Y2-Ka-Ching!
Poor 1999.
There are 49 days left in this millennium, but you wouldn’t know it, what with all the clothes, accessories and beauty products focused on everyone’s favorite number: 2000.
Millennium collections encompass everything--from handbags to halter tops, contact lenses to compacts, shoelaces to bra straps--for this, the season of Y2-Kitsch.
According to Scott Krugman, spokesman for the Washington-based National Retail Federation--the world’s largest retail trade association, “There’s no telling how much money” millennial merchandise will ring up.
“But people will probably buy more heavily this year than they ever had before because of commemorative stuff out there. Apparel, fragrances, jewelry--you name it, you’ll see it.”
And you’ll probably buy it, says Kurk Barnard, an analyst with Barnard’s Retail Trend Report in New York. Barnard predicts “many, many, many millions of dollars will be spent on millennium merchandise of one kind or another.”
Like good scouts, we want to make sure you’re prepared to go Thoroughly Modern Millennial and party in these Y2K-wear suggestions like it’s 1999 . . . er . . . 2000.
For shopping guide, see E3.
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Shopping Guide
Where to find the items marking the year 2000 pictured on E1:
1. Millennium Bear handcrafted by Gund, a Robinsons-May promotion that costs $14.99 with a purchase of $35 or more ($40 without) at Glendale Galleria, 2148 Glendale Galleria.
2. Countdown Evening Bag, $2,775, with a matching $350 Lifesaver holder, Judith Leiber Boutique at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. The cylinder-shaped bag is handcrafted of 5,000 Austrian Swarovski crystals.
3. Tommy Bahama Millennium Martini tie, $55, Nordstrom, and Tommy Bahama stores in Newport Beach, Palm Desert and La Jolla.
4. Black silk shoes by Nina, $99, Macy’s at South Coast Plaza.
5. Gene Meyer socks, $15, Ultra-Lounge at Fashion Square, 14006 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks.
6. Pocket square/scarf by Echo, $20, Macy’s.
7. Alfani cuff links, $42.50 (shirt studs included), Macy’s.
8. Sweater, $121, 818 Freight, Fashion Square.
9. Bubble bath in a champagne bottle, $9.99, Robinsons-May.
10. 2000 Girl long-sleeved T-shirt, $18, Gymboree, Fashion Square.
