Add a touch of romance…
Ruffles hit the spotlight in spring 2008 and they are back bigger than ever for spring 2009. Feminine and romantic, this look has made its way into dresses, shirt fronts and even gusseted into coats. Even just touches of ruffle, skirting across a hem or sleeve edge, or a tiny delicate waterfall on a shirt front can add softening to silhouettes. An off-center thin line of small ruffling down a shirt or skirt can add length to your look or adding a long ruffled scarf will do for a nod to this hot fashion look.
We were especially intrigued with drapey jerseys teamed with georgettes to form mixed layers of ruffles… and we have a perfect pair up! The Acai silk georgette and Jussara cotton spandex knit duo.
Read more on ruffles and pattern suggestions in the salon.
More suggestions:
The market can’t get enough of large scale printed knits coming out of Europe. Check out these two from Norma Kamali.
Scarves are a hot fashion item this year and they are simple and easy to make! Add a fancy edging like purchased bead trim or fringe and you will have a super gift in no time at all!
When fashion is taken to extremes there is always a sub-trend going on in the opposite direction forming polarity.
Surf’s up for knits this summer. We have been seeing them in dresses for a while, but knits are really hanging 10 for tops in the summer of ‘08. They are out there as the banded jewel necklines in drapey silhouettes, preppy color filled polos, deep scoops, boatnecks, and have been seen in more stripes than a beach umbrella. To put it in surfer terms, Chillax. Whichever works for you, go for it, keep it real and rip your sewing to new heights! Just remember to maintain a low-key vibe when you’re in the lineup. 
Shown here: 
Whether you’re trekking the wilds of Africa, or big game viewing on ESPN, the relaxed look and feel of natural fibers in soft earthy tones beckons. Like the tides, the look waxes and wanes from one fashion season to another, but its presence is a comforting constant. In recent years the look has morphed from animal prints to large scale botanicals with soft neutrals all the while following the pack. This season, the “Out of Africa” solids of soft off-whites and natural khakis rule the savannah and hold court over beasty and botany.
Spring 2008 is singin’ the blues — Azure blue to be precise. It has taken the Oscar for the color of the season and is currently playing across the nation, receiving rave reviews from an enthusiastic audience of the fashion conscious.
Green is not just a trend, but a way of life that is changing everything we do. Change can be good when alternatives to former products are attractive and easily accessible.
