Linda Kenney

We are in the center of an immense dress trend that transcends age, size, and time. Women are wearing feminine and stylish dresses. Light in weight and temperament, these dresses harken to another era. Some attribute the trend to Hollywood's love affair with the '60s. Creating and producing shows like Mad Men, costumers and stylists replicate '60s style so well that we crave the classic looks displayed every week.

Elegant styling and rich fabrics of polished cotton, linen, and silk envelope the wearer in desirable styles not seen in many years. The 2012 fabric versions, in some cases, involve viscose and Lycra; they create a better fit than their older counterparts. It's a win-win for all.

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Waisted sundresses with spaghetti straps are playful and work day and night, or enjoy a pastel halter-top silk dress with a fitted gathered waist. Their beginnings can be traced to the "Bohemian" styles of the late '60s. A color blocked Empire dress is flattering and chic by its silhouette. Yves Saint Laurent made color blocking popular in 1965, when he designed his iconic "Mondrian" dress.

Silk chemises are comfortable as warm weather approaches; wear with or without a belt. A lace shift in pastel will keep you cool. Derived from the "sack" dress by Givenchy in the '50s, the "shift" was designed by Lilly Pulitzer. It became a huge trend in 1962, after Jacqueline Kennedy appeared on the cover of Life Magazine wearing a Lilly dress.

We pay homage to the maxi dress this season. This ankle-length dress was first introduced in 1969 and has been making a comeback every few years. This year, the strapless version is popular; add bold earrings or necklace.

Be sure there is a little black dress in your plans; choose a wispy fabric and accessorize with long chains. Hubert Givenchy designed Audrey Hepburn's little black dress for Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961.

Whether you're reliving them or new to them, dress like it's 1960.

Fashion, shoes and jewelry selections are from Animal Crackers located at Preston Park Village; they recently celebrated their 25th anniversary.



Comings and goings

The Watters Creek Fine Arts Festival returns this spring with a juried selection of outstanding fine arts and crafts along with children's activities. Sponsored by Park Place Lexus Jaguar, the Arts Festival runs May 11-13.

Through May 13, receive a free Spring Floral Tote and a Floral Fragrance Hand Therapy Sampler when you purchase $75 or more at Crabtree & Evelyn, located at The Shops at Willow Bend.

Also at The Shops at Willow Bend, Neiman Marcus has announced its May event schedule. Don't miss Elizabeth Showers' Personal Appearance and Trunk Show on May 3 in Designer Jewelry from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On May 10, make plans for the John Hardy Trunk Show. It will highlight the Year of the Dragon Collection that features Naga, a mythical Balinese dragon that symbolizes love, prosperity and luck. The Annual Wacoal Fit for the Cure is May 11 in Intimate Apparel. On May 17 and 18, enjoy the Escada Fall Trunk Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in Couture.

Francesca's Collections will open this month at The Shops at Legacy. Since opening its first store in 1999, Francesca's Collections has become one of the fastest growing women's fashion retailers in the country. The store features an eclectic assortment. Enjoy shopping for gifts, apparel, home accessories, and jewelry.