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Dress to Impress With These Looks From the Bay

Five local boutique owners pick their favorite seasonal looks

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Fall Fashion Trends with J Marcel

J Marcel tells us all about fall trends in Rhode Island

Shoppers so enjoy the style found at J Marcel on Providence’s Hope Street that owners Dixie Carroll and Bill Jette opened a second store in Barrington this past summer.

“This fall, the focus is on texture and the feel of the fabrics being used,” Dixie says. “We are seeing lots of great suedes and leathers, both real and faux. At J Marcel, we are doing lots of faux suede, leather dresses and skirts, motorcycle jackets in both real leather and faux, and leggings with suede and faux leather detailing… We’re seeing velvet and lots of embroidery and embellishments as well, but that’s a bit trickier to pull off as an everyday look so look for that trend to show up on dresses and blazers in our stores.”

Denim has long been one of the biggest draws at both boutiques. “We’ve ordered our largest selection of denim to date. We have classic skinny jeans as well as the updated new slim boyfriend, sometimes called the “girlfriend” jean, and lots of on trend destructed looks as well as denim shirts and jackets,” she says. “Because it’s New England, we also have our biggest selection of sweaters that we’ve ever done – pieces that are great as a standalone, or can be layered up to carry you further into the winter.”

The predominant colors she sees include hues of olive green, burgundy and mustard. “In burgundy, we are doing lots of dresses as well as solid burgundy leggings – that way you can get the pop of on trend color, but in a basic piece,” Dixie explains. The talented stylista has stocked amazing dresses from Ark & Co that feature all over embroidery and customers are loving the faux suede mustard dress she’s brought in. “It has a bit of a vintage Twiggy vibe going on.”

Wide leg pants are everywhere, she says, adding that the retro style works with a variety of body types. “And they provide a classic silhouette, so they will be in style forever,” she explains.
As far as outerwear goes, Dixie says the army jacket is everywhere. “[But] we are trying to do modern takes on that – we want to look more runway and less army surplus to give that fashion edge.” For a more sophisticated look, Dixie seems smitten with one particular piece. “We have a gorgeous embroidered and embellished capelet jacket that I am coveting!”

Dixies says J Marcel creates a collection for the stores in the same way they think women should stock their closets – a large selection of basic, capsule pieces for your wardrobe (great fitting jeans, a classic white button down, a soft t-shirt, a classic sweater), then they add in layers of on trend product that can mix with existing pieces. “So that would be our advice: Pick nice pieces that will carry you through more than one season and then layer on your favorite fun and trendy items.”

 

J Marcel
40 Maple Avenue, Barrington.
401-289-3977
JMarcel.com

Feminine Fancies Takes On Fall Fashion

Fall trends can be found at Feminine Fancies

As the owner of Feminine Fancies, Barrington’s leading fashion boutique for women for more than 30 years, Elaine Felag has seen it all, but as the saying goes, fashions come and go, but style is forever. “Longer length is making a comeback in dresses, which looks so chic, sophisticated and glamourous,” says Elaine. Look for interesting fabrics, like crushed velvet, which she is seeing on pieces in black, brown and varying shades of berry with beautiful embellishments. Sweaters, which she says are one of her most in-demand pieces this season, are showing up in warm colors and many with sequins for added bling. (Sequin is also finding its way to jackets this fall, she adds.) Grab-and-go pieces, she says, like tunics and wraps, are decidedly contemporary with fur and fringe edging. “They even look great with jeans!” Speaking of jeans, boot cut denim this season seems all the rage. “[It’s] very ‘70s, as disco makes a comeback,” she notes. Many are embellished; some are distressed. An alternative to jeans, leggings are nothing new but Feminine Fancies stocks the comfortable pant, and similar ponte pants, in new, fresh styles. In the boardroom, Elaine sees inspired blouses in beautiful colors leading the way, most notably in teals, purples and burgundy hues. “Looks great with pencil skirts for an updated work setting,” she notes.

When it comes to outerwear, Elaine says military style coats, including bomber jackets, remain strong, while printed patterns, like oversized plaids, are hot. “My personal favorite is the new plaid in winter white, greens and gray, and the oversized coat – very chic!” But a new season doesn’t mean an entire new wardrobe. “I feel like you can have on the oldest outfit but top it off with a fabulous coat and you’ll catch everyone’s eye!” she declares. Footwear is also a throwback with the return of the chunky heel as seen in shoes and boots, but this time around in leopard print, suede and embroidered velvets. And when it comes to bags, you’ll see plenty of cross-body and box shapes in leathers, suede and animal prints with mixed metal. “Have fun this fall,” she insists. “Live a little and dress well!”

Feminine Fancies
290 County Road, Barrington.
401-247-1087
FeminineFanciesRI.com

Pink Pineapple Knows Fashion

With over 27,000 Instagram followers, Pink Pineapple knows what's trendy

Pink Pineapple, with locations in Portsmouth and Newport, has a cult-like following. Their Instagram account alone (@pinkpineappleshop) has nearly 27,000 followers, if that’s any indication. With a well-considered collection of cashmere, casual tops and bottoms, cocktail dresses and accessories, one might feel like you’re walking into your dream closet at the stores.

While a stalwart for preppy and nautical looks in the summer, The Pink Pineapple hits its stride this time of year. “We are obsessed with the fall color combos; they’re beautiful,” gushes Kristin May, manager and buyer for The Pink Pineapple. Kristin points to emerald green and cranberry tones as some of the strongest. The shop has already seen their stock of off-the-shoulder tops fly off the shelves, perhaps because the look perfectly complements the transitional temperatures throughout New England this time of year. And there’s another reason: “They are really flattering on pretty much every body type,” she adds. Another well-received top there is one with a halter neckline and ultra-feminine scallop hemmed sides. As it gets cooler, Kristin says the nearly knee-length chunky sweaters return, this time with embedded paisley patterns and in subtle color combinations like camel and charcoal.

