Some of the trends for fall and winter have been around before and may already be in your closet. Animal prints are still going to be prowling the fashion scene, with python taking the lead and patterned stockings and tights are also on the rise. the newest things I spotted are faux furs, thin belts, A-line dresses — think Jean Shrimpton and the ‘60s — as well as a collection of bangle bracelets on one arm, crossover handbags, feathers and fur adorning shoes and a resurgence of ponchos and capes.
I found this aubergine leather bootie with a feathered ornament ($98) at Ooh Ooh Shoes. it has a 3½-inch stacked heel and rubber sole. this store also has a Pucci-inspired A-line dress ($119) with a keyhole neckline and three-quarter sleeves that is a throwback to the ‘60s.
Jami’s has faux fur vests (approximately $114) that will give your wardrobe a brand new look. the striped one has a leather tie belt, and the spotted one has a hood. Both look like real fur until you touch them, so don’t worry about PETA.
This store also has belts that will become your newest “must have” accessory. the python and embossed-alligator ones have good-looking elongated buckles ($88) and the gold metallic leather has a sculpted silver buckle and keeper ($74). use these to update dresses and skirts you already own.
I found so many interesting bracelets at Trudy Labell Fine Art I wanted to scoop them all up and wear them out of the store. Starting at the top center of the photo and going clockwise: gold wire with turquoise beads by Tana Acton ($245); glass beads tipped in gold by Nirit Dekel ($200); a pearl encased in a silver mesh ($180) by Barbara Silverstein; a wide braided gold-over-stainless steel by Barbara Silverstein ($235); black-and-gold twisted bangle ($685) by Reiko Ishiyama; silver braided bangle by Barbara Silverstein ($230); and a wide sterling wire bangle with a large lapis and turquoise stones ($325).
Not pictured, but something that will take your breath away, is the Majoral’s Pluja (rain) collection from Barcelona. I really liked the gold discs with drops of gold or silver and uncut ruby drops on a nylon thread. the bracelets give the impression of a subtle shower against your skin. start your own collection of artisan jewelry and wear them for years.
Capes and ponchos have been in quietly for years for their comfort and warmth, but they are popping up more frequently this fall. Eileen Fisher has a merino cashmere, linear texture-knit poncho ($238) that is so soft and weightless it’ll be the first thing out of your closet when you want a cover-up.
The newest look in handbags are the crossover body bags. They are smaller than what you are used to wearing but probably can hold everything necessary. I especially liked the double-zippered patent named Sheila from Cole Haan ($198). I hope my namesake won’t be an old bag for some time to come.
Island Company has a collection of A-line dresses in linen and cotton ($155) that will still look in style years from now.
If you are looking toward spring, the trends coming out of Fashion Week were bright colors and prints and stripes used together.
Where to shop
Cole Haan, Waterside Shops, 5435 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 591-0018
Eileen Fisher, 1211 Third St. S., Naples, 403-7920
Island Company, 1290 Third St. S., Naples, 262-0200
Jami’s, Plaza, 1170 Third St. S., Naples, 262-4299; Village on Venetian Bay, 4266 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples, 252-4944; and the Promenade, 26851 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 949-1215
Ooh Ooh Shoes, 350 12th Ave. S., Naples, 403-4300
Trudy Labell Fine Art, 2425 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 434-7778
Ike likes it
Ike couldn’t resist the babka at Panera Bread.
The verdict:
I really like babka and when I saw it at Panera Bread I couldn’t resist buying a piece. One bite and I knew I had to go back for a whole cake to take when we go visiting for the holidays. it almost felt as if I was back at a bakery in new York.
by Sheila Mesulam,
Connect with Sheila Mesulam at naplesnews.com/staff/sheila_mesulam
