Fashion in Bloom

If you’re on tenterhooks waiting for spring blossoms to show their pretty faces, the Indianapolis Art Museum is with you. The IMA’s “Fashion in Bloom” features floral patterns that seem to jump from the textiles and make designers and wearers happy. Check out works by Norman Norell, Bill Blass, Givenchy, Galanos, Trigere and Callot Soeurs from the museum’s collection. “Fashion in Bloom” runs throughout the year, but head in now to get into the swing of spring.

Updating your wardrobe for spring

Yes, we all know what’s going to be in for spring. But while a lot of people are looking at themenu, most people aren’t buying. The New York Times tearfully dubbed spring 2009 as “the lost season.”

Fair enough; you can’t part with your cizzash right now. But kids, there’s no reason to look crummy. There are some simple ways to refurbish your current wardrobe without going broke.

>> De-pill your sweaters, pants or T-shirts. Get a sweater stone and an electric de-piller.

>> Get your favorite shoes fixed. Shoe repair places are doing brisk business, with good reason. Get shoes re-heeled, polished up and you’re ready to roll in your old favorites.

>> You can collar a new look with an old-timey favorite: the button-on collar. These circular pieces can be made at home or found in vintage stores. I have yet to see them in regular boutiques, but let’s bring them back together. Throw it over basic black for a too-Mod look.

>> Scarves can add color and accents to your basic black, and you don’t have to go for Hermes to get a good one. Go for pashmina or keffiyah styles.

>> Try different pairings. You always wear that shirt with those pants. Shake things up be reexamining your wardrobe. Pull everything from the closet and see what could work with something else.

Magic 3

1. For the more theatric among you, I’d recommend a trip to the Athenaeum Foundation’s sale, April 3-6. The sale is to clear out the space left by the American Cabaret Theatre; you’ll find office furniture, old costumes and stage props. Proceeds will go to the foundation, which maintains the Athenaeum.

2. L’oreal Paris’ EverPure line is sulfate-free and vegan. It smells really good, too – the shampoo and condition both contain rosemary. You can find the new line at drugstores for about $7 a pop. That’s a pleasant change from the sulfate-laden, non-vegan options on the shelves, and at a great price.

3. Here’s early notice, so buy your tickets now: IndyFringe is having a fashion show featuring the looks of Mass. Ave.’s boutiques. On April 23, the headquarters at 719 St. Clair St. will host two shows, one from 6-8 p.m., followed by a late show from 9-11 p.m. Tickets are $25, and that includes beer and wine from Mass Ave Wine Shoppe, canapés from Forty Five Degrees and music by the Playboy Psychonauts. Visit www.indyfringe.org or call (317) 522-8099 for more info or tickets.