Holiday Fashion - Wondering what to wear?

Holiday fashion - What a difference a year makes - well not really for this holiday party season, yawn. The December fashion mags are full of uninspiring looks that ring a bell similar to last year - sequins.

Through a minute of analysis, I can report the main difference between this year’s sequins and last year’s sequins is color. Last year, in addition to a lot of black, merry brights in cobalt blue, emerald green and bright red popped at holiday parties. This year the hues are more tarnished gold or silver black metallics. I did see a skirt by Vince shown with a taupe cashmere sweater that I was tempted to buy, but alas, we have no holiday parties this year. (It sold out fast, then I saw other versions at J Crew, etc. and was quickly over it.) There was a stunning burnished gold sequin dress at Elli Tahari in SoHo, similar to the Nanette Lapore dress I lusted over in Vegas, and then saw a friend wearing - all that was last year. Last weekend a holiday party-gal wore a black sequin cropped jacket, and I’m sorry it looked tacky. At Scoop NYC in the Meat Packing District a small boutique was devoted to sequins and I left shuddering.

So what would I wear given the opportunity this holiday season? A flirty LBD is always smart and sophisticated and doesn’t have to be safe. I’d glam it up with sparkly jewelry be it diamonds, rubies, emeralds or sapphires, real or faux. Another option: a figure flattering dress in jewel tone hues plum, burgundy, evergreen, or the upscale au courant navy, all with metallic bag and shoes. The Christian Louboutin boutique, also in the MPD, had a scrumptious array of sparkling, glittering sky high pumps. A few styles with hard core spikes that surely would be a conversation piece, if you have the nerve. (Btw, I was a bit concerned that Jeffrey’s MPD had severely reduced their women’s shoe department in both selection as well as space, replaced with more clothing and to accommodate a Chanel boutique in the front.)

All this is not to say that sequins aren’t “in.” As was last year, they are ubiquitous at all prices, shapes and sizes. I just think there’s a different way to shine this holiday season. Cheers!

Fall Fashion direct from the streets of Italy

Nothing could cause a fashionista more hyper-ventilating than window shopping and people watching the streets of Verona, Florence and Rome, Italy last week. The chunky Italian knits were luscious in hues of warm, taupey-grey, black and hints of plum. Layers and draping of scarves and sweaters filled the windows. In Verona, it was cool enough for many women to sport a chunky wrap over a suit jacket with trousers.

Everyone was "dressed," going somewhere. Most surprising were the ladies in leather. Not the images of rock star leather on clubbing Millennials, but sophisticated, tasteful, supple, rich mostly black leather jackets, trousers, and A-line skirts often on ladies even older than me.

Then of course there were the boots. Boots, boots, boots. Knee high, many over-the- knee (on women of all ages!) mid-calf, and some ankle. All FLAT heels for the walking class - in each city, Verona, Florence & Rome, the streets are varied cobblestone so flat heels are a must. A lot of brown hues worn with denim or black, some gray, and of course black boots. In an ignorant a-ha moment, of course the Italian shoe manufacturers have beautiful high quality goods in all price ranges. The difference from the US - we have inexpensive leather options that look and feel inexpensive and high end (shipped in from Italy.) Yes, we looked in every store window, and no I didn't buy any -but there was one pair I woulda, coulda, shoulda.

Last but not least, the accessory of the moment: all things leopard whether it is a bag, a scarf, a shoe, a vest, a coat. Not as tacky as you might think. Fun.

Choose Your Style

As the new season rolls into stores, I found myself in a quandary - so many styles, so many looks, too much to choose from. The most important element of style is staying true to yourself, not following every trend because ”they” say so. Think long and hard about what you do in day to day life - invest in pieces that you will wear often. When you open your closet, what color palette is most prominent? Black, neutrals, earth-tones, or a rainbow of colors? Given a choice, which would you rather wear? A pair of jeans and a t-shirt with funky accessories; a sleek top & modern cut pant; a unique jacket with trousers; a flirty dress?

Look at the fashion magazines. If Vogue and Bazaar seem daunting to interpret, start with InStyle Magazine. They break trends down by what to wear for what occasion, and different body types. More Magazine also features realistic style for curvy figures. Tear out looks you like, and looks you do not like. Sort images by similarities. Is there is one outfit, or a key piece you want to go get? Can you imagine where you will wear it, and how you will feel wearing it? Look at the pile of styles you don’t like, no matter what the trend reports say, or how inexpensive it gets markdown to - don’t buy it.

