You'll Find Peplums, Prints, and Cutouts at Crush This Spring

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Even though cold temps are still lingering, Spring is undeniably approaching. Soon we'll be trading in our down jackets for lightweight layers and our corduroys for cutoffs. The best part of it all? Spring shopping. In preparation we're asking the buyers from our favorite spots to shed some light on the upcoming season. Today we're talking to Laura Macris of Crush.—Justin Reis

What are you most excited to be getting in for Spring?
I am obsessed with all of the fit to flare dresses that were produced for spring. I think it is such a flattering cut and it works on a lot of different body types. Peplum was my go to for fall 2012, so I'm also excited to rock peplum tops in updated sorbet tones with my white pants for spring!
 
What trends can we expect to see on your shelves and racks?
Fit to flare silhouettes, peplum, and prints, prints, prints—lots of graphic prints and floral prints on a larger scale. We also will be stocking our shelves with a lot of classic black and white finishes. These contrasting shades are paired in everything from stripes, to prints, to polka dots, to color blocking. It's refreshing that black and white tones are such a trend for spring since they are classic enough to become timeless wardrobe staples. You will also see more streamlined silhouettes overall in Crush and tons of pop colors!

Do you have a strategy when you do your buying or attend the shows?
We always take pictures and notes when looking at collections at the show so that we can return home and decide who portrayed the trends, basics and classics best. It can get overwhelming when you are looking at SO many different designers and pieces, so it is best to come home and revisit them with a fresh mind. We also look closely at the trends and decide what is most functional and practical for the Boston fashionista. We sometimes love a trend but feel it isn't something that can be easily embraced in Boston.
 
What's the trick for tailoring trends with gutsy gravitas for the Boston market?
We try to push the envelope without throwing the Boston fashionista out of her comfort zone. When choosing patterned denim, we opt for more muted, wearable prints in somewhat classic tones. To represent the cut-out trend, we opt for mesh and lace paneling, or back cut outs, rather than midriff baring pieces.
 
If you had an unlimited budget, what would your store be full of?
Fur and leather jackets! We're obsessed with creative and unique outerwear.
 
What three words sum up your buying philosophy?
Adventurous, well-edited, eclectic.
 
Any totally impractical trends that you wish you could bring to Boston?
Honestly, I think that with confidence, you can rock any style that you desire. For spring, I thought that some of the midriff baring cut-outs wouldn't be adopted by the Boston girl, but we tried to showcase this trend in more pared down ways. We chose pieces with small cut-outs that only showed part of the back or side or pieces that had lace or mesh paneling. We also often times have to skip some beautifully printed, light weight pieces by LA-based designers that are produced for January and February annually. It isn't practical when we are still buried under 2 feet of snow, so we have to hold off on these lighter weight pieces until spring is more on the horizon.

· All Spring Buying Report posts [Racked Boston]
· 38 Essential Boston Shopping Experiences, Winter 2013 [Racked Boston]
· Crush Boutique [Official Site]