Southwest look: earth colors, blanket weaves, and denim Whether it‘s home furnishings or children‘s fashions, the southwest look is one of the biggest influences for fall. The trend is very much in evidence at P.J.‘s Children‘s Fashions on Lakeshore Road where earth colors, Texâ€"Mex designs and blanket weaves are hot sellers for the backâ€"toâ€"school crowd. Owner Rachael Irvine confirms that the southwest look has been one of her popular looks along with flanâ€" nel plaid shirts, both of which look great with traditional blue denims or the newest colored denims in shades of red, green and khaki. Vests continue to be popular again this fall, especially those featuring the southwest designs. Blazers are also a hot item, according to Irvine, who sells them teamed with pants for boys or skirts for girls. Leggings and overâ€"sized tops remain a strong seller for girls, and because of their ease and comfort, Irvine feels they‘ll be around for quite a while longer. One of the new labels to look for in P.J.‘s this year is Columbia Sportswear, one of the premier skiâ€" wear lines for fall which has already become a big seller. _ Irvine always likes to promote Canadian manufacturers whenever possible, and she carries two popular lines which are known for their qualiâ€" ty and design: Non Fiction, and No No No. "These are great, hardâ€"wearâ€" ing, nicely made garments that I‘m proud to sell," she says. Irvine is quick to acknowledge that many parents have fewer dollars to spend on their children‘s clothing these days, and that has made them more demanding in terms of value and quality. "We‘ve always carried topâ€"quality merchandise, and most Big fashion news coming this season . Our Carnivale Collection is full of richly coloured prints, glamourous full sleeved blouses and gently flowing fabrics. 221 Lakeshore Rd. E. Oakville. 842â€"3116 RJ.‘s owner Rachael Irvine parents are quite prepared to spend a little more as long as they‘re seeing that quality", she notes. "They may be buying fewer outfits overall, but they‘re willing to spend a little more No, You‘re Not Seeing Double. 176 Lakeshore Road E. 338â€"2908 for clothing that‘s going to go the disâ€" tance." For the same reasons of economy and practicality, Irvine says she sees a continuing trend away from fancy party dresses for girls. Instead, more parents are opting for stylish knit skirts teamed with a pretty embroiâ€" dered blouse, a cardigan, or an overâ€" sized sweater. More casual "swing dresses" paired with leggings or tights are also a popular alternative to the often expensive party dress which Irvine feels has lost its popularity due to the versatility of separates which can be dressed up or down to suit the occaâ€" sion. To top off the new fall looks, PJ.‘s also offers a selection of popularlyâ€" priced footwear from Keds which runs the gamut from rhinestoneâ€"studâ€" ded, washable runners to embroiâ€" dered, suede chukka boots. JTraluw*I LOTS OF SPECIALS on ?O‘ ?a\\' .