Simple City Dress by Katy Brown Solsky

Katy Brown Solsky's prints and patterns create a visual smorgasbord

Katy Brown Solsky, a lover of the arts, has coordinated the downtown Concord Arts Market for the last six years. In June she will also be a seller, offering her hand-sewn skirts with bold colors and brazen patterns to women of all sizes.

“My strength is in mixing crazy colors and patterns,” says Solsky, who loves mixing colors in two to four panels for her wrap skirts that are made in three sizes: small (2–6), medium (8–12) and large (14–18).

Her chosen pattern is an easy-to-fit style and flattering to most body types, from pear to apple. Another pattern has a gathered waist and falls to mid-calf. This skirt can also be hiked up under the arms to create a mini-dress effect when belted with a scarf. Solsky encourages women to try them on because off the hanger is always a different look. “I love interacting with the customer and helping them to determine the age-old question: ‘Does this make my butt look fat?’” This year she plans to create a makeshift dressing room at the Concord market with plenty of mirrors for feedback.

Besides creating a line of skirts, Solsky has collaborated with the cities of Claremont and Dover to host arts markets in their vibrant downtown spaces. Each locale has its own roster of artists and artisans selling ceramics, jewelry, paintings and more.