The phrase "shop from home!" might conjure up images of women sitting alone, thumbing through catalogs and asking: Would that look good? What shirt could coordinate with those pants? Will it match items I already own?
It’s difficult to answer these questions in solitude, but one solution might be: Try shopping at trunk shows, which allow women to ditch the mall scene and the guessing game of catalog shopping. Derived from the delivery method designers used to s/files/storyimages/their seasonal collections to department stores, these shows display designer lines sold independently through local sales consultants affiliated with single companies. They host seasonal showings (three to six times a year) of sizable collections, often in their homes. Living rooms, foyers and dining rooms are turned into temporary boutiques with outfits on display and samples on clothing racks.
Customers make individual appointments where they can order complete ensembles or find just one item to go with pieces from previous trunk show purchases. Designer lines sold this way push the concept of wardrobe building across seasons and often years.
Keri: Lined, silk/wool bl/files/storyimages/tweed fringe jacket ($648); cotton/nylon/lycra bl/files/storyimages/ribbed turtleneck shell ($228); and suede slim-fitting "Chloe" pant ($498) — all by the Worth Collection (Sylvia Sawyer, 426-8281). Agate, crystal and pearl earrings ($57) by Sarah Balmer, provided by Scout (584-8989).
Jerika: Silk chiffon dirndl dress with eyelash layers and sash ($298) by WorthWear (Rusti Schilling, 893-7169). Quartz and crystal necklace ($45) by Sarah Balmer; Lucite and sterling beaded Bling! bracelet ($52) by Utal — both provided by Scout. Keri: Cotton/nylon bl/files/storyimages/bow-front collared blouse ($278), croco-embossed suede skirt ($598) and gold chain belt with stones and crystals ($228) — all by Worth Collection. Acrylic earrings ($45) by By Boe, provided by Scout.
Models: Jerika Amos, Keri Knight Feldkamp
Hair stylists: Trudy Hunt and Jenny Korfhage of Joseph’s Salon and Spa
Makeup artist: Gregory Dierlam of Chanel, Dillard’s at Mall St. Matthews
Photographed at the home of Roy Mattingly
