Pajamas on the streets of New York City? Call me an old fuddy-duddy, but I simply cannot go there. Surprisingly, some of our top American designers showed these "pajama" looks for spring during Fashion Week last fall. I was hoping they wouldn't make it all the way from the runway to the stores. No such luck.
Sophia Coppola, successful young Hollywood director, writer and fashionista, was photographed recently wearing the outfit below. If it were not for her purse, I would have assumed she was headed for the bedroom, not the board room.
But, I suppose when you are young, rich, smart, famous and beautiful, you can wear any wacky trend you please and look good doing it.
Now for the good news: two trends for spring that will be music to your ears, especially if you are a woman of substance:
1. Sleeves are in and sleeveless is out. Imagine that. Shopping for a dress and not worrying about needing some kind of wrap to cover your arms? How wonderful. How civilized. Thanks to the popularity of Princess Kate Middleton's "ladylike look", many designers decided to use her way of dressing as inspiration this season. I am more than a little excited about this new fashion direction. I just started an exercise routine that includes weight training for my arms, but results will not likely be noticeable till 2015. Meanwhile, yea sleeves.
harper's bazaar magazine
2. Chunky heels and reasonable wedges are back in style once again. Finally, support and stability for everyone! And leave it to our trustworthy friends at Stuart Weitzman and Donald Pliner to head up the brigade of wearable beautiful shoes and sandals. I love these Weitzman sandals in particular. Their unique pattern and colors will go perfectly with all my summer neutrals. I am so ready. Are we there yet?
neiman marcus catalog
pumps @ deedee & edee boutique
Speaking of color, this year's colors look as if they've been shot out of a cannon. There are hard bright primaries, soft pale pastels and eye popping neons. The look of the moment is the combination of many colors all in the same outfit. Not easy to do and do well. The overall effect is often hodge-podge and clown-like if one is not careful. Take a look at the photo below . . . purple top, orange jacket, yellow pants and a green purse. This actually hurts my eyes. It was even brighter in person.
mannequin at neiman's
On the other hand, if you anchor the multi-color look with a good size neutral piece like this jacket, it could work quite nicely:
computer advertisement!
I must admit I am having a tough time warming up to the idea of pants in primary colors or bold prints. I think it's because pants tend to dominate a look. A skirt, however, is not quite so noisy if it nestles neatly beneath a neutral coat or jacket.
But wait . . . here's a rather soft-spoken outfit from the JCREW catalog and it gets my vote. In fact, it looks almost sophisticated in it's styling:
combining stripes, color and texture
Ultimately, styling is the key to all these looks . . . what you wear with what, and how you accessorize. If you add your own touches of personality and taste, blend in flavors of the occasion or workplace, and modify according to your body shape, you can make any trend work for you.
And if you are having trouble deciding what, where, and how? Please call me.
This is my professional specialty . . . and my very favorite thing to do! I can help. I would love to help.
As always, I am at your service.
Nancy
708.579.1016
PS. The chunky heel pumps are from deedee & edee, a wonderful unique boutique in Forest Park, Illinois. Definitely worth a visit!
check out their website
