Harper's Trunk Show Dazzles with Spring Must-Haves

A frenzy of loyal customers turned out for Harper's Spring Trunk Show on Thursday night to get their hands on the hottest items for spring.

Colorful brights, patterns, and flattering silhouettes are the prescription for this season's fashions. Customers stocked up at Harper's as they were treated to a 30 percent discount off everything in the store, including the new collection of spring swimwear by Laguna Beach brand Vitamin A.

Erica Thomas, owner of Harper's Boutique at 2610 East Coast Highway, is a Corona del Mar native and has built a solid reputation on this street as the go-to girl for styling the most fashionable girls in Newport. Her former stores, Erica Dee and Erica Dee Kids, were boutiques savvy fashionistas would flock to to get the latest trends and a taste of Erica's fierce eye for fashion. 

This season is no different as Thomas has stocked her store with a menagerie of brands and styles that would sprinkle anyone's dark fall closet with a colorful helping of fashion fairy dust. Thomas says she is committed to offering affordable prices -- nothing in her store is priced over $250, and that is the high end. Most items are under $100. Customers can walk into the boutique on any given day and purchase a top for under $50, designer jeans and jewelry, all at  substantially lower prices than most boutiques in Newport Beach.

"We're very price-conscious still, but mixing in the higher end contemporary brands with the lower price points," Thomas said. "We're really excited about our new contemporary designers. We're carrying Ella Moss and Splendid. We're very excited about Dolce Vita Shoes -- we're obsessed."  

Harper's must have trends for spring:

• Brights, neons
• patterns
• lace
• maxi dresses and skirts (pull out your maxis from last year, girls)
• skinny jeans and the boyfriends jeans, crop and roll style
• Mother brand jeans (same maker of 7 and Citizens)
• large pendant necklaces, bangle bracelets
• bright wedges
• layering with sheer long overlay

During the trunk show, young models walked a mock catwalk wearing the latest trends in spring swimwear. One of the designers featured was designer Vitamin A by designer Amahlia Stevens. 

"One of the top trends for spring is the Bright Idea," Stevens said. "It's our essential solids. We have a range of 10 colors in a variety of different shapes."

Stevens, who is in her 12th season with Vitamin A,  advises every girl should have a little black bikini as a staple, but should build on your swim wardrobe with brights. The new swimsuits and coverups are very '70s inspired. Strapless suits and blossoming leg coverups with metallic sheen in golds and silvers make transitioning from beach to nightlife so much easier. 

"It's super exciting to be here today. Erica always has fun events. Always fun and very fashionable," Stevens said.

During the trunk show, guests were treated to glasses of wine and "H" cupcakes by Sprinkles. Jess Loves Jewels, a local jewelry designer, customized jewelry for guests with personalized charms and pendants.