It was a warm, almost-spring day with temps topping out at 85 degrees, as encore editor Shea Carver hit the road with photographer Courtney Bridgers and models Erin Cofflin and Cory Mac Pherson, as well as South-of-the-Border historian Mandy Houvouras, for a trip south off I-95 toward Dillon, South Carolina. What awaited was Pedro and his numerous fiberglass animal friends at South of the Border—the designation for encore’s annual Spring Fashion shoot. Armed with sunscreen, some of the best looks from Wilmington’s own fashion boutiques and a whole slew of silly antics never to keep the crew bored, they passed sign after sign—“You’re always a weiner at Pedro’s!”—leading the way to a colorful wonderland that has become a mainstay stop when passing the North and South Carolina state line. South of the Border is a play place of cheesy fun, carnival rides, ice-cream cones and tacos. encore staff and friends set out to find Pedro and give him a high five for providing a quick escape from the humdrum life of office work, not to mention a great backdrop for the 2009 Spring Fashion edition.

Photographer:
Courtney Bridgers
Age: 21
About the photographer:
UNCW student of Communication Studies, with a minor in Journalism and English; dedicated worker for Cucalorus Film Festival; and most importantly, an ardent lover of the one and only Pedro.
Her take on the Spring Fashion shoot:
“The colors were vibrant and the amount of props, endless. My favorite shots are for Island Passage because the colors just popped—however, I really want the white peacock dress from Julie’s.”

“I would like to thank Pedro, bean tacos and tender hearts for a whimsical trip.”

Professional Flirt:
Erin Coffin
Age: 21
About the professional flirt: UNCW Junior, majoring in Creative Writing; Atlantis poetry editor (2009-2010); hostess at Mellow Mushroom; loves dancing all the time and wearing pretty clothes; member of a variety of secret societies and a lover of all things cheese.
Her take on the Spring Fashion shoot:
“I adored all of the outfits so much, but I especially loved the Nicole Miller dress from Encore! Consignment (above); it fits like a glove.

“This was such a wonderful experience and probably the best day of my life. Thank you, Pedro, Shea, Mandy, Courtney and Cory. You are the most beautiful women I know . . . especially Pedro!”

Professional Hottie:
Cory Mac Pherson
Age: 21
About the professional hottie:
UNCW student of Creative Writing; adopted from South Korea as a baby; chooses Yukon Gold over any other potato; currently looking for more friends who wake up before noon.
Her take on the Spring Fashion shoot:
“I woke up on a couch in a farm house next to a terrifyingly old, undressed baby doll and knew that it was going to be a very special day in Dillon, South Carolina.

“The clothes we modeled at South of the Border were beautiful—I still dream about that owl belt from Edge of Urge. The highlight, however, was taking the photos for Return Passage because I got to play catch with Erin and juggle duckies.”

Fall 2008 has arrived, which can only mean one thing: It’s time for the ol’ closet switch-a-roo!

Yes, it can be a pain reorganizing and storing summer shorts and polos to be replaced by sweaters and cords. But the beauty of switching out the seasons in our closets is that we never know exactly what we’ll come across that can be reused, reinvented or re-styled—and recycling, as we all know nowadays, is trés chic regardless of what leaves are blooming or falling. For a look into how to reuse those classic pieces from summer to fall, check out Francesca Soroka’s tips on pages 28-29—along with a few of her fine sketches (as featured on our cover) to spark any fashionista’s mind.

But before tackling the fall clean-up, allow us to show off some local boutiques’ looks for fall. A few trends to take note of include the season’s exquisitely feminine take on ruffles, as well as lots of purple hues, cardigans with bows, skinny jeans—some that even zip up in the back ... welcome back, 1992!—wide-legged pants and printed jackets that will keep its wearers cozy while looking cool as a cucumber. Oh, and remember the wave of grunge that kept many of us head-bobbing to Nirvana? Well, say hello to flannel, fellas, ‘cause it’s making its way back to the closet, too.

