By Sue Manning

For Elna’s Dress Shop

Although it is still “officially” winter in Solvang, the fashion world is buzzing about 2022 spring and summer.

It is not that you can’t stay up to date on gorgeous winter fashions, as this is the time you will get the best buys on winter apparel.

Retailers need to clear out winter merchandise to make room for the fashion trends for the season ahead. Yes, we have bought for spring and I am going to the clothing market in San Mateo for summer in January, and that is why you can save 50% off selected winter ladies apparel right now at Elna’s Dress Shop.

I think you should wear whatever you want, just wear it for yourself. If you feel comfortable with a style, go for it! Remember, our staff — Carol, Sandy and Selina —are experts when it comes to coordinating a look and extending your wardrobe, and this service is free. We want you to enjoy what you wear and wear it with pizzazz. If you have any items of clothing that you’re having a hard time coordinating, bring them in —we like a challenge.

Denim is always in style, and quite frankly, I think everyone has something denim in their clothing apparel. We immediately think of jeans and jackets — we have denim pants in Slimsation by Multiples and French Dressing.

I would like to give a big thanks to everyone who supported Elna’s Dress Shop this past year. You really make our season brighter.

We have made so many wonderful friends from my customers and we are so glad we can carry on the tradition of assisting you with your clothing choices and Danish costumes

The post Now is the time to get best buys on winter clothing appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

for Elna’s Dress Shop

With fall just around the corner, fashion can seem intimidating and inaccessible. We think we need the “total” look, but not all things belong together — some do, some don’t. 

Fall gives us the option of being free spirited, so feel free to mix and match! Forget the norm; mix prints, textures and colors. This fall, look for leopard, earth tones, plush textures, tapestries, florals, plaids and flannels.

Floral prints have a history in fashion design. From bold statements to muted prints they give fashionistas a chance to express their personality. One thing is for sure: Floral prints are always in style.

Known for its “quiet authority,” nude and beige colors provide a background for bold statements. The popular trend is suitable for everyday as well as on the runway.

Major denim trends for fall and winter from key silhouettes to surface finishes. This season’s denim is all about elevating this closet staple. No longer just a casual classic, contemporary denim pieces are being put together with sharp tailoring, surface textures and eastern aesthetics for a fresh, fashion-forward take on unility wear.

When it comes to expanding your wardrobe, building from pieces you have and adding something new gives extra wearing capabilities and who doesn’t want to expand their wardrobe while saving money at the same time.

It has come to my attention that tie-dye has come to the market. As happy and youthful as tie-dye makes us feel, we need a sophisticated spin to satisfy both the nostalgic and grown-up tastes. Mix elegance with a bold attitude to keep it fresh.

Remember, wardrobe building is a free service at Elna’s Dress Shop. Our expert staff specializes in this area.

Elna’s is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang.

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Contributing Writer

If you’re gearing up for a fashion adventure this season, what better place than in Solvang to lead the way with glamorous and fabulous takes since spring is here. There is a bright new appearance of softer dressing for true comfort and style. 

This is a good time to look over the clothes you haven’t worn or didn’t wear and donate them to a charity. Out with the old, hardly worn, or not needed and on to a new beginning.

At Elna’s Dress Shop, we’ve had a tremendous response to our Slim-Sation pants and part of our special for the month of March is to register for a free pair There will be three pairs given away. Our customers are buying two to four pairs at a time. The pants are classy enough to wear out or wear leisurely. If you haven’ t tried them on yet, now is the time while selection of sizes is at its best.

Remember to shop us for the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month as we honor a 29% discount on all regular prices (does not include Danish costumes). This month also included 60% off our sales rack. Still some very good buys, although sizes are limited.

Wardrobe building is a free service of Elna’s Dress Shop. Stop by and let any of our qualified staff assist in helping you. Remember, while seasonal trends can feel short lived, the best clothes are meant to be just the opposite — long-lasting basic colors that you can accent with a “pop of color.”

Elna’s Dress Shop is open five days a week (Wednesday thru Sunday). Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elna’s is located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. The phone number is 805-688-4525.

The post Fashion Chatter: Out with the old, hardly worn, or not needed and on to a new beginning appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Contributing writer

Although it is still “officially” winter in Solvang, the fashion world is buzzing about 2021 spring and summer.

It is not that you can’t stay up to date on gorgeous winter fashions, as this is the time you will get the best buys on winter apparel.

Retailers need to clear out winter merchandise to make room for the fashion trends for the season ahead. Yes, we have bought for spring and I am going to the clothing market in San Mateo for summer in January, that is why you can save 50 percent off selected winter ladies apparel right now at Elna’s Dress Shop.

