Bella Basics
August 2008
By Melissa Colgan
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Bella Basics
After a season defined by trends—big florals, painterly prints, ethnic details—fashion
has returned to the basics of chic style. Skirts hug the curves of the hip or pouf out to
the knees, single-color shifts are being shown for both night and day, and the classic
black pump has emerged as the season’s must have. So whether you’re dressing for work, play,
or evenings away, we’ve uncovered the season’s top styles.
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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Working it 9 to 5
Shades of gray are stunning by day—but
brightened up with magenta or plum, these
office staples are anything but business as usual.
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Suiting can look stale, but a tailored pencil skirt with a just-below-the-knee hem and a belted coat feels fresh. Little trench ($395) and narrow skirt ($225), by Plenty by Tracy Reese, from Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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A filmy print blouse adds a feminine touch under a structured pantsuit. Sylvia blouse ($150), by Calypso, from Arafina, Galleria,
952-925-1565
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Colored tweed kicks this skirt up a notch. Lavender and plum tweed vintage skirt ($32), from Via’s Vintage, 2408 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-374-3649
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Neckline interest and a rich magenta hue earn this workday look a bonus. Deep rose Fiorella blouse ($248), by Elie Tahari, from Neiman Marcus, 505 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-2600
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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A shift dress will pay off in spades as it takes center stage among your basics. The jeweled belt takes you from conference to cocktails. Ombre wool sheath with fox fur trim and crystal belt ($2,900), from Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Edina., 612-929-0747
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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Evening Chic
Whether you’re off to the opera’s opening night or the newest restaurant, evening dress looks best in shades of black and white.
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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A coat in winter white is the perfect topper for evening’s darker looks. Vintage rose print evening coat with Bakelite buttons ($88), from Via’s Vintage, 2408 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-374-3649. Multimetallic vintage belt ($48), from StyledLife. Gaviidae Common, Mpls., 612-746-5400
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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There’s nothing slight about this LBD. Black shift with rosette details ($1,235), by Blumarine, from Neiman Marcus, 505 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-2600
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Lace needn’t look girly or risqué. In structured black with a hint of pink, it’s utterly sophisticated. Black and pink cap-sleeve top ($250), by Milly, from Arafina, Galleria, 952-925-1565
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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A soft pink shell dances off the softness of gossamer black silk, while fringe detail creates flirty movement. Black fringe dress ($795), by D&G, from Bumbershute, 5014 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-475-2684
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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For a night out, layer dark denim with a sequin jacket. Sequin jacket ($2,655), from Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-929-0747
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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In wide-leg silk, these delicate pants would be perfect topped off with structured lace. White Larisa pant ($248), by Elie Tahari, also from Neiman Marcus
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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Play Clothes
Weekend fashions can be both comfortable and chic. Opt for tailored pieces in soft colors.
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Paired with opaque tights and flat brown boots, this organic cotton dress makes achieving weekend chic a breeze. Organic wide-cuff dress ($205), by Stewart + Brown, from Intoto, 3105 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-822-2414
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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However you spin it, a knit adds depth and texture to any look. Pale pink sweater ($2,395), by Rena Lange, from Neiman Marcus, 505 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-2600
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Your weekend wardrobe is complete with the addition of a wide-leg dark denim. Sophisticated and slenderizing, the rich hue is ideal paired with fall’s winter pastels. Andora wide-leg jean with patch pockets, ($187), by Hudson, from Hot Mama, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-0222; 3940 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-746-8255; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-416-5100; 687 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-224-9985
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Your weekend denim, a fitted turtleneck, and this faux fur collar coat with bracelet-length sleeves? It’s Saturday shopping in style. Wool jacket ($395), by Beth Bewley, from il Vostro Boutique, 5045 France Ave. S., Edina, 612-920-3167
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Silver grommets are a nice counter to the diaphanous sleeved shirt. Dewberry shirt ($98), by Matty M., also from Hot Mama
Photo by Michael Hendrickson
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Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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