Shoes out the wazoo, from boots to strappy zebra pony hairs, will keep the feet forever hip, while oversized hobo bags and neon clutches, along with long scarves and lots of gold jewelry, accessorize every outfit to the T.

Check out our stores and boutiques’ wares over the next few pages.

Three ways to...

Wear Colored Tights:
1) The classic: Rock bright red tights with a little black dress and killer heels. duh.

2) The Wild: Colored fishnets are sassy under under a girly dress.

3) The even wilder: Layered under short-shorts for rockstar appeal.
—Katie Schulist, Edge of Urge

Wear a Scarf
1) Clean and neat: Fold in half length-ways, lay over your neck, and pull the ends through the loop.

2) Messy and undone: Place scarf around neck, wrap and wrap, and then leave the end lay over your shoulder

3) Cowboy: Fold a square scarf in to a triangle, and tie behind your neck.
—Kristyn Prentice, Island Passage

Wear a Belted Long Sweater:
1) Over a form-fitting dress with tights and flats—a bejeweled skinny belt and heels
transform day wear to night wear with ease.

2) Pull a neutral colored sweater over jeans (skinny or wide-legged)
with a bright colored top, add a thick, double-strapped belt and
boots to match.

3) Turn it into a dress with a camisole sheath underneath; use wide belt high on the waist and accesorize with a large bag.
—Sharon Talbott, Plato’s Closet

By: Francesca Soroka

The effects of Wall Street are felt from 5th Avenue to Front Street, the current market fluctuations more unsteady than a stiletto heel in grass. With our economy in a slump, many of us are hesitant, if not unable, to spend as much on such frivolities as fashion. Rather than retire hope, many designers this season recycled trends we had seen last spring and reworked classic pieces, a notion each of us can take to our closets. Here are a few ways to reup that spring wardrobe into the fall season.

WINTER FLORALS debuted in a big way this season, from Vera Wang’s black-and-antique-gold tulip print, to Dries Van Noten’s painting-style of prints. To see such a print in a sea of grey is not unlike a flower blooming in snow. It is unexpected, beautiful and rare in cold weather or the chilly climate of late.
The look is feminine and timeless—the print and the classic tailoring can be worn easily next season or next decade.

THE ARCHITECTURAL COAT may fall into the category “new” more so than the mainstay trench or opera coat, but it is a look that likely won’t fall off the radar.

Crisp lines and folds create a wildly modern silhouette in one step. Marc Jacobs created pastel coats in light blue and mint, a bit eccentric, though the effect an injection of color on an otherwise muted palate.

One trick to instantly dramatize the overall silhouette of an outfit: belt the coat mid waist.

THE LONG GREY SWEATER, or, default uniform, is easy and chic. So many designers this fall carried over the trend from seasons past, working it into both ladylike and edgy looks. Diane Von Furstenberg belted it over slinky slipdresses and beneath blazers with polish. Still others were inspired by its slouchy appeal, pairing wide leg pants with vests and knit caps in grey scale hues. The grey sweater can be worn innumerable ways, belted or open, atop dresses or distressed jeans, as part of an outfit or as a dress itself.

ELEGANT DECONSTRUCTION runs the gamut, from Lanvin’s asymmetricalgathered cocktail dress to Rodarte’s cobweb knits. Finished yet almost harsh, the look remains flattering by keeping the cuts narrow to the waist, while allowing the material to rip, run and tear.

Those holey black tights from last season are so in vogue this season, too. Be sure not to toss them so early this year. A little tear on a bleach-drizzled tee? Perfect.

TUXEDO DRESSING is ageless and timeless. Ultimately crisp and classic, pairing black and white in flattering cuts works in every situation for all of eternity—at least according to Karl Lagerfeld, who has made a career of it.

Take a pair of fantastically tailored straight-leg pants (never to go out of style); pair it with an interesting shirt and coordinating jacket, and the outfit is complete!

There is a reason the men’s suit hasn’t changed much in a hundred years; because it doesn’t have to. Women have the opportunity to flirt with the silhouette a bit more—with the choice of a skirt or pant, and of course, with shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup.

