Ask An Expert: Hottest Trends In Sacramento This Spring
Josie Lee
Rire Midtown
2522 J St. Ste. A
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 822-7473
www.rireboutique.com
Josie Lee is an enterprising and energetic young entrepreneur that keeps her finger on the pulse of fashion in California's capital and around the world. Lee created the fashion boutique Rire, which began as a pop-up in the iconic East Sac Mercantile on Folsom Boulevard. In August 2014, she opened a second location in midtown, which quickly became a popular hot spot for stylish and affordable clothing and accessories.
Lee is also a business student at California State University, Sacramento, with a dual major in marketing and international business. When asked how she manages these multiple commitments, Lee simply says, "I have amazing people." The name Rire, a takeoff on the French word for laughter, perfectly describes the shop's environment for shoppers and staff alike.
The lighthearted and whimsical Lee donates generously to local charities and causes; for example, a portion of every sale goes to the Sacramento SPCA, in honor of her two dogs, Mamacita Rosalita and Crouton
Here is what she has to say about spring's hottest trends.
Accessories
Expect to see more accessories this spring, says Lee, and she means it literally. Rather than wearing one large statement necklace, the new look will be about layering several smaller necklaces at once. They can be of similar or different lengths and can be interchangeable for a unique look every time. Lee loves starting with one long chain with a simple drop or pendant. Combine several that you like, or get a set that are prelayered for you.
Lee notes that other spring accessories, such as floral headbands, hand chains and headpieces, "will create a more dreamy and romantic boho look for the season".
Related: Best Sacramento Fashion Blogs
Shapes
In 2014, the most ubiquitous, almost unavoidable silhouette was the high-low. Everything from short skirts to full-length maxis and wedding gowns came with a high hem in the front, tapering around to a much lower hem in the back. Lee says Sacramento fashionistas can look forward to more interesting, asymmetrical shapes starting this spring. Coming in a wide array of styles, asymmetrical pieces feature a closure or other line of design that is off center.
One beautiful example at Rire is a racy red wrap-look skirt with a front hem that looks as if it is split into two uneven pieces. Paired with a white blouse with large black polka dots, the effect is striking, elegant and alluring, without being overly sexy.
"Florals are always popular as the weather gets nicer," Lee notes, but she predicts that Sacramento residents will be blooming this spring in larger-format florals. Similarly, small polka dots will move aside for prints with bolder and larger dots.
Jeans will continue to look great in distressed denim, and Lee sees another change for Sacramento denim lovers. "Skinny-cut jeans have been popular for years," she says, but suggests that options such as straight legs and higher waists will be back this spring for people of every size and shape. Boot cuts, easier to wear and often more flattering than skinny jeans, will also be seen around Sactown this spring.
"My favorite dress style is fit and flare," says Lee, praising the flattering combination of a dress with a close-fitting top with a bottom that flares out just below the hip. This style, in a multitude of colors, patterns and lengths, will continue to be very popular in 2015. Lee also says that dresses that are flowy and have no waistline will be seen this spring in Sacramento and on the catwalks. "These are very comfortable and can look very chic," Lee notes, "but not everyone likes the less structured look at first." If people prefer, they can add a belt to cinch in the waist.
Spring traditionally means pastels, in outfits from ultra-feminine to business casual or menswear inspired. For Sacramento, Lee sees the emergence of pieces in a very soft, light yellow color, and the disappearance of lavender tones. "White is a perfect choice," she suggests, for spring 2015 here in the capitol city. And as have been seen recently on celebrities, pairing white tops with white bottoms can create a beautiful look.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
