Familiar styles in sweaters, wedge-style shoes get updated twist
BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
1/15/13 at 7:06 AM
It's 2013, but two styles in fashion this season come straight out of the 20th century: this winter's sweaters and wedges, though both have a modern flair.
Anything from pop-art-style cartoon characters and animals to catchy phrases can be found on the garments meant to keep you warm, but they're also updated enough to keep with the times. Tulsa fashion designer Cici Richards is seeing a lot of this, as well as a lot of pattern mixing and layering. The sweaters popular right now are lightweight enough to allow brave wearers to mix things up.
"When wearing sweaters, add a collared shirt underneath to give added dimension," Richards recommends. "For those who are not afraid of pattern, mix a patterned collar shirt under your lightweight knit sweater."
This year's sweaters aren't stuck in the dark doldrums of winter in greys, bleak blues and cool dark tones. They are bright, full of vitality and summoning springtime - the continuation of a colorful fall and summer.
The cream Mossimo Women's Long Sleeve Sweater with Nailheads at Target is on sale for $20.98. It's a soft-looking pullover featuring a triangular design of gold studs arching over the chest.
JCPenney's jcp Striped V-Neck Sweater comes in a variety of color combinations at $22. But a favorite? The Lola blue-and-green-stripe arrangement: The bold blue pairing with the yellow-green striping is quite uplifting during somber winter days.
For a great example of sweaters with fun prints, check out the Mossimo Women's Long Sleeve High-Low Sweater with Gold Foil, $20.98 at Target. It's a simple red pullover sweater with a silverish-gold etched heart splashed largely on front.
In shoe trends, the wedge style has left the poolside and taken a strong and stylish hold on the traditional pump, mule, sandal, boot, stiletto and even sneaker.
"They are sporty with just enough femininity," Richards said of the elevated sneaker that is a nod to the high-top as well as the sneaker stiletto of the mid-2000s.
"The wedge is still going so strong because you can still accomplish all of the current trends with this style of shoe - and unlike many other women's shoes, they are comfortable and, in most cases, can be worn all day," Richards said.
The wedge gives an elongated look. It gives the height of a pump and can be worn with dressy or casual outfits.
BCBGeneration Walla Tall Wedge Boots at Macy's are absolutely sleek, what with their studded layover shaft at the leg that drifts a smidgen below the heel like a perfect pair of cigarette pants. The shoes, on sale for $161.25, come in black and luggage-leather brown.
Also at Macy's, Aerosoles Plumbrella suede wedges ($59.99) have a raised flower accent at the toe and come in a variety of colors including black and dark pink. There is also a patent leather option of the shoe, which could easily be brought to work with a pencil skirt and chic blazer with a peplum or taken to out to an early evening movie, paired with some dark bootcut-style jeans.
The simple Merona Melinda Wedge Pump at Target ($20.98-$29.99) offers a similar versatility as the Aerosoles but without any embellishments.
Original Print Headline: Modern retro
Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
LC Lauren Conrad Ribbon Cable-Knit Sweater (Kohl's, $50) Courtesy photo
Wander taupe (shoedazzle.com, $39.95) Courtesy photo
Sabella rust (shoedazzle.com, $39.95) Courtesy photo
Maude fuschia (shoedazzle.com, $39.95) Courtesy photo
Tasha black (shoedazzle.com, $39.95) Courtesy photo
Jeena cognac (shoedazzle.com, $42.95) Courtesy photo
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