Trend - Spring 2010 CLASSIC The fashion world is embracing the beauty of the all-American classic way of dressing, so easy, so acceptable. We look at ways of updating familiar styles, fabrics, colors, to keep us looking current and trend-right for the new season. Take a look at our Classic Update offerings. Roll your mouse over the photo to enlarge the image. Focus on softly-cowled necklines and dramatic ways to mix classic polo stripes from small to large as an update to a classic sheath dress - all of this done on a creamy textured fabric. A classic ivory suit piped in black...what could be better? But enticing back detail gives this suit its fashion stamp with contrasting silk taffeta, a charming grosgrain bow, and a cool tunnel gathered waist. Note the fabric mixing, a key trend. Feel the energy of a classic red jacket updated with amazing sport details. Utility pockets, exposed zips, covered snap closures, and seams, seams, seams! Update the classic knit jacket with lots of feminine self ruffles, one of the key fashion trends continuing into spring. More ruffles, this time to update the classic utility jacket. There is pea coat and safari styling in front, but softly tiered ruffles highlight the back; all in a new linen blend. Update this classic fine gauge cardigan with bold pyramid dome buttons and gentle antique lace appliqués—a great look with white or khaki pants. Geometrics become a key pattern in this spring's classic story. A simple cotton sheath dress in a tiny black and khaki geometric print gets touches of asymmetric detailing on the bodice and an off-center slit at the hem. Asymmetry in geometrics creates a modern look in this lightweight cotton skirt. Random spacing, pleats, tucks and folds add to the charm, and to top it off, one of the key fashion details this season...an unexpected exposed zipper! Come in and see the beautiful range of corals we have this season. The fashion buzz is about coral becoming the new soft red! The coral sweater and skirt make a fashion statement in mixed fabrics. The contemporary cardigan mixes a lustrous sweater knit with woven sateen sleeves, while the ribbon stripe skirt mixes accent stripes of sheer chiffon and grosgrain.   CLASSIC ACCESSORIES   A key accessory look for fashion classics is the continuing reptile skins story. We have the gamut, from monotone skins to bold color and pattern skins, and in many different styles: fun zip cosmetic bags evening clutches with jewel accent clasps synthetic cobra totes—great sacks with lots of room and fun spring printed linings. Beirn tote bag, the talk of the market...light weight and roomy with just enough shape in great colors and at a great price! And the classic wedge sandal just got energized with multi color and multi strap criss-crossing!   FEMININE It's always the right look and always part of the fashion picture. We believe the feminine fashion trend is less about bling and boho, but more about easy soft details, colors, and touches of romantic charm.   A softer palette emerges this year centering around powdery pales and icy blues. These colors can soften and lighten up your closet and be an indicator of better times to come. Here are two great examples. A feminine shirtwaist dress in a contemporary ice blue print, softly shaped with a concealed front zip closure. The whole neutral color palette from cream and nude tones to beige, mocha, and gentle gray in an enticing dress made of sheer mesh tiers with hints of metallic and shimmer showing through. Lace enters the casual side of dressing by enhancing basic white and gray heather cotton T's! Ours feature dramatic black mantilla lace as inserts and ruffle trims on shoulders and yokes of T shirts. More feminine touches for casual include adding a standup silk drawstring ruffle around the neck of a cotton hoodie or long tank - just enough softness around the neck and face. The additional shoe lace drawstring can be tied in a bow for added charm. Deep ruffles set into front side seams create the illusion of ruffle sleeves. This super feminine cotton jersey top is available at Frannie. Tiered ruffles become flounces in this fun mixed print georgette tunic, very floaty, very flirty. We paired it with a black denim scrunch sleeve moto jacket and skinny black jeans—what a great look! You don't always need lace and ruffles to say "feminine". A new crop of easy-to-wear dresses, whether you call them toppers or frocks, has emerged as the perfect look over skinny bottoms, leggings, or just bare legs and sandals. How about a hoodie elongated into a dress length by adding a soft flounce at the bottom? Or, a sleeveless shift dress mixing crinkle jersey with a floaty balloon silk flounce?   FEMININE ACCESSORIES   The popular gladiator sandal gets feminized this year with a set of little leather bows, in tan or black. The evening clutch in a new square shape, covered with a giant leather camellia blossom, can be hand-held or delicately shoulder-slung with a fine link chain. Inside each you will find an exquisite silk print lining.