High camp, for summer
FOR SEVERAL seasons now, we’ve seen just how enduring the preppy trend can be -- the plaids, the Topsiders, the polo shirts -- they seem to have no end. Well, what do preppies do in the summer? They head to camp, which might explain the checked shirts at Urban Outfitters, Thunderbird moccasins on the street and retro camp tees in Silver Lake.
Starlets have ditched their Louboutins for fringed boots, and evening bag designer Lauren Merkin is covering clutches with a rustic lumberjack check, taking camp to the red carpet.
Designers are channeling this latest bit of nostalgia with crisp, uniform-style jackets and mini-dresses and jewelry that looks as if it could have been made during an afternoon in the Craft Corner.
Geren Ford’s olive green “camp dress” could be mistaken for a Girl Scout jumper, down to the kicky pleats and snap pockets. The mahogany leather belt with dangling gold chain from Alice Temperley is really a utility belt gone chic. And don’t forget your hiking boots. At first glance, Tods’ Aspen boot looks like a functional lace-up -- perfect for hitting the trail. But then you notice the 3-inch high heel, which says everything about this trend.
Camp is best when it’s, well, camp. S’mores, anyone?
Campfire girl
Geren Ford takes the starch out of the Girl Scout uniform. Camp dress, $328 at www.gerenford.com.
Hot head
Put it on for shade, throw it on your back for sun. This sturdy cotton Army Surplus hat is ventilated and matches everything. $29.99 from
California Surplus Mart, Hollywood.
Hiking in L.A.
A boot made for scaling the upper reaches of Melrose Avenue. Tod’s Aspen boot, $665 at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills.
Be prepared
Alice Temperley’s crocodile-embossed spin on the utility belt -- what every good Scout needs. Pandora belt, $595 at Temperley, Los Angeles.
Get backpacking
No bulky canvas sack for our style counselor. Streamlined leather backpack, $425 at Brics, Los Angeles, and the original wool blanket in lumberjack-check style by Pendleton, $119 at www.pendleton-usa.com.
Photograph by Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times. Styled by Melissa Magsaysay / Los Angeles Times. Model: Rickie / Ford Models. Hair: Jeremy Clark / Exclusive Artists. Makeup: Georgie Eisdell / Exclusive Artists.
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