Style mavens across Southwest Louisiana want to know what’s new for spring fashion. Lagniappe spoke with several area boutique owners who have a “passion for fashion” to find out.
Photo provided by Catina Couture
New Trends For Spring
Colors are always popular in springtime, and this year is no exception. Periwinkle, pink, peach, aqua, lavender, turquoise, coral — look for these pretty pastels this spring.
According to Lauren Monroe, owner of Mimosa Boutique at 3101 Ernest St., the focus is less on florals this year and more on bold tropical prints; think Hawaiian shirts.
Of course, the classic look of black and white remains a closet staple year around. “Black and white never goes out of style,” says Catina Coats, of Catina Couture at 2801 Ryan St. “It’s bigger than ever this spring.”
Tunics worn with skinny leggings or palazzo pants are popular this spring, according to Carol Henry, owner of The Perfect Gift at 2712 Hodges St. “A longer angled hem elongates legs and torso, helping you look taller and thinner,” she says.
“Sets with matching tops and bottoms are everywhere,” says Monroe. She also sees a lot of tie-dye and flowing bohemian pieces.
Denim has been a fashion foundation for the past 60 years, with no sign of leaving the runway. Catina Couture carries a full line of denim dresses, coats, jumpsuits, and of course, jeans, including the popular Mavi brand and boyfriend jeans. “They are the best fit for curvy Louisiana girls,” says Coats.
Photo provided by Catina Couture
Other fashion trends include peak-a-boo sleeves, graphic tees layered with kimonos or shorts, button-down shirts and belted shirt dresses, and colorful “boho” styles. “Loose fitting tops with bell sleeves are becoming a favorite of Southwest Louisiana,” says Coats.
Accessorize Your Style
No outfit is complete without accessories. TeCi Culpepper of TeCi’s Ladies Apparel at 3125 Ernest St. says hats are making a comeback. And leggings are the hottest new accessory. She also sells jewelry and Brighton bags.
At Mimosa, shoppers can find unique jewelry, handmade by local Lake Charles artists as well as designers from New Orleans and Georgia. “Statement necklaces and layered bracelets in different colors are great for spring,” says Monroe.
She also recommends soft neutral shoes and bags for spring, “so your clothes can do all the talking.”
Catina Coats suggests belts, hats, clutches and mixed metal jewelry pieces.
Photo provided by The Perfect Gift
If You Can Only Buy One Thing
Not everyone can afford an entirely new wardrobe every season. If your budget has room for only one new item this spring, buy something versatile. Monroe suggests a soft pretty pastel dress that you can wear to church events, bridal or baby showers, weddings, or a night out on the town.
Henry says tunic tops look good, feel good, and go anywhere.
Culpepper recommends a go-with-everything crisp white blouse. And Coats says a kimono is the way to go.
Shop Local For Fashion
Carol Henry defines her store as “fun and fashionable,” with lots of color, flair and moderate prices. She caters to women 30-85, and encourages her customers to try new styles and have fun with fashion.
Her shop carries an eclectic array of gift items, including jewelry, purses, soaps, frames and candles. She’s been located on Hodges Street for many years, but will move her shop to Ernest Street near the mall at the end of March.
Photo of Laura Paulsen provided by daileysphotography.com. Fashion provided by Mimosa Boutique.
The advantage of these small boutiques over large department stores can be summed up in two words: customer service. Proprietors get to know their customers. They learn their customers’ style choices and can special order items that conform to these choices. They take extra time to work with their customers to find clothes that look, feel and fit right.
Coats owns and operates Catina Couture with her mother Vee McNabb. “We have old-fashioned customer service that helps women put styles together and shows them what looks best on their body type,” says Coats. They carry styles for juniors and more mature women, including plus sizes.
Culpepper describes her boutique as “fashion forward for the modern woman.” She carries dresses, sportswear and formal wear. She also offers one-on-one personal service that can’t be found at larger retailers.
These ladies stay on the cutting edge of fashion and bring the latest styles to Lake Charles. “I know exactly what’s coming out of New York every season,” says Monroe. “We try to stay close to those trends.”
She carries a wide variety of styles to suit everyone, whether their style is flowy and bohemian or classic and chic. To do this, she offers clothing for every age, shape and body type.
Monroe says, “We make sure everyone is dressed age-appropriately and feeling great about themselves. That is our goal — that’s why we’re here: to empower women and help them feel great about themselves.”
Photos of Laura Paulsen by daileysphotography.com.
Fashions provided by Mimosa Boutique.
Hair by Amy Louviere of Salon Lindsay.
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