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Dear Readers,
When I opened my eagerly awaited March issue of Vogue, I was stunned to see a full page ad featuring "Ralph Lauren Collection" overalls. At first, I thought, "This must be a joke". Indeed it was a joke . . . just not the kind I was hoping for. JCrew now shows these same denim overalls in their April catalog. Overalls, again? They were awful the first time around!
So, to all of you who aspire to be stylish and well dressed, allow me to offer a word of caution as you venture out to the malls and boutiques. Just because you see an item like Ralph Lauren's overalls, or his fat-stripe T-shirt dress [pictured below] in a fashion magazine, in more than one store, or at a 50% discount, doesn't mean it's a great choice for you! Be careful out there. Shopping this season is not for the faint of heart.
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[flattering] | 2010 trends continued . . . The Picks and the Pitfalls.
All the stores are showing
[just say no] | big stripes and a variety of jackets, but are they right for you? Lots of "what not to wear", and not enough "good stuff"!
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Let's analyze these two looks, shall we? And please keep in mind that the same model is shown in both photos! In the top left photo, she looks long and lean. In the lower right photo, she looks short and wide. Assuming that she is a professional print model, she is most likely very tall and very slim. Isn't it amazing how her clothes can make such a dramatic difference in her appearance? So, when it comes to horizontal stripes, buyer beware! As for these particular jackets? The longer, darker, more fitted blazer style jacket creates a vertical line, thus creating a slender silhouette. Appropriate for both work and weekends, this classic piece is the ultimate in versatility! The cropped, boxy, faded denim jacket, on the other hand, is passe, unflattering, and certainly not office appropriate. I rest my case.
Another dubious trend this season is the Ikat print. I would display a photo for you, but I can't find one I like! Mostly tie-dyed, gaudy, and very retro . . . these Ikat items are more "fad" than trend; not at all something I would recommend, other than to my 17 year old fashionista niece. For her, a nod to the 60's is funky, fun and hip. For the rest of us? Old hippy is not exactly the look we are going for. You can see an example of an Ikat print dress at: http://www.theoutnet.com/product/41489?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-Custom-_-Link-_-Builder&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-Lbeqz87rTur_9V5XPqkuzg
And finally, a trend I am delighted to bring to your attention! Kitten heels are back in vogue. Let us stand [in them] and cheer! A heel height that is both practical and classic! A breath of fresh air through the smog of stilettos and towering platforms! Even Christian
They're Back! |
Louboutin [red-soles are his trademark] includes the classy kitten in his spring line this year! He calls it the "mini-heel". The Donald Pliner shoes pictured on the right are a mere one and a half inches high! Love his take on the neutral T-strap sandal. Four years ago I purchased these sexy little numbers because I loved their shape, style, color and comfort. I plan to wear them again this year [not for work, of course], and according to Donald Pliner's website, they are still for sale. Who knew? http://www.donaldjpliner.com/product/VIANA11,790,6.htm If you need some help with your shopping this season [it's a jungle out there], please do not hesitate to call me. I am at your service!
Best regards,
Nancy
PS. In the June edition of Style File: capri pants, shorts, swim suits and other summer unmentionables.
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Something
to talk about . . .
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"Good clothes open all doors."
Thomas Fuller, English historian and author
"Fashion can be bought, style one must possess."
Edna Woolman Chase,
former editor-in-chief, Vogue Magazine
"It's not that I have terrible taste so much as figure eccentricities that make clothes hard to fit combined with the fatal tendency to cheap out too quickly."
Sara Singh, writer for In Style Magazine
"We shop out of boredom, for release, for excitement, for a sense of achievement, for a sense of control over our unruly existences. And every so often, we shop because we need something to wear."
Tim Gunn, author, mentor and style guru of TV's Project Runway
"She wears her clothes as if they were thrown on her with a pitchfork."
Jonathan Swift, author
"Why not be one's self? That is the whole secret of a successful appearance. If one is a greyhound, why try to look like a Pekinese?"
Edith Sitwell, British poet and critic
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