Max Mara Resort..Rigaud candle print?

The collections for resort/holiday are out. and here are a few of my favorite pieces from Max Mara's 2011 resort collection. The red shirtdress is lovely. It echos an A line silhouette and and reminds me of a throwback to caftans worn to entertain.  Fabulous! Whoever wears this will seem as though she is gliding along. 

Here are a pair of pants that are cut very smartly.  The waist, thankfully, is cut high enough they will be flattering on most body types.  The wider leg will also help slim the waist and elongate the legs. The blouse pattern reminds me of a Rigaud candle.:)

The dress is below is quintessential Max Mara.  It's neckline and hem length are the understated elegance that Max Mara embodies.  This is my favorite piece in the whole collection.

I am doubtful these will make to Neiman's in Denver, however I am hopeful.  I would love to give this dress a  little try.. We'll see.

Mad Hatter

It seems pretty frequently there are flashes of the absurd that make news from the UK.  Princess Beatrice's spiraling headpiece she wore to last month's royal wedding is no exception.  eBay says a bidder has offered $122,000 to own a piece of William and Kate memorabilia.

 The 22-year-old granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II startled commentators with the swirling hat she wore to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  The silk creation by milliner Philip Treacy has been compared to antlers, a pretzel, and a toilet seat, and has been Photoshopped into scores of unlikely scenarios on the Internet.

As silly as the hat is, it isn't half as ridiculous Beatrice's agenda. This wasn't an expression of one's style or aesthetic. She was trying to upstage the event and make her hat the topic of conversation. It was clear that she wanted all eyes on her and even clearer, that although the auction money will go to charity, she is trying milk the last drop out of her exercise in self promotion.

My Favorite

It seems each season I have one or two things that I just adore. Some times they are new things, other times they can be something I've pulled out of what I call "the archives".   For spring and summer, I am mad for 2 sets of necklaces.  One of them is a statement piece that belonged to my grandmother.  It is a sterling silver squash blossom with turquiose. It is similar to the one Tory Burch wore for the T&C cover for September 2010 and the picture below.

 I think it looks the best with a summer weight crewneck sweater or t shirt- long sleeve or short- and a silk scarf.  I think chiffon is best, because the juxtaposition of the delicate scarf paired with the strength of the necklace make it work so perfectly. I love it with pastel colors!

I think it would also be great with a maxi dress (and tanned body) for a sort of bohemian  "rich-hippee" look. Finish this with wedges and bracelets snaked up the arm...with hair done up.  I didn't think I was a maxi dress kind of gal, but I may have just sold myself one. Either way, you can be sure I'll be wearing my necklace alot in the weeks and months to come.

Trickling Down

The inevitable has happened, and wow, was that fast!. The royal dresses have been knocked off and will be available in July. Lord and Taylor is taking preorders at it's flagship Fifth Avenue store.  ABS Allen Schwartz is banking on those brides who are willing to change horses mid race and opt for a different dress than the one they originally planned on wearing for those late summer weddings.  There is going to be a sprint to the finish for sure when the dress actually arrives in the bridal salon at Lord and Taylor as alterations could take weeks.  This especially true if the idea is to be fresh in everyone's minds eye that the bride is donning a royal gown..just like Kate....just like Pippa.

 The version of Kates' dress may actually translate better than the charmeuse sheath Pippa wore.  I like Pippa's dress leaps and bounds better but that is a tough cut to pull off.  Kate's lace dress is better suited to most body types.  That full skirt and nipped in waist will be flattering on most anyone, but, the lace overlay on the torso, shoulders, etc. may not work so well on women that are a little more full figured, so hopefully ladies will keep that in mind.  I doubt it though, when it comes to trying to mimic an idea or ideal, rational thought goes out the window.  

Of course there is a large difference in price.  The lace gown (right) will be $1100 and the draped neck gown (left) will retail at $390.

The price points for these gowns aren't high at all.   I 'm sure this will sell out fast, and when it's actually available without a wait, trying to reenact the moment of being a princess, literally, will be passe'.

Simone

Everyone is abuzz about the Marc Jacob's Simone dress.  It is sold out everywhere.  Michelle Obama helped spike sales to be sure.  She has this dress and looks fantastic in it.  Of course this dress came out with the spring collections and it is now May. Nevertheless, some stores have received additional shipments of the dress to supply the demand. Women have been dying to get their hands on the $628.00 piece of the season.  I think it is beautiful, but I think I'll pass on this one.

I am normally a big proponent of designer duds.  I supplement my wardrobe with them as often as I am able. The Simone has been knocked off and I don't have a problem at all with that.  There are many variations that are almost as great. I would buy one of those for a fraction of the cost. Spending that amount of money on something that will be over in the blink of an eye is not smart, in my opinion.  It may be too early to tell, but this is not paralleled to the famed white Halston jumpsuit of the 70's...trendy but very memorable.  Although trendy, a statement piece worth the investment.

