Fall Fashion
What’s In for the Autumn/Winter Season in S.B. — and the Nation.
With cooler temperatures creeping around the corner, it’s time to start pulling out those wooly coats — or in our case — light jackets. To help with what to wear during Santa Barbara’s mild winters, fashion and lifestyle connoisseur Samantha Hutchinson has some great tips on her blog Could I Have That? (couldihavethat.com).
Hutchinson fell into the fashion blogging arena in 2009. After studying art history and humanities at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, she returned to Santa Barbara and started Could I Have That? The project began as a virtual diary — a place where Hutchinson could write about what she loved at the moment. However, once she began receiving feedback from her posts, she started developing an editorial calendar and working with clothing brands. From there, Could I Have That? grew into a full-fledged blog about anything and everything — from fashion to lifestyle to beauty and more — all managed by Hutchinson from her abode.
Gaining most of her inspiration from various websites, such as Pinterest and street-style blogs, Hutchinson also finds ideas from her life — whether she’s traveling, exploring Santa Barbara, or entertaining her friends at her house. Some key pieces Hutchinson saw frequenting the runways of New York Fashion Week and making an appearance in the L.A. fashion scene are hints of red, funky sneakers with leopard prints, cowboy-esque boots, mock turtlenecks, and masculine-inspired pieces.
“It’s kind of tough [for Santa Barbara] when we don’t have seasons, but I would say definitely shades of green… Whites are even big this season,” Hutchinson said. “A really good blazer is always good to have in this town, and then a good sort of oversize cashmere wrap that you could put around almost like a chunky scarf, and chunky knits are always good. Knitwear is Santa Barbara’s number one.”
Hutchinson’s blog incorporates pieces from a high- to low-end price range so there is something for everyone. “It’s just all about what you love, and it’s okay if you love a necklace from Forever 21 and you have Chanel shoes,” she said. “I think that’s kind of the era we’re living in nowadays, with fashion especially — mixing the high and low — formulating your own personal style and finding things that you love and making it work.”
The fact that Hutchinson’s hobby turned into a career is something she never expected. “I think what I love most is the fact that I get to live in Santa Barbara and have this kind of relaxed lifestyle, but then still have a hand in the fashion industry, which really, five years ago, you couldn’t be a part of it unless you were in New York or L.A.,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson recommends checking out the following shops:
• Kakoon, 116 E. Yanonali St., (805) 698-7569, facebook.com/kakoonknits
• Dressed & Ready, 1253 Coast Village Rd., (805) 565-1253, dressedsb.com
• Jenni Kayne, 525 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito, (805) 309-0550, Jennikayne.com
• Chapala and Parker, 350 Chapala St., (805) 962-1115, Chapalaandparker.com
• Lovebird Boutique & Jewelry Bar, 7 E. De la Guerra St., (805) 568-3800; 535 State St., (805) 560-8800; lovebirdsb.com
Layers, Layers, Layers
According to au courant fashion magazines, websites, and the latest ready-to-wear fabrics and styles seen on the runways of New York, Milan, Paris, and L.A., the autumn/winter trends include layering, prints, and bold color. Here is a list of what’s hot for this cool season.
Hats: Anything and everything from fedoras to baseball caps to knitted hats — especially beanies — are all up for grabs.
Prints: Leopard, plaid, and pinstripe patterns abound, giving those daring enough the chance to bring those styles out again. Menswear-inspired prints also make the cut with houndstooth and herringbone patterns.
Colors: Color blocking was a popular trend on this year’s runway, all while incorporating style such as military-inspired greens with maroon, navy, and white. Reds are also a must-have for this season, whether it’s a bold blazer or a pair of heels.
Shoes: The mid-bootie is the go-to option, from one outfit to the next, during the cooler months.
Sweaters: Turtlenecks. (Did I really just write turtleneck?) Whether we like it or not, they are making their return yet again, but this time with a sophisticated edge. So give it a shot. Otherwise, the classic knits and comfy, warm sweaters are the way to go; pair with jeans, a cute scarf, or some chunky jewelry, and there you go.
For more information on this year’s fashion dos and don’ts, visit:
New Kid on the Block
Last month, Montecito welcomed L.A.-based designer Jenni Kayne with the opening of her new store just in time for fall. Although her designs can be a tad pricey, her collection features staple pieces that are laid-back yet chic — perfect for this slowly approaching cool weather. Kayne launched her line in 2003 at the age of 19, and since then, she has expanded her stores throughout the U.S. and overseas — spreading her latest fashion inspirations through clothing, shoes, and a kids and home-décor line. Inspired by the easygoing California lifestyle, the brand features high-quality garments that are simple and comfortable to wear. Be sure to take a peek at her funky patterned shoes, especially her D’Orsay flats.
Kayne’s store is at 525 San Ysidro Road, Montecito. For more information, call (805) 309-0550 or visit jennikayne.com.
