Fashion Lesson #13 What Is Fashion Sense? May 3, 2008

Photo Source: Style Slicker 

A couple of weeks ago, sinisterrouge from Buttercup Punch wrote “What Is Fashion Sense?”.

I was really struck by her honesty:

“I have no fashion sense. None. I also have no beauty sense. I lack what people would refer to as ‘girly-ness.’ I wear barely any makeup. I don’t do my hair. I don’t know how to apply liquid eyeliner. Don’t get me wrong. I get by. I can do the basics. Like jeans and a sweater. But to put an outfit together? That is what I would refer to as hell.”

There are a lot of women out there that feel like sinisterrouge, with the overwhelming choices available to women and the trends that are in today and out tomorrow.  What do you buy?

Another contributing factor to her fashion sense quandry, was her strict upbringing and a lack of a beauty or fashion mentor.  Sometimes it really does go back to your childhood doesn’t it?  I once had a conversation with a client who would compliment me on a pair of red Mary Jane shoes that I wore.  I finally convinced her to buy a pair of red shoes similar to mine.  After I delivered them to her, she revealed to me that she felt that she could never wear red shoes because her mother told her only “harlots” wear red shoes.  Wow!  I can only imagine what she would think of me, I wear those shoes all the time.

I think fashion sense can be an inherent trait or something you can learn.  That is much of what I try to do with this blog.  I sincerley try to impart helpful information with these Fashion Lessons so you can move past some of the inherited attitudes from your childhood and embrace your own athstetics.

The rules in fashion are always changing.  Wearing matching shoes and handbags was a rule our parents or grandparents wouldn’t dare deviate from.  Now, the only time you see matching shoes and handbags are when people are wearing black and I venture to guess that is the only color purse they own.

When trying to break out of your preconceived fashion confines, take baby steps.  Choose a new bracelette or necklace.  Buy a scarf for your hair for those bad hair days (the one pictured is only $4.80, click on it) or go really crazy and buy a pair of shoes with color in them, not just the black or brown variety.

When your ready for a real overhaul, invite your best friend over and have them help you go through your closet.  A close friend like this should have no problem advising you if something is too old, too ugly, or too small.  THEN GET RID OF IT! Too many of us hold on to a bunch of old crap that we don’t wear any more, or fit the afore mentioned criteria.  It’s time to break up with the old college T-Shirt that has holes and stains from your first college kegger.  Discarding old clothes does not mean that your are throwing away pieces of yourself or parts of your life.

Some people hold on to the ugliest clothes, shoes etc. because it represents some period of their life.  Take a picture of it, put it in an album and move on.  Make a quilt (albeit an ugly one) to remember all those pieces of your life.  At least that is practicle and will leave you more closet space to usher in a new chapter in your life.

Don’t do it because you feel guilty, do it because you deserve it.  Thanks sinisterrouge!

 

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Doing A Little Go International Shopping April 29, 2008

With the announcement that Rogan Gregory will be the eleventh Go International designer at Target, I decided to do a little Go International Shopping.  The great thing about everything included in this post is that nothing is over $44.99.  The shoes are a great price too at $24.99 and under.

Here are some interesting finds for Spring.

(click on images for more information)

I know this dress is wild and not for everyone, but there is something really hip and modern about it.  I really like the punch of color added by the yellow tank.

This look would be great for a petite young woman.  I would just add different shoes (maybe some cool gladiator heels) a different color tank and some accessories.

While not from the Go International collection, I thought these shoes were right on trend and am now curious to see if they are as nice in person as they are on line.

 

 

 If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Fashion Lesson #12 Petite Tubular Shape April 26, 2008

A few weeks back reader Stacy left me the below comment on Fashion Lesson #4 Petite Proportion:

Hi
This was helpful. True, cuffs on trousers are not the best and tailoring is a must if you don’t want to look like you were playing dress-up with someone else’s clothes. Looking younger than I am is a double whammy, I am baby faced as well as teeny…tee-shirts are never a good look for me, unless I want to look like I am still in High school. However, I am looking for some guidance about buying summer dresses and swimwear for someone 5′0, with a tube type shape (i.e. no waist), and something to cover up upper arms too.

I promised Stacy that I would address the figure variation of being not only petite but more of a straight shape as well. 

Although a double-edge sword, the fact that she has a youthful appearance is something that we all would love.  However when your peers in the working world or clients think you look the same age as Miley Cyrus, you have a bit of a problem. 