When dressing up, Kristin says one trend will absolutely be hot: long sleeves. “And bell sleeves are going to be huge!” When it comes to accessories, Kristin has already seen high demand for one of the season’s most talked about trends: chokers. “We predicted it was going to happen so we stocked up this summer and people are going so crazy; it’s unbelievable. That is going to be the ‘it’ necklace.” The trend was also hot in the ‘90s but the updated version is softer with a single strand around the neck and a longer piece that hangs to the décolletage to create a layered look.

Classic felt floppy hats polish off any look, and when looking for a simple but sophisticated go-to, Pink Pineapple’s signature cashmere is a girl’s best friend. “It’s a great basic,” say Kristin. “People come back again and again for it.” Paired with skinny jeans or leggings and cute booties? Congratulations; you’re the best-dressed mom at school drop off.

 

Pink Pineapple
380 Thames Street, Newport.
401-849-818
PinkPineappleShop.com

Jackie's Loft Helps You Get Runway Ready

Jacquie Carroll helps your closet be runway ready with Fall trends

Jackie’s Loft in Bristol is proof positive that good things come in small packages. Owner Jacquie Carroll is well known for her well-curated collection of stylish-meets-practical designer women’s wear sizes 0 to 14 (everything from denim and t-shirts to day dresses and special occasion evening wear) and accessories. “The fall 2016 color palette will be led by blue,” she insists. “I’m also seeing a lot of warm soft pastels for early fall to ease us into the season. I particularly like all the blush pinks mixed with light gray for early fall.” Velvet will be the most popular fabric this season, she says, while a lot of mixed haberdashery fabrics including checks, herringbones, pinstripes and glen plaids will be in-demand. “Extreme ruffles and extra-long sleeves are another trend we will see,” Jacquie predicts. “There will also be a lot of one-armed tops and one shoulder looks – and everything will be flared this season.” Certainly with everything from menswear looks for women to animal prints to stripes mixed with checks, fall fashion promises to offer a cornucopia of statement style.

Does it sound too overwhelming? “Don’t be afraid – it’s all very runway,” she insists. When it comes to outerwear, Jacquie says color block and windowpane prints will be hot. “Toggle coats, patchwork coats and cropped pea coats will be popular… you’ll also see winter coats get a summery spin in cheery colors including orange sherbet, baby blue and bubblegum pink.” For those of a certain age, accessories will be reminiscent of the mid- to late-‘90s, if Jacquie’s forecast of chokers and long, dangling earrings comes to fruition. “[And] girls with pearls… lots of pearl jewelry. We will also see the return of the brooch,” she adds. As for footwear? Another flashback. “Chunky sole boots – think David Bowie – will be very strong and so will menswear inspired shoes and combat boots.” Ma’am, yes ma’am! 

Jackie's Loft
448 Thames Street, Bristol.
401-254-4251
find them on Facebook

Milan Fine Clothiers Dares Your Clothing to Go Bold

Richard Darakian of Milan Fine Clothiers encourages menswear that makes a statement

Richard Darakian of Milan Fine Clothiers in Barrington insists that men look their best in bespoke clothing. By being able to choose the fabric, cut, buttons and accessories of a suit, sports coat or shirt, you’re left with a piece that is far from anything cookie cutter. With all the fall fabrics coming in this season, he can easily create a cardigan, sports coat or suit to keep you on trend.

With years of experience, Richard incorporates trending fashion with exquisite fit. “Menswear is trending towards more fitted clothing,” he says. “It has been that way for several years. The younger generation seems more comfortable with this than the more mature gentleman.” Above all else, however, he recommends wearing what looks good on you instead of wearing a trendy piece for the sake of the trend.

Ways to incorporate this season’s men’s fashion are as easy as a change in color, fabric and fit. Popular colors in suits are blue and charcoal in subtle plaids and windowpanes. For sports coats, tweeds, plaids and solid colors in a soft construction make it feel as if the typical heavy sports coat is as light as a sweater. “Sports coats with a zip out bib acts as a jacket or outerwear,” Richard explains. “Military styled coats with lots of pockets and quilted jackets and vests” are also on trend.

Cardigans are a great item to add to your wardrobe this fall, too, and they’re nothing like your grandfather’s cardigan. They’re much more stylish and modern, with textured fabrics in a more fitted and updated style. Look for solid colors to pair with a brightly patterned shirt underneath, the perfect statement piece. Other ways to incorporate statement pieces in a men’s look are through colorful socks, colorful linings in jackets and sports coats or pocket squares. “The styles have become more classic or traditional looks with modern stylings,” says Richard. “People are just trying to make it more fun.”

Milan Fine Clothiers
270 County Road, Barrington.
401-247-9209 
MilanClothiers.com

J Marcel, Providence, Hope Street, Dixie Carroll, Bill Jette, Barrington, Andrea E. McHugh, Force 4 Photography, Feminine Fancies, Elanie Felag, Barrington, Pink Pineapple, Cashmere, Portsmouth, Newport, New England, Thames Street, Kristin May, Jackie's Loft, Jacqiue Carroll, Bristol, David Bowie, Milan Fine Clothiers, Barrington, Menswear, Charcoal Colors, Richard Darakian

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