To avoid shopping mistakes, and worse, wearing mistakes, it’s important to identify your style personality, or two, and stick to it. To learn more, check out one of my favorite books, I Love Your Style: How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style by Amanda Brooks. If you can’t sort it out, ask a fashionable friend or seek professional help.

Get ready for Spring!

Spring, a time for new beginnings, and this season’s fashion gives reason to clean your closet, try something new and revamp your look. Silhouettes have changed most drastically from last year. Lines are more tapered through the waist, and slim through the legs, yet wider at the shoulder. There is an edgy element in this season’s shape. Maybe you can get away with babydoll dresses at the beach, but the rest must go.

Stepping into a boutique displaying wall to wall spring fashions can be overwhelming. The distinct new looks feature color and mixing prints. If you have the knack you can attempt both, but for most of us it is better to pick one per outfit.

Color is easy. Minimalism, personified in monochromatic neutrals often in military styles, white, and dusty pastels are chic and sophisticated . On the contrary, brights personify this spring and summer. If you’re not into head to toe cobalt blue or fuschia, try mixing a bold color top easily with white pants. Pair neutral camel or tan with orange, or try gray accented with red. Really shy about color? Add your pop through accessories. Choose from shoes, handbags, chunky necklaces or bangles. Go out on a limb by mixing a bold bag, let’s say kelly green with turquoise bangles, or orange dangling earrings paired with yellow sandals can add spice to basics in your closet.

Florals and splashy prints are all the rage, and a dress is the most simple way to exploit the trend. No need to go overboard. Find a color mix that appeals to you. Remember the silhouette is nipped or tapered at the waist. Be cautious of mini florals in a flowing silhouette that can look too retro hippie this season or like grandma’s Sunday best.

Mixing prints takes a little bit of an eye for scale and design. Choose colors in a similar hue or color family, and typically small scale patterns work best. Skirts & tops are a more wearable combination, where as tops & skinny trousers might be best left to the pro’s and twenty-something crowd. When in doubt, ask the professional salespeople. Most know their stuff.

Looking ahead to Fall 2010, (I know the temperatures haven’t even hit 70* yet,) nothing is SAFE - meaning now is the time to be bold and experiment with new, daring combinations. Step out this season, be noticed, relish this life.

Desperately Seeking Sequins for Spring

As spring fashions pop up in stores so are sequins, but are they a carryover from last holiday season? Not exactly. Sequins for spring are smaller, and somewhat refined, so size matters as does color. Gone are the holiday jewel tones, red, cobalt blue, and heaven forbid, green brights. Silvers are a bit more muted, and warmer. Of course black is doable as long as it is toned down, say as a layer underneath. The updated look is pastel, flesh-tone, and most popular, white. I have seen dark navy sequins as an accent stripe for the nautical trend, but I’m not goin’ there.

For daywear, sequins as a casual top with jeans or as a layer underneath is fresh and fun. I have seen cute sequined short sleeve tunics, tank tops with partial sequin accents, and one that came home with me from a recent trip to New York, a strapless bra top. Before you scream Madonna circa 1980’s, this sagey-grey, bandeau top adorned with micro mini sequins will barely peek out from under a deep knit or tee.

For evening wear, same color rules apply only forget about being subtle, and go for it either in a dress or accessories.

As from last season, you will find sequins at all price points so my advice is if it suits your mood, indulge in a piece or two that fits your budget, and wear it often as you like cuz as trends go, they’re hot, then they’re not.

Stay tuned for more spring trends.... I’m excited about new fresh looks!

Knowing Your Sense of Style

Knowing Your Sense of Style....

While shopping post holiday sales online, I found some bargains I couldn’t resist only to question whether I really loved them once I tried them on at home. (Asking yourself if you really LOVE the look on YOU is the first step to successful shopping.) The coat in question was cute, very cute, and such a great price (have you had this conversation with yourself before?) For me, the next question is, “Would I wear it in SoHo?” The answer, no.

During the first year of being free and really true to myself, I came up with this question to narrow my fashion choices. For you it might be, would I wear it to work, to my children’s school, or out with my most fashionable girlfriends? Do a little soul searching. Write down the many fashion faces you like to represent and make a list of questions that you can always ask yourself when in doubt. It doesn’t have to be just one. You might have one for each, work, play or family gatherings.

That reminds me. Literally two lifetimes ago, I was in the Management Training program for Marshall Field & Co., the one time premier Chicagoland department store. As employees and managers in the fashion business, we had to adhere to certain relatively liberal dress codes and subjective images of professionalism. The mantra became, when in doubt don’t do it. In other words if your inner fashion voice questions a look whether occasion appropriate or age appropriate, don’t do it! (Note to self: if you send a camera phone photo of an item while shopping on your own to your friends asking whether you can pull off a look, DON’T DO IT!)

