be very relevant when applied to generation-aimed marketing. 

But while their youth-impressed sights and sounds are important, another very critical consideration in dealing with age groups has to do with their “defining values.”  Are they in change right now?  The answer is a resounding ‘Yes” according to marketing mavens.

For example, the American Dream used to be defined by prosperity.  And while there are still plenty who still express this materialistic viewpoint, four in ten Americans say they are turning toward a spiritual definition. This is especially true for the Baby Boomers. 

In the 18-to-29 age group, a strong global perspective is not only emerging, but picking up steam.  Pollsters call this group the First Globals, and say that more than half of them have passports, and one in four expects to live in a foreign country at some point in their lives.  This group also tends to refer to its members as citizens of the world, a political position that could be negative or positive, depending on how you look at it. 

Why should that matter to the Fashion Industry?  Well, to start with, many younger Americans, comfortable with a global identity, don’t particularly care where a product was made.  It’s from China?  That’s just fine… Members of the Silent Generation, on the other hand, are far more conscious of national interests. Think of these differences when selling to the different aged groups!   

AMAZING GRACE:  Estimates are that 86 million now measure the American Dream in terms of spiritual fulfillment.  Consequently, they are not that susceptible to traditional advertising.

            No small number of marketing experts call this “incredible.”  

Of course, one in three adults still count the numbers in material terms when putting up the American Flag. So there is still plenty of room for blatant appeals to luxury wants and status determinants. Just watch out for the age, here!

Los Angeles is unto itself; there is no place else like it in the world.  The very name of the city conjures up images of  creativity and make-believe, palm trees and surf boards, Rodeo Drive and Rolls Royce luxury, diamonds, chic casual wear, glitzy accessories, aged women (and men!) with too many face-lifts, and gorgeous young girls (and guys) with sun-bleached hair and to-die-for skin tans. 

Los Angeles is a town made for fashion, and that is just what the recent Fashion Week extravaganza tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to convey.  Competing with capital cities around the world, from New York to Mumbai, India, LA’s runway presentations lacked the kind of energy the town is known for. Buyers were often tepid.  Celebrities didn’t show up to promote the events. And, in addition, a break up in the partnership between the main show producers didn’t help things any. 

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Still, there is reason for optimism as one show official said, “L.A. is a world class city… it’s a crossroads for a lot of people and cultures….Whenever I’m overseas, people ask me, ‘What about L.A.?’ “                

—And that’s exactly it. What about L.A.?  Troubled, maybe.  Down and out?  Anything but…! 

Just look at some of the designs put forth by designers here in recent weeks: toughed-up denim; wild dresses; airy, floating chiffon head dresses; startling prints; and big, blooming prints galore.  There were lots of new-form casual, lots of embellishment, lots of edgy and sleek designs next to eco-friendly styles and pretty-girl romantic looks.

The jewelry field was set ablaze by beautiful tiaras enjoying a truly queenly message. Scarves showed their versatility, used in dozens of different ways.  Handbags were characteristically huge and overwhelmed with embellishment.  Big pins gave California casual a different, dressier look.

Shorts were super-short, often with uneven hemlines, just like their first-cousin mini-skirts.  Belts came on strong, defining waistlines and helping to bring the body form back to its more normal place.  Shapes draped over shapes a la Grecian wear.  Necklaces picked up special attention, many very long and swingy.

British punk plaids were hot, and graphic t-shirts retained their strong popularity.  Some architectural designs came on strong, along with minimalism for the new era, not too pared-down, not too dark and depressing.  Goth with an L.A. pop was big.  Sexy outfits, from strapless rompers to peek-a-boo low-cut blouses maintained the city’s reputation for essential plastic surgery enhancement. 

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All in all, it was exciting, new, and very California-dreaming with a fashion twist, despite some negative publicity. Take our word for it; L.A. is still a hot place to keep your eye on!

Hair was mostly long at the L.A. shows, with plenty of hair accessories, from headbands to clips.  Christian Audigier outfitted his very long haired model with a traditional rhinestone tiara worn over tight red leggings and a red and white print sleeveless top.  Michel Berandi offered a ghoulish look with very Goth black dresses and hairy fringe scarves. 

The Goth look put forth in L.A. this year stayed true to the story line.  To recreate images that also work, try skulls and crossbones, bondage looks (i.e., plenty of sharp black beads and leather), and belts.  You can also work with biker looks here, the two stories often go well together.

