This summer in the fashion world things are being kept light and airy. With feminine hues, colorful fabrics and funky accessories, the girly girl inside of all of us is rejoicing. On St.
Simons Island we may sport our summer clothes long after the typical season comes to an end, but who doesn’t love to make the most of the sunshine? Our local boutique owners and managers are displaying these 2018 trends so well they have agreed to spill some of their secrets with the rest of us.
The brightness of summer has manifested itself in fun prints, sunshine yellow and light lavender tones this year. Across the board, every stylist mentions stripes as being a vital pattern in every closet. Cloister Collection’s buying manager Ally Urquhart tells us that stripes and gingham, although classics, have resurfaced on this summer’s trend list as must-haves for all ages. Their favorite accessory trend has been acrylic jewelry and fun statement earrings. The acrylic earrings pictured are a simple take on the hot trend. It seems this year fashion is taking a more simplistic approach to prints and structures.
If styled correctly, stripes can be one of the most flattering prints. Ronne’s on Market Street owner, Ronne Lebow who has been dressing island locals and tourists for years agrees, stripes are both classic and always on trend. For the contemporary crowd, Ronne’s new arrivals that feature a stripe down the side of the leg have been a hot trend seen in name-brand fashion this summer for labels such as Chloé and Gucci. The look has come to the coast via these adorable two-piece sets. To complete the outfit, head next door to Shackleford and pick up a pair of Eileen Fisher platforms and a fun clutch. Femininity shows up again in the frilly tassel trend that has made its way onto nearly every item of clothing and accessory possible this season. Bright tassels or pom-poms make you want to give three cheers for summer with their enthusiastic nature. This light and fun white dress with tassel trim at Ronne’s is no exception. It can be styled simply and elegantly for a casual, breezy look.
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Simplicity is a common theme among local stylists this summer. Laura Latham, manager at the Tibi outlet also on Market Street shares some of the line’s keys to maintaining their unique combination of femininity and functionality. They are staying fresh by strategically placing cut-outs in every-day styles for an artistic flare on closet staples such as shell tops and classic
blazers. Latham says their favorite way to style these funky threads is with their bright and edgy PVC belts. Adding a fun element to an everyday style, like a balloon or bell sleeve on a classic white blouse, is an area of expertise for Tibi. Another trend we can thank Tibi’s stylists for re-introducing to our wardrobes is the classic art of pleating. The versatility of the line’s pleated pieces allows them to be worn anywhere from a textured top at dinner to The Royal Wedding. Yes, that happened!
Fabrics have been cool in more ways than one this season. Not only because of their moment of fame at Westminster Abbey, but literally, according to Merrill Edens, manager at Maggie’s Boutique, centrally located on Frederica Road. Their Lulu-B line is a favorite among customers for its easy-travel, little-wrinkle texture that can keep you cool even in the blazing months of July and August. The bright tints that Maggie’s has in stock pair perfectly with their most desired Krazy Larry pants that combine comfort and professionalism with a light fabric that breathes well in the island heat.
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“As with any season, it is refreshing to bring fresh new colors,” said owner of Two Friends in Redfern Village, Marti Tolleson. Two Friends' spunky fashionistas Erica and Taylor Anne agree that bright and fun colors are always on trend around here. Locals and tourists alike are loving Two Friends’ summer items so much that it is hard to keep anything in stock, including their woven purses and colorful floral prints. Two Friends’ manager, Erica, said that white leather shoes are big not only this summer but also for the fall and winter months as well. Known for their upbeat and positive atmosphere,Two Friends allows you to be the most fashionable version of yourself. The most important thing to remember when adjusting your wardrobe with the times is, according to Marti: “As long as it’s pretty and it makes you feel pretty, that’s the trend to follow.”
On the theme of bright colors, fun shoes are a great way to make a statement with a white
dress or jeans. The orange sandal with its layered, multi-colored strap by Donald Pliner is fashioned in such a way that if summer was a shoe, this would be it. The classic Jack Rogers sandal is an iconic islander shoe and looks beautiful on girls from two to 102. With the versatile shades of gold and brown, Jack Rogers can be worn as long as the weather allows. For some people, comfort always comes before style and while it may seem like it has to be a compromise, Martha Banister, owner of The Pampered Foot located on Frederica Road, said just the opposite. Her new comfortable line of shoes that take the freedom of a sandal and combine it with the comfort of a sneaker are perfect to complete a breezy summer look. Martha also sticks to a lower heels and wedges when buying for the store to maximize comfort. I know I speak for all of us when I say that it is with thankful hearts that we welcome the dress with sneakers trend back into our wardrobes. It really is a dream come true for busy bees everywhere.
For those of you who value comfort more than what’s hot and what’s not, the dress and sneakers may be your best friend. Butler’s Stash on Market Street has dresses that can be easy to accessorize and wear anywhere. They also have the summery whites with a little pom-pom flare and stripes that can be dressed up or down. The best part about a simple airy dress is that you can’t over-accessorize. Whether it be a chic sun hat or a pair of sassy earrings, Butler’s Stash has what it takes to personalize your look and take your ensemble to the next level.
Although adding brand new styles and accessories to your closet is fun, they come at a price. Buying something that may not be right out of the warehouse but is still new to your own collection is just as exciting and much less expensive. At Mixed Nuts Consignment,
near Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria on Frederica Road, you can purchase Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Valentino and many more authentic name-brand items, a variety that is not offered anywhere else in the Golden Isles. Store owner Charlene Stahl said that they have seen an increased desire from customers for Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags this year as well as colorful beach coverups and of course, tassels. Many of the items available at Mixed Nuts come from boutiques near and far such as Highlands, North Carolina, Valdosta, and Augusta. By popular demand, Mixed Nuts now carries brand new pieces at a lower price such as Umgee and Current Air clothing brands. The girls at Mixed Nuts work hard to guarantee 100% authenticity in all items they sell. One thing their customers look for no matter the time of year is shoes. All sizes, brands and styles are always being updated for a broader selection.
When considering the latest patterns and colors, the best option for your own personal style is the one that gives you the most confidence. Ronne Lebow agrees, saying that fashion can truly change you and your outlook. That’s why they call it retail therapy, of course! Whether you're looking for resort wear or everyday casual, these island trendsetters can help you find the most flattering fit in the most up-to-date styles. Our local business owners take pride in expertly outfitting residents and tourists alike, always keeping us au courant and chic. We encourage you to stop in the island’s boutiques and see what looks are best suited for you.
