A Few Shades Shy of a Power Suit
How to Do It Big:
Total: $2,100
Calvin Klein’s spring pantsuit in double-faced, lightweight gabardine is timeless. The eight-button, double-breasted jacket, $1,540, matches up with slim, beautifully cut pants priced separately at $560. The pieces come in pale blue, melon and, of course, classic navy.
The collection is sold at the New York designer’s eponymous store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills.
How to Do It for Less:
Total: $384
Last year’s California Designer of the Year, Max Azria for BCBG, offers a hipper version of the classic pantsuit. Ideal for dressier occasions, the silk shantung separates are available--but going very fast--in three colors: ice blue, beige (with pinkish undertones) and chartreuse. The lined jacket (which also comes in single-breasted styles) with covered buttons sells for $248, the pants for $136.
The only downside of the garments: the BCBG hangtag discourages dry-cleaning and recommends spot-cleaning.
Los Angeles-based BCBG has boutiques in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Newport Beach and Encino.