Samora worked with a girlish, flirty look, featuring, among others, a lightweight floral print mini skirt with a white tunic. An exciting featured item:  fingerless white lace gloves.  Eco-Ganik was strong on multi-strand colored bead necklaces over organic fabric jumpsuits.  And Lotusgrace showed a full skirted dark blue dress that Audrey Hepburn would have adored.  The only thing missing:  A strand of lovely white pearls.

Glass jewelry hit a high note in L.A., in beautiful necklaces and handsome, delicate glass ring earrings. The Audrey Hepburn effect, seen in dresses with fitted bodices and balloon skirts, put emphasis on traditional jewelry, very pretty, even delicate.  Think hearts, pearls, gold chains.  However (and this is a big HOWEVER), to keep the idea true to the movie-world capital, we do suggest you jazz up the delicate with no small amount of glitz.  And glamour.  And shine. 

This is, after all, LOS ANGELES, and subtle is not its middle name.   Terrific?  That’s more like it!  

EVENING WEAR is taking on a new personality filled with intense color and elaborate designs and embellishments.  The looks are often very different, one from the other, but the overall constant is dressy, not formal.  These outfits are definitely not meant for before-7 PM dressing. Accessories for the look are glitzy, chic, and  individualistic. 

There is a lot of detail in all the elements of this new leisure-time story.  Sequins, embroideries, beads, crystals, rhinestones, very fancy materials, ruffles, gathers, big material bows, fabulous metallic belts and eye-popping floral prints. Just looking at the models parading in Paris and New York makes you smile. What assertive, yet romantic and pretty ideas!  What stunning styling and embellishments!  You have to be going somewhere special to look like this.  You have to be doing something special to look like this. 

Accessories for the new look can be a delight to determine.  Focus on earrings.

Don’t forget a charming little evening bag, like a sweet, embellished clutch or a luxurious, swingy little minaudiere.  These new dresses are just made for rich, wonderful accessories like this!

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THE FIRST IMMEDIATE IMPACT you get from the new look is color.  It is shocking, saturated, gem-like.  Versace has a delightful hot pink shortie dress with a single strap over one shoulder.  All-over clusters of beaded embellishment are amazing, rich, and luxurious, even if it is difficult to imagine how you would sit down in a dress like this.  This is a very, very young dress meant for grown-up girls, although it would probably lose some of its luster if worn by someone past her twenties.

How would you accessorize it?  Well, Versace showed it off as-is, without accessories, but oh!  It just begs for something equally wonderful as it is.  Bracelets are the first requirement.  Dresses like this almost demand something big and wild at the wrist (or at both wrists, to be very updated).

Remember those wrist-corsages we wore prom night?  Well, translate them into regular bracelets, and you’ve got the idea.  Little delicate bracelets would simply be overwhelmed by these dresses!  Hey, try metallic cuffs!  Or dressy bangles, shimmery gold or silver plate.

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BIG, SUPER-COLORFUL FLOWERS that look like explosions of fabulous fireworks describes the sheer fabric used in a very adult-oriented dress from Nathan Jenden.  This lovely creation is wrapped, island-style, and pulled off to the left side of the waist. The hemline is below-the-knee. The material rises from a strapless basic design over the shoulder in a pouf of flowers.   Again, the designer opted to show his dress off without competition from accessories but have we got ideas for this and others like it!

To start with, the gorgeous model for the Jenden dress was fittingly Polynesian-looking, and jewelry in keeping with the South Seas would look great!  Try bamboo bracelets. Or floral designs. Or, wooden ring bracelets.  These are admittedly more casual, but can still work well with dressy outfits that have an island mystique. Or, go with gems. Big, eye-of-the-Buddha sized gems, in emerald or ruby (or crystal), and set into the new cocktail rings so popular across the country.  Put rings on both hands, on several fingers. You can’t overdo it!

Beyond color, this new look is also strongly characterized by wispy materials.  Chiffons.  Silks. Very lovely.  Monique Lhuiller presented a typical example in her bright yellow full skirted mid-calf-length dress with an elaborate, bejeweled dark belt.

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ANOTHER KEY FACTOR in the evening wear this season is FUN.  Christian Dior offered an orange-red mini skirted dress with spaghetti straps and lots of beaded action across the breasts and down below the tight-fitted waist.  With it:  Wild, swinging crystal earrings, very long! 

