Area stylist provides trend report

According to local stylist Judy Starnes, owner of Janet Marie Studios in Fort Myers, key fashion looks that will be introduced this spring into women's wardrobes include bright intense colors incorporated into skirts, tops, dresses, shoes and bags; floral prints, pants with a higher waist, shirtwaist style dresses - some with fuller skirts; long, flowy skirts and dresses, trench coats, cocktail shorts and safari-style jackets.

Starnes said long, flowy skirts and dresses are refreshingly new and flattering to most, whereas the full short

skirt can be harder to pull off. She added that this season's large floral prints are usually not flattering.

"One might go for this trend, but be ready to dump it in the short run," she said. "Better to pull in the print concept in your accessories."

Southwest Floridians might be confused on how to pull off a trench coat in our sub tropical climate.

"We don't use trench coats in Florida to keep warm," she said. "It's totally a fashion statement. Keep the fabric light and use it as the perfect finishing piece over that little black dress or jeans."

One of this spring's fashion "do's" is perfectly suited for Floridians.

"Sheer tops and cover-ups are perfect in the tropics because they provide color and style over the simplest t-shirt or cocktail attire," Starnes said. "At the same time, they provide the right amount of coverage in airconditioned businesses. These can be worn over form fitting pieces to look svelte, even if you're not."

One spring fashion trend women might not be ready for is the high-waisted pant.

"Advocates of the low rise pants are going to fight hard to keep them around because low rise designs elongate the upper part of the body and, if not too low, actually camouflage the tummy," she said. "But, high waist pants are great for the person with a small waist. Again, it's all about balance and proportion. If you have a short waist (legs are longer than the upper part of the body), you're in big trouble."

Jewelry traditionally adds a finishing touch to every outfit but this spring's look may also be a challenge for many.

"This season's trend for jewelry is to go very chunky and big," said Starnes. "It's a style that doesn't suit all and is not for the fashion challenged."

Starnes said the key to trying this look is to keep the rest of the outfit very simple in order to make the jewelry the centerpiece.

"Personally, it's my opinion that women would be better off spending their money on a great pair of shoes or purse, or better yet, a great new hair style."

For more information, please call Judy Starnes at Janet Marie Studios: (239) 275-4929.

Janet Marie Studios is an appointmentbased personal boutique that helps women of all ages, body shapes and sizes dress for any occasion, lifestyle or event, from weekend casual to black tie. The Janet Marie stylists add essential wardrobe elements by offering new merchandise available for purchase directly from their showroom to accentuate pieces already owned by a client.

Starnes and her twin sister Janet Marie Kisling first established the boutique's Fort Myers and California locations in 1979.