BOHEMIAN INFLUENCES continue to make their mark, with bold prints and flowing cuts. Gucci has perfected the modern Boho look, by mixing ethnic prints in red and black with edgy, gold hardware. Black tights with heeled booties and sandals create a 21st-century look. The balance seems the softer the print, the tougher looking the accessories.

ACCESSORIES are the details that finish an outfit. Since there are so many cues from last season in this fall’s collections, it brings with it an introduction of a few well-placed elements to create an entirely new look. The fashion world’s rampant love affair with black stockings continues, though some designers this season have branched out. Anna Sui incorporated swirling, printed and purple tights into her artistically complicated Bohemian styles. Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld sent two-toned stockings down the runway, while Marni and others opted for muted, woven sorts. Givenchy and Alexander McQueen used narrow leather-like tights, a look we also saw last year.

Two schools of thought seem to be in play this season: the designer who looks far into the future with his collection (Jil Sander, Narcisco Rodriguez, Balenciaga), and he who looks back for inspiration (Gucci, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg). Handbags, jewelry and footwear followed similar suit. Hard lines and innovative uses of material manifested into unique necklaces at Prada, fabulous cuffs at Lanvin in metal and crystal, and hands down, the most beautiful shoes we’ve seen on the runway in years. In fact, the majority of designers this season paired looks with ultra modern open toe heels, booties and sandals.

On the other end of things, clutches, necklaces and slouchy bags heavy with colorful embellishment bounded down the runway. Woven, weaved onto, wired with baubles and beads, many accessories were loud enough to stand out against some of this season’s prints. 3.1 Phillip Lim’s perfectly art-deco necklaces brought his ensembles into another stratosphere altogether, while Balmain paired high-heeled moccasin boots with thigh-high evening dresses to shake the world beneath. The result: perfection.

In approaching fashion, one should always be inspired most by personal ideas—like that of who she is, of what she believes in and what she deems beautiful. With these suggestions in mind, one will never go out of style, regardless of the time.

By: Francesca Soroka

This month there are many opportunities to stylize one’s schedule. Jess James and Shannon Dunne of James + Dunne Styling have worked together with local businesses and national charities to inspire and involve the community through fashion.
Fall Fashion Show at Lumina Station

“In celebration of the grand opening of Odessa’s second location at Lumina Station, Odessa will be hosting a Fall Fashion Show and Pink Ribbon Benefit at Lumina Station on Thursday, September 18th,” Jess James reports via e-mail. “James + Dunne Styling will style fall looks for the runway using clothing and accessories from Lumina Station boutiques. [We] will be working with Celebrity Hair Stylist Steven Ward to create looks inspired by fashion icons of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Think Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot and Debbie Harry.”

“Mad Men,” Sexy Women and Fantastic Eyewear
“Dr. Jason Hendrix, the owner of Port City Eye Associates, approached me to help him put on a charity fashion event that would showcase eyewear as a major fashion accessory,” James explains. “A ‘Mad Men’-Inspired Fashion Show” will be held to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “Blurred vision is one of the first symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes. That’s one of the many reasons it’s so important to have your annual eye exam,” she continues.
Inspired by the AMC television series, “Mad Men,” James will style the event with looks garnished by Island Passage, Return Passage and Banana Republic, with a focus on fashionable office wear and eyewear, something she found akin to the Michael Kors Fall 2008 runway collection. “Thanks to ‘Mad Men’ characters Don Draper, Joan Holloway and the gang, slim suits, skinny ties, sheath dresses, pencil skirts and pearls are sure to find their way into our wardrobe this fall,” James predicts.

Doors open at 8pm on the night of September 19th at the Balcony, 33 South Front Street. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at all participating vendor locations, including Island Passage, Return Passage, Banana Republic, Blue Hand Home, Port City Eye Associates and aMuse. “It will be a really fun night for everyone,” James says.