Balmain focused his attention on a vibrant, sky blue strapless silk chiffon dress with criss-cross beading from the waist to the high hemline.  Oh, do these dresses say dancing!  Playing!  Look for them in South Beach, and other hot playlands across the country.  But while they are perfect for resort, they are in no way limited to that category.  Are they urban?  Well, we have yet to see if conservative fashion centers like New York or Atlanta would go quite this girlie and brash. Our opinion: Wear these outfits everywhere, and enjoy the attention!

Almost every fancy new dress is coordinated with extravagant, super high heeled slipper-shoes. Many of the shoes feature ankle straps in crystal or colorful beads, looking like big bracelets by themselves.  The shoes are invariably color-matched to the dress. That can make choosing a bracelet more difficult, because you want the pieces to go together, not conflict.  Here’s where metallic and crystal bracelets can shine!  They’ll go with the shoes, and not fight them.

In the midst of big, bold and beautiful, there is still room for small and dainty.  That is in chokers worn above these mostly strapless creations.  Long necklaces just won’t make it.  Look for delicate chains with a small pendant, like a heart, or a small crystal. Or, you can opt for fancier wear, with rhinestone necklaces circling the neck and raising eye attention toward the face. Match these necklaces with long rhinestone earrings and you’ve got a dynamite set for the new party wear.  Now…make it an evening!

It’s that time of year again!  Christmas bells have yet to start ringing, but the Pantone Institute - that austere organization that so brilliantly predicts color directions for the fashion industry - has already announced its ten top colors for spring 2009. So forget about the winter.  Spring will soon be here, and with it, this brilliant, serene collection of Pantone colors favored by New York designers for the upcoming warmer months. The palette is cool, optimistic and inward-oriented.  You might say meditative.  Emphasis is on blues and greens, water colors, refreshing and revitalizing. 

PALACE BLUE comes in at the Number One spot, a classic color considered to be in the navy family, though it is quite a bit lighter.  “Palace Blue is one of those colors that really goes well with every other color in the top ten,” declared Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. It is not exactly new to the Pantone list, more like updated, since it is a continuation of the top Blue Iris color of last fall.

LAVENDER makes the Number Two slot at Pantone, a variation of purple, and somewhat softer than Royal Magic from last fall, of which it is a continuation.  “This isn’t some baby pastel lavender,” Eiseman says.  It is vibrant, and more assertive.

SUPER LEMON takes the Number Three spot in the top spring color list.  This is a very alive yellow, complex and zesty.  It carries some green undertones which Eiseman thinks makes it more interesting.  Yellow is a hard color for many people to wear, but the Institute director points out that it is an excellent color for accessories.

SALMON ROSE, the Number Four spot winner, is softer and lighter than Burnt Orange from last fall.  It is gentler than real orange, and not as difficult to wear.  It goes wonderfully with darker skin tones. Fuchsia Red and Lucite Green make terrific teammates.

FUCHSIA RED follows salmon rose at the Number Five post.  It is a strong, dramatic color, with blue rather than warm undertones, fitting to the overall spring palette.  This is an extremely popular color, being used by numerous New York designers as their signature color for the season.  

ROSE DUST is somewhat deceptive in name, since it looks like a very pale beige.  At Number Six on the Pantone chart, this flattering neutral has an extremely delicate rose cast.  It is seen as a neutral base for many different colors, including khaki.

SLATE GRAY is a beautifully sophisticated color with all the subtlety of slate itself.  The color, voted Number Seven on the Pantone list, has both blues and greens in its undertones, although blue definitely predominates.  It is complex and elegant and works well with many other blues and greens in the spring palette.

VIBRANT GREEN is just as its name implies:  alive, intense, lush.  At Number Eight on the Pantone list, vibrant green is described as the “quintessential spring color.”  This is a true green, suggesting golf courses and other well-cared for landscapes. 

DARK CITRON is anything but dark.  At Number Nine on the Pantone Chart, it is a strong, yellow-green, with deep tonality.  It is very adult.

LUCITE GREEN, Number Ten, is a fascinating combinationof color and light.  It is almost translucent, like Lucite ®, but it is also a clean, clear, early-spring green.  This is a slightly offbeat green, not traditional, with a pop of ice cream color and a slight hint of blue.  It is very NOW.