The Russia Journal

Is it just us, or did fashion designers around the globe go absolutely bonkers this season? Most of what’s on shelves around town is simply unwearable – that is, unless you’re in the circus. So, of all the variety of designs and colors available this spring, we’ve tried to pick out the top looks of the season.

Mini

The miniskirt is back! For the first time in almost 20 years, minis are cool again. But there’s only one thing that might spoil this style: You’ve got to get your legs in good enough shape to be in public view, a far from easy task. For those of you who lack the willpower for endless workouts, we’ve got a solution: Wear your mini over your pants.

Looking eastward

In our opinion, the real revelations this season are the blouses and dresses with asymmetric clasps and rows of tiny Chinese-style buttons. Get out there and don’t come home until you find something Eastern for your wardrobe! And don’t forget to check out this season’s new silk robes and kimonos embroidered with fire-breathing dragons or exotic flowers.

Shoes

The shoe selection this season is pretty paltry. We can only find two acceptable options: either pointy-toed flat slides or strappy high heels. And there are no options in between. The good news is that the two basic models are available in numerous variations, differing in color and shape, so there’s something for everyone. The hit of the season is wooden sandals, but with higher heels and with lots of straps and buckles.

Windbreakers

These coats are practically carbon copies of ones that were popular in the 1980s. And they still look stylish. Loose-fitting with lots of pockets, clasps, buckles and other accessories, they ensure excellent protection from the cold and wind, which is a major plus for the Moscow spring.

Cargo pants

Cargo pants have been indispensable for everyone’s wardrobe for ages, but only this season have designers gotten around to understanding what clotheshorses worldwide have been wearing for years now. Apart from their other advantages, cargo pants go great with silk Chinese tops and wide belts. And our last tip: For the full effect, your pant legs should come complete with special buckles on the cuffs which, when fastened, create a baggy look.

Trenchcoats

A single- or double-breasted beige trench with bone buttons is perfect for any fashion-minded shopper this season. As this issue was sent off to print, we had thus far failed to find the perfect trench in Moscow stores; however, we did notice quite a few nearing the ideal. As more supplies are expected to arrive in local stores and boutiques in early April, you can extend your search.

Sporty style

Even the most conservative fashion houses have turned out something sporty this season. Of course, not many of us would dare to show up at a formal party carrying a surfboard instead of a handbag, but a good option for a get-together with friends at home or a Saturday shopping jaunt is a pair of sporty pants with buckles and a hooded sweatshirt. Add a pair of neon suede sneakers for a funky touch your outfit.

Handbags

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen such a mix of shapes and colors. Trying to classify the available variety, we’ve isolated three basic features as follows: the braided look, suede and exotic colors. But please, don’t go out and buy a braided suede fuchsia bag. These styles are not to be mixed!

Flowers and stripes

Almost everything in this season is decorated with flowers or stripes, from funky hats to girly dresses and handbags. Your outfit can only succeed if it’s got some flowers on it. With stripes, the situation is a bit trickier: Striped dresses, skirts or coats are risky, but a pair of light-colored trousers with narrow stripes is a winner.

Finally, we would like to note that we’ve deliberately given you no specific instructions, like "go to this store and buy that from this label." This is because we want you to make your choices on your own and have fun with it. For your convenience, we’ve listed Moscow’s major shopping centers and their addresses.

LOCATIONS:

Atrium

33 Zemlyanoi Val Ul. Metro: Kurskaya

MEGA

Moscow Oblast 21 km by the Kaluzhskoye Shosse or take a bus from metro station Tyoply Stan

Ramstore City

2 Pravoberezhnaya Ul., Bldg. 1b Metro: Rechnoi Vokzal

Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center

1 Manezh Square Metro: Okhotny Ryad

Berlin Haus Shopping Center

5 Petrovka Ul. Metro: Kuznetsky Most

GUM

3 Red Square Metro: Teatralnaya

Petrovsky Passazh

10 Petrovka Ul. Metro: Kuznetsky Most

Smolensky Passazh

3 Smolenskaya Ploshchad Metro: Smolenskaya

Gallery Aktyor

16/2 Tverskaya Ul. Metro: Pushkinskaya

Crocus City Mall

Moscow Ring Road, MKAD, 66th km, where it intersects with olokolamskoye Shosse

Sudaryanto Design Bureau

11 Stoleshnikov Per., Bldg. 1 Metro: Okhotny Ryad Tel: 775-8684

Fila

1 Manezh Square, Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center Metro: Okhotny Ryad Tel: 737-6418

Kimberley Land

24 Azovskaya Ul. Metro: Sevastopolskaya Tel: 319-4875