My favorite holiday is fast approaching, and once again it's time for the wearing o' the green.
St. Patrick's Day is known for parties, merrymaking and the wearing of Kelly green, but this year spring fashion also is calling for a little of the Emerald Isle. And while mint and forest shades are perpetually in, this year bright, bold shades of green also will get their day in the sun. So while shopping for your St. Patrick's Day green, consider this might be the year to skip the plastic novelty items and go for something you'll use all year.
At Neiman Marcus, I found a ruched dress by Tracy & Michael ($675) made of hand-loomed Swiss Moire, and a green sleeveless dress by Chetta B ($270) with turquoise rick-rack trim.
On the more wallet-friendly side of things, the Gap has classic polo shirts for women in bright green ($24.50), cotton button down shirts in strong shades of mint green ($38), and bright green zip-front hoodies with embroidered flowers ($48).
The Gap and Banana Republic also carry a variety of bright green handbags, including the Gap's medium green hobo bags with leather handle ($29.50), a Kelly green leather handbag ($58), large cloth travel bags ($54) with matching make-up bags ($12.50) and medium canvas totes ($19.50), as well as men's messenger bags in bright green ($24.50). Banana Republic has a small green shoulder bag with woven strap detail ($128) in strong green.
Nordstrom has a variety of Kate Spade bags in bright shades of green, including a Santa Margherita box-shaped wicker basket bag ($295) with green leather handle and trim.
I also found a lot of fun ties in shades of green, including a Ted Baker Neckwear silk tie with a large wave pattern ($79.50) in multiple shades, and a Nordstrom Smartcare patterned silk tie in green ($45), as well as three styles of patterned green silk ties at Banana Republic ($59.90). The Banana also carries square green cuff links with silver edging ($34).
You can always dress up a ho-hum outfit with a great, bright green shoe, and Nordstrom carries a rockin' pair of bright green"Fez boots by Miss Sixty ($275) that have a low heel and rise to just below the knee. Nordstrom also carries a Nicasia slide sandal with a 4-inch heel in bright green woven leather by BCBG Max Azria ($185), as well as green sneakers by Lacoste in canvas ($69.95) and white leather with green trim ($110) for him.
Nordstrom also carries men's Hey oxfords by Diesel ($99.95) and Trier sneakers by Palladium ($89.95).
Additionally, the Gap carries women's Kelly green leather flats ($39.50) and green leather flip-flops with bead and seashell details ($29.50), along with a green leather belt with pressed flower design ($29.50), and a great scarf in multiple shades of green that would be perfect for keeping the desert sun off of your shoulders and neck ($24.50).
Keep in mind that a green accessory or two is generally all you need. An outfit comprised of a bright green shirt, pants, shoes and jewelry is likely to end with comparisons to the Jolly Green Giant or Kermit the Frog.
May the luck of the Irish be with you as you shop!
Maria Phelan is a reporter for the Green Valley and Henderson Views. Retail information appropriate for mention can be sent to mphelan@viewnews.com.
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