THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 27, 1996 TAG: 9601260085
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
IT'S TIME TO get away, and the arrival of cruisewear does more then remind us that a winter break, preferably in a warmer climate, is just as necessary as the summer vacation.
Fashions created for resorts are often carry-overs from the fall season, with popular looks reworked in lighter, brighter fabrics and infused with novel trims. They even offer a sneak peek of what's to come for spring. And those tropical destinations are hardly the prerequisite for buying them. After wearing wools, velvets and leathers, isn't it fun just thinking about the newest cottons in lighter shades of pale?
Either way, taking a break from a cold climate means putting together a traveling wardrobe that's lightweight and easy.
``Our clients want simplicity when it comes to traveling,'' observes Debbie Carr, owner of the boutique Cage. ``They request looks that move from day to evening in fabrics like micro-fibers that are easy to care for and don't wrinkle.''
One of her favorite suggestions is to bring a suit in a soft color and also pack a long sarong skirt that allows the look to move into the night.
When it comes to preparing for a week's worth of traveling, a good selection of fabrics that are suitcase-friendly is a must.
Billie Keen, a personal shopper at Hecht's, guides her clients to choose silks, rayon blends and cottons. She notes that no matter where the destination might be, there is always a request for clothing with sleeves. This seems surprising at a time when the sleeveless dress has become the predominant look destined to work in all four seasons.
Cruisewear has a penchant for shine, showing a splash of soft pastel colors in everything from clothing to sandals and from eyewear to the most offbeat accessory. Meg Bisese of Megs Swimwear says: ``When my customer comes in to buy a bathing suit for a winter trip, they initially look for glitz but usually settle for something more basic. I'm seeing a trend toward a softer look with less structure in the silhouette. The demand is for shine in ice cream colors. It's a big season for cover-ups with long sleeves, sarongs and tie skirts.''
Let the nature of your trip dictate what you pack, and keep your getaway wardrobe simple. And remember, a new straw hat or strappy sandals can update even the most basic outfit. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos
Color photos by Huy Nguyen/The Virginian-Pilot
[Fashion photos]
[cutlines not available]
by CNB