Better than Prozac!
- filed 1/24/2001

Mid-winter blues got you down? Do you feel low and depressed? Before you head to your shrink - or local pharmacy - for relief, why don't you just go out and buy something that puts a smile on your face, something that makes you think or dream of warm weather getaways, summer, or carefree fun in the sun?

The latest irresistible crop of clothing and accessories boasting upbeat color and/or witty prints can do more for elevating your mood than any drug, and they seem to scream: 'lighten up'!

Need more proof? A recent 'On the Street', in the New York Times featured the upbeat and visual surprise of winter coats in rainbow hues, as captured by the discerning eye of Bill Cunningham. And even Vogue Magazine is enticing you to "Come On, Get Happy!" with their February issue's cover-lines, and 'happy' spring fashions. Tom Ford may have us believe that you will get a 'Rush' from all black- but I tend to disagree. And regardless of how chic or elegant fall's brown tweeds may have been, they're not going to do much to raise your endorphins or serotonin levels.

On display recently in the windows of some of the top boutiques around town are:

- Missoni's colorful and playful signature striped and patterned jersey dresses, swimsuits, and separates (1009 Madison Avenue).

- Would you like to see the world through rose colored lenses? Just take yourself to Alain Mikli Opticians for their selection of brightly tinted wire rimmed sunglasses - available in fuschia, turquoise, violet, and yellow (880 Madison Avenue).

- Vera Wang's chartreuse polka dot chiffon long bare evening dress is accessorized with matching pashmina shawl and snakeskin strappy sandals (991 Madison Avenue).

- Sonia Rykiel's bright turquoise pantsuit, long pleated skirt, and multi-colored signature striped sweater set (849 Madison Avenue).

- Dolce & Gabbana's men's colorful kaleidoscopic pants and crisp white shirt (825 Madison Avenue).

- Versace's very graphic orange/pink/black short silk dress ( 815 Madison Avenue).


- Roberto Cavalli's easy and lighthearted resort clothes for both men and women in tropical shades of white, turquoise and lime green (711 Madison Avenue).

- Entering Emilio Pucci's east 64th street boutique is virtually like taking a vacation without going anywhere. Just looking at the colorful signature patterns and prints which adorn everything from clothing to shoes, scarves, handbags, make-up cases, and their $300 terry cloth oversized towels immediately transport you to Capri or Sardinia! (24 East 64th Street)

- Bergdorf Goodman's 5th Avenue windows feature a hot pink Celine sequined mini dress, Chloe's bright plaid voile strapless sundress, and John Galliano's floaty and colorful 'tie-dye' slipdress.

- And at the recent Intermezzo Collections/Accessorie Circuit at the Piers, color and pattern were in abundance. I particularly liked Carlos Falchi's hot pink and orange crocodile embossed and leather bags-some in patchwork or floral designs. And standouts at Un Apres-Midi De Chien were their chic bright red nylon bags- that almost have the look of a utility 'Kelly' bag - and their large multi colored awning- striped straw totes with round bamboo handles.

Also on view were whimsical takes on the ever popular 'bucket' hat at Teresa Findlay's booth. I particularly liked the dark denim version decorated with a small and tailored 'diamond' buckle, which is also available in other colors. She is represented in New York by Supplements.

And at Lulu Guinness's booth, the witty British handbag designer displayed her oversized (30" long) canvas 'overnight' bags which just begged for a fun in the sun getaway...especially the turquoise 'cocktail print' version with pineapples and pina coladas splashed all over! But 'the piece-du-resistance', was her group of black and white felt 'shop' bags, which while not colorful, were so amusing that they put a big smile on my face...and at this time of year, that goes a long way.

Previous Report: 'Have Bag...Will Travel'

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