The Ladies who Lunch
“Plantation Building Corp is hosting a ‘Fall Fashion Preview’ luncheon open to all women—at no charge—at their New York Hatters three-story, mixed-use building, located at 105 Grace Street,” James says. “James + Dunne will be setting up a ‘Fall Fashion Preview’ closet in one of their furnished condo units where we will feature looks for women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s from local boutiques,” Customers, not models, from Island Passage, Return Passage and La Bella Forma will don looks (with the correct foundations, of course). Headpieces and vintage accessories will be provided by aMuse, while Beauty Bar boutique will provide makeup and on-site beauty consultations.

Last Thursdays Event
To end the month with a bang, James + Dunne will host a Style Swap, to take place on September 25th from 7-9pm at the downtown location of Odessa. James, who read of “swishing parties” in England, translated the idea to Wilmington.
“Here’s how it works,” she explains. “You bring three still-stylish items that have been hibernating in your closet (for this event, we’re asking for two fall items and one fall accessory), and come home with three treasures from another fashionista’s closet. $5 admission, $4 cocktail and wine specials! First 50 women who arrive will receive free entry, courtesy of Mayfaire!”

Photos and Editorial By: Francesca Soroka

Regal themes plagued the runways in fall’s 2008 haute-couture collections, a nod to today’s political climate and the repetition of history. Centuries ago the fall of Rome ushered in the Dark Ages, a period marked by cultural lulls and religious struggle. The fashions of the time were revived and modernized in quite a few designers’ collections this season.

Chanel’s haute-couture collection is a fantastically tailored version of modern opulence. While volume has been a major player for the past few seasons, it has been edited. This season’s silhouette contains a higher narrow waist—achieved through elegant tailoring or a cinched belt. Designer Karl Lagerfeld often paired a wide knit coat atop a more body-conscious dress or suit, all in the same color scheme. His collection is heavy on black and grey, with touches of gold, lavender and blue. Lavish black fur hemlines balance the satin dresses that decorate his collection, while knits were worked miraculously into diaphanous fringe and accordion patterns.

Where Chanel demurely dipped its toe into the pool of medieval inspiration, Christian Lacroix dove in head first, its models emerging with headpieces that sprouted ponytails atop their heads. Their bodies were adorned with valor, to the point of their decorated heels. Lace, printed robes, bodices, and layers of silk and chiffon created looks so flamboyant they begged to be worn within the palace walls of Versailles.

Lacroix’s ready-to-wear collection was toned down in comparison but bold nonetheless. Knee-length black boots were paired by brocade prints in black and white, with voluminous black jackets and details, such as oversized bows, arm-length gold gloves and hints of fringe. Aggressive jewel-tone prints, lime, red orange and white were accompanied always by black tights.

The houses of Armani and Valentino created collections that were made of gold, silver and pearl, with touches of sapphire and bronze. Armani sent many models down the runway in impeccably tailored, higher-waisted pantsuits befitting of a queen. Slender shoulders were offset by pants tailored to the ankle with a wider hip. Delicate ruffles, draping and tiered hemlines kept the collection entirely feminine. Valentino, too, favored tiered skirts, though the designer often paired it with a jacket that just hovered above the detail. Many of his coats were cut wide and at an entirely modern line, as if the clothing stood on its own accord, the body secondary to the already created design.

The timing is right to blend the “now” with the “then.” Louis Vuitton used less black in his ready-wear collection than many other designers, focusing on icy blues and greens instead. The key is to keep the pallet simple and chic, pairing a dress with tights, heels or heavy boots, a coat and belt. Layering gone, this type of dressing would be a well-planned outfit. Add a vest or interesting art deco jewelry, and the look is ready.

Alessandro Dellacqua and Alexander McQueen, like nearly every other designer, refused to send a bare leg down the runway. Tights—not only in black, but white, bronze, lace and with appliqués—are everywhere. Donned with a pair of open-toed, oxford-inspired heels or booties, it can transform an otherwise simple outfit into something spectacular.