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Velvet is all the rage again in dresses, skirts and jackets for day and evening. It seems capelets were around not that long ago but they're back and a good layering choice for our microclimates. And hoodies are back, although they never really left us. For 2016 they've graduated from casual sweatshirts to chic jackets and sweaters, plus we're actually sporting the hood part for a cozy look on those chilly early mornings.
Now here's a 1960s throwback - jumpers. Super cute and easy to wear, jumpers in lightweight wool plaids and solid colors are a new silhouette for the season. Accessories include embellished gloves, bold chokers and structured handbags with extra wide shoulder straps, called "guitar straps"
"Of the moment fashion trends seem to be animal prints, especially, coats and jackets," says Barbara Grigg, vintage fashion stylist and dealer. "They seem to transcend every era and always feel chic and hip!" Speaking of vintage, coming up Sept.10-11 is the Vintage Fashion Expo at the Hall of Flowers in San Francisco. Thirty years strong, the Expo gathers over 50 select dealers from around the country who offer for sale quality vintage clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Visit www.vintageexpo.com for more information.
Recently I stumbled upon Monaluna, a new fabric store in Walnut Creek. Shop owner Jennifer Moore designs all the fabrics with a flair for whimsy and color. Due out this fall are two new collections including Simple Life, a Scandinavian inspired line in blue and white with touches of warm red. Cottage Garden is a homage to European gardens and comes in warm colors of indigo and gray with images of hedgehogs, foxes, mushrooms and ladybugs. Miller works only with certified organic cotton in poplin, knit, barkcloth and corduroy. Time for a sewing project? Check out the website for upcoming promotions and events: www.monaluna.com.
Earlier this year I decided to learn once and for all how to sew and I've been taking classes with local designer Kamal Ragbotra through Mt. Diablo Adult Education in Pleasant Hill. This semester Ragbotra is teaching Introduction to Sewing, in which students will learn the basics of threading a sewing machine needle, bobbins, tension adjustment, fabric options and much more. Projects include a choice of a simple skirt, pajama bottoms or an apron. Inspired? Class starts in September: www.mdae-mdusd-ca.schoolloop.com.
Kids can get a start learning to sew at SewNow Fashion Studio in Lafayette. "Our fan-favorite for fall is always the Halloween class," says owner Susan Goldie. "Students start with a personal sketch and work with SewNow! instructors to create and customize patterns, add details like embroidery, grommets, and fur, and then finish with the ultimate one-of-a-kind costume - always ready in time for Halloween." Check the website for the class schedule: www.sewnow.com/index.html
I know we're all thinking about those fall shoes and our number one favorite: boots. Now is a good time to pull them out of the closet and give a close inspection. Do they need a little TLC? A shine? A new sole? We are lucky to have three shoe repair shops in the area, all known for doing excellent work: One Stop Shoe Care and Smith's Shoe Repair in Lafayette and Orinda Shoe Service in Orinda. Show a little love to your shoes and they'll love you back by looking like new.
Have fun with your fashions this season and go forth in style.
Moya Stone is a fashion writer and blogger at OverDressedforlife.com.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA