FASHION : Summer Reading
The spring and summer catalogue frenzy is accelerating into high gear. Toss your fall stack now, if you haven’t already, and pare down to a few books. What follows is a selective--albeit subjective--review of catalogues that range from the marvelous to the, well, mediocre.
CATALOGUE: Madeleine Fashions, (800) 344-1994.
DEALS: The spring book is an excellent source for dressy sportswear and especially for beautiful blouses. One of the best: A nautical-inspired blouse with gold buttons and braid trim for $89.
EXTRAVAGANCES: A sumptuous button-front spring suit jacket and matching slim skirt in leather is $595. A versatile double-breasted linen/cotton blouse that looks like a jacket is $49 and comes in five terrific colors--some bright, some basic. From the summer book: a shimmery, all-over sequined swimsuit available in three colors for $49.
OPINION: This Canadian-based mail-order firm imports European fashions for women who are tired of seeing the items in catalogues that they can find on the racks at department and specialty stores. Take note on sizing here, where mediums are listed as sizes 12-14. Size 8 is the smallest available in many styles, though some Size 6s are available. There are plenty of options in Size 18. The styles are elegant, well-tailored and rich- looking with special detailing and design features. Admittedly, these extras don’t come cheap, but some shoppers tired of rayon may want to bite the financial bullet this time.
GRADE: A
CATALOGUE: Monarch, (800) 367-6002.
DEALS: Pucci-inspired printed shorts in cotton jersey are just $38 in the spring/summer book. A pair of matte gold clip-on earrings with faux semiprecious stones are just $22.
EXTRAVAGANCES: For the woman who has everything--except perhaps 20/20 vision, Monarch offers elegant rhinestone-rimmed reading glasses ($58) that are perfect for deciphering menus by candlelight. The catalogue also features a fabulous platinum swing-style raincoat ($190).
OPINION: Monarch manages to deliver the unusual in sportswear and accessories. Even the basics feature special detailing or other surprises. But you’ll pay a bit extra.
GRADE: A-
CATALOGUE: Spiegel, (800) 345-4500.
DEALS: Inside spring: a gold mesh scarf, generous enough to be worn as a sarong skirt, is $34. Cotton espadrilles in 10 neutral and bright shades are $14 a pair. In the summer book: a flattering azure blue awning stripe cotton bustier dress is $69. A double-breasted halter top with matching wide-leg pants in a white cotton/polyester knit with navy stripes is $69. A pearl-emblazoned sheer navy scarf is just $16. Silk T-shirts are two for $67. Also tempting for exercise enthusiasts: a pair of Mondrian-patterned exercise gloves for $12.90.
EXTRAVAGANCES: Donna Karan fans will pore over the six pages of D.K.N.Y. items featured in the spring book. One winner: a cool Randy Kemper French blue silk short-sleeve dress, for $298, with an $80 citron/sea green hip wrap.
OPINION: There is a fair amount of basic sportswear and simple chemises and a smattering of exotic fare in the spring book, but it’s doubtful you’ll break your piggy bank there. The summer book offers better bargains.
GRADE: B for spring, A- for summer.
CATALOGUE: Clifford & Wills, (800) 922-1035.
DEALS: Working women will love the snappy cotton/silk three-piece outfit priced at $209 in the spring book: A cropped cotton jacket ($88), a slim skirt ($52) and trousers ($69). A very D.K.N.Y.-looking blouse, attached to skinny black lycra pants, is $84. A retro-inspired halter top ($28) and swim shorts ($32), are among the best of the book’s new swim separates (sold individually for a better fit).
OPINION: Designer-label shoppers will find better-than-average interpretations of upper-end looks with truly affordable price tags.
GRADE: B+
CATALOGUE: Smythe & Co., (800) 955-7788.
DEALS: Printed denim shorts are $34 a pair and come in coral or olive floral print. Also in the spring catalogue: a stone-washed twill sarong skirt, $29, that hits just above the knee and comes in earth tones. A fitted, sleeveless button-back plaid cotton dress is just $54. Most unbelievable bargain: a long-sleeve, white cotton broadcloth shirt for $16.
OPINION: Mail-order mavens are probably familiar with this catalogue’s sister company: Tweeds. Here, shoppers can find the same unusual weekend looks--with a greater variety of better-priced items.
GRADE: B+
CATALOGUE: James River Traders, (800) 445-2405.
DEALS: Almost everything inside the spring book is a deal. The $39 cotton interlock chemise, available in three colors, is a veritable steal. Other good buys include a seersucker blazer ($59) and matching walk shorts ($29).
OPINION: There are so many clothes under $50 that it is hard to find fault with anything inside.
GRADE: B+
CATALOGUE: Victoria’s Secret, (800) 888-8200.
DEALS: Spring’s “Introductory Sale” book is hot off the presses already. A sporty looking pin-striped robe with insignia crest, $19 (regularly $48), and matching boxer shorts, $9 (regularly $18), are modest enough for at-home lounging among friends. A three-piece Guatemalan-inspired ensemble--an embroidered denim jacket, long-sleeve shirt and sarong-style blanket-patterned skirt, are offered at $147 (regularly $245).
EXTRAVAGANCES: The soft lamb suede shirt may be $245, but it comes in a buttery chamois shade ideal for showing off a tan.
OPINION: Men love the catalogue as much, if not more, than the women, thanks to some pretty sexy photography. Fortunately, the goods are moving beyond mere sexpot lingerie into more ready-to-wear and cuddly lounge wear.
GRADE: B
CATALOGUE: J. Peterman, (800) 231-7341.
DEALS: Many prices are steep, but there are a few good values in the spring book. Blue cotton denim jeans sell for $29. But the best values here are hats. A leather chin-strap Panama straw model is $35.50. An intentionally rumpled Gauguin hat is $21. An Ecuadorean “owner’s hat” is $38.50.
EXTRAVAGANCES: Almost everything in this book falls into this category. The catalogue’s Swaine Adeney Brigg umbrellas, imported from a London shop endorsed by the queen of England, range in price from $195 to $320, depending on which handle you choose. A quintessential American baseball jacket is $188.
OPINION: The catalogue’s entertaining storyteller approach may appeal to elitists and reading enthusiasts, but shoppers looking for wide selections won’t find it here. As for customers who like to see exactly what they are getting, artistic sketches don’t paint a detailed picture. Nonetheless, loyalists of the book swear by the quality of the items. (Be advised that shipping charges, once free, are now paid by the consumer. )
GRADE: B-
CATALOGUE: J. Crew, (800) 932-0043.
DEALS: Oversized twill blazers in four earthy spring shades sell for $78--and they’re lined. The spring catalogue also features a wrestling suit in cotton/lycra for $48.
OPINION: Skip through the first 53 pages unless you are looking for the basics you’ve already come to expect from J. Crew. Toward the back you’ll find a few fashion-forward exceptions in the spring/summer catalogue.
GRADE: B-
