Bloomingdale?s Spring Fashion 2005 ?FRESH?

Bloomingdale's Spring Fashion can be described in one word: FRESH! Fresh inspiration begins at Bloomingdale's. All the key trends go with the flow of light and feminine characteristics. Fresh is both a fashion statement and a state of mind!

Bloomingdale's offers the following, "Must Have, Must Wear" list for Spring 2005:

The Skirt: Full-On Feminine
Think loosely and get serious about taking the full skirt lightly this season. Revel in the fresh new shapes; the bubble, the teacup, the tulip, the gypsy, and ruffled tiered, poufed or plisse.

Fresh Cropped: New Jackets, Pants, Shorts
A new silhouette for Spring, jackets come in fresh cuts and fabrics for a relaxed feel like in a seersucker jacket paired with lean cropped pants. The dressier versions of cropped jackets are best in linen, embroidered, beaded or printed, and worn over a full skirt or dress that flows.

Global Influences: An Exotic Exchange
Inspired by a wandering eye and a worldly attitude, designers took us on a fantastic fashion journey. From the Aegan to Africa and the Far East to Marrakech, there was a rich plethora of peasant tops or tunics, gypsy skirts and dresses, with macram, embroidery, beadwork, chinoiserie and patchwork.

Worldly Prints: A Wanderlust
Vivid prints were apparent in many of the shows, creating a sporty, global appeal. From decorative ethnic to rich eclectic patterns and nature's bold graphics, it's a fresh passion for prints.

Dresses That Flow: It's A Cinch
As the dress moves with you this season, what looks fresh is a gathering above the waist. Whether in chiffon or charmeuse, cotton or linen, solid or printed, look for the new shirtwaist dress, sashed high at waist, the sexy peasant dress or the young goddess dress with fresh seaming and pleating.

White: The Epitome of Fresh
Yes, Spring is the right season to lighten up a dark palette and discover pure feminity. But white is not as basic this season. Fresh, new whites hit the big time in fuller cut dresses, skirts, pants, with new embroidery and sporty details. Bloomingdale's favorite is white denim!

Fresh New Brights: And Posh Spice
If color makes you happy then this is the season to have fun with it. Fresh, bright hues complement Spring's voluminous, new silhouettes in bold yellows and dreamy blues, spicy reds and browns, rich plums and chartreuse.


Fresh Accents: Go Global Bold
Spring's finishing touches include layered necklaces with stones or ethnic beads, chic satchels, slinky python and rich metallics. Wide belts are key to adding freshness to dresses that flow.

Shoes and Sandals: Flat-Out Fabulous
Spring will be a great season for shoes, from our fresh favorite; the flat sandal, to exotic wedges and espadrilles, what's important is that shapes play with proportions to crate the right look. Footnote: flat sandals worn with a full skirt - that's fresh!

Fresh: An Attitude
It's a bit cool and eclectic, a bit sassy and free spirited but very much reachable and real. Always think fresh!

Bloomingdale's, a division of Federated Department Stores, was founded in 1872 and with the opening of Soho, will operate 36 stores in New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, Florida, California and Georgia. For website access, please log onto bloomingdales.com.