Laurel District Association

by Ada Chan, Director of Laurel District Association

Fashionistas In the Laurel'

The trees are blossoming and spring is on the boulevard. It's time to get out of the bulky sweaters and into something fun. We talked to Bernice Johnson of First Class Boutique and Zinzi Zareef with Mizaan about what to look forward to in spring fashions in the Laurel.

'With Bernice's 20 years experience in the fashion industry and Zinzi's 15, these two fashionistas each bring a different eye to style in the Laurel. Both Bernice and Zinzi agree that be it casual, full-on glamour, or corporate correct, anything comfortable is what is in.

'"People want simplicity now. A large number of women don't want to wear stockings anymore, and they don't," observes Johnson. "They want to be able to throw on a simple dress, jeans, or slacks with a stylish blouse, shoes, and still look good for any occasion. Simple comfort comes in casual, business, sassy, and elegant. Today people have 'to go' lifestyles. The simple black dress can be accessorized in a lot of different directions. It can go to work with a jacket, and with the right accessories can go into evening." Beyond day to night, Zareef comments, "Clothing is for all seasons and occasions. There are no back-of-the-closet clothes. Flip flops in the summer, and then dress it up with boots and heels. Dress it up and dress it down."

Coming back from the MAGIC Convention, one of the most influential events in the fashion industry, occuring twice a year in Las Vegas, Johnson reports back that bright, hot, and bold colors are in. Hot pinks, yellow, orange, lime greens are all good. Remember the high-waisted pants? They are back. Layering is still an option, and a good one for the Bay Area weather.

Short dresses are going to stay through 2008. They can be worn as dresses, or as tops over pants. Johnson points out "The hemlines have come up, so it allows for layering, pants, legging, and skirts. It's a good look, it's clean, and it gives you lots of choices that will take you into fall."'

'As for accessories, Mizaan carries an assortment of bags and handmade jewelry. Check out First Class Boutique's hats and caps to pick up an outfit and cover a bad hair day. Either way, the right accessories can pull a look together and update an outfit.

'With an eye for jewelry, Mizaan carries clothing and accessories that make a statement. Mizaan is passionate about unique designer-inspired chic celebrity styles. First Class Boutique's fabrics, colors, and textures provide opportunities to put together a wardrobe that provides a lot of choices for mixing and matching through the seasons, capturing the essence of timeless classics and even redefining class.

'One thing is for sure, we are proud that both First Class Boutique and Mizaan have captivated the Laurel by helping both men and women sparkle a little more, shine a little brighter. Visit them to find out what is now and what is next, being the first and offering the latest, and always, always providing exceptional quality and value.

First Class Boutique, 3815 MacArthur Boulevard.'

Mizaan, 4050 MacArthur Boulevard.