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Fall Blaze

Show Time: Putting the spotlight on showgirl inspired fashions

Ruffles, sequins, and fringe have long been reserved for chorus girls and can-can dancers, but they are enjoying their breakout moment this spring. Make a statement when walking into any room with a strategically detailed piece. Invoke the spirit of Jazz Age cabarets with a dress done up with ruffles reminiscent of a flapper girl’s getup. Those who aren’t looking to be on center stage can opt for fringed or sequin-covered handbags, sparkling headbands, or tassel jewelry that will add a touch of drama to any outfit. Take your cue from late vaudeville performers, silent film starlets, and cigarette girls from Hollywood’s golden age to incorporate touches of glamour straight from the stage.


Tassel rope necklace, 18, available at Arden B.

Fringe bag, 14.90, available at H&M

Twelve by Twelve navy-and-white ruf fle dress, $28, available at Forever 21

Coven black ruffle skirt, $430, available at Stel’s

Crystal Brooch Headband, $45, available at Luna Boston

Christian Louboutin “Rolande Boucle” Mary Jane pumps, 795, available at Barneys

Where to Buy
Arden B., Shops at the Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.236.0834
Barneys, Copley Place, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.386.3300
Forever 21, South Shore Plaza, 250 Granite Street, Braintree, 781.843.2509
H&M, 350 Washington Street, Boston, 617.483.7001
Luna Boston, 205 Newbury Street, Boston, 866.910.3900
Stel’s, 334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348

Necessary Objects

The women’s spring collection from Steven Alan is a lesson in functional fashion: the cuts are classic, the fabrics are breathable and comfy, and the pieces a re-ontrend without screaming “this look will be obsolete in T-minus five minutes.” Alan’s cult following (which initially took root in New York, where his first store popped up in 1994) is well-deserved. His plaid button-downs are preppy with a slight hipster edge, and they transition seamlessly between seasons, with a bit of layering. The pieces are slightly campy (as in, you’d be the most stylishly clad lumberjack on the campground), but that’s part of their charm. Snatch up a few of his just-arrived pieces at Stel’s (334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348), where the selection is well-edited and the labels are always worth their sometimes-hefty price tags. The navy blue, button-front Piper skirt with a waist-cinching belt ($195) works double duty — as a winter staple paired with tights and distressed leather boots; or pared down, with bare legs for spring. And the racer-back Paige top ($170) mixes cotton eyelet with a solid gray print to adorable effect. Who says fashion is futile?

Ticket to ride

Hot and mysterious: Dark clothing for men

Hot and frugal: Sale racks on Newbury Street

Hot fit: Wider-cut suits

Set Sale, July 15, 2008

Chain gang