Suzabelle’s modern belle

The most disturbing spring trend to hit New York runways, in my opinion, isn’t acid-wash short-shorts or bodysuits (I’m looking at you, Charlotte Ronson), which can be hideously fun when styled correctly.No, the greatest sin of all is the return of their ridiculous early 90s cousin, the bare midriff. I don’t care if your tummy inspires “oohs” and “aahs” at the beach, poolside or any other place you’re expected to appear half-naked, this look really isn’t going to fly if you’re not older than 14 and auditioning for Jodie Foster’s part in the remake of Taxi Driver.

But Suzabelle, Suzanne Jaberg’s Seattle-based line, instantly corrects all that is wrong in a world where far too many otherwise gifted designers overdose on trends. There’s a very good reason why Jaberg earned the title “the Seattle coat queen” a few years back: her military-style lightweight wool jacket in creme and windsor coat in brown/tan plaid are as timeless as a pea coat, but the interesting details — a fold-over collar here, brass dome buttons there — give them that extra special flair.

Windsor Overcoat

Lark Jacket

Greenstreet Coat

Suzabelle is for women who want to look good in black and white photos; women who appreciate the classic days of cinema, when all an ingenue needed was a fitted houndstooth dress and killer heels.

Hitchcock Dress in grey plaid

Veronica Day Dress

And a preview of its fabulous spring collection proves the ladylike label will NOT be promoting bare tummies.

Cecily Day Dress

Rita Hayworth would certainly approve.

Images: Suzabelle