|
Dear Readers,
Happy Memorial Day and welcome to summer!
Warm weather dressing is simple and easy, true? Well, yes and no. Yes, for those of us living in colder climes, there is no longer a struggle with gloves, hats, scarves, coats and boots, making life much simpler. But wearing a swim suit? No, not so easy. In fact, I have seriously considered staying out of the water completely and just wearing a great cover-up.
What do they say about courage? It's not the absence of fear; it's a call to action in spite of it. OK, then. The time has come to stock up on sunless tanning cream, serve up some ice-cold lemonade, and see if we can't make this season as simple and easy as possible. Come, follow me . . .
|
a summer classic for all ages |
extremely young and trendy |
| |
Pants are a tricky business, especially if you need to shop for some new ones this season. Pictured above are just two of the numerous pant lengths we are seeing in the stores. Allow me to try and influence your choice. From the long lean line of her classic khaki pants and flat sandals, to the popped collar of color under her jacket, the model on the left has got it all together. She looks stylish and polished but still casual and comfortable. The cutie on the right is wearing rolled up jeans with sky high ankle tie espadrilles. She looks younger and shorter than our model on the left, but very trendy and "of the moment". If you are in your teens or even your twenties, this look is adorable. As for the rest of us, I say, stick with a classic. You simply cannot go wrong with a great fitting pair of classic khaki pants. For him, for her, for boys, for girls, for daytime, for evening, they work. They win.
Now, about those capricious capris. Last summer, Ellen Warren, senior correspondent and style editor for the Chicago Tribune, wrote a delicious article entitled "Those capris that you love? Ditch 'em." Ellen was spot on when she said "Capris make your legs look stumpy. Who wants that? Even when you're blessed with really long lean legs, capris make them look shorter and wider. This is particularly true of the popular capris that flair out or bell at the bottom. That's a particularly gruesome look." Thank you, Ellen.
No doubt about it, swim suits are the shopping challenge of the year. Who wants to feel self conscious at the pool or beach this summer? No one. We want to relax, read a good book and feel confident about the way we look. Remember the "Miracle Suit"? Its restrictive "girdle like" construction was a real turn off for many of us. Nor was it quite as stylish as we would have liked. Now, however, I bring tidings of great joy! Our beloved Spanx company has come up with some well designed, comfortable swim wear that will diminish figure flaws and even add a modern touch of style to your look! Check it out:
or http://www.spanx.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3985803&cp=3010014
Do you have a special occasion coming up this summer? A wedding, a pool party, or perhaps a command performance at a company function? If so, please consider my Fashion S.O.S. service [special occasion styling and shopping]. I will shop for you, or with you, and we will "style" you, head to toe. You will spend less, save time, and best of all, feel much more relaxed and confident about what you choose to wear for the event. [It's still a jungle out there!] As always, I am at your service.
Nancy
nancypipal@gmail.com
PS. In the July edition of Style File: Pack smart, Travel light.
|
 | |
|
|
|
|
Something new:
Reader F.A.Q.
|
Readers' frequently asked questions:
Q. Can you recommend a sunless tanning cream for legs? A. Indeed I can! A product that has been around for years, yet this season has significantly improved, is Jergens Natural Glow Express body moisurizer. Friends and clients told me how pleased they were with the results, so I had to give Jergens another try. With it's new faster acting formula, a milder scent, no streaking and a pretty, natural color? It's a keeper.
[Buy it at most drugstores]
Q. Cargo pants are big this season and I think they are really cute, but are they age appropriate for those of us who are 40 something?
A. Probably not. With the multiple pockets, zippers, buttons and ties, this heavy looking military approach to pants is sure to add pounds to any frame. It's a style best left to the twiggy teens and twenty somethings.
Q. I love shorts for summer, but I am seeing more short shorts than any other kind. At what age should one stop wearing shorts?
A. Once you graduate from college, short shorts are out. Walking shorts or "city shorts" are in, and they are calling your name! More flattering than capris or other cropped styles, they hit at or just slightly above the knee. They are cooler than our full length khakis, but why not consider an even better option --- a knee length airy cotton skirt.
Very cool and very "COOL"!
Have a question? Let me know and I will do my best to respond!
|
|
|
