What goes up... July 2011

I was at a party when a friend accidentally spilled a drink on my chocolate colored top.  She apologized high and low while I smiled and said with carefree abandon, "No worries.  Don't give it another thought."  I nearly exclaimed, "I only paid $12 for this Sugar Lips camisole", but I stopped myself.  No need to divulge any secrets here. 

Welcome to the era of the cute and trendy top that is super friendly to the wallet.   Teri Agins in a recent Wall Street Journal article goes as far as to say that the "cheap top has become a fashion star".  She goes on to point out that "tops have taken over the prime real estate on sales floors, upstaging dresses, jackets, pants and jeans."  Easier to make than dresses and jackets and pants, tops are "tantalizing and cheap enough to buy on impulse".   Agins recommends choosing tops made of jersey and cotton and avoiding those made of acrylic, which don't wear as well. 

According to Shelda Harwell-Hale, vice president of Directives West of Los Angeles, "the top is the driving point of the business."  She estimates five tops are made for every one bottom.  A decade ago, there were "maybe three tops for every two bottoms manufactured."  The top has truly become the fashionista's secret weapon.

Beautiful and colorful fashion tops on the floor of FL Crooks & Co include familiarly favorite lines like Michael Stars, Sugar Lips, Tresics and August Silk.  Newer to the line-up are Colour Works, Ya, Renuar, Renee C., Alison Sheri, Tango Mango, Sno Skins, and Kische.

Although the economy is a tough one, tops offer a unique way to express one's individuality.  Christian from the women's department here at FL Crooks & Co says that you will find yourself "doing things you never thought you would do, like mixing different prints in your top and bottom".    For summer, she sees a lot of the nautical look in red, white and blue and color blocking - red shirts with blue jeans or yellow shirts with blue bottoms.  Tried and true stripes are a wonderful look of the season as are the new slub tops and hash prints.  The metallic look is big and makes a wonderful statement of fun for a festive evening. 

Stop in to see a large selection of tops featured on the Penny Sale - buy one at regular price and get the second garment for a penny.   It's all here - for your summer wardrobe needs - at FL Crooks & Co - where you never looked so good!