A playground, I believe, should serve the interests of both parent and child Therefore, while some mothers like to take their children to the park, I prefer the mall. It started off like any other day. I chased my young toddler around Fashion Island for several hours, and managed to avoid another incident at the enticing koi pond (the fish are not so coy).
I decided it was time for my son to get back into his stroller and for me to take a break. This usually means a wrestling match. After our struggle had come to an end, I managed to strap him in, wiping the sweat off my forehead and wondering why it is that other children seem content to just be in their stroller. Just then, from the corner of my eye, like a reward, I spotted a thing of beauty.
A woman walked past wearing two scarves that had come together to form a perfectly aligned handkerchief-style top. Being a seasoned fashion stalker, I wasn’t going to let this top get past me. It’s unfortunate that I almost pushed over an elderly woman holding onto a walker while trying to catch up with my target.
I don’t remember if I shouted out to her or grabbed her by the arm, but she immediately stopped. I was out of breath, so with short, text-like language, I said: “Luv ur top. Who’s it by?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Thanks, but I’m not sure. I got this at the Sawdust Art Festival by some designer,” she said. From the look on my face, she could tell that her response was insufficient.
Much to my parents’ (and later my husband’s) disappointment, the only thing I’m relentless about in life is fashion. The following day, I sent a short e-mail to the manager at the Sawdust Art Festival. Its marketing department had no idea what I was going on about, and after several e-mails back and forth, I decided to Google an image of a scarf print pattern, similar to what I had seen on the scarf lady, and send it to them. Bingo! The next e-mail I received from her was the telephone number of Sue Winner, a local designer who creates clothing from her collection of vintage scarves. And the rest is history.
Trippy Pants
L.A.-based Clover Canyon is known for its mix of vivid, unrelated prints, and somehow they get it right. It’s probably the only time that I’d advocate wearing 100% polyester (and spending so much on them), but the print is so beautiful and the feel of the fabric is so light that I’ll let it slide. The intricate paisley scarf print against a dark background make these the perfect pair of pants to take on your next vacation (they’re wrinkle-free). Orchid pants by Clover Canyon, $216, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, South Coast Plaza.
:: saksfifthavenue.com
Linear Mileage
Vince has become one of my favorite go-to brands. I’ve worn their scarf print dress out to dinner to celebrate my wedding anniversary, to a lunch date with the girls, and to an afternoon meeting, and it was appropriate for all three distinct events. For those of you who are wary of the bold scarf print, this is a refined start. The symmetrical black and cream scarf print is subtle and with the deep V-neck slit, cap sleeves and oversized cut, this dress has an ultra-flattering modern shape. Scarf print dress, $345, available at Vince, Fashion Island.
:: vince.com
Babushka Beauty
Each one of Laguna Beach resident Sue Winner’s designs (tops and dresses) are one-of-a-kind and are created from her extensive scarf collection. She sells her designs at the annual Sawdust Art Festival, which opens in June. Each item is hand-stitched, with both the original shape of the scarf and its borders respectfully kept intact. Her designs are made up of an assortment of vintage YSL scarves mixed with Japanese silk prints and ornate paisleys. Silk scarf top by Sue Winner. Prices range from $125 to $245; call to set up an appointment.
:: 949.497.0451
