Crossing Over, Cynthia Rowley Fall 2011 & Resort 2012

By Laura Medina

Olive & Ruby Red Maxi Tunic Dresses Fall 2011, left. Poppy Blouse & Palazzo Pants & Yellow Floral Jumpers Resort 2012, right.

Resort Collections have always been ignored or put down upon due to their transitional nature.

Not exactly Fall or definitely Spring but folks are fools for overlooking their versatilities-style, budget, and climate wise.

With the majorityof the American population moving to the Sun Belt or Southern Californians shifting to the Southeast, Resort is the go-to wardrobe that eases into all those environments without being regionally restrictive or seasonally stereotypical.

Nobody gives Cynthia Rowley enough credit for having sharp eyes for spotting exactly what folks need.

Then again, she is one of the first to jump on a bandwagon before anyone else.

With the Duchess of Cambridge, a.k.a. "Kate," being the muse of maxing your wardrobe, Cynthia Rowley's Fall 2011 and Resort 2012 Collections prove you can mix it up and maxing it out without shame or awkwardness.

Ms. Rowley's Resort Collection is a smooth collection, as in a smooth transition where Spring/Summer wardrobe can glide easily into Fall with a touch of leather here and heavy silk there.

Her loose Maxi Tunic Dresses in olive green and ruby red from the Fall 2011 Collection are light enough and protective enough for Summer's heat yet the rich colors move it forward.

The poppy elephant sleeve blouse and matching palazzo are bright for now but the pumpkin tone is so Autumn appropriate...and so is the palazzo pants.

Summery ruffle petal dress and top on the right, in silk twill, can be toughen up by simply topping them with this classic leather Army shirt as a jacket. This qualifies as closet classic...doesn't go out of style.

Top of the line contemporary never means budget-busting, disposal clothing but components that can gradually, be built upon season by season or once or twice a year.

If you want to see these pieces upfront and personally, due to past popularity from last year, the Cynthia Rowley Fashion Truck is making a return visit to Southern California later this month until the end of August.

Watch for it.