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Loving Lela Rose

As the models began walking down the runway at Lela Rose's Spring/Summer 2011 show, I got that jittery, excited feeling in my stomach. Yep, it was love. Maybe it's because she's a fellow Southerner (Rose hails from Texas), but Rose knows what I like.

The collection, inspired by the old-meets-new culture and architecture of Lima, Peru, features bold colors and rich fabrics--something the city is known for. A tan-and-white wrap day dress and a stone-colored fitted blouse with a yellow wrap skirt are perfect looks for the office. A variety of colorful cocktail dresses--a melon-colored tweed strapless dress with gold iridescence, a flourite pink taffeta v-neck dress and a navy square-neck sheath with crystal embroidery on the front--provide perfect options for a summer wedding or a night on the town

Rose also creates wedding attire, and that was evident during the gown portion of the show. Billowing full skirts and crystal embroidery gave the dresses a dramatic, dreamy look.

Rose capped off the looks with shoes from her Payless ShoeSource collection. T-strap dress heels and peep-toe wedges perfectly complemented the dresses, even though they cost significantly less.

And luckily for us, Vermillion in Raleigh's North Hills will have a trunk show of Rose's Spring/Summer 2011 collection in October. Check upcoming Stylin' columns for more details.

Front Row Roll Call: Alison Brie ("Mad Men," "Community"), Shantel Van Santen ("One Tree Hill"), Jessica Lowndes ("90210").

See looks from the show in our New York Fashion Week gallery.

Win tickets to NYC Fashion Week




There's a catch, of course. You have to go to the spring 2010 Lela Rose trunk show at Vermillion in North Hills Tuesday or Wednesday. Then, you have to buy something from the show (read all about what in store for spring in today's Stylin' column). For every item you buy, you get entered into a drawing for two tickets to see the fall 2010 Lela Rose show at Bryant Park at New York Fashion Week in February.

Trust me when I say Lela Rose's Fashion Week shows are a delight. They never disappoint!

Appointments are encouraged for the trunk show. Call 919-787-9780.

The colors of spring fashion

Pantone today released its top 10 colors of spring fashion, colors the company says are "splashes of sunshine" and "vibrant brights."

To be honest, the colors feel very Reagan/early Madonna era to me, very 1984, with a bright turquoise, pink champagne, mustard yellow and pinky coral (the color of Michelle Obama's suit the other night!) among the colors.

They're wonderful bright colors that are happy and fun. And with any luck will inspire shoppers to start spending again, at lease in small doses.

“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Instead of re-inventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.”

I'm particularly taken with the spin on the classic red, tomato puree. It's almost a raspberry red that's rich and lovely with just the right dose of pink. I also love the violet color, which just makes me happy (apparently it's one that Lela Rose is using for spring. Love Lela Rose.).

Wedding attire advice from Lela Rose

You might not be able to afford a Lela Rose gown to walk down the aisle ... but how about some free wedding attire advice?

Lela dishes on her favorite part of a wedding, wedding accessories and her new bridal shoe collection called Unforgetable Moments for Payless (nicely priced from $45 to $50) on this YouTube video.

 

Lela Rose wedding shoes

Brides-to-be, especially those who are on a budget, might want to check out Lela Rose's new collection of bridal shoes for Payless. The new line is called Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose.

But heck, even if you aren't a budget, these are definitely worth checking into. I love the slingback platform to the right.

At $24.99, you can't beat the price. Especially considering most people never wear their wedding day shoes except down the aisle and for the first dance.

Look for five styles in the collection, with varying heel sizes. And the sizes go up to size 12.

Unfortunately, most Payless stores don't carry Lela Rose's shoes. But you can find them online at Payless.com.

 

Edgier Lela Rose for fall

Hate to have missed Lela Rose's fall presentation over the weekend at NY Fashion Week. Seems she took a few steps out of her comfort zone with darker hues, more exotic prints and new silhouettes. Not too many steps, mind you, to alienate her clientele who love her best for her pretty and chic styles.

Here's one of my favorite pieces from the show. As usual, am a sucker for anything in sapphire, and this collection had plenty of it (along with moss green, gold and gray). Love that belt and the simple cut of the dress.

Lela Rose is sold in the Triangle at Vermillion in Raleigh's North Hills. Her wedding gowns are sold at Tre Bella Bridal in Durham.

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