Neat TREND: French nautical fashions sail into PDX
March 2, 2010 by karenvitt
Filed under Neat STUFF, Neat TREND
By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor
Most people – at least those with a highly functioning ability to suspend reality – have pictured themselves sailing down the French Rivera on a yacht, wind blowing through their hair while they effortlessly evoke the sexiness of Bridget Bardot mixed with the classic style of Audrey Hepburn.
That, of course, is the essence of French nautical, a trend based on the fact that even if you never set foot on a yacht, at least you can look like you belong on one.
French nautical or “port style,” as we like to call it, is a timeless trend that washes ashore like maritime clockwork each spring. Famously brought back into fashion by way of Coco Chanel in the 1930’s (and again in the Chanel Resort 2010 Collection, right) the signature piece of this trend is, of course, the horizontal striped sailor top.
You can find this style shipping into stores all over town right now, and Portland designer Alyson Clair says the spring sailor style is a popular recurring trend for PDX gals. Not only is it a timeless classic, but “It’s also fun and easy to put together,” Clair said. “One piece and a couple of accessories can make the look. Since it is timeless, you can easily keep and wear pieces for longer than one season.”
Jessica Munn, owner of Bubble Boutique on Northwest Glisan Street, also is a big fan and has stocked her store with a ton of fabulous, sea-worthy styles. Munn enthuses, “Our favorite big spring trend is ‘French nautical,’ with lots of navy, stripes and girly prints that make me nostalgic for cool, rugged French coastlines and Mediterranean sea ports.”
Bubble Boutique also offers up unique nautical-inspired accessories. “We have new jewelry collections that play on this too, including a new line of rings that each feature a one-of-a-kind, beautiful seashell,” Munn said. “They are very conversational and again very easy for Portlanders to appreciate and wear.”
Watch for subdued sea elements and expect a slightly more sophisticated feel to this spring’s French nautical trend. “I feel like this time around the colors are a bit more muted. Not so starch white, bright red and navy,” Clair said. “To me the colors seem richer, and the pallete a bit larger.”
We braved the high seas and found the best places to find sailor-chic looks in our fair city of (Port)land. Below is some of the best local booty:
Bubble Boutique – Bubble has an amazing array of French nautical pieces in store right now. We love the French Riviera inspired Rope Print Dress by James Coviello ($368), which is beyond cool and an original twist on the nautical theme. They also have a new line of seashell rings; a darling Blue Sailor Dress ($348, right) from Harvey Faircloth, a hot label that’s selling out across the country; and soon they’re expecting boatloads of casual, French stripes and sporty-but-feminine wayfarer pieces on the way from Le Mont St. Michel and Le Phae de la Baleine. Sailor stripes coming by ship from France – how “French Nautical” can you get?! 1100 NW Glisan Street; 503-219-0098. www.bubbleboutique.com
Liza Rietz – Portland designer Rietz is known for making clothes that work year round, including two timeless sailor inspired styles that go from street to fleet. Her expertly crafted Sailor Dress ($190) from a previous line is back in stores by popular demand. The look is perfectly 1930’s sailor sophisticate with a classic dropped waist and detailed pleating across the bust and skirt. We also love her white linen Kimono Sleeve Jumper, which is a more modern take on yacht that rocks. 2305 N.W. Savier St.; 503-459-4292. www.lizarietz.com
Greenloop – This popular Portland-based sustainable style site carries eco-friendly Nautical Cherry Wedge Sandals by MoHop ($278), which are are handmade in Chicago from recycled tires and environmentally friendly woods – but make no mistake, they belong in Cannes. With lace-up ribbon ties and gorgeous sculpted heels that mimic the polished deck of a billion-dollar yacht, the comfy and versatile nautical inspired style is the perfect match for all your bold striped dresses. Greenloop, www.thegreenloop.com
Clair Vintage Inspired Designs – Local designer Alyson Clair incorporated both bold stripes and subtle nautical influences into her new spring collection, which you can find at Pin-Me Apparel, Radish Underground and Union Rose boutiques by the end of March. She offers her flirty Alicia dress (right) in burnt umber and cream (not your standard red and white), just to shake things up. And she has a simple, sleeveless Christine top with just a few vertical sailor stripes around the neckline, perfect for those who want to wear the trend without screaming “ship ahoy!” Clair Vintage Inspired Designs, www.alysonclair.com
Christa Taylor – This sweet Portland-area online boutique has a long standing love affair with classic, feminine fashions, and spring nauticals are no exception. Check out the Classic Marina Skirt ($39), in a swingy, navy blue A-line cut with side pockets and white sailor piping. Better yet, top it off with a classic red or navy beret and pick up a baguette on the way to the pier. Christa Taylor, www.christa-taylor.com
Covet Boutique – Covet has had trouble keeping up with demand for its fashionable (and totally affordable) striped Yacht Tank dress ($52, right) by American-designed brand Piko 1988. We called today to check on reserves and they are apparently expecting a new shipment in today. Chic and casual with deep front pockets and a cute waist-tie, this dress was made for high seas adventure. We also love Covet’s long, subtly striped dresses from Geren Ford ($389). 429 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503-222-6838. www.lovecovet.com
Flutter – This charmingly cluttered boutique is the place to explore if you want to find some real treasure, and if you want to take the sailor theme literally. Here, you’ll find Jenn McCloskey’s line of Paper Treasure jewelry, featuring handmade upcycled antique necklaces named after actual shipwrecks ($110). Each necklace comes with a petite ship charm at the clasp and info on its namesake ship. $110 each by Paper Treasure. 3948 N. Mississippi Ave.; 503- 288-1649. www.flutterclutter.com
Souchi – Northwest designer boutique Souchi has an amazing new spring collection from Christina Lehr, almost entirely comprised of soft, comfy striped tanks and dresses. Favorites include the maxi-length Cruiser Dress ($138, right) in grey and white stripes with a nautical rope tie belt; and sweet 10k gold mini-charm necklaces by Paige Sargisson featuring tiny ocean themed anchors and whales. ($184). 807 N.W. 23rd Ave.; 503-525-0042. www.souchi.com
Finally, a little love for some national retailers who are pushing this trend so hard. Forever 21 has some surprisingly sophisticated matey-inspired pieces, like their heavy-knit “Sailors Life for Me” scoop neck dress ($22.80). They also are a haven for cheap, striped tops in a wide range of colors. And over at Urban Outfitters, the high-waisted, navy blue Lucca Couture Sailor Shorts are as good as it gets. Smooth sailing into spring!
Photos this page courtesy of the shops and designers featured, including Enko Photography for Clair Vintage Inspired Designs. Top image of actress Audrey Tautou as Coco Chanel in “Coco Before Chanel” courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
