Head back to school in style
By AUBRIE GEORGE
The Cherry Hill Sun
8/3/2009

There is still a solid month before it’s time to even think about homework, but it never hurts to be prepared – especially when it comes to fall fashion. Macy’s fashion experts and About.com’s guide to kids’ fashion, Michelle Kouzmine, offered their advice about the must-have items and must-do looks for the upcoming season. The days of long summer leisure are numbered, so kids of all ages can start mastering these tips now in order to hit the hallways this September dressed head to toe in style.

Style experts are pointing to the western, or cowboy, look as a major trend making its way onto the style radar this season.

Macy’s experts suggest stocking up on items such as western style shirts, skinny destroyed jeans, boyfriend jeans, long shaggy fur vests, cowboys hats, Indian and turquoise jewelry, accessories with feathers, silver cuffs, fringe jackets, vintage flat boots, worn leather, ripped denim vests, shearling boots and bandannas in order to achieve the right look.

Hot patterns to look out for include buffalo checked fabrics, plaids, ginghams, bandanna prints, distressed leathers and denim, fringe, fur and feathers, whipstitching and patchwork, Macy’s experts said.

Kouzmine suggests picking a buffalo checked pattern in unexpected, vibrant colors. Try hot pink, a shocking blue or a bright green buffalo check fabrics for a twist on the look.

For a vintage or retro take on the look, Kouzmine suggests sticking with red and black or white and black patterns.

Addiction Boutique, located in the Tuscany Marketplace off of Route 70, is a great place to get items for an edgy spin on the popular look as well as pick up some other fashionable items for the season.

Addiction recently packed up at its Marlton location and moved to Cherry Hill. Along the way, co-owner Alicia DiMichele joined forces with her brother, Anthony DiMichele. Now with two owners in its new location, Addiction remains a funky boutique offering the latest in trendy, yet edgy clothing for guys, girls and kids.

At Addiction you will find accessories and clothing perfect for a funky take on the western look including fringe shirts and vests, cowboy hats, and sparkly western belts with an edgy, rock star flare.

“You can wear them with a flannel shirt or with jeans,” Alicia DiMichele said about the belts.

“The look is comfortable, but cool,” Addiction employee and friend of Alicia DiMichele, Lois Vespe, said of this season’s trends.

Plaid is one of the season’s biggest patterns, style experts said, and at Addiction the fall line for both guys and girls includes plenty of it.

Girls can find things such as boyfriend fit blazers in plaid patterns and guys will find tailored shirts boasting subdued plaids and fewer embellishments than the busier look of last season.

Alicia DiMichele said that the look this season is infused with a touch of the 80’s as well.

“It’s really anything goes this season,” she said.

To flaunt the plaid look, Macy’s experts suggest trying things like plaid leggings and fitted boyfriend jackets.

Mix plaid and tartan patterns for a look that evokes the old- fashioned Scottish countryside or west end London chic, Macy’s experts said.

For this look, girls should look out for family tartans and plaids printed on leather, wool, chiffon, corduroy and cotton and should stock up on items such as plaid mini skirts, skinny pants, leggings, menswear vests, school uniforms, blazers, knee socks, kilts, oversized scarves, family crests, pins and flat slouchy boots.

DiMichele said the rock star look of last season is still in, but this season it is more subdued, boasting fewer embellishments.

Macy’s experts suggest the rock look is vintage this season, highlighted with details such as sequins, leather, lave, zipper details, grommets and studs.

To get this look, girls should look for strapless jumpsuits, oversized tees, biker and rocket tees, denim jackets, tuxedo jackets, skinny black jeans, leather pants, harem pants, bike shorts, high- waisted skirts, bugle beaded dresses, fur vests, motorcycle jackets, berets, studded and spiked cuffs, biker and slouch boots, metallic tights, lace and spandex leggings, Macy’s experts said.

Back to School trends for boys this season are all casual. Kouzmine said. To achieve a casual, easy-going look, Kouzmine said to chose items that have a vintage feel and layer them.

Boys should look out for vintage inspired graphic tees and featuring tattoo inspired graphics or vintage rock concert reproductions.

Kouzmine said to look for tees that sport graphic images advertising real or imagined products, rock inspired images or brand logos.

Kouzmine said boys should look for tees with a pre-worn look to them or with retro colors and designs of the 70’s and 80’s.

Other fashionable looks for younger boys include a sporty look that can be achieved with track pants and sports logo tees. Kouzmine said the look is fresh and comfortable.

Boys can also still get away with the rock star look this season with pieces that have attitude such as rocker tees, edgy jeans and funky shoes.

Addiction’s line for kids includes shoes that will help kids achieve the edgy look such as Converse sneakers spruced up with rhinestones and sneakers airbrushed with different colors, for a fun, rock star inspired look.

Style experts said that girls can still get away with skinny jeans and leggings this season, but the boyfriend fit is making its way on the style radar.

Addiction carries boyfriend fit jeans for girls as well as a selection of jeans for both guys and girls that will complement all of the looks of the season, including ripped, destroyed denim patterns and tie-dyed jeans.

Addiction Boutique is located in the Tuscany Marketplace at 1900 Rt.

70 E. You can also shop or visit them online at www.addictionboutique.com.

For more information, call the store at 489-4495.