 

Do

If your youthful glow is working against you, it’s important to convey a sophisticated manner.  As mentioned in Fashion Lesson #4 you must shop in the petite section.  Big baggy clothes as you said, can make you look like you are playing dress up.  Stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor/Loft and major department stores carry petite sizes that will project a more mature image.

(click on images for shopping information)

 

Don’t

Stay away from the Junior section if your goal is to look older.  Avoid stores like Urban Outfitter or American Apparel.  I personally love these stores and have featured their collections in past posts, but unless you are just hangin’ with friends, take your business elsewhere.

 

Do

As a petite, I also recommend wearing heels to add a little height.  When I was in High School, my best friend’s mom was a petite woman and was never without her heels.  I mean never.  She was known to wear a pair of sky high wedge sandals when cleaning the house. 

Now it’s ridiculous to go that far. Everyone should be able to wear flats, but on those occasions that you want people to take you seriously, kick it with some fantastic heels. 

Now let’s address the second part of Stacy’s question the Tubular or Straight figure.  If you are lacking JLo curves, there are a few tricks that will make a straight woman look a little more curvy.

Do

This wrap dress from Ann Taylor does a great job of defining a waist with the tie and the A line adds some fullness making your waist look smaller than your hips.  (I’m not a huge fan of the hat with this dress, but that just my personal aesthetic.)  Further, be sure to add a punch of color to this ensemble.  The black color block shoes above would look great with this and a colorful bracelet or necklace will make it look less like you are on your way to a funeral.

Not to belabor the point, but this dress from Banana Republic would be another terrific option.  The dress is a little longer, so be sure to wear high heels in a neutral shade to visually extend the length of your legs.

Here’s a shorter option from BCBG.

Don’t

If the object is to give the appearance of curves, don’t pick a dress that will only make your figure look more shapeless, like this dress.  Do you see how the line across the chest and the lower stripe on the pockets create a box?  This will only make your figure look boxier.  Who would this dress be good for?  My guess would be a short waist woman.  The high stripe contrasted with the low stripe on the pockets gives the illusion of more area.

 

 

Do

If you want to look like you have a little junk in your trunk, this suit jacket with the peplum flounce in the back adds a little curve to the rear view.  It also comes in at the waist and out at the hips creating definition.  The other thing that I love about this suit aside from the sleeves being scrunched up and the collar raised (very 80’s chic), is the fact that the trousers are pinstripe.  This will add a little length to your leg.  The only downside of this suit is that because of the cuff, I would prefer that the length were a little longer.

 

When thinking about shorts this summer, traditional rules are that petites wear mid thigh or shorter shorts.  I did however feel like you could break the rules with these cropped pants and here’s why.  First, they are flesh tone.  If you pair them with a flesh tone cork wedge and a darker top like the one illustrated, the line of the leg is much longer.  If you have a darker skin tone this particular style comes in many shades that could compliment your complexion.

 

You mentioned that you wanted to keep your upper arms covered, so here is another option for the top from J.Crew.  The small print will not be overwhelming for your size and will add a focal point to your upper half leaving your legs to look long and lean.

Finally, you asked about swimwear.  Now this is really tough.  Primarily because I have never seen you, so I can only go by a generalization.  I chose cuts based on a slender figure, only because that is the general impression I got when I read your message.  But, I will include some other options for you straight gals who want to suck it in a little more.

Do

In general you will want to look for something with a little flair to it if you are looking for something beyond a typical bikini.

This suit has a cute little skirt.  You may also notice that the model in this picture has a bit of a straight figure herself.  Also, the V neck for the to draws the eye down unlike the Don’t example I will discuss in a little bit.

I love this little suit from Juicy Couture.  The top adds a little visual interest and like the peplum suit earlier, a little flair.

Don’t

Stay away from the boyshort cut.  If you look at this example with the same model, the horizontal line in the top and the bottom only make her look even more square.

It’s a bit of a stretch I know because most of us would love to have her body and really she could carry off just about anything (I’m sure that’s why J.Crew hired her).

Do

This might be another sexy option.  No matter how small your breasts are, just hoist them up and push them out a little bit like the model in this picture.

If you are concerned about your midsection, the ruching on this suit also helps camouflage any imperfections.

Stacy, I really hope this advice helps.  I was a little out of my comfort zone on the swim suits, but I hope you find something that might make sense.

As always, if you have any questions that you would like a Fashion Lesson on, feel free to leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Fashion Sensei Says… April 25, 2008

Clip this coupon…

30% off your entire purchase at Saks Avenue OFF 5TH now until Sunday April 27.  Click here to print coupon.

