photos submitted FALL ‘92 at Ports features fashions for work or play. This but- terscotch knit ensemble includes a long slim wool skirt with a front slit, a v-neck cardigan In cashmere angora, and a ‘ong- steeve turtleneck, also in cashmere angora. SUITABLE FOR the office is this woo! suit featuring a short, red, double-breasted blazer and darted-waist skirt, with a purple tur- tleneck. Next to it is a long-fiared collar jacket, short skirt and mock turtleneck. FASHION Light fall suiting Every fall, thoughts of starting the season with a new on fabrics and colors. Colors wardrobe are rekindled, even years after you have gradu- ated from school and are into the work force. So, right about now, you feel like your work wardrobe needs a booster shot, but what should you add? The very thought of shopping may make you break into a cold sweat, since stores are usually fill- ed with pre-winter woollens and picked-over sales racks in September. There are a few clothing lines which are full of options, howev- er. They feature new, fresh clothing ideas in both light and heavier fabrics for early fall. The best collections can provide you with a few statement-making basics which can stand on their own, but could also slip into your closet without major wardrove renovations. The North Shore News’ ‘‘bvy- it-or-pass-on-it’’ shopping tust: any item you add in Septemoer should 1) update the clothes you already own, 2) be wearable right through the winter and into next spring, 3) look timeless enough to be an investment, and 4) not cost a lot. After all, the season has on- ly just started. Ports International is a well- respected and well-priced designer label which is known for its up- dated classics that can easily work themselves into any wardrobe. Designs for fall draw inspiration from international fashion trends and from street chic, but also from tradition. They describe a casually sophisticated attitude which typifies the ‘‘West Coast look.” Ports clothes are thought of as wardrobe builders and investment pieces, but the dust-collecting closet basics that are usually thought to provide the base are nowhere to be found. These clean pieces are modern, not mundane, and practical, not predictable. They are said to suc- ceed because they balance color, proportion, unique fabrics and fine details. And even though Ports offers current European fashion trends, they are shown in styles that will still! look appropriate years from now. Therefore, a woman can mix old with new just as easily as she can two complementary colors or styles. : All the pieces quickly and easily coordinaie for the casual or cor- porate times on a busy woman’s schedule. Both Ports International and Ports Trademark collections are well known for their designer quality at ready-to-wear prices. What sets Ports International apart from other merchandising companies is its unique combina- tion of wholesale and retailing operations. It has a strong design and manufacturing base, which allows the firm to keep quality high and costs competitive, while marketing the merchandise throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Ports recognizes that there is a silent majority of women whose high standards do not allow their tastes to be dictated by fancy labels or gimmicky designs which overshadow a lack of quality. These women can decipher the differences, and choose to ques- tion every label — whether it is by a well-known designer or not — and determine the standards set in Carol Crenna FASHION STATEMENTS both the fabrics and the work- manship of each piece of clothing they buy. Ports International’s fall season begins and ends with suit separates, but they slide easily from work to weekend. The emphasis in the collection is range from jewel tones to graphic brights to naturals, and fabrics combine patterns and textures in wool tweeds, boucles, stretch satin velvet, cashmere, silk, wool crepe and flannel. The season’s styles feature classic menswear softened with feminine touches, fluid draping, sophisticated and shapely cuts and long, lean lines. The influences of each grouping tend to sway back and forth from upper-crust old-school-uniform dressing to romantic and relaxed leisurewear. One transitional group com- bines light-weight wool gebardine, wool crepe, jersey knits and suede in navy, camel, cream and black. The early fall pieces are sporty and feminine, mixing a trim little blazer, a pleated flip skirt, classic trousers, a V-neck cardigan and mock turtleneck in 2 compact group to see you from now into the cooler weather. The military suiting. Brass-buttoned regimental jackets, disciplinary slim trousers and patriotic crested tartans are made sexy by long slit skirts, See The Ports page 23 inspires some THIS WILLOW velvet jacket with round neck and three-button closure sets off a darted-waist skirt of the same material.