The Little _______ Dress

Last summer it was the monochrome of white driving the girls en masse to Sunglass Hut to pick up the newest white-rimmed accessories, or into H&M for the perfect “little white dress.” Even I couldn’t resist the allure. Summer 2006 was white hot – but what about 2007?

This year, I fully expected to see stores turning out the white in droves, encouraging men and women to get their white on before the old-fashioned curtail at Labor Day. But I was surprised by the sudden shift this season from the whites of yore to bold, colorful prints.

Pucci aside, not every woman can carry off loud, saucy colors without a hearty block of a neutral for balance. However, every little flirty sundress I see is this exact cocktail of colors, and the women wearing them all look superb.

Aside from patterns, the other prevalent dress right now is solid bold colors. Everything, it seems but white. You’d at least expect to see some leftovers from last year.

Overall? I like it. I didn’t anticipate it, and I wouldn’t have guessed it, but the colors are working it just as fiercely as the white did one year ago. I myself have purchased a beautiful satin number that’s purple, pink, cream… everything but white. I wore it with my white pumps – from last summer. The dresses have changed, but the white accessories have remained to compliment them. Thank goodness.

I’ve never been able to explain how and why trends shift. Jaded, I accuse the harbingers of fashion of changing their tune every year just to get us to buy new stuff. Maybe we, as shoppers, simply get sick of wearing the same thing every season, and our needs change. Whatever the reason, the moods fluctuate, and I for one will always be watching with awe. I have to wonder… what can we look forward to in Summer 2008?

For great splashy dresses, check out www.Nordstrom.com, www.OldNavy.com, and www.Bluefly.com.

Pucci 2- Pocket Small tote

Emilio Pucci
Two-Pocket Small Tote $590.00
SALE PRICE: $409.00

Multicolor-print canvas
Flat canvas handles; 5.5" drop
Two front flapped pockets with magnetic snap closures
Open top with magnetic snap closure
Fine textile lining
Interior zipped pocket
Protective metal feet
12"x 9.5"x 5"
Made in Italy

Pucci Platform Wedge Slingback

Emilio Pucci
Platform Wedge Slingback $430.00
SALE PRICE: $259.00

Patent leather with satin trim
Rounded satin toe with patent and clear vinyl cut-out details
Patent slingback strap with silvertone buckle
Smooth leather lining
Padded leather insole
4.5" woven wedge heel with 1.5" platform
Rubber sole
Made in Italy