SOLD OUT

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In fashion, the past is only useful insofar as it can be
referenced and reinterpreted for modern relevance. Bearing that in
mind, let’s not dwell so much on a “Best of 2008” concept but rather
look forward to the new year ahead.

While the economy forebodes a challenging 2009, it is worth
remembering that style does not necessitate throwing gobs of money into
your wardrobe. Like many of the designers and retailers I looked to for
advice and inspiration going into the coming year, I believe the best
approach is to view it as a challenge, and an opportunity to educate
oneself about the well-considered purchases you do make, and to be
creative with the resources you have. Read below for other ideas,
predictions, and recommendations (as well as some nominations for more
things not invited back to 2009) from some of the people who have
helped shape this town into a resource for inspired, independent
fashion well beyond the proportion of its size.

“I’m so hooked on the ’60s and ’70s looks right now, so I’m
hoping they’re big in ’09. I am going back and forth between a Diana
Ross disco diva look and glam rock getups!”—Tiffanee Bean,
Mabel & Zora, mabelandzora.com

“Nipped-in waistlines; lots of belts—the high-waisted trend
continues. Sheer blouses and knit tops with visible bras. Spring’s bold
colors and prints will give way to fall’s muted palette, darker shades,
and introspective styles… lots of black. Conscious
consumption—less shopping sprees at H&M and Forever 21 on
disposable trends, more carefully considered purchases. Investment
pieces that will last, [those] will be key for ’09
looks.”—Sarah Wizemann, Lille Boutique, lilleboutique.com

“In 2009, keep it simple, keep it local. Responsibility and
accountability are the new black. Keep a watch for new lines using
Pendleton wool—the local sheep shearer will be back in a big
way.”—Danielle Higgins, Moonwoods, moonwoods.com

“Big chunky cowls and neck warmers are already enjoying their
huge practical hit. Realistically, most of us will be strapped for cash
after Christmas, even more so this year, so I predict that in 2009
thrift and vintage will turn the tide even more. I predict that the hot
colors for 2009 will be dusty, muted colors, and am wishing very hard
that the complexity of gray will make a big
comeback.”—Tiffany Pang, Muntedkowhai, muntedkowhai.com

“I think people are going to have to be smart, and retailers are
going to have to be on top of their game to keep up with where people
are financially. I am looking at this economy as a challenge to
overcome, and I will be switching things up to make it
work.”—Justin Machus, Local35, local35.com

“For winter ’09: Acne androgynous tops at Stand Up Comedy
(shopstandingup.us), textured
leather motorcycle pants, boots made from old blankets, flannel
headbands, fringed scarves, goggles. The Reif cocktail ‘tuxedo’ dresses
for party times (reif-haus.com).
All white: Moth Love antheraea polyphemus leggings (mothlove.com), Heather Treadway anti-theft
leggings (paperdollfashion.com), Doo.Ri tops
and bottoms. Layers of thick, chunky Sword+Fern recycled glass and
chain necklaces. Black lipstick and white mascara on casual
Friday.

“For spring ’09: Knit dresses and skirts—think Esprit circa
1988, geometric anything. Emily Katz’s orange wrap dress (emilykatz.com). Shorts and shin-high boots
with thigh-high stockings. Geometric T-shirts and dresses.

“For summer ’09: Anna Korte leather earrings (iheartanna.com). Mociun Ts at Frances May
(francesmay.net). Heather
Treadway’s black triangulator jacket. Crazy patterned spandex leggings
with high-top Reeboks or wrestling shoes.”—Emily Baker,
Sword+Fern, swordandfern.blogspot.com

“Overall we will begin to see a more homogenous, mainstream look
from the big designers because they can’t afford to take risks.
Thrift store chic will be back in a big way, and people will mix and
match to create more individual styles to let their
personality show. As far as labels go, the best trends will be set
more and more by the young, adventurous types and local designers.
The smart ones will survive. Nationwide there will be a resurgence
of craft (pottery, sculpture, knitting, metalsmithing) as a means of
comfort and as secondary income. What I personally will not be
welcoming back in ’09: Negative media sensationalism, which
forces consumers (wrought with guilt) into lockdown mode, and
leaves no room in their finances for fun and games, meals
out, or new outfits. I do believe our economical problems are real
and need to be addressed, but we need to continue to support businesses
we love, and offer help and laughter to people who are
struggling.”—Katy Kippen, Nolita, nolitaonline.com

“We’ve been thinking a lot about men’s clothes because we are
adding a couple men’s lines in the spring. What we want to see a lot
more of in ’09: this ‘real working man’ look. Big rough hands, a body
molded by physical labor, the tortured writer who spends his days in
the oil fields and nights in the pub sitting in the corner drinking
whiskey and working on his manuscript by candlelight. We are madly in
love with this man and his plaid on plaid, his flannel done right, his
dark worn-in jeans, his government-issued jacket, Tom Ford sunglasses,
and distressed leather shoes. For the ladies it’s mostly a heartfelt
plea: ‘No 9-0 in ’09!’ Please, please, please, let’s stop this
’90s resurgence in its tracks. No cowl-legged super-tapered pants. In
fact, no more extra fabric in the thighs, waist, or crotch. Hammer
Pants are not invited back! The ’90s were hands down the worst era of
fashion for women. Trust us, we have photographic
proof.”—Celestial Sipes and Gina Johnson, Radish Underground,
radishunderground.com

“Simplicity in design/function/production. Inflated outsourcing
of overly available goods versus handmade, independent, and SLOW
(made-to-order) fashion. Approach design uniquely. Be savvy in your
selections and who you support. Yours is mine, is ours, is mine. This
is the time to refine.”—Gretchen Jones, Moth Love, mothlove.com