 I will take that money and apply it to something with some staying power...and I'll be proud of my decision, in this instance, to wear a knockoff.

Pants on the Ground

The past few days have been cold and rainy and everyone has gone into the closet and gotten out their overcoats and sweaters.  I was standing behind a woman in the elevator today who looked like she picked her coat up from a dirty pile of laundry.  Of course it was wrinkled, but that wasn't the half of it.  The shoulders were too large and the sleeves were too long.  The hardest part for me to ignore, though, was that she had overlooked a very basic part of wearing clothes. She had not removed the stitch from her back vent.  This is a real pet peeve of mine.  It is as basic as removing the tags.

This brings me to another point.  It is so important how your clothes look.  Having a great tailor is key. I had a little lady that I loved, loved, loved.  When she closed up shop and retired, I went into a high panic.  I've found someone who is adequate but couldn't work the magic that women could.  I've reinvented several things beautifully and all to her credit.  If you take care of your clothes, they can last a very long time.

 Too often ladies are wearing pants that are clearly too long: they bag around the ankles and have fray marks on the back where they've been stepped on.  When your are out shopping, be aware of hemlines and lengths.  If the pants are too long, which means they pool on the floor, you will need to get them tailored for the shoes you are planning to wear with them.  If they are going to be worn with heels, they should be hemmed accordingly.  Most of the time, pants for heels cannot be worn with flats. 

Where people get into trouble is buying pants or skirts without taking into account the extra cost of taking them to the tailor. (Or how much a the cost of dry cleaning will be). This cost should be factored in to what you are willing to spend on the garment.  There are times when you you may have lost weight (or gained) and clothes aren't fitting well.  Take into consideration how much the garment is actually worth and what the cost of reworking it will really be.  This can be very expensive, especially when seams are being taken in.  It may not be cost effective to do this, and new clothes may be in order.

In any event, the condition of your clothes is so important.  They must be laundered or dry cleaned and pressed regularly to maintain a long and happy life with them. 

White White White

Spring is here and white clothes are in full swing for the season. Wearing white was actually okay or acceptable a few weeks ago.  Gone are the days of waiting until after labor day to wear white garments.  Many of the old rules are passe' now, and this is one of them.  White is beautiful.  For me, white embodies all spring has to offer:  a symbol of renewal and promise of a fresh start. 

I love white jeans.  I am on the look out for very very skinny white jeans. I love Rock and Republic's version.  I want them to be snug with no flare whatsoever and finish right above the ankle.  Of course they must have some stretch in them..I want to be able to breathe. I think this silhouette is very suited to wear with colorful tunics and flats as well as with platform wedges and heels with a white or light colored t-shirt tucked in and a fantastic belt. 

The key to white jeans and pants is the fit.  They must not be too tight.  They cannot pull across the butt and thighs.  There must be ample room in the waist.  No muffin tops with these guys!   White highlights a multitude of sins, so be careful to really take a close look at the fabric and seams when you are trying them on.  I find that a heavier cotton with a bit of lycra is best. The heavier the weight the material, the less likely seams and pockets will be visible through the pants.  It is also important to wear flesh colored panties under white.  Don't wear white panties under white...they will most likely show through.

White jeans are also great because they can be thrown in the wash at home with a splash of bleach and they look as good as new.

Style Sensibility: Let's start with Spring and Summer

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Style Sensibility: Color Sensibility

Style Sensibility: Color Sensibility: "Trends now have an influence of the 80's. If you want to channel your inner Joan Jett, now is the time. Excess and bright (and sometimes br..."

Color Sensibility

Trends now have an influence of the 80's. If  you want to channel your inner Joan Jett, now is the time. Excess and bright (and sometimes brash) color helped define the era. Color was everywhere then. Color is hot now.

Wearing color is like drinking champagne: moderation is key, or the result is a terrific headache.

Color is present where it has been absent for quite a while. It is now in jeans, shoes, dresses and even manicures. I think dresses are the best way to wear a lot of color.  They can be romantic and pretty when they are in a bright pink or yellow.  I think primary colored frocks are cheery.  By and large, colored dresses are pretty flattering. Colored jeans, and other pants, are a different story.  The idea is great but the application doesn't work very often.  Hot jean colors, such as red, can be like a beacon to problem areas.  Red jeans are a commitment. Believe me, those that see you often will remember the last time you wore them.  They leave an impression, and for the most part, I don't think it's a good one. They may look good on a model on Bergdorf's website, but, trying to mimic that look is very tricky. 

Bright color in moderation is fabulous.  I think fuchsia and magenta can be treated as neutrals.  Fuchsia shoes or a top or accessories work very well with all the usual suspects: navy, black, brown,and white.  It is best to limit to the color to one piece and then add a bit of color somewhere else..picked up in a scarf or necklace or bracelet.  I am a big fan of red used in the same way.  I also think a minty green or turquoise can be used to achieve the same affect.

These can change the look of your outfit and bring you up to date without spending piles of money on pieces that will be over before the next season rolls around.