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f or once the weather is cooperating. Every time holiday season comes around, the party dresses and tops that hit the store racks are, in a word, minimal. They're often provocative spaghetti strap numbers designed to tantalize yet destined to remain under wraps because, brrr!, it's usually cold outside.
Single-shoulder designs
make a comeback in time
for holiday partiesBy Nadine Kam
nkam@starbulletin.comNot this year. In an unusual December, it's warm enough to bare a little shoulder. Designers must also be psychics because the shoulders and upper arms seem to be the new erogenous zone.
But why be like the other girls in their basic twin straps? There is an alternative. In back-to-the-'80s style, the one-shoulder top is back, along with asymmetrical necklines and hems.
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The shoulder that gets the coverage is also emphasized with punky ragged streamers, ribbons or other embellishments such as jeweled pins or flowers.Even when shoulders are covered, upper arms get attention in the form of puffed, keyhole or fluttery split sleeves. Now you see a flash of skin, now you don't. Hope you started your weightlifting repetitions months ago.
If budget is a concern, you'll be happy to know the look will carry over into spring as the '80s revival takes hold big time, along with a dash of '70s hippie peasant dressing and a taste of Goth meets the Wild West, though it's the little-girl puffed sleeves that are most scary.
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Here's a look at what's in the shops:>> Armani Exchange has a one-shoulder sexy red satin dress with side shirring for $128. For a more casual party, lounge in a one-shoulder stretch velvet top with 3/4 sleeves, in black or aubergine, at $58.
>> At Diva Hawaii, denim is the fabric of choice for a simple one-shoulder number, perfect for a backyard party or a night at the clubs, at $36.
>> Guess has a black one-shoulder design in T-shirt fabric with one capped sleeve a touch of copper sparkle, for $32. A lighter-weight blouse with a metal-studded neckline was on sale over the weekend for $29.99. If you don't like the selections here, a few more options are available on the retailer's Web site at www.guess.com.
>> Old Navy has angora blend sweaters in black, red, white and baby blue at an original price of $22.50 but recently on sale for 25 percent off.
>> At Rafael, it's $220 for a Rebecca Taylor satin top with lacy puffed sleeves accented by a strands of streaming ribbons; it's $160 for a black tank style with draped sleeves.
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>> Macy's has a red Poleci top with asymmetrical shirring in polyester chiffon with capped sleeves, at $58. Also, BCBG Max Azria black lace top with nude lining at $94, or a fireworks-patterned top in black and white with long sleeves and shoulder detail of a rhinestone pin, $114. They also show a Max Studio silk and rayon dress with velvet patchwork and trim for $278. And over in the Viewpoints department, Sue Wong has a black knit dress with square paillettes and a gold and black-and-gold sequined appliqué at the shoulder, for $264.>> Neiman Marcus has several one-shoulder designs from Laundry by Shelli Segal, which range from $175 to $180.
If you fear getting chilly, consider:
>> Hot Topic has detached sleeves that function like leg warmers of old. This vampy wear come in crochet, stripes or zipper styles, at $10.99 to $12.99 per pair.
>> Arden B., Bebe, Claire's Accessories and Afterthoughts offer boas and fur collars at about $14.99 at Afterthoughts, $21.99 at Claire's and $41.99 at Arden B. and Bebe. Just watch where you wear those things. Hint: Never at a comedy club.
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