Once more, with clothing
The Age of Aquarius is dawning again.
Theory -- the buttoned-up clothing line known for simple suits, blouses and skirts seen in cubicles across America -- has launched a line of accessories in honor of “Hair,” the revolutionary 1967 rock opera that celebrated free love and full-frontal nudity.
Specifically, the limited edition collection was inspired by the New York Public Theater’s Central Park summer performances of the musical, and the pieces are a delightfully laissez-faire departure from Theory’s usual corporate look.
A brown suede belt with circular metal grommets has a long, hippie-fringe front tie ($85), and several T-shirts feature the iconic afro image from the musical’s 1968 Broadway poster ($65-$85). Two styles of gladiator sandals, in brown or gold metallic leather, are right in step with the flower power of summer ’08. ($125-$135).
Of course, no homage to “Hair” would be complete without -- what else -- hair accessories. A selection of skinny wreath headbands ($45) are a chic alternative to all the preppy styles popularized by TV’s “Gossip Girl.”
Perfect to show it and flow it, no matter how long you can grow your hair.
Available through the end of August at Theory, 8428 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 782-0163. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.theory.com.
SALES
Harper Lane Through July 17: Who says mom gets to have all the fashion fun? Here are some cool summer looks for the little ones at up to 50% off. Toddler-sized denim by adult-favorite Joe’s Jeans include Rock Star flares ($52, originally $75) and pencil-thin skinny legs ($48 from $68). Delicate, vintage-inspired dresses by Pink Chicken start at $45 (originally $64). And short-sleeve button-down shirts will give boys a head start on stylish dressing for $27 (originally $38). 2665 Main St., Suite D, Santa Monica. (310) 314-2233. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.harperlane.com
Maxine Through July: A childhood spent in L.A., Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Seoul, Korea, primed Silvia Joo’s diverse eye for fashion. Now you can get her global aesthetic at a bargain prices. Almost everything in this boutique is 20% to 50% off, including glittering party dresses by Australian label Sass and Bide, smooth-as-silk leather bags from Florida siblings Tracy and Ashley Zych and a 1980s-style white studded mini dress by L.A.-based designer Sheri Bodell. 12354 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 623-9900. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
DEBUTS
Target As if the low-cost behemoth could get any cooler, the latest incarnation of the chain’s GO International Collection just landed in stores. The line is trendy without trying too hard, and features a multitude of simple pieces with unexpected details. A breezy berry-colored tank gets a touch of charm from an artsy floral chiffon overlay ($24.99), while a long pool-blue sleeveless cardigan ($19.99) features two front pockets perfect for stowing cellphone and credit card. Our favorite piece is a simple black kimono-style tunic with accordion pleated sleeves ($34.99). The limited-edition line is available through August at Target stores and at www.target.com.
Apartment Number 9 The Brentwood men’s boutique has opened a Beverly Hills location filled with dapper goods that match the neighborhood. The shop features the full collection of Seize sur Vingt, the impossible-to-find New York line of classically tailored dress shirts, suits and ties. Gentlemen will also find grooming products by the Art of Shaving, Steven Alan crumpled cotton shirts, Eugenia Kim head-gear, vintage cuff links and tie clips and suits by L.A. designer Scott Sternberg’s popular Band of Outsiders label. Send your dates here before dinner. 9877 Little Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 785-9001. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.apartmentnumber9 .com
Indigo Farm at Fred Segal Man The cult Japanese denim line makes its stateside debut with a limited-edition 20-piece collection produced by L.A. designer Adrian Nyman. Buckle-back jeans are made from hand-loomed, sturdy stitched selvedge denim using cotton from Zimbabwe. Only 50 pairs were made; each comes in a wooden box and costs -- brace yourself -- $550. The line also features indigo-dyed corduroys ($325) and Japanese T-shirts that take hours to make on an ancient loom ($200). For those whose recession-time worries are nil, the line is available through Aug. 14. Fred Segal Man, 420 Broadway, Santa Monica. (310) 395-9792. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.fredsegal.com
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