 

 

Top This…

(click on image for shopping information)

 

 

Skirting The Issue…

 

 

 

 

 

Cuckoo for Color Block…

 

 

Put A Lid On It…

  

 

 

 

Carry On…

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Happy Earth Day April 22, 2008

It’s the other green day today.  Unlike wearing green for St. Patty’s Day and going to a pub to tie one on,  Earth Day revelers will be donning organic or recycled T-Shirts with quips like “Save The Humans” and will sip organic, free trade, shade grown coffee instead.  (I will be taking part in the coffee sipping part of the festivities, I haven’t had time to buy my T-Shirt.)

If you want to join in but don’t want to invest too much on a shirt, I have just the solution.  I found these really inexpensive cute T-Shirts all of which are $7.50 or less.

(click on images for shopping information)

This first shirt is made from cotton and recycled Coke bottles.

The next two shirts are made from transitional cotton (organic’s precursor) it takes three years of organic farming practices to be truly organic.

 

Do you want the world to know you recycle?  Although this shirt is not as inexpensive as the above options, it’s a cute consideration.

 

Are you more of an understated gal? You don’t feel the need to shout your convictions to the world?  Try this butterfly print tank from Loomstate for Barneys Green made of organic cotton.

This 100% organic top exclusively for Barneys by Theory might be another option.

 

Whichever choice you make, enjoy your day!

If you would like to review any of my articles on the retail road to Earth Day click on any of the following links:

Green Is The New “It” Bag

Fashion Lesson #10  Natural Make Up

Earth Day & Eco Shoes Guest post on Running With Heels

Get Ready It’s Earth Month

Banana Republic Joins The Green Movement

Nordstrom Green Bags and Boxes

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or

Fashion Lesson #11 Apple Shape Update April 18, 2008

A few weeks ago Judi requested another look at the Apple shape, this time concentrating on those Apples with a tummy.  After reviewing my choices from this original post, I felt it deserved an update.

When considering ones figure, if you want to draw attention away from a particular area, it’s helpful to bring the focus elsewhere.  This could mean a fantastic necklace to draw the eye up or a geometric pattern enhancing the waistline.  

If you are dealing with a thicker waistline, it may go without saying, but you shouldn’t opt for a patterned belt that will draw attention to your middle.  An alternative this season, is a flowing top that has an empire waistline such as this blouse from Anthropologie.

(click on images for shopping information)

This polka dot blouse is also another option that will hide your midsection leaving your admirers none-the-wiser to your secret.

I also like the effect of a jacket to add structure to your figure like this light blue example from J. Jill below, (I also like the sleeves pushed up). 

Furthermore, I thought this floral blouse would look nice underneath the jacket.  The V neckline will aid in drawing the eye down from a large bust (a common trait for Apple shapes) and the empire waist again accentuates the smallest part of your torso to make you look thinner.

Now on to dresses.  This first example from ABS, while I’m not especially enamored by the colors, (or the strange look on the model’s face), I really like the geometric shapes.  The large gray swath that comes down the middle, makes the torso look smaller and the successive pattern following, makes the waist appear narrow.

Oh how I love this Diane von Furstenberg dress!  The twist neckline creating a downward drape over the abdominal area is ideal for an Apple shape.  Also note that the model is wearing a pair of neutral shoes.  A bright color like that, doesn’t need any further distraction.  This is also a great way to add length to those gams.

Frankly, I think I could write about dresses all day.  I found numerous examples for this post, but am trying to edit my enthusiasm.

Here is a beautiful example of the long hemline and floral trend that was seen on the runway last Fall for Spring 2008.  This dress is by Malene Briger and is described as a “Patio Dress”.  Oh how nice it would be to have something like this to entertain in during a warm summer evening!

Be aware though, if you have a large bust, the large beading will only make it look bigger.  If that’s the case, give this one a pass. 

Also if you are a petite Apple shape, the large print on this dress would be overwhelming, look for a dress with a smaller print.

Judi, I hope this addresses your question and aids you on your next shopping trip.  If you have any other shapes or updates to previous Fashion Lessons, please leave me a comment and let me know. 

Next week, I will answer Stacy’s request to address a petite, tubular (straight) shape for summer and swimwear.

Have a great weekend!

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Fashion Sensei Says… April 17, 2008

Clip These Coupons…

Ann Taylor, AT Loft and AT Factory Store Friends and Family 25% off coupon.  Click here to print the coupon and details.

Banana Republic 15% off Coupon any purchase of $75 or more on-line or in store.  Click here to print coupon or access on-line coupon code.  (Please note you may have to magnify it when opening it)

Express- Click here for 20% off a $75 purchase or $10 off a $20 purchase now until April 20th.

