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.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Monday, May 9, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Style Sensibility: Let's start with Spring and Summer
Style Sensibility: Let's start with Spring and Summer: "I have begun blogging out of my own desire and the request by friends and contemporaries. I am the go-to-girl for all things style. Where ..."
Style Sensibility: Style Sensibility: The Star of the Show
Style Sensibility: Style Sensibility: The Star of the Show: "Style Sensibility: The Star of the Show : 'I am an early riser. I like getting up before the rest of the world. It affords me a bit of pea..."
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.
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.
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