Stylepoints: Spring's new flower power

By SARA GLASSMAN, Star Tribune

May 31, 2012 at 9:19PM
Sara Glassman, sglassman@startribune.com
A model wears a Free People polka dot blouse ($86) and Current/Elliott floral print jeans ($214).
A model wears a Free People polka dot blouse ($86) and Current/Elliott floral print jeans ($214). (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

There's no better way to celebrate spring than with a super-fresh printed piece. You can wear it head-to-toe or mix it up with other designs. To find out how to wear this spring's bold and colorful patterns, we went to Amber Toste of Houndstooth for advice.

"There are more crazy things are out there than I've ever seen," she said.

Here's how to integrate them into your wardrobe.

Find a print you like. On racks, you'll find everything from polka dots to florals to tie-dyes, and most of them are extremely colorful. For the truly bold, there are tie-dyes with florals over them and entire tropical scenes printed across jeans or tees.

Try it with a simple top. It's safest and easiest to pair a pattern with a solid rather than wearing print on print. Dabble with printed denim paired with a plain top.

Go for it. The key is to experiment, because sometimes you have to see how different items look together before you wear them out. For the photo, Toste paired a polka dot top and floral jeans; they work because the oranges in each create outfit harmony.

Free People polka dot blouse, $86, is paired with Current/Elliott floral-print pants, $214. Ø Now open: Statement Boutique212 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 651-808-7663

What: The Warehouse District's budding retail scene has a new arrival in this affordable clothing and jewelry boutique.

Who: Jewelry designer Stacey Johnson makes much of the jewelry and brings her trend-forward sensibilities to everything else in the store.

Back story: Johnson's previous incarnation of the store, on 50th and Bryant, was destroyed in the 2010 fire on the corner.

In store: The boutique offers a fabulous showcase for Johnson's jewelry, which features semiprecious stones in delicate settings, starting at $29 to $45 for earrings and $50 and up for necklaces. Her new Lux collection uses rubies, sapphires and emeralds and is available for a reasonable $36 and up for earrings and $200 for a ruby necklace. The clothing includes travel-ready dresses by Clara Sun Woo ($75 to $95), RYU maxi-dresses ($68 to $105) and Elan tops ($22 to $45). There are also French perfumes by Fragonard ($21 to $90), which has been producing fragrances for more than $200.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Celebi accessories Inspired by Frida Kahlo, local artist and fashion designer Luci Kandler developed prints featuring the painter's motifs such as nails, cut-off braids, monkeys and Mexican embroidery. She used them in a new collection of coin purses, pillows and clutches created by Laura Nelli of Nelle Handbags. Kandler released the limited-edition collection under the new label Celebi, which refers to a "Turkish adventurer who was known for charming the local royalty wherever he went and writing about his travels with great detail but a flair for storytelling that makes it hard to tell truth from fiction," said Kandler. "He signifies the way I feel about exploring the world through print and using it to retell a story my way -- I expect my work for this label to be inspired by history, science and storytelling."

Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Pkwy., Mpls., 612-625-9494 and Walker Shop, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-375-7600.

SALES AND EVENTS

FRIDAY

K.H. Designs Trunk Show: During the Edina Art Fair, local designer Karla Haugen of k.h. designs will host a trunk show, featuring diamond pieces, antique Russian crosses, iron wood crosses, Herkimer diamonds and aquamarine ($24 to $1,500).

Through Sunday, n'etc, 5005 France Av. S., Mpls., 612-922-9321, www.khdesignjewelry.com.

Ann Taylor store opening: Shop the recently unveiled revamp of Ann Taylor, the first in the state. The event will include a DJ, refreshments, raffles and a gift with purchases over $100. Five percent of sales from the event will be donated to Dress for Success Twin Cities.

1 to 5 p.m., Mall of America, Bloomington.UPCOMING

Macy's Glamorama: Robin Thicke and Karmin will perform in the annual mashup of fashion and music, whose theme is "British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now!"

8 p.m. Aug. 3, Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.; $60 for show only, $175-$285 for show and after-party on Macy's 8th floor; 952-893-9355 or www.macys.com/glamtickets.Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177

Photo courtesy of Charlie Ward. Pick of the week: Celebi accessories, Weisman Art Museum, 333 E. River Parkway, Mpls., 612-625-9494 and Walker Shop, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-375-7600.
Pick of the week: Celebi accessories, Weisman Art Museum (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

SARA GLASSMAN, Star Tribune