In just a few weeks, spring fashion will begin making an appearance in retail stores. Chanie Koplowitz of Flair, at Brook Haven Mall in Passaic, said her spring orders will begin arriving at the end of this month and she expects to be fully stocked by Purim. She advises shoppers to come early for the best selection.
What will we be buying? Chanie says greens and blues are big colors for spring, along with the browns, golds and cognac colors that we started to see in the last few seasons. Styles are feminine and flowy, with colorful prints on light fabrics. Midi and maxi lengths, always popular for modest dressing, are trending even in the secular world. The fit and flare style is not as prevalent this season, as it would clash with the loose flowy styles that already have tiers of fabric. Many styles are oversized, comfortable and loose, or worn with a belt for more shape. Belts are not just for the small waisted. Chanie advises that a belt worn loosely, sitting on the hips and not pulling in too much fabric, is flattering for all figures.
Flair caters to teens and women with sizes from extra small to 2x. Teen clothin
g is made with less room in the bust, and for a more petite shape, but the styles are similar. “Teens are wearing the same clothes as mature women,” said Chanie. “A teen will wear a long flowing skirt with a T-shirt, and her mom—and bubby—will wear the same skirt but with a sensible blouse and sweater. They’re wearing the same skirt but all look completely appropriate. In fact, some of my petite women customers find the teen sizes to be a good fit.”
Flair carries a wide variety of labels, both well-known and up and coming. “I like tried and true names,” said Chanie. “We know the quality and that the people stand behind their products.
We also try to bring in some new labels each season. It’s exciting to discover a new designer but it’s also risky; we don’t know the quality or fit.”
While we eagerly await the coming of spring, we don’t have to put purchasing new outfits on hold. If you have a simcha coming up, or just want a wardrobe refresh, Flair has many beautiful pieces that can be worn now and year-round. Chanie sells many styles that will work any time. Teal, that sweet spot between blue and green, is an all-season favorite. A teal simcha dress at Flair, fitted to the waist with tiers of tulle covered fabric below, is beautiful for an event next week or next summer.
Flair showcases an ivory, tiered lace dress that Chanie recently wore to her son’s bar mitzvah. A shiny monochromatic green with blocks of lighter and darker color with tiered bottom is an all season stand out. A black, flowy dress with patches of gold is a stunning simcha dress with beautiful movement. Chanie pointed out that this dress doesn’t have gathers at the waist, which makes it very flattering for all figures. Flair also has basics like black skirts, which are always needed, and this season they come mainly with pleats. Pleats can be large, small or both. Flair sells one skirt with pleats that begin small and then widen at the bottom. Teens are also loving dresses, and there are several styles just for them, like a leopard print jumper in pleather fabric with large buckles on the straps.
Visit Flair at Brookhaven Mall, 217 Brook Avenue Passaic, for women’s and teens’ every day, Shabbos and simcha wear.
