BLACKBURN AND SWEETZER

The Braided Halter dress is shown in pebble ($195).*
I met Itsola designer Lauren Fong some months ago when she was prepping to launch her line. At that point, her fall collection had already sold to places like Sharon Segal at Fred Segal in Santa Monica and Sienna on Melrose, among others. A USC grad who studied business, Fong sat across from me at Tiara Cafe with her cropped hair and delicate features wearing a short-sleeve cowl neck tunic of her own design (below, top right). It was the details - the subtle puff sleeves, the few soft pleats placed just so at the neckline - that won me over immediately. The collection manages to have ample sex appeal without baring too much and stands out from the rest of the jersey bunch with accordion pleats, touches of lace, sweet buttons, ruche-ing, pockets that can be worn tucked in or taken out for volume, and tunics that can be worn as dresses. Styles come in a variety of hues like kelly green, huckleberry, dark brown, pebble, and black. The price points are thankfully not outrageous, ranging around $100-$200. Check online for other stores locally and elsewhere carrying the line. I already can’t wait for her holiday ‘07 collection which features party dresses in metallic silk.

Clockwise from top left: Sunburst Pleat Cami ($110); Cowl Neck Tunic ($125); Short Sleeve Rouched Bottom Top ($105); Bubble Mini Dress ($175).*

*Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on store.