Home Magazine Articles Guides Videos Galleries Sitemap

St. Louis Shopping

Author: R.K. Evans

Stylin' for Summer

Kick–start your wardrobe with hotter-than-summer accessories.

Summer 2007 reveals sleek and exciting accessories for women, including exotic beaded jewelry and rich color trends.

JEWELRY

Beads are everywhere! Area boutiques stretching from the Delmar Loop to West County are stocked to the brim with thousands of sparkling beads for customers who want a DIY signature look. For those of us who prefer ready-made fashion, Wet Seal shines with an endless list of designers and their exotic, multicolor beaded necklaces and bracelets that are perfect with casual warm weather wear. Layered necklaces in delicate multi-strands are terrific for nighttime chic. For a peek at enticing summer glitter and guilty pleasures, check out the latest bangles, necklaces, and engraved pieces from Emily and Ashley, available at Neiman Marcus (Plaza Frontenac, 314-432-0604).

HANDBAGS

Dooney & Bourke sashays into the bold and lively hues of summer with their Madras Collection, a bright selection of handbags and totes. Wet Seal's (Westfield Chesterfield, Westfield Crestwood, and Westfield West County). translucent polka dot tote stands out in a cheerful tangerine hue, and red and white stripped hobo bags look stylish and ready for the beach. Land's End brings big, bold floral prints to the musthave list this summer with their printed beach totes, and Nine West (Saint Louis Galleria, 314-863-6633) jumps in the ring with its patent leather line.

SHOES

Oh, how we do love our wedge heels! Wedge sandals can be found this season in styles ranging from “cork heel” to patent leather. Canvas flats and low-heeled thong slippers dance about in vivid color as the perfect compliment to an everyday or an evening sundress. The patent leather sandal is all the rage this summer—but avoid black, which is more of a winter accessory. This season's patent leather comes in a rainbow of colors and icy metallics that shimmer for a far more summery look. Espadrilles have returned to adorn fashionable feet in wild summer prints and earth tones. Marmi (Saint Louis Galleria, 314-863-1986) carries the latest styles as well as numerous sizes and widths.

SUMMER BLAZERS

An exciting and attractive trend this summer is found in the huge selection of light and airy summer blazers and jackets. Crop top jackets are hot for evening, while breezy hoodies and loose cardigans keep the daytime look casual. Three-quarter sleeves are all the rage for work, casual, and eveningwear. Belled sleeves in flowing fabrics soften a jacket's formality for wear with shorts or a summer skirt. Fitted linen and cotton blazers showcase studded and hand crafted detail, and work well with jeans, dresses, or capris for a pulled-together look.

TUNIC TOPS

The extreme popularity of tunics seems to have gotten a boost from shows such as Real Housewives of Orange County. Tunics come in hundreds of styles and serve to accentuate the neckline and camouflage figure flaws. A large array of solid colors and prints, with short or long sleeves as well as halter styles can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue (Plaza Frontenac, 314-567-9200). Tunics look great with summer denim, capris, or slacks, and can easily go from daytime to evening with scooped necks, rhinestones, and even baby doll or empire styles.