Behind this brightly colored curtain littered with a melody of various patterns and designs,  Oz is Zandra Rhodes.  For those of you who have not had the pleasure of knowing who Zandra Rhodes is, she is one of San Diego’s “living legends”.  A British native,  Zandra helped put London at the forefront of the fashion scene in the 70’s with her outrageous textiles and colorful lifestyle.  She has been awarded countless honours by both the fashion industry as well as television and film, including being made Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth.  Oh, and she has also designed for the late Princess of Wales.  She is a full-blown icon in London, rock star status, she cannot even walk on the streets without getting stopped.  It’s no wonder why she enjoys spending half the year here in San Diego with her partner, film producer Salah Hassenein, no one seems to notice the vibrant, pink-haired force that is Zandra Rhodes.

Zandra’s credentials are so stacked, that in 2000 she began to venture into the Opera scene, designing costumes.  Her most recent work was for Aida here in San Diego.  Her flare for colors, bold patterns, and unbelievable imagination gives opera goers an unforgettable experience, as well as a taste of her impecable design and textile skills.

We were honored to be in her presence May 29th, when the San Diego A List asked us to donate to their “Dreamz n Seamz” event, featuring a onetime exhibition, Verdi’s Aida: Through the Eyes of Zandra Rhodes.  The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla was transformed into a showroom littered with various works from past operas, as well as her fashion house.  We were able to see up close and personal, the incredible workmanship that goes into each and everyone of her creations, whether it be a headress adorned with braids worn by one of the Egyptian Pharaohs of Aida, or the colorful patterns of her signature tunics and kaftans.  Drawings and sketches were displayed amongst the costumes, giving you an inside look at the creative process and inspiration of each one of her designs.

When you talk to Zandra, she seems almost oblivious of her celebrity.  She has been humbled over the years through her extensive travels to Egypt (her inspiration for Aida),  and New Zealand.  Doing solo exhibitions in nearly every city all across the globe, from Tokyo to Paris, she has truly experienced, and in turn, shared with us, all the colors of the world.   When asked where she sees fashion in the next 10 years, she says that “fashion is forever evolving”, she is constantly looking around her, careful never to miss a moment where she may become inspired by what surrounds her.  The fashion community has been inspired by the work of Zandra Rhodes for more than 40 years.  She continues to design and put out collections today, carrying out her “Lifelong Love Affair” with design.

A look from one of her past collections

Rhodes with original costumes from Aida

Life seems to go by so quickly nowadays, hours turn into days, and days into months, then before you know it we are toasting our glasses and ringing in yet another New Year.  The years are going by faster than the blink of an eye, and the older you get the faster it goes.  Recently I came to the realization that the reason for this, (in my case anyway), is that when you work in fashion everything is constantly moving forward, looking for the next “it” moment.  We have barely just begun to trade our boots for sandals, and all the major fashion capitals; Paris, Italy, New York, LA, have already held their Fall fashion shows,  giving us a glimpse of what’s to come several months from now.  As if that’s not enough, most Fall collections have a start ship date of July,  what ever happened to hopes of an endless Summer?  Can’t we relish in the moment just for a little bit,  without fretting over wearing the appropriate shoe for the right season?  But as Heidi Klum infamously says,  in fashion “One minute you’re in, and the next you’re out”.  So, like all other slaves to fashion, I buy into it and it’s on to the next.  I begin to envision the outfits I plan on wearing with that great jacket from Something Else, obsess over the boots I saw from Charlotte Ronson,  and start counting down the months, itching for it to arrive, all the meanwhile another season of trends passes us by.

This past weekend, Krissy and I made the trip up to LA for it’s version of Fashion Week.  Hitting showroom after showroom, walking the intimidating aisles of d&a, searching for fashion’s newest talents.  After a while, I have to admit, everything starts to look the same, and in that you are able to forecast Fall’s biggest trends.  Here’s the report; we saw a ton of shoulder embellishments, perhaps an ode to the late King of Pop.  Lots of lace, and animal prints, both still proving to be strong trends we can expect to see again.  Feathers were on everything from slinky cocktail dresses, to the hemlines of mini skirts.  Color palettes: army greens, plumy purples, tobacco-khakis hues, shades of grey, and of course the ever present black & white.  Also noted was a definite homage to the 70’s, vintage-inspired velvet, lots of layered knits, and technicolor coats covered in sequins.

Shoulder embellishments & lacy knits at Mk2k.

After a day of walking trade shows and visiting showrooms, we only had one goal in mind, to seek out the best and most special pieces for our customers.  We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do…of course now you have to wait for it like the rest of us.

I often find that every year, right around the beginning to middle of January, I get a case of the winter blues.  Despite it being my birthday month, I feel as if I am always stuck in a rut.  It’s the same routine everyday,  get up in the morning, eat breakfast, usually oatmeal with fruit, shower, then  sit in front of my closet while I ponder which pair of  boots I will pull over over my jeans today.  Then it’s time to throw on one of several  sweaters that I have been living in for the past 2-3 months, and I’m out the door.  The only thing I have to look forward to is the same routine the very next day…Groundhog day anyone?

