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Layering is big, which is good for us in our Nor Cal microclimates. Jumpsuits have made a comeback and they are a cool option in lightweight fabrics. Silhouettes are simple and sneakers continue to dominate in the shoe department. Prints for summer are florals and mixing prints is very trendy, not to mention very tricky. But Eliza Jamkochian from Glamourous Boutique at 1048 Brown Avenue in Lafayette says, do it!
"This summer I encourage all my clients to challenge their inner self and shop for bold patterns, colors, and styles," said Jamkochian, who works closely with her customers and she takes a picture after she works her styling magic. " They are beyond shocked to see that stepping outside of that zone is not only attractive, but really sets a tone for a new look and wardrobe for this summer and going forward."
A new look needs a new handbag. I've spotted a local trend in the Mimi bag by Parker Thatch in Orinda. Their signature canvas bag is on the arm of many a fashionable woman around Lamorinda and it's been reported that Los Angeles is in on the trend too, with the likes of actress Reese Witherspoon carrying the Mimi.
The must-have accessory comes in white with various color block options, as well as solids and prints, including the ever-popular camo and leopard. The people behind Parker Thatch are husband and wife team Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby. Chen says she designed the bag combining her favorite details of several purses she owned. Every Mimi is made in California of sturdy cotton canvas. There are inside pockets and an optional cross body strap.
Like your monogram? You can have that added. Chen says the Mimi is the ease of California and the elegance of New York all in one stylish handbag. "Our customer," says Chen, "is a busy person seeking to find something chic but practical and easy."
Although many sales are made on the Parker Thatch website, customers also like to visit the shop. They come from Piedmont, Montclair, and even as far away as San Francisco. Chen says she really likes the sense of community that having a bricks and mortar offers. Sometimes customers come by just to say hello or pick up a conversation where they left off last visit. Parker Thatch, 19D Orinda Way, Orinda. Online at: www.parkerthatch.com.
Summer isn't summer without a good book to read. "Wildchilds," by former model Eugenia Melian (Fashion Sphinx Books), combines two of my faves - suspense and fashion. It tells the story of Iris de Valade, a former 1990s Paris fashion model. Having given up her modeling career years ago, Iris is now a sculptor and lives in rural Northern California with Lou, her teenage daughter. Lou is greatly puzzled as to why her mother would walk away from the glamorous Parisian life of a model. Why would she? Iris is called back to Paris as the executrix of her former lover's estate and there she finds old friends, old foes, and more than she bargained for. Armchair travel, fashion, and a mystery. In my book, that's a perfect summer read.
Keep it cool and go forth in style.
Moya Stone is a fashion writer and blogger at www.overdressedforlife.com.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA