Your toes are still recovering from the whole strappy-sandals-in-the-snow craze, and now the burst of floral prints on the runways from Cacharel and Versace is proving irresistible despite subzero temperatures. But are there flowery spring clothes that aren’t so fragile and skimpy that you’d have to blow your savings on a Caribbean vacation in order to wear them now?
Express combines two up-to-the-minute looks with its soft jeans jacket printed with big, washed-out pink-and-white daisies ($78). We also love Express’s jeans emblazoned with dark-pink and yellow roses and just the tiniest hint of glitter ($78). XOXO’s pink-rose top “looks just like Ungaro,” a fellow bargain hunter confided ($32 at Bloomingdale’s). Just don’t wear all three at once.
Benetton’s pretty miniskirt, printed with sky-blue and fuchsia flowers, is designed for the skinny few ($34). But if you don’t quite buy the articles telling us we can all join in the new miniskirt trend, the store’s longer floral skirt is lovely too, sprinkled with olive-and-purple wildflowers ($68). Franchi’s bag is a flashback to the raffia tote you had when you were little, updated into a chic clutch ($85 from Bloomingdale’s).
So you swore off pink when you were 4? The soft-blue roses on H&M’s white cotton capris are a more grown-up look ($25). If you need a tailored style, its wine-colored cowboy shirt dotted with tiny green flowers is fitted and has a hint of seventies piping ($19). Our favorite: splurgeworthy tapered pants from BCBG Max Azria with sharp purple and red leaves. You’ll be wearing them until the return of beach weather ($146).
Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); United Colors of Benetton, 597 Fifth Ave., near 48th St. (212-593-0290); H&M, 640 Fifth Ave., at 51st St. (212-489-0309); Express (for locations, visit www.expressfashion.com).
Picks of the Week
Chanel Fine Jewelry is offering one-of-a-kind statement pieces at reduced prices. The sale includes the Clover brooch, with a 39-carat emerald-cut aquamarine set in white gold. 15 E. 57th St. (212-715-4705); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, Fri.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; 2/23-3/5.
Gracie Square Hospital is having a women’s-shoe sale to raise funds for its Patient Aid Program, with reduced prices on designers including Kenneth Cole, Nine West, and BCBG. 420 E. 76th St. (212-434-5793); A.E., M.C., V.; 8-5; 2/20.
Metromom is reducing its classic fall styles in all sizes. Stretch-wool jackets are now $99; pants are $79. Long-sleeve stretch-cotton shirts are $50, and wool dresses are $119. 340 E. 57th St. (914-582-0180); A.E., M.C., V.; Thurs. 8-8; 2/22.
Beyond the Bosphorus is marking down handwoven Turkish kilims and other gifts from around the world by about 50 percent. Kilims (three-foot-by-four-foot) are $75; pillows are reduced to $25-$150. Turkish bolsters are now $50, and runners in various colors and patterns are priced between $220 and $1,000. 79 Sullivan St. (212-219-8257); A.E., M.C., V.; Tue.-Sun. 12-7:30; through 3/5.