Out with the old, in with the new, right? Well … not exactly. When it comes to fashion, some of 2005’s biggest trends will carry over into the new year (don’t pack away those platform shoes just yet).
Still, change is in the air. So At Play talked to three local boutique owners to get the skinny on what styles they’re looking forward to, and which trends they’ll be happy to bid a fond farewell.
FOR KIDS
Marlo Hoffman, co-owner of PsychoBaby (1630 N. Damen Ave., 773-772-2815, www.psychobabyonline.com).
Hoffman, co-owner of this funky Wicker Park kids’ clothing and toy shop, thinks that kids clothes got a little too sophisticated in 2005, with drab color palates and silk or scratchy fabrics. “If you can’t wash it, it’s not my thing.” The other trend she’s happy to see go? “Neon. That was pretty icky for a 3-year-old.”
More color, less serious is the key to 2006, Hoffman and her business partner Lisa Starbucks agree. “If you can’t roll around in the park in it, forget it,” Hoffman says. But don’t count out 2005’s big looks quite yet. Metallics, little girl gaucho pants and anything with bling will still be huge, Hoffman says. Huge in a teeny-tiny onesie sort of way.
FOR SHOES
Nicole Shockley, co-owner of Josephine (1405 N. Wells St., 312-274-0359, www.josephineonline. com).
Shockley, who is “kind of over the Pucci print,” promises that nude and natural colors will be very big next season and is most excited about an up-and-coming shoe designer named Tania Spinelli, who combines interesting materials like lizard and satin and then embellishes with mother of pearl and semi-precious stones.
Much to the chagrin of Shopping Adviser Ellen Warren, Shockley, who co-owns the shoe boutique with her sister, says that the wedge and platform will still be huge in 2006. “A lot of women love height,” Shockley says, “but you can be a mom pushing a stroller in a wedge and still feel comfortable.”
Comfort is relative, moms.
FOR CLOTHES
Jim Wetzel, owner/buyer of Jake (939 N. Rush St., 312-664-5553; 3740 N. Southport Ave., 773-929-5253, www.shopjake.com).
Sick of the tricked-out denim? So is Wetzel. Enough, he says, with the embellished jean for men. “At times you can’t tell the difference between the guys’ and the girls’ jeans … things have gone crazy. Going forward, I love denim that looks like denim.”
Wetzel promises that legs will be slimmer, washes darker and waistbands higher.
Also big for spring? The women’s short. “The feel is supposed to be slouchy, boy-feeling and rolled,” Wetzel says, adding. “I am nervous the rolling might get too high on the wrong body type. The right length is about mid-thigh, but I am sure some might head a bit too far north!”
Please, oh please, keep that in mind.