Decidedly, the only thing that keeps me going, that gets me through the everyday uniform of boots, sweaters and scarfs for 3 months, is the thought of slipping on a flowy, easy dress and my sandals.  How I envision the whimsical, feminine fabrics just barely covering my skin, the colors and lightweight layers, oh the simplicity and effortlessness of it all.   Spring brings a welcomed change, not only to the seasons, but to the moods and feel of fashion as well.  The flowers are in bloom, the sun sets are later, it all inspires a fresh start to the world, and your wardrobe.

With that said, the waiting period is almost over.  We are counting down the days until our UPS man brings us box after box of this Springs best fashion.  Among the lineup is Myne’s incredibly feminine and streamlined, lightweight silk blouses, skirts and dresses, think easy and ever so chic.  Charlotte Ronson is back, she brings feminine florals,  and flowy ruffles, but in an edgy,  “California-girl meets rocker”,  kind of style splashed throughout.  Lifestyle brand Josh Podoll has carefully handcrafted perfect layering pieces from hemp, t-shirt dresses from organic cotton and chambray, and yummy, slouchy sweaters made out of recycled knit denim.  Sure to be solid staples in every woman’s wardrobe.

We are looking forward to introducing several new additions to Capricorn, in both women’s and men’s.  LA based designer Patterson J Kincaid’s loose tee’s, tanks, and tunics are super-soft and hang with just the right amount of slouch,  proven to be effortless style.  Yumi Kim, is the epitome of  Spring’s bright colors and bold prints.   Silk dresses and tops that are perfect for transitioning a day to night look.  New jewelry worthy of mention and great anticipation, Vanessa Mooney’s earthy, bohemian layered necklaces, and mis-matched beaded bangles.  Made with an array of  incredible African beads, absolutely the finishing touch to any beach goer’s  look, day or night.  Pepita, a handmade jewelry line from Italy, is the type of jewelry you would see in a tiny boutique while traveling through an obscure European town, the kind where you buy something special for yourself, and your BFF to cherish.   All returning for Spring are the usual suspects, Fluxus, and Saint Grace, as well as our favorite Aussie-bred designers, Natalie Wood’s Something Else, and Hussy, both go-to lines for beautiful, unique pieces that are timeless for years to come.

Gentleman, get excited, because we have scoured high and low to bring you something new and fresh.  We found SLVDR, a casual Southern California lifestyle brand.  Inspired from a mix of travels around the world and California living, it is truely attainable fashion for men, a luxury we had yet to find.  Also new for men, SIVA,  unbelievably well priced t-shirts, with great fit and cool prints.  WeActivists unite, Swedish line WeSC makes it’s debut back into Capricorn with a fresh take on plaid, cardigans, and tee’s.  We are so excited to bring the “Superlative Conspiracy” back again.

So that’s just a sneak peak of what lies ahead, only a few short days, weeks, and months away.  Just thinking about it is enough to get me through the blues.  At least up until the middle of August, when thoughts of boots, scarfs, and layers comes looming again, and you can’t wait to trade in your bikini for your favorite cashmere sweater.  The anticipation of what Fall 2010 will bring is all too much to bare…for now I think I will just focus on baring my feet in open-toed shoes again.

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Capricorn Boutique Voted “Best Women’s Boutique” in San Diego by 10News.com 2009 A-List!!!   Thank you to our amazing customers, and for all the wonderful support you have given us. All of your comments and votes truly mean the world to us, Capricorn would not be the same without all of you, thank you so much! You can check out our link to 10News and read all about our profile, what customers had to say about us, and score sweet  ”Insider’s Deals” so you can shop till you drop.

Ready or not, Fall is in full force at Capricorn!  We could not be more excited about our lineup…the best we’ve seen yet.  We brought Hussy back, that’s right our beloved designer from down under…but this time prices are recession friendly.  Silk dresses and tops for under $200, in romantic florals and lacy details, the spirited traveler will no doubt adore.

Also new from Australia, comes designer Natalie Wood.  Natalie is the brainchild behind popular surf brand Insight.  Her fashion forward line, Something Else, delivers the same innovative designs and splashes of neon highlighter colors, but with a cleaner, more fashion conscious vibe.  Shop for unbelievably soft knit dresses, slouchy vests and silky tanks with corky outer space images…all you will need to complete your look, is this season’s staple item, the legging.  Intimates line, Only Hearts, brings us the perfect pair with it’s “So Fine legging” available in solid black and a classic houndstooth, trust us you will live in them.

Young, La- based designer to the stars, Ashley Nunn delivers a punch with her Fall collection of Myne.  If you are looking for the perfect shrunken black blazer, a hot trend for the season, look no further, the Charlie jacket will be your new favorite item…wear with a pencil skirt and heels, or dressed down with jeans and flats. 

And speaking of shoes, San Diego native, Dulce DeHaven’s Fall collection will surely satisfy your craving for that perfect pair of flat boots.  In the market for a new Fall bag?  Dulce delivers with several new styles of ostrich print clutches and slouchy suede fringe bags…check out the entire collection, if you dare, it’s available now!

Guys, we didn’t forget you…it’s all about the plaid.  Find your perfect print from Modern Amusement’s Fall collection, it’s everything you need to complete that “you’re not really trying and could care less, but I’m still polished”  look that every man hopes to master.  Stay tuned for more of your favorite soft tees and hoodies from So-Cal leisure line, Hozell…

There is plenty more to come so pace yourselves….if you can.