Blue-Sky Thinking

In many ways mood rings and fashion --and by fashion I mean take-your-breath-away cutting-edge fashion-- have a lot in common. I'm not talking about 1970's kitsch here, rather the fashion pack's habit of manipulating color to reflect society's mood. Be it through economic upturn, or political change, with every swing in society's mood, designers twist and turn the fashion kaleidoscope to match. Just compare the austerity of the 1940’s fashions with the luxe, vibrant fabrics and palettes of the post war years for an idea of how the trend started.

So when the Pantone Color Institute released its top color picks for Fall 2008 last week, one thing seemed very clear: this fall, we're in for a blue mood. Hardly surprising you may think during this time of economic and political uncertainty.

Yet, far from being melancholy, Pantone's new bevy of blues proved radiant. Whether injected with red, or tempered with soft, powdery mineral-like tones, for 2008, blue has had a makeover. Gone are the average royal and navy blues from seasons past. Make way for a rhapsody of blues heavily perfumed with the scent of dewy dawns, tropical sea breezes and floral bouquets. Shakespeare’s “that which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet,” hardly rings true for shades with such evocative names as Caribbean Blue, Twilight Blue or Blue Iris.


Suffice to say that the blue hues that appeared on the New York runways were just as whimsical as their Pantone names suggested. Erin Fetherston used Blue Iris on belts and tights to provide a jolt of color to a slew of dresses in silver-spun tweed and floaty florals. In his debut Halston collection Marco Zanini opted for the powdery cornflower shade on a jersey all-in-one jumpsuit, while Preen showed a diaphanous dress in parachute-like silk in a rich purple-hinted interpretation of the color.

Electric indigo blue amped up Anna Sui's tapestry of deco-meets-native-American tunics, caftans and mini dresses, while at Karen Walker dashes of the same vibrant shade lent a voluminous skirt and peacoat added wow. From Bill Blass to Matthew Williamson by way of Phillip Lim and Calvin Klein, the vivid array continued throughout the week. And where there wasn't bright color play with amethyst, ochre, green and orange colors, blue appeared time and time again, like a bright patch of blue sky on a gray and cloudy day, punctuating neutrals in dove gray or mushroom-like brown and set against thick dark ribbed tights.

In fact, set against the ladylike and sometimes demure silhouettes that proved popular at Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and Jonathan Saunders, blue appeared more like a sartorial slick of red lipstick than any bellwether of bad times. And, like a sweet pick-me-up, the color gave serious-feeling collections a much-needed playful outlook.


So, with 2008's blue shades charged with so much hope and positivism, could it be time to rewrite the old color clichés? After all change does happen, even if it is once in a blue moon.

On the Boutique Beat

It's not just the silver birch wallpaper plastered across this cozy store on 30th Street that invites San Diego’s fashionable to frolic like wood nymphs -- although it helps. Instead, put it down to a neatly selected mix of threads blossoming with natural indie chic.

By singling out fashion favorites and emerging designers to suit the artistic sensibilities of South Park shoppers, Maeve Riley’s owner and buyer Michelle Smith seems to have created a fashion haven for San Diego’s cool, creative class. Moreover, with its location wedged between several hip hangouts, the store’s concept successfully offers up equal measures of edginess and California casual.

For every girl lusting after quality, on-trend basics Riley proposes C and C California, Lauren Moffat, Mon Petit Oiseau and Sass and Bide. Meanwhile, edgier fashionistas can relish an eclectic lineup of labels including offbeat options from Paul Frank and Scrapbook . And, with La Petite Princesse jewelry that picks up on the store’s affinity for natural charm, the assortment is complete: chic and colorful with an organic, roughhewn quality.

Surely, if there were ever a destination in San Diego for fresh and funky coffeehouse couture, Maeve Riley would be it.

The Glam Standing:
With its small premises, you’d be forgiven for expecting Riley to be a glam jam of clothes, but thanks to dressing room-like touches -- Venetian mirrors and chandeliers -- this bijoux boutique has all the jewelry box plushness and appeal of a private boudoir.

The Style Selection:
Prices range between $30 to $70 for soft tees, $150 to $185 for top name jeans and between $100 and $400 for tunics and dresses, so cheap chic this ain't. However, Maeve Riley does make for the perfect indie alternative to Bloomies. Make it a go-to for cornerstones to your seasonal wardrobe and you'll be fighting off the compliments. Hit the jeans rail for the individual attention you'll get finding the right fit. Or, if it’s dressier blouses and frocks you’re hunting down, shop Riley’s fabulous one-of-a-kind finds.

The Je Ne Sais Quoi:
Picking up on a trend that has seen regional boutiques like Portland's Le Train Bleu go online, Maeve Riley now also hosts a virtual storefront and web teaser featuring key looks. So now you get in a shopping preview over a latte -- how better to get your fashion clicks?

Maeve Riley
2328 ½ 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
619.501.3500

Maeveriley.com

On The Boutique Beat

If fashion has the power to transport, then Tucci in Solana Beach could quite possibly be the mother ship. Planted among shabby chic home boutiques and lifestyle stores, this South Cedros spot brings a fresh touch of metropolis-cool to a beachside shopping strip more readily associated with a style lexicon of surfwear and Juicy Couture sweat suits.

Tucci’s unique position on the Solana Beach shopping landscape? By sourcing San Diego exclusives from New York and Paris, owner and buyer Jessica Agatucci leads fashionistas on a stylish escape from the Socal shopping norm. And thanks to her picks from Charlotte Ronson, Philip Lim and Diane Von Furstenburg -- all edited for the North County set -- she delivers a great getaway for funky, fashion-forward and classic dressers alike.

Home to both casual and très put-together stylings, Tucci serves up a variety of luxurious knits, soft blouses, sophisticated workaday skirts and glitzy high-style dresses. So whether your dress code speaks to the breezy unbuttoned luxe of the California coast or the fast pace of the city, with Tucci’s creative, on-the-pulse inventory, chic discoveries are guaranteed.

San Diego design darlings rejoice, though just a few years old, Tucci’s a hip destination with all the goods to become Solana Beach fashion mainstay, if not part of the Southern Californian retail establishment.


The Glam Standing:
Elegant tented fitting rooms add whimsy to an otherwise sleek minimalist décor, while sculptural flower arrangements ensure an inviting, airy space that puts the focus firmly on the unique mix of labels.

The Style Selection:
Net-a-porter-like in its focus on fashion-forward separates, don't expect your usual beach town boutique filled with denim and jersey offerings. Go to hunt down that cool Rogan T-shirt you saw on Gossip Girl or the chic Development tunic you spied on Cashmere Mafia. Price tags compete fairly with any other high-end store with similar big name labels.

The Je Ne Sais Quoi:
With prime picks from Vanessa Bruno, Tucci’s real pièce de résistance lies in the fabulous French finds you'll be very hard pressed to get your hands on anywhere else in the county. Think chic imports you'd feel equally comfortable wearing strolling the streets of St Germain as hanging out on the sands at Swami's. Now that's something to write home about.

Vive la différence!
Tucci Boutique
130 South Cedros
Solana Beach CA, 92075