FASHION
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
A Vince white tank ($69) is layered with a Diane von Furstenburg long gold crochet cardigan ($595) finished with a wide Salvatore Ferragamo leather belt with wooden buckle ($280).
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Eye on the Season
The next big things for spring, as identified by the style experts at Neiman Marcus
The Women
The dress: Soft, fluid and romantic, dresses mark a return to femininity with hems that fall softly at the knee or creeping higher up the thigh for the shortest we've seen them since the 1960s. Color is everywhere, starting with a base of white and ranging from unadulterated primaries to vivid fuchsias and deep purples, pale aqua and sea glass, to tabletop curry, saffron, pale butter and fresh herb shades.
The delicate blouse: The classic white shirt will look a bit staid in contrast to the season's ruffled, pin-tucked blouses in delicate organzas, silk chiffons and fine cottons bedecked with flounces, rosettes and other romantic, Victorian features.
The cropped jacket: The 1950s- and '60s-style boxy cropped jacket are a perfect complement to the season's softer skirts and narrow pants, adding effortless chic to your wardrobe.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL /
CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Karen Vance in Cynthia Steffe: White eyelet top ($285), navy cropped crochet sweater ($285), navy city short ($150), with L.A.M.B. clutch ($375).
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The wide belt: The trend continues with clean bands worn from waist level to just below the bust, designed to accentuate, slenderize and pull your wardrobe together.
The flat shoe: Shoes hit the ground in flirty, fun styles to complement the season's dresses and carefree spirit.
Eyelet: It's peek-a-boo time, with the return of delicate eyelet fabric in every color being shown in dresses from knee to floor-lengths, or just as details at the hems of dresses, jackets and sleeves.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL /
CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Raena Cassidy in Chloe: Cropped jacket ($1,490), skirt ($940), ruffle blouse ($1,240) and Miu Miu patent wedge ($415).
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Patent: Adding balance to the season's soft romantic looks is the hard, sleek look of patent you'll find in footwear and handbags, from small details to full-on slick splendor.
Sportif: Athletic inspirations have embedded themselves in tanks, tailored shorts and racer-back tank dresses that bring track gear and racing stripes to mind.
The statement ring: Inch-long moonstones, rock crystals, agates and chalcedony are not too big to flash around this spring. Just make sure you have a good supply of hand cream, as people are certain to be drawn to that flash of color punctuating the air as you express yourself. Of course, precious stones are welcome if you can afford them.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Karen Vance in Donna Karan: Delicate ivory cotton blouse ($1,495), gold lace eyelet tank ($1,295), with Oliver People gold aviators ($315).
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The Men
The jacket: Look for patterned jackets to be paired with denim, summer trousers and even shorts for the very brave or very young.
Shorts: Well, if there's any place shorts are at home, it's in Hawaii. They range from casual to dressy, mirroring flat-front trousers and falling at the knee.
Summer trousers: A dressy alternative to jeans, look for them in a wide range of colors in a cool blend of linen and cotton.
COURTESY OF NEIMAN MARCUS
Short-sleeve sport shirts like this one from Penguin, in a variety of prints, provide a new option for men.
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Short-sleeve sport shirts: These alternatives to tees and polos have a retro feel, allowing wearers to flaunt their biceps in an innocent, unintentional way. Trim and short, they're worn untucked and come in a mix of prints, checks, dots, stripes and solids.
Knits: Skinny polos and graphic tees come in soft caressing knits to be worn with narrow jeans and a jacket.
Drivers: Complete your laid-back look with drivers, a relative of the loafer, in styles that range from casual to dressy in colors from white to red to black.
COURTESY OF NEIMAN MARCUS
Drivers complete the laidback look of spring and summer.
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Dresses take center stage at Hip show
Frocks rock at Neiman Marcus during the Hip Event taking place noon to 4 p.m. Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday in Contemporary Sportswear, Level One, and Men's Sportswear, Level Three, with informal modeling and light refreshments.
The event will feature 31 exclusive dresses by designers ranging from L.A.'s Trina Turk and CFDA womenswear emerging designer nominee Philip Lim to such longtime designers as Diane Von Furstenberg, Norma Kamali, Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs.
Receive an NM exclusive Diane Von Furstenberg tote and designer swag with a purchase of $400 or more in women's contemporary sportswear.
Here are other events at NM to welcome the spring collections in clothing, accessories and beauty:
» Stuart Weitzman Spring 2007 trunk show: View the latest styles in women's footwear, including a special collection available for special orders. In Ladies Shoes, Level One, Tuesday through March 26 during store hours.
» Bobbi Brown artist event: Enjoy a makeover to help you match your new wardrobe. Makeup artists will be stationed in the Contemporary Sportswear department during the Hip Event Friday and Saturday to help. Also, receive a Pink Sugar brush set with a $150 Bobbi Brown cosmetic purchase, while supplies last. In Cosmetics, Level One.
» Wacoal Fit for the Cure event: Receive a complimentary fitting in a Wacoal or Donna Karan Intimates bra from a Wacoal fit specialist on Friday. For every woman that participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research and outreach programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal or Donna Karan Intimates bra purchased. In Intimate Apparel, Level Two.
» Sunglass Fit Event: A sunglasses specialist will assist you in finding the perfect sunglass for your face shape on Friday and Saturday during store hours. Receive a gift with a qualifying sunglass purchase. In Accessories, Level One.
» The Accessories Event: View the latest must-haves in spring accessories in Handbags, Accessories, Shoes & Designer Jewelry, Level One, store hours from March 29 through 31.