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Basic black and white are cool staples for your summer wardrobe

TORONTO, May 05, 2004 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Sears Jessica "Key Fashion Elements" Spring 2004 apparel collection plays with optic images from the 60's mod incursion in basic black and white for a sophisticated collection of wardrobe staples.

The Sears Jessica "Key Fashion Elements" Spring 2004 collection holds true to its name as basic black and white come together in eye-catching fashionable pieces that will easily form the basis for your 2004 Spring/Summer wardrobe. With just a few pieces, you can set the stage for your entire summer wardrobe. "Pieces are crisp, clean and sleek. Designed to complement every woman's wardrobe, they are the ultimate in sophisticated apparel," says Annie Helegda, Trend Manager, Sears Apparel and Accessories.

Wardrobe Basics

Cotton spandex separates of a blazer, pants, and two styles of skirts are work-wardrobe must-haves yet are versatile enough to be worn dressed up or down to your next barbecue or evening out.

The fitted black blazer is something every woman should have. Multiple panels and tonal overstitching add feminine style detail to a four-button, hip-length blazer. Elliptical shapes in shades of gray from white to black in the lining add elegance and punch.

Classic accompaniments include fitted pants and a pencil skirt while a more pleated mini will provide a more fashion forward and trendier option.

Slim fitting and super sexy, both the pencil skirt and the fitted pants start with a contoured waist-band that sits slightly below the natural waist and follows your natural curve to the hip. The skirt has skinny belt-loops around the hip that invite some of this season's hottest accessory belts in leather, bright cloth or chain metal. Because of the size of the loops, going beltless is also an option. Pants have unique tonal overstitching wrapping the leg. Their lack of waistband is great for summer because it eliminates the need for extra layering around the waist. Both look great with this season's hottest sheer and knitted tops, sweater sets and blouses.

Add some fun with a fully-pleated skirt. Falling to just above the knee, a hip-hugging yolk is modern yet elegant. A faux bow tied at the hip plays up its feminitiy. This piece will prove to be a winner on the days that you have to go from office to party on the turn of a heel.

Tops

Cover all temperature and style bases with sweater-set options and a white blouse. Sold separately, pieces in the sweater set include a V-neck sleeveless-T or a tank top and complementary V-neck cardigan. Stylish details of a black and white striped trim are fashion forward. A nylon/rayon blend ensures easy care and resistance to humidity. Multi-pleated panels up each side add depth to a white blouse - an otherwise simple wardrobe basic. Three- quarter sleeves and zipper closures up the front and at the sleeves - reflect style details inspired from the 1960's.

Key Fashion Pieces

If you are going to choose one jaw-dropping piece for your summer wardrobe, the printed long coat is it! This three-quarter length coat is made from soft, 100% sateen cotton. An original black and white elliptical pattern draws inspiration from the go-go days of the 1960's and will definitely demand a second look. Wear it over jeans, as a suit jacket or alone as a dress - its versatility is only limited by your creativity. Another great piece is a patterned polyester georgette optic print skirt. Light and sexy, the skirt fits snugly around the hips and falls just below the knee with a subtle flare. Dressed up or down, this skirt will keep you feeling cool and looking hot during warm summer days.

    Summer 2004 -How to get that Look - Annie Helegda, Sears Canada's
    resident fashion expert says:
    -  Add a splash of color with bright accessories in bold plastics or soft
       romantic rhinestones
    -  Bold coloured accessories include jewelry, scarves, belts, jewellery,
       sunglasses, hats and shoes
    -  Make-up is vivid with bright accents on the eyes and lightly glossed
       shimmering lips
    -  Hair can be sculpted in very modern up-dos for a bold, modern look

Sears Jessica(TM) is the number one brand in Canada for women's casual and career apparel. The line is designed for the savvy shopper. Seasonal collections consider the woman who wants to maximize her looks with minimum effort. Harmonious colour themes and design details allow pieces to be mixed and matched with each other, or with other wardrobe favourites. Complementary accessories including shoes, jewellery, scarves and more are also available for added versatility.

The Jessica Key Fashion Elements collection is available at Sears stores across Canada.

Sears Canada, the retailer with the most extensive multi-channel network in the country, began serving customers in 1953. The Company has 48,000 associates and, in an independent consumer survey, ranks first in trust, respect, and quality products and services. There is a Sears location within a 10-minute drive of 93% of Canadians, and Sears is dedicated to providing them with quality merchandise and exceptional service coast to coast through its 122 department stores, 47 Sears Home stores, over 2,200 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 146 dealer stores, 14 outlet stores, 50 floor covering centres, 110 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=58312

CONTACT:          For further information: Gweneth Moir, Sears Canada Inc., 416-941-4426,
                  gwen.moir(at)sears.ca

News release via Canada NewsWire, Toronto 416-863-9350  

Copyright (C) 2004 CNW, All rights reserved

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.