 | | | Eliza Jamkochian holds silk scarves available at Glamorous Boutique in Lafayette. Photo Andy Scheck
| | | | | | Fall fashions are now hitting local boutiques. Specialtees in Lafayette says we're back to traditional blue in denim, and silk blouses in simple patterns are also new this season. Leather, leggings, and layering continue in popularity while tailored jackets are a key element for daywear.
I'm happy to report that the pop-up shop Lesley Evers, located in Lafayette's La Fiesta Square, will stay put until at least next spring. Her fall 2013 collection features dresses with Evers' signature bold fabrics in autumn hues such as navy with red and navy with green. "We have several new prints and silhouettes," says Evers, "and we have a fabulous gold maxi that I particularly love."
Fall Accessories. The big news this season is accessories. Every woman's best friend, accessories transform an outfit from "so-so" to "oh-so-fabulous." Jewelry and scarves, in particular, offer ease and versatility for simple outfits that need a lift. Place a large brooch on a jacket lapel for a unique touch; add drama to a simple dress by sporting a large pendant right at the neckline; and to pop a blouse, consider a colorful scarf.
Eliza Jamkochian from Glamorous Boutique in Lafayette is very excited about the new trends in scarves. A scarf gal from way back, Jamkochian is an expert on all the various ways one can include this season's hot accessory with any outfit. Although scarves have been Ö la mode for some time, according to Jamkochian the new twist is the Infinity style in silk. "Infinity has been around," she says, "but I haven't seen them in silk before and what's great about silk is the way it lays." Infinity is a closed scarf that goes over the head twice and tucks around the neck. The light weight and drape of silk makes for no-fuss ease adding a touch of elegance to any outfit from T-shirts and jeans to the classic "little black dress." Jamkochian carries a line of printed silk Infinities from local designer Evelyn Nguyen as well as one-of-a-kind hand painted silk scarves from Lafayette-based Lucas-Hill Art & Design.
Fall Fashion Show. If we're talking fall fashions, can holiday fashions be far behind? Not for the Lamorinda branch of the American Association of University Women. The ladies are sponsoring a fashion show Oct. 15 at the Holy Trinity Serbian Church in Moraga. Stylist for the show, Jamkochian, plans to feature holiday and cocktail attire with an emphasis on accessories. Local artisans will sell their sartorial wares and there's a buffet luncheon as well. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit the AAUW Funds for Education. Attend the show and get a head start on looking good for all those upcoming holiday dos. Check out the AAUW website for more information: http://www.aauwoml.org.
Fall in Moraga. Jewelry designer Terri Durkovic is a featured artist in "Indian Summer," the latest exhibit at the Moraga Art Gallery in the Rheem Shopping Center. Attracted to color and natural elements, Durkovic uses turquoise and coral beads, as well as carnelian, and abalone shell in her collection of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Currently Durkovic is working with repurposed leather and rustic metal to add to her designs. Take a peek at her pieces along with mosaic jewelry by Minal Jeswani and fused glass jewelry by Mariann Mortensen now through Oct. 26.
Fall Boutique Opening. Orinda resident Julie Colleen Rubio is opening a new boutique in Lafayette called J. Colleen, located in the former Queen Bee shop at 261 Lafayette Circle. Don't miss the grand opening at 6 p.m. Sept. 7. (See related article on page B10)
Fall Fieldtrip. Speaking of jewelry, the latest fashion exhibit for Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is all about the unique designs of Bulgari. Opening on Sept. 21 at the de Young Museum, "The Art of Bulgari: La Dolce Vita & Beyond 1950-1990" will showcase 150 major pieces by the Italian brand, which has been creating fine jewelry since 1884. Known for bold gold and large colorful stones, Bulgari was the first to create statement jewelry favored by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor. Also included in the exhibit will be original sketches, advertising images, and photographs.
Fall Reading. Like any fashion follower I admire the sophisticated look of Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, who, by the way, makes great use of accessories. I was interested to read Caroline Jones' latest book "Kate's Style: Smart, Chic Fashion from a Royal Role Model."
As an editor and lifestyle journalist, Jones has studied Kate's impeccable style from her college days right up to this year's baby-bump moments. With over 40 photos, she shows readers how Kate puts herself together and why what she does works every time. Close-up shots of accessories and fashion details as well as sidebars loaded with information, such as designer names and how to do it yourself, make this book invaluable for anyone who would like to emulate Kate's look. Beyond that, it's an excellent documentation of modern royal fashion.
Find your fall fashions and go forth in style.
Moya Stone is a local fashion writer and blogger at www.overdressedforlife.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA