March Fashion Column - By Julia @ Stanwells

Written by Julia at Stanwells Clothing - 01590 610074

Well girls, spring is on its way and its time to say goodbye to the super-trend Boho and hello to a sleek new sophisticated silhouette.
 
This spring we need to get dressed, in a dress that is.  Daywear is sleeker and a jersey wrap or draped dress is an easy option and fits most shapes and sizes.  Issa Couture is the master of the jersey dress, which this spring brings with it an array of vibrant prints and colours.  The dress is the single most important garment you will invest in this season.  Many don’t look great on hangers so do take the time to try them on, and remember, the best cut ones look better on you than on the rail!
 
New minimal is the look. Think Jackie Onassis, clean lines and chic simplicity such as a black tee-shirt and white pencil skirt and look no further than Theory of New York for the best of this modern classic look.
 
White makes a huge comeback this spring but be warned, it’s not good next to pale skin, so a gentle tan is essential.  Unfortunately, although it looks fresh, white is not a breeze to wear.  The upkeep is tremendous and even careful laundering can’t always restore your beloved white shirt to its original virgin state. (But what the hell, just buy another one!)  To avoid the creased, dirty look buy washed, textured fabrics rather than plain cottons and remember that the best whites work in an elegant rather than a romantic way.  The white shirt is a sophisticated staple that every spring wardrobe must have, but don’t be afraid to add a ruffle or a touch of lace to keep it updated.
 
Jackets now are getting shorter and trousers slimmer.  The really skinny jean has not yet found its way to Lymington High St, rather a gentler straight leg that sits over the top of your footwear.  Great jeans ranges from LA can be found at Stanwells from cult label 575, Juicy Couture and the expensively delicious bejewelled jeans from Immortality.
 
Now don’t forget to arm yourself for spring with a soft, pocketed bag to slip over your shoulder.  Longchamp great spring ranges are available in beautiful soft pastel leathers, but if you prefer a more relaxed look then treat yourself to a beautiful plaited leather satchel from Nicole Farhi.  And finally girls, don’t forget your feet!  A fabulous outfit can be ruined by the wrong shoes!  Wedges still reign supreme this Spring, so buy yourself several pairs in different colours and just wear them with everything, jeans, dresses, pencil skirts, you name it they go with it. (Great espadrilles from Toni Pons now in stock at Stanwells but selling fast!)
 
Must dash, off to London Fashion Week to see Betty Jackson and Nicole Farhi catwalk shows for Autumn/Winter 2006 as I already have to think about what you will be wearing for next Christmas!  More about that next time along with further information about what the Lymington shops are stocking for summer, but meanwhile check all our websites for detailed information of our ranges and lets see you out and about soon.

JULIA