Victoria’s Secret- 20% off Terry Essentials on-line use offer code TERRY20 at check out.  Click here and print for $10 off bra & free panty with purchase. Click here for more offers.

 

Strike A Pose…

This stylish Yoga Bag is constructed from “recycled plastic bags picked from the trash heaps of a New Delhi slum. Rather than let them pile up in landfills, the bags are hand picked by women who are paid a fair wage in order to turn trash into high-style treasure. They’re made by an Indian non-profit company that employs and empowers 300 low-caste women who had no employment opportunities. Incredibly, no dyes are used to make the colorful patterns—instead layers of different color plastic bags are simply fused together.”

(click on image for shopping information)

 

Bold And The Beautiful…

Be sure to stop in to your local H&M and check out their tribute collection of Marimekko designs.  The bold prints and reasonable prices are something that we all can appreciate.  Click here for a slide show from H&M.

 

Stuff It!

Now there is a stylish alternative for your sunglasses.  Take a look at this case from hayden-hartnett. (click on image for shopping details)

 

 

 

Shoes…

You never know what  you are going to get when you type this word into Google.  Maybe I’m in a strange mood, but I thought this video was funny.  Now I can’t get the song out of my head.  Please be aware that there is explicit language at the end of this video.

 

Carry On…

There’s just something about paisley that I love.  This bag from kate spade is no exception.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

2008 Gap Design Editions Collection April 16, 2008

This week you can find the 2008 special edition collection of designs by emerging American designers, Phillip Lim (3.1 Phillip Lim), Band of Outsiders’ Scott Sternberg, Michael Bastian, Philip Crangi and threeASFOUR’s Gabi Asfour, Adi Gil & Angela Donhauser. 

All the designers were asked to participate in creating the 2008 special edition collection based on the classic white Gap shirt.  This year however, it wasn’t limited to Gap’s 35 year old icon.

Fans of Philip Crangi will find special edition jewelry to choose from in addition to the interpretations of the iconic white shirt.

Fellas, don’t you worry either, Michael Bastian has also designed a couple of shirts that you can get in on too.

Here are a few selections from the collection. (click on images for shopping details)

2008 is the second year that Gap has partnered with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to introduce the winners of the annual Vogue Fashion Fund competition to mainstream consumers. 

Items from this collection will range in price from $35 to $88 and  will be available exclusively in flagship and top Gap adult stores in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Japan and online in the U.S. at gap.com.

To read more about this collection and the designers, click here or go to Gap online.

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Seeing Spots April 15, 2008

This Spring you will be seeing spots…polka dots that is.  Last Fall dots could be found in collections ranging from Givenchy to Lacoste and everywhere in between.  Here are a few examples from the Spring 2008 shows.  (click on images for the image source and full collections) 

Givenchy

Carolina Herrera

Lacoste

Karen Walker

Luca Luca

Now that we have seen what came down the runway, here are a few choices from retailers. (click on images for shopping information)

 

 

But here are a few words of advice (and some of this goes without saying), please only where one spotted item, maybe two at a time.  Otherwise Polka Dot Princess, you will begin to look a little silly.  Finally, when wearing black and white dots, add a punch of color to your look.  Infuse a little of the bright shades that are so popular this Spring.

 

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Comme Des Garcons for H&M Fall 2008 April 15, 2008

H&M has announced that Rei Kawakubo will collaborate with the discount design emporium come November 2008.  Her collection will include men and women’s collections along with some pieces for children.  The collection release will coincide with the launch of the second H&M store in Tokyo.

“Rei Kawakubo has been at the top of our wish list for a long time and we are thrilled that she has chosen to collaborate with us. We have tremendous respect for Kawakubo’s fashion philosophy of questioning fashion’s ingrained patterns, and admire her artistic approach to design. …explains Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor, H&M.”

Rei Kawakubo who was born in Tokyo and interestingly, not being a trained fashion designer (she studied fine art and literature), dictated her designs verbally to pattern makers.

She now is responsible for 14 different brands, in shops spanning 25 countries, with nearly  700 employees.

Comme des Garcons has been described as specializing “in anti-fashion, austere, sometimes deconstructed garments, sometimes lacking a sleeve or other component.”

Here are some looks from her Spring and Autumn 2008 collections.

 

 

I will be interested to see what sort of collection she decides upon.  Not to mention the budget constraints she will have with fabric and materials.

Hmm…this is all beginning to sound like a Project Runway challenge.

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Sources: infomat, H&M, Style.com