A good catalog should have a distinct personality. From the very first page you should know whether the clothes reflect your casual chic style or, say, the classic look of a next-store neighbor.
These new or recently discovered catalogs – from Nordstrom’s premiere collection of fussless fashion to an apparel catalog for cancer survivors – all make a strong statement. They either will inspire you to snatch up their latest spring fashions or to toss them into the recycling bin faster than lime green drops out of style.
If you find a match, it’s like having your own personal shopper.
allen allen: How many times have you fallen in love with a dress or an outfit to discover it only comes in puce? That won’t happen here. allen allen offers a virtual rainbow of breezy dresses and separates that feel fresh yet timeless. The items are custom-dyed when an order is placed, allowing the company the flexibility to offer one page of cotton knit separates ($18 to $36), for example, in 10 delicious shades from pale blue sky to delicate orange mango. The custom coloring makes it easy to coordinate the linen and cotton knit shirts, shorts, dresses and pants. Orders take two weeks or longer because of the dyeing. (800-422-0466)
2nd Nature- Nordstrom’s new catalog is targeted to women who want effortless fashion. These dresses, jumpers and separates are soft and modern without being trendy. Here are clothes to live in, offered in machine-washable linen, Tencel lyocell or cotton knit. An eye-catcher is the easy washed linen dress in cactus green for $128. (800-560-5990)
Magic & Vanity – This Chicago-based boutique for cancer patients and survivors has launched an inspiring catalog using its own customers as models. Its pages brim with hope, pride and fashionable items that address the special needs of its clientele. More than two dozen charming hats include a cotton beret ($14), modeled by Kathy, a breast cancer survivor. The beret has Sunguard treatment to protect the wearer from harmful rays. There are also bathing suits for women who have had mastectomies or lumpectomies ($81 to $102), coverups, separates, bras ($30 to $45) and breast forms. A detailed chart tells how to determine your new bra size. (888-392-0092)
Nicole Summers – What sets this catalog apart is a large offering of elegant summer suits and dresses such as a pink linen suit with iridescent floral beading ($278) and a beige crocheted tunic and sleeveless polyester crepe dress ($278) that would be smashing for a summer wedding. (800-642-6786)
S.K.U.S.A (Sports Kids U.S.A.) – Cheers to this premiere edition that offers stylish as well as no-nonsense athletic wear for girls and boys who love to play sports. A daughter will look cool kicking the soccer ball in nylon mesh black bell-bottoms, ($40) and a baby T-shirt decorated with soccer-ball hearts ($26). Also fun is the cotton/Lycra tie-dye trimmed bike shorts and top ($28 each). To decorate the bedroom, there’s an NBA basketball lamp ($40); a sports beanbag chair ($50) and a sports rug ($35) shaped like a basketball, soccer ball or football. (800-477-6787)
Olive*Bette’s- Fun, funky and very New York apparel comes from women who call themselves “the gurus of vogue.” We like the ever-so-short Betsey Johnson rose slip dress ($150), a vibrant sari slip skirt ($103) and a Lilly Pulitzer bright floral print skirt ($100). (888-767-8475)
