Happy colors in women’s fashion

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 14, 2022 Page 12

Queens shops have spring staples

Way more than florals: easy transitions, happy colors and fine details on trend

by Deirdre Bardolf

Associate Editor

Easing back into regular life following the pandemic-era lockdowns and scaled-back events continues to influence women’s fashion trends.

“Happy colors are what a lot of people need right now,” said Briana Vozzo, store manager at The Brass Owl, a hip and casual boutique in Astoria.

That would explain the push toward vivid and bold pops of color seen on the runways heading into the spring.

Yellows, pinks, strong blues and Kelly greens are all in play, said Robbin Soleimani, owner of Jacklyn’s on Austin Street in Forest Hills.

And those yellows are not mellow, noted Vozzo, who has seen both bright and mustard hues at The Brass Owl.

Strong colors and statement jewelry stand out, even if it is still just on a Zoom call.

Anita Manfredonia, owner of Pippy and Lily’s in Flushing, agreed that “moodboosting” colors are needed coming out of the pandemic and that versatile clothing that blends the Covid-era sweatsuits with transitional dayto-night clothing is also in demand.

It is all about balance, Manfredonia said, calling the trends “flex-leisure.”

“Basically now fashion has turned into a balance of home, work and comfort,” she said.

“People are now either hybrid or they’re still working from home,” she said. “And although for the last two years, everybody wanted leisure and comfort and soft clothes, now they’re looking for a balance. They want something they could wear in the day ... and then they want to take it into the nighttime.”

Utility pants are coming back, she said, as women want an “upgrade from their jogger.”

Although she could not “give jeans away” at the height of the pandemic, she said, they are finally coming back — mainly high-waisted flares.

And it is not just the jeans that echo the 1970s, she said. Vintage frills and “fun, flouncy” dresses that hit right above the knee are an easy and flattering look for all.

Like those flares, Jacklyn’s too was a product of the ’70s, having served over three generations of women in Forest Hills, and today Soleimani stocks contemporary styles that work for the broad range of ages that she serves.

“We keep them stylish and up to date but not childish,” she said.

Blazers are back, she said, and they complement any look, serving as this year’s go-to spring jacket. Soleimani loves them over jeans or shorts and with matching trousers: the other trend of the season. One of her favorites is an off-white and blue cotton tweed-blend blazer with shoulder pads and ’80s vibes from Veronica Beard. It comes with a removable denim dickey, making it perfect for New York’s unpredictable springtime weather.

At all three boutiques, it is the feminine, delicate and intricate details that stand out, like a crochet maxi dress at Jacklyn’s.

Puffy and statement sleeves set tops apart and eyelets on sundresses are indicative of the season.

Soleimani has a variety of cardigans, which she said are popular too, and feature those feminine details like perforated graphics.

Fun and playful graphics are seen elsewhere, too, like peace signs, hearts and — you guessed it — florals printed on sweaters at Jacklyn’s or lemon and watermelon stud earrings.

It is the little details that are driving shoppers who were cooped up in their loungewear for two years and are ready to get back out to parties and events but do not want to give up the comfort they got used to during the pandemic.

“We had a customer come in just the other day and she was like, ‘I will only justify purchases that I can wear to work as well as going out,’” said Vozzo.

The answer to that is jumpsuits, rompers and maxi dresses.

“Whether you put on a sneaker or a heel really makes a difference to where you can wear it,” she said.

“Low-key drama,” Manfredonia called it, like a party top with exaggerated sleeves but “not too crazy.”

The other era making a comeback is the 2000s with memories of Y2K. Think asymmetrical looks, cutouts, vests and butterfly everything.

Find some of these looks at Jacklyn’s where a bold butterfly tank signals warmer weather on the horizon and silky, off-the-shoulder blouses are headturners.

Soleimani styled a light, oneshoulder blouse with white pants, serving also as an example of the monochrome palettes taking over this year.

For a more casual take on the matching set, or mix and match the comfy pieces, Soleimani loves the airy gauze sets perfect for backyard chilling or walks on the beach.

“They’re lightweight, washable cotton that feels like you’re not wearing anything,” she said, and her favorite is a bright blue, one of the colors of right now.

Mixed textiles are defining accessories at these Queens shops, too. Look for braided details, rattan and raffia on shoes and bags. Wedges might match a sunhat or the wicker patio furniture you will be lounging on soon and chunky, braided sandals will go with the hairdos perfect for warmer weather.

Soleimani and her sales associate were surprised to hear people looking for belts, too, and tucking shirts into their pants again — but not all the way. Go for a French tuck.

And each boutique offers more than just clothing too, like New York- and Astoria-themed baby gifts at The Brass Owl, or face masks fueled by pandemic-inspired self-care trends, said Vozzo.

Face masks from the variety of designers brought phenomenal business throughout the pandemic, recalled Soleimani.

The other trend that many hope never goes out of style is a desire to support small businesses, local artisans and sustainable, environmentally friendly items.

Candles and other products at Pippy and Lily’s are made in America and by women-owned-businesses and stationary, jewelry and more at The Brass Owl are made my local artists.

Braided details, especially on accessories, are all the rage, like at The Brass Owl in Astoria. Pair them with a bold maxi, too. PHOTO COURTESY THE BRASS OWL