RESORT AND CRUISE FASHION ‘10

Ruffles, sequins, metallics and nautical stripes are hot, hot, hot, so go ahead and make a statement

By Dana Lauren Berry

From November through February, in many parts of the country, the climate is cold and bleak, making fashion take a back seat to Father Winter. The ray of light comes when designers launch their resort/cruise collections, typically out by November, for eager sun-worshippers to snap up for their winter vacations to Palm Beach, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and other tropical, fashionable resort locales. If you’re lucky enough to escape the doldrums of winter, here’s what’s hot this season for resort and cruise wear.

FEMININE RUFFLES
Ruffles are in style right now—very trendy, very feminine, very flirty. AprilMarin is a custom clothing company that makes the Dylan Ruffle Jacket, $195, a lightweight, tweed-like jacket with three buttons and a ruffled hem. It’s perfect for travel. Go to aprilmarin.com to check on availability.

A dressy pick is the gorgeous magenta Temperley London Thandie Mini Dress, $995 at Neiman Marcus, in pure silk with layered ruffles along the A-line skirt. Pair it with the Floral Ruffle Sandal by Rene Caovilla, $975, a T-strap high-heeled sandal with fuchsia and orange ruffled flowers accented by crystals, also at Neiman Marcus.

SEQUIN STYLE
Sequins are always a hit around the holidays, but they are also prevalent in many designers’ 2010 resort lines. In the Stella McCartney collection, there’s a sexy sequin sweater-dress with a v-neckline and all-over sequins in a buff gold color, $1,195 at Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman.  Don’t forget about the footwear to go with your sexy dress. Sequin shoes also are very of-the-moment. Valentino’s Sequin Paillete Petale Ballerina Flat, $695, has a rosette on a round toe and is covered in black sequins—ultra-comfortable and in-style. Renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin’s Glitter Slingback Platform Pump, $745, has a sexy, nearly five-inch heel and a peep-toe, covered entirely in sparkly glitter. Flat and pump are sold at Neiman Marcus stores.

IT’S IN THE BAG
These days, handbags are making more of a statement than anything else a woman wears. There are so many “it” bags and high-style choices, and a bag can really make an outfit, so it’s easy to expand one’s bag collection.  For resort fashion, Balenciaga’s periwinkle blue leather tote is available at Neiman Marcus for $1,345. In a hue that is just perfect for in between winter and spring and in a classic design, this bag is one that will always be in style.  For time aboard a yacht or cruise ship, nothing is more appropriate than the Chanel striped canvas tote, $2,250. In a white and blue stripe with signature chain strap, there are red interlocking C’s (Chanel’s logo) in the center for the handbag opening. Stylish with a hint of nautical whimsy, this bag is ready for a party on a luxury vessel. Chanel bags are available at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and at select Chanel boutiques. Go to chanel.com to locate a store near you. 

Prada has a brightly colored line of bags that are a vivid orange with pink and brown, in calf leather. The Saffiano Fori Boston Bag, $1,650 at Neiman Marcus, is currently on pre-order. It’s a beauty with a classic shape, double top handles and a shoulder strap.

BOLD PRINTS
Bold, graphic prints are in, as is the nautical look, and a great example of this trend is Stella McCartney’s black and white stripe knit dress with multi-color floral embroidery on the chest. This short stunner has a bateau neckline and long sleeves, $895 at Neiman Marcus.

ACCESSORIZE
Don’t forget to accessorize for the beach. Di Manno Designs knows that when the weather is hot, hair usually gets pulled up in a ponytail. Owner Stefany Di Manno has taken that look and made it more stylish with a line of innovative ponytail covers that hide the elastic band. In canvas bows or cuffs, or in black or white covered in crystals, these chic ponytail accessories also come in exotic skins, genuine leather or patent leather. The Zebra Pony, $30, and Python Pony, $42, are fashion forward and fun. Browse online at DiMannoDesigns.com

Dana Lauren Berry is a staff writer with
Colorado Golf Magazine