Your “It” Items For Spring 2016

Hear from Local Style Experts

Let’s say you’re limited to buying only one new item for your spring 2016 wardrobe.

Oh, what to do?

We’ve asked some of our most stylish local shops to choose the single most important "it" fashion pick for you.

1. THREADS – PETOSKEY

The Star Mela Pabla Emb Dress

This light cotton voile dress from Star Mela ($228) is embellished with both lace and striking Mexican embroidery, with a low elastic waist for an easy fit in warmer temperatures, and it’s available in a wide spectrum of color combinations, whether you’re out at the beach or strolling the local farmers market.

"BoHo and Bohemian are such huge trends this summer," said Threads’ co-owner Brandy Malpass, "and this piece captures that trend so well."

Find it at: 400 Bay Street shopthreadsonline.com or (231)-439-9844

2. ELEVEN – TRAVERSE CITY

The Kathleen Jumpsuit

From Los Angeles designer Jordana Howard’s company, Echo and Air, arrives this funky and unique piece that can be worn on its own or with a tee or tank underneath. The Kathleen jumpsuit in black ($176) has plenty of features, from adjustable straps and halter detail to an invisible zipper and hidden interior pockets, all in mediumweight crepe that’s ready for spring. "Howard has a passion for Japanese design, which shows in this piece," said Eleven co-owner Jill Anton.

Find it at: 156 E. Front Street, facebook.com/eleventheshop or (231) 486-6805

3. ELLA’S – TRAVERSE CITY

The Flounce Sleeve Dress

Get that retro flair with the flounce sleeve dress ($328), a silk shift with fun sleeves and an attention-getting pattern; add a pair of Frye mule shoes and you’re ready to go. Ella’s Kara VanHorn calls this "the ultimate item for your wardrobe," pointing out that it’s perfect for pretty much any occasion, from graduations or weddings to a night on the town. "It’s not too dressy, yet not too informal," she said. "And the "˜70s are making a comeback!" Find it at: 209 E. Front Street, swingbyellas.com or (231) 947-9401

4. CALI’S – TRAVERSE CITY

The A to Z Layering T-shirt

In addition to Boho, another big trend this spring is spaghetti-strap tank dresses layered with T-shirts, which in warmer weather requires both pieces to be light and comfortable. Store associate Becky Travis said Cali’s spring essential is A to Z’s sheer cotton Layering T- shirt ($67), with a colorful poppy print and a weightless feel.

"It’s so feminine," Travis said. "I would wear it over strappy dresses or tissue tees; it’s just enough of a layer for when the temperature isn’t quite warm enough for sleeveless."

Find it at: 242 E. Front Street, calisboutique.tumblr.com or (231)-947-0633

5. THE CLOTHES POST PETOSKEY

Forsyth of Canada Men’s Linen Shirt

Linen is on Clothes Post owner Jeff Pagel’s mind as summer approaches. As he explained, it’s the one must-have fabric for the warmer months. "It’s a cool fabric for those humid-sticky days of summer," Pagel said. This Forsyth of Canada linen long-sleeved sport shirt is a perfect pick for every guy’s closet in natural, blue, mulberry or mint green ($115.) "It’s so lightweight and guaranteed to wrinkle," Pagel laughed.

"A wrinkled linen shirt is such a resort look; this is the one time you can get away with wrinkles."

Find it at: 326 E. Mitchell Street, theclothespost.com or (231) 347-4562

6. CHERRY HILL BOUTIQUE TRAVERSE CITY

The Clara Sunwoo Cold Shoulder Top

Seoul-born New York City designer Clara Sunwoo is behind Cherry Hill’s favorite spring pick, an updated "cold shoulder-style" top ($78) in a color that’s just a few shades brighter and pinker than Pantone’s trendy 2016 spring tone, Fiesta. "This one has what we love," owner Annie Hill said. "It’s made in the USA, is washable and packable in a beautiful updated style that’s perfect for spring weather while keeping your arms covered, and it pairs nicely with leggings."

Find it at: 224 E. Front Street, facebook.com/cherryhillboutiquetc or (231) 929-3940

7. BAHLE’S – SUTTONS BAY

The Barbour Washed Bedale Jacket

Part of men’s transition to spring usually involves trading a heavy coat or jacket for a lighter one. Karl Bahle suggests this pick from Barbour’s Country Prep collection, their classic Bedale jacket ($299) complete with corduroy collar and a trim, modern fit. "The Bedale is usually known as a waxed cotton fall jacket," Bahle said. "Here, it’s updated in an unwaxed, washed cotton fabric for the cool nights. Everyone needs a brightly colored jacket for spring after our long, gray winters!" Find it at: 210 N. St. Joseph Street, bahles.net or (231) 271-3841

8. MOLLY’S – LELAND

The Jade Tribe Boho Crossbody Bag

Fashionable ladies can’t forget about accessories during the changeover to their spring wardrobes. Molly’s has a perfect one that ties right in to the Bohemian trend: Jade Tribe’s Boho Crossbody Bag ($200), handmade in Laos by village artisans. "These organically dyed bags, with beautiful handwork and wonderful fabrics, are a perfect accessory to show your unique style," store owner Molly Hyde said. "It’s a wonderful bag, and socially and environmentally responsible clothing and accessories make people feel good about the choices they make."

Find it at: 105 N. Main Street, mollysleland.com or (231) 256-7540

9. HAYSTACKS – SUTTONS BAY/TC/LELAND/GLEN ARBOR ELK RAPIDS

The Switchstacks Reversible Bias Skirt

Haystacks designs their own clothing line right in Suttons Bay, so they’re well aware of the local fashion pulse. This spring, store associate Carly Cheever singled out Haystacks’ own knee-length Switchstacks reversible bias skirt ($52), a stretchy, versatile piece with a lettuce hem. "We offer it in bright colors, like blues and corals, and it’s reversible, so it’s two skirts in one," Cheever said. "And it can be dressed up or down. Some of our customers wear it right over their swimsuits!" Find it at: 301 N. St. Joseph Street in Suttons Bay, haystacks.net or (231) 271-0280

10.CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS TRAVERSE CITY

The Southern Tide Skipjack Polo Shirt

Made by a South Carolina company launched by a 23-year-old guy with a vision, Southern Tide’s polo shirts are well known by stylish guys. Their most updated version, the Skipjack Polo ($79.50), is ready for spring in soft premium fabric, a slimmed placket, and a refined collar, complete with its signature strip taping in the neck. "Everybody loves how these polos feel," said Captain’s Quarters’ John Pugh. "They look great and come in all of the cool colors for summer. We have them in stock every day."

Find it at: 151 E. Front Street captainsquarterstc.com or (231) 946-7066

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