I think you should wear whatever you want, just wear it for yourself. If you feel comfortable with a style, go for it! Remember, our staff — Carol, Bobbie and Selina —are experts when it comes to coordinating a look and extending your wardrobe, and this service is free. We want you to enjoy what you wear and wear it with pizzazz. If you have any items of clothing that you’re having a hard time coordinating, bring them in — we like a challenge.

Denim is always in style, and quite frankly, I think everyone has something denim in their clothing apparel. We immediately think of jeans and jackets — we have denim pants in Slimsation by Multiples and French Dressing.

I would like to give a big thanks to everyone who supported Elna’s Dress Shop this past year. You really make our season brighter.

We have made so many wonderful friends from my customers and we are so glad we can carry on the tradition of assisting you with your clothing choices and Danish costumes.

Elna’s Dress Shop is located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive in the heart of Solvang. It is open daily from 9:30 am until 5 p.m. If you are local, please let our staff know so you can receive a 10 percent discount on regular priced merchandise. And when Solvang celebrates the Third Wednesday of each month, a 20 percent discount is available on regular priced merchandise. Specials do not apply to Danish costumes.

The post Fashion Chatter: Now is the time to stock up on winter clothes and prepare for spring appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

As cooler weather kicks in, so does the inevitable wardrobe of warmer knits with color and print. Earth tones underscore the warm vibes that extend toward not just long sleeved pullover sweaters either tunic style or just below the waist.

While neutrals are a Fall safe choice, there is something to be said about a coat that can insteadly brighten the dreariest of days. To provide plenty of impact, try a statement stunner in a pastel or a warm hue of cinnamon, wine, evergreen, turquoise, red, apricot, or eggplant.

Photo contributed
Earth tones underscore the warm vibes that extend toward not just long sleeved pullover sweaters either tunic style or just below the waist.
Photo contributed

There are so many exciting ways to update and brighten your wardrobe right now, so go bold in pieces that work for you and above all something that makes you feel special. A new scarf, a new top, or a piece of jewelry can do it.

With the holidays just around the corner, we have many items for the lady in your life. Our accessories answer many questions of what to get your special someone. We have tie-dyed scarves, famous artist museum scarves, hand painted leather bags and wallets to match, small tote and shoulder bags in many colors as in necklace and earrings.

Also don’t forget our Slim-Sation pant with and without pockets. The basic colors are: black, brown, navy, stone, heather grey, light grey, dark denim, and black denim.. We also have a few fashion colors in green, eggplant, and turquoise.. Our newest jean with pockets in black and dark denim is also available.

Elna’s Dress Shop has just what you need and during the month of December ladies weather, vests, and jackets are 20 percent off. Ladies, how can you resist a bargain like that on the latest piece that have just arrived? Come in soon and check out the name brands we are known for. SHOPPING LOCALLY HELPS ALL OF US. Remember your purchase can be gift wrapped FREE.

Elna’s Dress Shop is located at 1673 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California. Any questions call the store at 805-688-4525 or visit online www.elnas.com. Also like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Holiday hours are 7 days a week from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The post Fashion Chatter – Fall colors highlighted with scarves and jewelry appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

SYV Star Staff

Elna’s Dress Shop, the oldest business in downtown Solvang, will celebrate its 75^th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 18.

According to records at the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, the clothing store is not only the oldest business in downtown Solvang, but it has also kept its original name and location since it opened.

Sue Manning, owner of Elna’s Dress Shop, has continued to offer handmade Danish clothing alongside modern women’s fashions.

Owned by Sue and Robert Manning since 2001, the business was started in 1942 by Elna Larsen. The Mannings bought the business from Anne Trompeter. Other former owners are Trace and Sue Eubanks, and Susie Halme.

The Mannings also owned and operated Sue’s Place in Lompoc from 1997 until the store’s closure in 2015. Sue had worked at Elna’s before opening the Lompoc store.

“I knew what a great store it was,” she said.

The store is known for name-brand women’s apparel and for locally hand-made Danish costumes using patterns handed down by the store’s original owner, Elna.

Sue Manning said what she loves most about running the store are the customers and the local business community.

“The people. The excitement of the people coming in. All of the merchants who are so generously helping with this celebration. It’s overwhelming to me,” she said.

At the celebration, City Councilman Hans Duus, a nephew of the original owner, will speak on the history of the business. Other city, county and state officials will also make presentations. Drawings will be held hourly from noon to 7 p.m. during the day to win apparel that has been donated by vendors with labels that are featured at the shop.

The store is also celebrating with a sale and gift certificate raffle from May 18 through the end of the month.

Elna’s Dress Shop, at 1675 Copenhagen Drive, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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