Beauty in bloom

Wintry-weather mixes might be in the forecast, but spring is in the air and it’s coming up roses – and all other varieties of blooms – according to Belk, Inc. Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion ­Direction Arlene Goldstein.

Spring in the garden

According to Belk’s Spring 2010 Style Statements, In the Garden headlines this season with garden-inspired elements blooming everywhere from clothing to accessories. “The flower is iconic this season,” Goldstein said. “It’ll be on shoes, handbags, necklaces and more. It might be beautiful floral bouquets or one isolated flower with a long stem strategically placed on a gorgeous silk dress.” Luxurious, soft fabrics such as poplins, sheers, Swiss dots, chambrays and bleached denim round out this look, which can be dressed up or down and inspired by the casual look of the gardener’s daughter. “The family of coral is a leadership color palette,” Goldstein explained of the look’s hues. “Pinks aren’t going away, from pale to raspberry; and pops of yellow, whether it’s corn silk, butter or something deeper. … It’s fresh, fun and flirty.”

Classic twists

Classic looks get updated spring twists in what Belk calls the Nouveau Coco style statement, featuring classic style with feminine, dressmaker touches, such as ruffles, bows, draping and ruching. Black and white staples will be punched up with pops of color, dashes of cream, interesting platform shoes, the return of the chain bag and new pearl options, Goldstein said. “As we shopped Europe, we really saw the pearls beginning to uptrend, not that a strand of pearls was ever off trend, but we think there’s a whole bevy of pearl options out there – oversize, large and small together, pearls with industrial metals, pearls with chains, pearls with ribbon, pearls with a flower motif.” Goldstein encourages “mix mastering” to liven classic looks. “Mix it up. Do something interruptive to the outfit you’ve pulled together,” she said. “Add one tricky piece but keep everything else simple.” As this look heads into high summer, trends will gravitate to head-to-toe white for what ­Goldstein calls a “very, very fresh look.”

Structure stays strong this spring

Sculptural, architecture-influenced style remains strong this spring with patterns that play with the eye, bold shoulders, exposed hardware and interesting textures. “It’s a very modern approach to dressing,” Goldstein said, adding that the look is complemented by art-to-wear accessories featuring chains, bold necks, cuffs, new-shape handbags and architectural boots, booties and shoes, even in midsize heels.

Make it exotic

Spring makes way for the heat of languid summer in ethnic style, with looks that are defined by textile- and pattern-driven clothing and accessories. “We’ll see woodblocks and paisleys and camo and animal. It’s less about the destination, but just about the fact that when you look at the garment or pattern or fringe on the jacket, it looks very ­ethnic, exotic and tribal,” Goldstein said. “Layering, wrapping and tying is essential. We love the spice tones here and most important are natural elements like wood, cork and leather fringe, snake and semiprecious stones enhancing shoes and accessories.” Grommets and studs in burnished metals are paired with vintage-looking leathers made famous by The Frye Company, and even can be found “scattered on the shoulder of a T-shirt, working their way up the gusset of a handbag or sprayed across the straps of a sandal,” Goldstein explained.

The ‘Most Wanted’

Along with spring 2010 style statements, Goldstein issued lists of “Most Wanted” must-have items for men and women to complement basic wardrobe staples and to stay on trend. The lists will be posted in all Belk stores the first week of March.

For women: a flirty skirt; handcrafted-looking top; something denim; a new-classic cardigan; feminine blouse; anything floral; a ruffled dress; a bold necklace; and jeweled sandals.

For men: new plaids and checks in shirts, shorts, jackets and ties; graphic T-shirts; something denim; patterned shorts in new cargos, washed plaids and patchwork and updated tropicals; a casual sportcoat, from solid to seersucker; a bold-color dress shirt in happy hues of yellow, green, aqua, coral or pink; a bow tie; and boat shoes.

Treasure hunt, build basics, flirt with fashion

Goldstein had three pieces of advice for consumers before even touching trends:

1. Scour your closet for discarded treasures. It’s the ultimate in repurposing and recycling. “It’s not just about being frugal, it’s being conscious,” Goldstein said. “Eclecticism is in.”
2. Make sure you have the building blocks of a basic wardrobe. Choose a color core for every season. See if you have a slim, black pant; a white shirt; a sheath that works; and a great jacket. “Once you have that core, you’re never going to be desperate,” she said.
3. Add the fashion layer. This is the fun part. “I think the consumer is going to be more strategic in the way she shops,” Goldstein said. “She’s really going to scrutinize her own closet and needs; only the truly worthy things will make it into her closet.”