Ilene Oren Shop

Trend Report: Spring 2006

GLOBAL INFUSION

Fashion inspiration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America is showing up all over this season. Tribal becomes chic and cool and is available in a wide assortment of colors. Look for gauze skirts and tunics from Kenzie with brightly colored embroideries and beading. No world traveler will be complete with out Sally Mack’s tie-dyed prairie skirts and beaded tops. Don’t forget to pick up on totally tribal skirts from Betsy and Babs and you’ll be ready for multiple stamps on your passport. As a final touch, toss on a Monji watch. They’ve saved you the trouble of making your own safety-pin watches. Each design features the colorful accessory that looks as if it came originally from you-all made out of Japanese glass beads and put together on an oversized face to really make a statement. Put a little Mexican spice in your look. Bold color and well-seasoned print add serious attitude to a tiered, pull-on skirt. Exotic embellishments, rich embroidery and fun folkloric patterns and prints indulge us this season in worldly styles that are as eclectic as they are elegant.

IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME

Rock and roll is here to stay. Bright colors and neon are totally the trend on layered tanks, sundresses and t-shirts. Complete the look with faded denim that’s ripped, tattooed and tattered. The Priorities rock group will keep you dressed and ready for rehearsal in your neighbor’s garage. The rock screens include drummer girls, guitars, records and skulls. (Pretty much all the essentials for a jam session with Bo.) Standing ovation to Rocky T’s guitar playing skull screen. We love it with Scissor’s acid washed ripped Capri pant or Tractor’s tattooed long short and mini skirt.

BE A CHARACTER!

Now you can enjoy your favorite cartoon characters even if you’re not in front of the television. Feeling loony? Priorities is making a HUGE statement with embellished Tweety bird tops. And our favorite little bird brought all his friends—Sylvester, Daffy Duck, Speedy Gonzalez, Pepe, and Bugs Bunny. From Wish you can get Curious George, Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, and Betty Boop. Hungry or thirsty? Wish also offers a menu that includes Laffy Taffy, Fruit Loops, and 7-Up.

CROPPPED PANTS/BERMUDA SHORTS

Culottes, Bermuda shorts, and gauchos are must haves this spring. These different-length shorts have an updated look, are easy to wear, and work well paired with any top. Be sure to have culottes and Bermuda shorts from Tractor, available in denim and colorful twills—they’re sure to be winners. Sally Mack offers this look in a number of fabrics, some embroidered, some embellished some belted, all fabulous for spring! Mobee’s is known for their delicious soft modal fabrics. We have bottoms in every length in springtime colors like forest, blossom and raspberry. Blue Tattoo captures the trend with their fantastic French terry Bermuda shorts. With loads of screens (multi-colored roses, flowers vines, butterflies) to choose from, this short is sure to be a springtime favorite.

THE SHORT OF IT -SHORT SHORTS

Yes it’s true. CONSTRUCTED SHORT SHORTS are finally back. Get them frayed, get them ripped, get them studded—JUST GET THEM. Just as versatile as a pair of jeans, the short short will work with any top all season. Tractor’s frayed hem denim shorts are super cute-available with 2 colors stitching or with studs and stones. Sally Mack’s creativity shines through on her roll up short. Scissor’s western pocket short short will turn heads throughout the summer.

EMBROIDERIES

No need to get out your mothers sewing kit, because every designer has done the embroidering for you. Available on everything from denim to dresses, the most popular embroiders for spring includes flowers, birds, butterflies, and fruit. Sally Mack offers embroidered skirts, long shorts and tops all in dazzling colors. Leave it to Kenzie to capture this look in a sweet and girly way. Rocky T’s mouthwatering fruit embroideries come on styles that are good enough to eat—tops, shorts, shrugs, hoodies and even palazzo pants. Mobee’s cropped pants have appliquéd flowers and embroidery accent the front and back, adding a hip, handcrafted look that's enhanced by the flowy hem.

MILITARY

Inspiration from our armed forces is marching into the fashion runways. Camouflage, earth tones, gold and brass trims will prepare you for the fight in your store as these items fly off the racks. The Tractor military collection includes camouflage cargos, cropped jackets, naval vests and skirts. Toss in some studded tanks from Blue Tattoo and all you have to do is salute. Sally Mack’s utility pants are surely equipped for any terrain this spring—pair it with her military cropped jacket for a look that is the essence of military chic.

SAY IT WITH WORDS

Don’t be afraid to say how you feel—this season, just put your opinion right where everyone can see it—on the front of your shirt. It’s the perfect way for tween girls to say exactly what’s on their mind. Rocky T is all about peace, freedom and love this spring. The glitter screens had just the right touch of glam whether on short sleeve jersey t-shirts or ribbed tie-dyed tank tops. Define Tease is making their children’s wear debut and the timing couldn’t be better. School-smart vocabulary words are put on the front of the shirt, while the definitions sit on the back. OMG. Define Text offers a line of XLNT t-shirts with text messages. These QT tops will have you LOL all spring.

WILD ABOUT WHITE

This spring, prepare to see white EVERYTHING. Fresh, crisp and clean, bright white is the way to go. The Mobee’s Moxi dress is a must have. Wear it as a skirt or a dress—this versatile piece will be a staple all season long. Kenzie makes a statement showing white skirts in various lengths and fabrications. Add a dash of color to really make your whites pop. Sally Mack offers a complete white story including the twill western pant, decorated tops and crocheted shrugs—perfect for a springtime night out. Betsy and Babs shows the sweet side of white this spring. The voile and eyelet collections feature sundresses, skirts, blazers and tops- the essential feminine look this season.

TOTALLY TURQ

Turquoise—the semiprecious stone turning up on everything from t-shirts and terry shorts to dresses and skirts. Turquoise is most accurately described this season as unavoidable. What's ironic is that the gemstone reserved for the gods by ancient Mexicans, who deemed it too precious to be worn by mere mortals, is now available to everyone, including the fashion conscious tween girl. We are huge fans of the ribbed sundresses and tanks from Priorities in bright notice me now turq. Tractor’s Bermuda short is perfect for sipping lemonade with all your friends. Rocky T’s tops come in an assortment of styles and bodies that can be screened, embroidered and or rhinestoned. Dress up in turq with Sally Mack’s beaded prairie skirt and crochet shrug. For casual relaxing, opt for one of the many bodies offered from Mobee’s. So don’t be afraid to go heavy on the turquoise. This happy color works well with everyone’s skin tones.

TIME TO SHINE

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and this spring, so is anything that shines is mandatory. There are lots of ways achieve the glittered glamour look. We like mixing and matching sequins and rhinestones for the ultimate way to flash. Scissor’s ripped sequin mini and jean are hip as can be- a lot of detail went into these and work great dressed up or down. Betsy and Babs rhinestone burst tanks come in delightful spring colors like green and pink. Sally Mack has plenty of bling to share. Available on bottoms and tops, the look is truly twinkle worthy. We would say it's a ridiculously great trend, but being that we're all looking at the same thing here do you really need to hear it?