Longing for sun-drenched days spent on the beach or in an exotic locale? Apparently, so is designer Cynthia Rowley, who recently unveiled her ethereal resort 2009 collection in her boutiques, which include Chicago locations in Lincoln Park and Bucktown.
Us winter-weary souls will delight in the light, airy looks, which include artful interpretations of tie-dye (done in muted taupes and creams), whisper-thin silk tunics and open-weave sweaters. Rowley was also inspired by her frequent trips to Japan, as evidenced by a sweet cherry blossom print that adorns abbreviated dresses and an easy-going kimono-style silk top. And because we still have to go out to dinner while on vacation, Rowley thoughtfully included several sophisticated (yet lightweight) cocktail dresses in her thorough resort line. Clever accessories include macrame wedge sandals, dramatic Lucite necklaces and a stone-encrusted silk bib necklace that doubles as a sun visor.
The Chicago-born designer's local boutiques can be found at 810 W. Armitage Ave., 773-528-6160; and at 1653 N. Damen Ave., 773-276-9209.
