Blue. It is the color of the ocean and sky. There are a lot of shades of it – navy, royal, powder, baby, midnight and cobalt.
It’s both friendly and powerful. It exudes loyalty. Many companies use blue in their logos and corporate colors – Facebook and IBM among them.
So too does the local non-profit Hibiscus Children’s Center. The reason: the color blue and the blue ribbon represent child abuse prevention, which the center advocates.
Befittingly, Sassy Boutique chose the theme, “Little Blue Dress Night” for a rather stylish benefit for the Hibiscus Children’s Village last Wednesday. One woman after another clad in blue in every shade and dress style and of various designers streamed into the upscale boutique on Ocean Boulevard. Doing so was an act of solidarity for children who are abused, abandoned and neglected, and for the organization that provides prevention, residential, assessment and recovery programs.
“It shows awareness and unity in our community for the support of Hibiscus Children’s Center,” observed Laura Bass, Hibiscus board member, wearing a turquoise dress by Kate Spade. Besides, she added, “I love wearing the color. It makes me feel good – happy, poised and calm.”
Indeed, the blue dress theme was warmly received by women who chose to showcase their own personal style – wearing everything from short, tailored dresses, to long, floaty ones in shades ranging from pale blue to navy. “Everyone can look so different even wearing the same color,” observed Deana Marchant, Sassy Boutique owner, looking sharp in a fitted navy blue ponte and faux leather dress by Trina Turk.
“Blue is such a strong, wearable color,” she added. “It’s classic and clean.”
Gently worn clothing, shoes and accessories were donated for teens and young adults as they transition into the work force. And 15 percent of proceeds from the day’s sales at Sassy Boutique went to Hibiscus.
Robin Hite, chief development officer of Hibiscus, wore a sleeveless dark blue dress by Tommy Hilfiger which made its debut that night. For a punch of color, she accessorized with pink jewelry. “Blue is easier on the eyes than black and feels lighter and more appealing to the senses,” she said.
While sipping wine and enjoying hors d’oeuvres at the 2nd annual event, about 60 guests enjoyed an opportunity to peruse the latest fall fashions at the upscale boutique and noted that gray tones from dove to slate are very big this season.
Another fashion forward trend this fall is the exposed zipper and asymmetrical slit on skirts and dresses. Also, touches of suede, fur – real or faux – or leather on clothing and accessories are big this season. For example, a Milly black skirt with 2-inch black leather waistband, exposed gold back zipper and asymmetrical slit is chic and tailored, a timeless classic.
Animal prints are always a fall fashion mainstay. And fringe and studs, with their sturdiness, offer an air of confidence to a woman. These features appear on both clothes and accessories such as the sturdy Milly leather handbags with long fringe.
Clothing and accessories featuring the snakeskin look are also hot ticket items. For example, the super chic and relaxed-looking Alice & Trixie black silk jumpsuit with faux wrap neckline, snakeskin shoulders and exposed zipper. The pants are loose at the top, then taper at the bottom.
Another trend that’s decidedly romantic this season is dark floral prints with strong primary colors set in black or brown. A Trina Turk painterly floral blouse with red, green, turquoise and brown with black background, v-neck and loose three-quarter sleeve is runway-inspired.
And Milly’s dark floral tapered pants with bursts of red, green, purple and yellow in a black background are eye-catching.
Other items at the boutique that are for the fashion-conscious woman include:
- Kate Spade wool camel-color full skirt with giant bow at the waistline and front enclosed slit.
- Kate Spade leopard denims with tapered leg.
- tibi peplum top featuring a v-neck and 2 thin slanted zippers in the front
- Trina Turk raspberry short-sleeve dress with rounded neckline, a blast of color for the fall which looks great at a luncheon or evening out.
- Kate Spade black rayon shift dress with white polka dots and three-quarter sleeve – highly suitable at a polo match.
- Cashmere sweaters in a variety of styles by Minnie Rose and White + Warren.
Sassy Boutique also carries a wide assortment of top designer sandals, shoes and boots including the Tory Burch low-cut booties in black and brown suede as well as the high boot, both popular during the cooler months.
And bold, chunky pieces of jewelry continue to be in style.
