My husband, Jim, and I recently traveled to Toronto for the 37th annual University of Toronto Trinity Book Sale (and the 7th annual Chocolate Ball!) At our hotel I picked up a copy of the magazine Where, for Toronto and vicinity, October 2012. On pages 16-20, Linda Luong has written an article entitiled "Fall's Hottest Looks" where she compiled a list of the 10 top trends of the season. Walk with me through the FL Crooks & Co women's division and let's see how we stack up to these Top 10 trends for Fall 2012:
#1 - Power of Peplum
Last popular in the 1980's, the peplum is characterized by a flared ruffle jutting from the waist of a bodice. At FL Crooks & Co, a stand-out of this current runway silhouette is a royal blue and black dress by Ya. Also take notice of a red and black jacket from Miss Me that practically pops out of its place on the wall with its updated flounce.
#2 Jewel Tones
Jewel Tones are rich and bold color tones which resemble well known gemstones, either precious or semi-precious. Some examples would be emerald green, amethyst purple, ruby red, topaz yellow, sapphire blue, tourmaline green and turquoise blue. In textiles, jewel tones can create an extremely lush look. These dynamic and distinctive colors are brilliantly featured in tops and blouses from Cupio and Violet & Claire on our store floor.
Jewel Tones are rich and bold color tones which resemble well known gemstones, either precious or semi-precious. Some examples would be emerald green, amethyst purple, ruby red, topaz yellow, sapphire blue, tourmaline green and turquoise blue. In textiles, jewel tones can create an extremely lush look. These dynamic and distinctive colors are brilliantly featured in tops and blouses from Cupio and Violet & Claire on our store floor.
#3 The Quilted Effect
We all know quilting as a practical treatment which adds warmth to winter garments; now it can be used quite effectively as a styling method.
We all know quilting as a practical treatment which adds warmth to winter garments; now it can be used quite effectively as a styling method.
Come see this appealing embellishment on a black leather jacket by RD Style as well as vests and outer wear from Katherine Barclay and Montanaco. Accessories, like a black purse from Big Buddha, feature this traditional method of sewing with newly added texture.
#4 Animal Instinct
More than ever, the wild things can be found on your clothing this fall! We've got an entire section devoted to this popular trend. You'll discover this fun and exotic look on Cupio tops, Clara Sun Woo dresses, Young Threads jackets, and Montanaco vests. Gloves and scarves prominently feature animal prints galore.
More than ever, the wild things can be found on your clothing this fall! We've got an entire section devoted to this popular trend. You'll discover this fun and exotic look on Cupio tops, Clara Sun Woo dresses, Young Threads jackets, and Montanaco vests. Gloves and scarves prominently feature animal prints galore.
#5 Get Cozy
Nothing helps us get ready for a long, hard winter like a warm, chunky sweater. When temperatures drop, cozy up in your Colour Works sweaters and your Mystree sweater jackets. A new line, Laundromat, features some of the coolest sweaters imaginable. Ibex pullovers and jackets are practically heirloom pieces and will stay in your closet for months and years to come. Footwear to keep your toes nice and toasty include Keen, Merrell, and UGGs.
#6 The Art of Layering
Two basic rules of thumb to keep in mind when layering: keep it to three pieces to avoid bulkiness, and try to mix fabrics. Our inventory at FL Crooks & Co offers some great faux fur vests for the season. Our 525 America V-neck sweaters are a perfect layering weight and come in various shades of beautiful colors. Leggings are again popular this year while boot socks may be a new look for you.
Two basic rules of thumb to keep in mind when layering: keep it to three pieces to avoid bulkiness, and try to mix fabrics. Our inventory at FL Crooks & Co offers some great faux fur vests for the season. Our 525 America V-neck sweaters are a perfect layering weight and come in various shades of beautiful colors. Leggings are again popular this year while boot socks may be a new look for you.
#7 All That Shimmers
Traditionally thought of as evening wear, sequins and metallics are shining as the perfect daytime embellishment now. Come in to FL Crooks & Co and check out our outstanding collection of Clara Sun Woo and Camee, Inc. jackets and Cupio and Ya sweaters that shimmer and shine. The Miss Me jeans add sparkle with their highly embellished gold or silver pockets.
#8 Military Minded
Camouflage and other military inspired looks have been around for awhile now, but this season the military trend is updated with sharper tailoring and more masculine lines. Check out our Spiewak and Montanaco coats for the military minded look.
#9 Velvet Revival
This sumptuous fabric has become a hot commodity for Fall 2012 for day as well as evening wear. This equal-opportunity textile's strength is that it is offered in many different options and styles. The popular Snoskins line has a gorgeous velvet quarter-zip top in luscious shades of green and of red. This would make an extra special gift under the Christmas tree for your loved ones.
#10 English Countryside
The pastoral take on life is lovingly exhibitied in a pair of Frye boots. Since 1863, the core product line of Frye has been manufactured by skilled employees right here in the USA. FL Crooks & Co carried this wonderful line in the early 80's, and we are proud to have them back for the Fall 2012 season.
We've got them covered - Fall's Hottest Looks! Do come in and see for yourself. You don't have to travel to Toronto or New York or Milan or Paris. Come to Clarion, PA! I received a gracious note on Facebook from Melissa in Brookville. She writes, "I love how you are keeping up with fashion and trend for our small towns. Not all of us can get to the cities to shop. So, thank you!" We thank you, Melissa, and our valued customers. We are here for you. We want you to look and feel your best. We want you to glow with courage and confidence in the best of Fall 2012 fashions.
