Springtime provides an excellent excuse to buy new clothes and accessories. Updating one’s wardrobe with a new pair of shoes, a handbag or a cool top is the perfect way to embrace the warm weather and dive in to spring. Though Eugene is limited in what some would call “outstanding shopping,” there are some shops that rebel from Eugene’s trademark natural and outdoorsy style.
The hunt for spring 2006 trends begins at Miss Meers shoe boutique at 207 E. Fifth Ave. Miss Meers opened in November 2001 determined to bring women fashionable and up-to-date shoes that they might otherwise be unable to purchase in Eugene. The boutique carries shoe selections from Nine West, Franco Sarto, Calvin Klein, kate spade and Diesel, as well as wallets and handbags, including the unique Harveys original “Seatbeltbag.”
Kelsey Jensen, a University sophomore who works at Miss Meers, gave some insight into what is popular for spring.
“Wedges are huge this season,” she said, along with metallic shoes, of which Miss Meers has plenty. Patent leather, orange, turquoise and red shoes are also in high demand, Jensen said.
One of Miss Meers’ best-sellers is the Nine West “Rebekah” dress flat, which was featured in the March issue of Lucky magazine. The peep-toe shoe comes in red or black and costs $79 at Miss Meers. Two other popular footwear brands this season have been Franco Sarto and BCBG Girls.
Miss Meers is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The bottom level of the Fifth Street Public Market houses the women’s boutique shop Melange, which sells a variety of clothing, including flirty, sophisticated and casual items. It also sells an extensive selection of 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity jeans and colorful Michael Stars tops.
Melange is stocking up on Bermuda shorts and sundresses, which have been selling extremely well. According to employee Mandy Monet, pinks and lime greens are popular colors for dresses and tops this year. Whites are a key part to any spring wardrobe, “especially when they are paired with neutrals,” Monet said.
Other brands Melange carries are C&C California, Diesel, French Connection, Project E, Velvet and Sweet Pea. Melange offers its customers a 20 percent discount on their birthday if they register on its mailing list.
Melange is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
If the idea of spending less money on spring fashion is appealing, check out Buffalo Exchange LTD at 131 E. Fifth Ave. The store carries new and used clothing for men and women.
Priscilla White has been working at the vintage fashion store for two years and said that mod and retro dresses are currently popular, along with Bermuda shorts, dressy shorts, circle skirts and long, sheer tank tops. A new trend White has heard of is pairing dressy shorts with high heels, but she has yet to see it, she said.
Popular colors throughout the store are bright greens and yellows. Natural fabrics, including linen and cotton, have also been popular among customers. What about the men?
“The thing with guys is that they don’t change their fashion that much through the year,” White said. “Even in winter some wear shorts and flip flops.”
At Buffalo Exchange LTD, White said “heavy-duty cargo shorts like the ones from American Eagle and Abercrombie” are still popular for men. Also, soft cotton T-shirts with obscure, artsy logos and lightweight button-up shirts are selling.
“And of course flip-flops,” White added. Flip-flops seem to be the one trend that Oregonians stick to. We’ve all seen those crazy people who wear them in the middle of winter when it’s pouring out. Spring is here. Wear your flip-flops without worry.
Other stores to check out include Ipnosi for its wide selection of dresses and sparkly tops, Tactics Board Shop and Boardsports for brands like Volcom and Burton, and Lemon Juice for great jeans.
[email protected]