It’s no bargain if you never wear it or worse, wear it and don’t feel super-fabulous.

WSJ lists best & worst fashions of 2009

Friends, you can't believe everything you read. WSJ lists the best and worst fashions for 2009 and I have a few comments on their report:

Best: Boyfriend jeans (with pumps) - I know many of you wear boyfriend jeans and love the comfort factor, but are they the most flattering? The photo showed Katie Holmes sporting them with black pumps, and I'm sorry, even though she's tall, lean and rich, they aren't that cute.

Best: Oxford shoes, as in flat, tie oxfords featured in the photo with a dress no less, and I say, ain't gonna fly. Whether with jeans, trousers and certainly a dress, oxford shoes aren't attractive unless you are theatrically making a menswear statement.

Best: Belted dresses. Yes, the leaner silhouette is refreshingly sophisticated after all these years of empire or babydoll shapes.

Best: OVER-the-KNEE-Boots - I spent a bit of time on this highly touted fashion statement prior to my trip to Paris and London last month. The fashion mags, the NY Times, Style section all reported this hot trend. Given the predicted temps and my strategy to wear leggings or short skirts and tights, I bought a few pairs of OTKB on line, only to send them back. Fortunately I had a weekend in NYC to peruse the streets of SoHo and decide whether they were a smart style choice. The answer, on the street, everyone wore knee high boots, or an occasional ankle or mid-calf boot. Only the Jersey Girls, (sorry Jersey, but if you've ever been to the bar at the SoHo Grand on a Saturday night, you spot the Jersey Girls,) only the Jersey girls were decked out in their high heeled, Over-the-Knee-Boots - need I state the obvious comparison?

Best: Dressy Shorts - Love this look, yes with heels if you are in your twenties and thin. You do know I aspire to the old adage "never too rich or too thin."

Best: Cardigan Sweaters - Thanks to M'Obama mama, cardi's can be a hip added layer. Try a fun color and add a skinny or a wide belt for that shapely silhouette, and to avoid looking like your grandmother.

Best: Mad Men Style - Yes, thin is in as in shapely, two button suits, a bit of a shoulder and a skinny tie. Fortunately for men, their styles do not fluctuate too much. Note: three button's jackets and pleated trousers are out.

Best: White shirts - YAWN. Yes this basic can come in handy if you want a crisp professional look and to blend in the crowd, but can't we be creative? That's why it is called a basic.

And now for the WSJ's list of the worst fashion for 2009:

Worst: Big Shoulders - Okay, 80's Norma Kamali shoulder pads the size of a D cup are dated, but a moderate, shouldered garment, be it a jacket or a tee shirt is shapely and fresh. Now to my two fashionable friends who encouraged me to buy a bat-wing-ish fitted, zipper top from H&M (via cell phone camera,) shame on you and shame on me for buying it!

Worst: Wild platforms - yes Herman Munster shoes are still out.

Worst: Short shorts with tights. - I beg to differ; I like this look again, if you are in your twenties and good shape it was a cute way wear shorts this fall. The shoe matters, perhaps a high but not stiletto pump in the same color of the tights (preferably black) will work and flat boots, any height. Hey, If you want to be a fashion victim in OTKB with your short shorts and tights, and are in great shape in your twenties, go for it.

Worst: "It" Bags - In any economy it is best to buy what you love and suits your lifestyle.

Worst: Tunics over leggings - Is the author crazy?? In the fine print the crime was on a red carpet, but it wasn't the Oscars and the outfit looked glam. Let's face it, leggings are baaack.

Worst: Skinny jeans on men - I happen to love skinny jeans on skinny men sporting a "Euro" look. Again, the author mentioned one exception: The Jonas Brothers. At the risk of libel, I'll refrain from repeating my immediate response.

Worst: Booties with skirts - Au contraire - walk the streets of NYC, London & Paris and you will see flat or heeled booties with dresses & skirts - it's hip.

Worst: Harem pants - Agreed, no matter how comfy.

And last but not least, Worst: Sequins by day - although I wrestled with sequins this holiday season, the outfit featured was a grey, short sleeve sequin cardigan (a.k.a. shrug) over a white t-short and jeans. I thought it looked cute, wearable, not holiday at all.

So there you have it. If you made it this far, let me remind me you my friends, you can't believe everything you read; even this blog - it's just my opinion.