Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Hello! Fashion: Kansai Yamamoto, 1971-1973

Inspired by art, especially Japan's Momoyama period (1568-1615) and traditional Kabuki theater, Yamamoto's deconstructed silhouettes merge craftsman-like attention to detail with exuberant patterns meant to be read from a distance. Yamamoto's far-reaching aesthetic has been likened to the influence of Pop in American art and apparel. Upon the opening of his Madison Avenue boutique in 1985, the designer said, "My clothes are no good for someone who loves chicness. ... I am making happiness for people with my clothes. If you walk through Central Park in them you create a 'wow.'" See the wow in the Costume and Textiles Study Gallery before it flies away.

You could succumb to the indolent joys of a drunken brunch on Sunday morning, but the free yoga class at Lululemon lures with the promise of a natural high (and a lovely bum). This month instructors from the Sporting Club at the Bellevue are taking staff and guests through a gentle practice. After you've stretched your awareness, take a peek at the yoga-inspired athletic apparel in the store. Their Renew Dirt Orange ($88) piece is both reversible and flexible — wear the soft organic cotton tube after a spring yoga class as a dress or a skirt.

Clean our your closets and shop the resourceful way at this clothing swap. A $20 donation gets you in the door, and from there, take home whatever suits you — for free. All proceeds go to the Darfur Alert Coalition, and all leftover clothing is donated to Planet Aid. Clothing donations may be dropped off in advance, starting March 22.

The Cherry Hill Mall gets a bit more bougie with the grand opening of a new Nordstrom. Devotees of the beauty department should set their alarm clocks for a special pre-opening preview at 8 a.m., which features complimentary makeup consultations, product demos and promised "beautiful surprises." If it's not all that, just drown your problem skin in the Auntie Anne's pretzels that are mere steps away.