Get the look for 2011
Do it Yourself
by Angelie Martin-Spencer
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Textures in textiles are a hot trend this year, basically, luxe... and the home décor trends go hand in hand with the fashion trends. The same fabrics that you see on the runways in clothing and accessories like bags, will be the same ones you'll see in the home. Frills, ruffles, lace, velvet and crystal beading are mostly seen in clothing, but now they're seen on bedding, pillows and throws.
While doing a little online shopping at Next (UK) stores, I saw these trends repeated over and over and realised we needn't buy these things online from half way round the world, because we could actually get the look by doing it ourselves with fabric resources found right here.
o Ruffles are very popular and can be seen on bedding, pillows and throws from Next UK (pictured); however, I found those very same kind of ruffled fabrics at Ping's and Silk and Satin, in a wide variety of colours and prints. To make the throw, you need two yards of the fabric and hem. To make the pillows, a yard will suffice. Because the fabric already has so much texture, you need not add any trimmings, so you could cut a square for the front and use an envelope closure for the back.
o Lace is also making an appearance in places it wasn't usually seen. Yes, it used to be on curtains, but now it's on cushions. To get the look, create contrast, using a lighter coloured fabric like beige or gold satin, and top that with lace in a darker colour like black, or red. (pictured). Pablo's has some great lace and satins that can be layered to get the look (pictured).
o Velvet is also very popular this year, because it is just soooo luxurious and is great for bedspreads and pillows. Fabrics like cottons and linens are also being accented with velvet for added texture. I've actually seen these fabrics at LP Azar and Marc's.
o And you can add further luxe to your cushions by adding sparkly trimmings and accents like diamante trims, crystal brooches or beaded buttons (pictured).
With all the textures that are now evident in fabrics and home accents, a great way to incorporate them in your home is to go with a monochromatic scheme, and allow the textures to add the interest, or go with a 2-toned scheme where you use a neutral colour as the backdrop and add a pop of bold colour and texture.
MY THOUGHTS
anything that's hard to maintain is a no-no for me. never mind the fad. if i can't throw them into the washer, they're not nice. i bought these noodle curtains. pretty. classy. until it's time to have them cleaned. not even acceptable with dry cleaners.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Color of 2011
The New Hue for 2011
How 'Honeysuckle' Pink Was Chosen to Be Everywhere
The new year is looking brighter in at least one respect. Thursday, color authority Pantone plans to announce that its color of the year for 2011 is an intense pink it calls "honeysuckle."
Pantone predicts that we're about to see a lot of this color, appearing on everything from designer dresses to pillows, water bottles, nail polish, sofas and appliances. A sherbety shade of pink, with a hint of red and orange zest, honeysuckle is seen by designers as a pick-me-up at a time when many people have had their fill of misfortune.
Pantone polls graphic, industrial, fashion and other designers from around the world each year to forecast the colors that will have broad appeal. After many design experts told Pantone they were using versions of a hot pink, the company narrowed the field to this precise shade—known specifically as Pantone 18-2120 TCX.
'It's a very "Mad Men" pink. It's like the lipstick our mothers wore,' says Tom Mirabile, head of global trends and design at Lifetime Brands Inc., the company behind Mikasa, Cuisinart and other houseware brands. "There's a retro aspect to it that's going to be very popular." The company has glassware and dinnerware coming out in a hot pink much like honeysuckle and is using the color in all sorts of home accents.
The word "honeysuckle" doesn't signal bright pink to everyone. In some parts of the country, the flowers are yellow, white or other shades. A Pantone spokeswoman says that people's opinion of honeysuckle's color derives from the flower they saw as children.
"There's an innate optimism to pink," says Jonathan Adler, an interior and housewares designer who is using hot shades of pink widely in his 2011 collections. "As we speak, I'm wearing a hot pink shirt," he says.
The honeysuckle color evokes nostalgic feelings of summertime, says Leatrice Eiseman, a color psychologist who has been director of Pantone's Color Institute for 25 years.
Strategically, colors of the year are supposed to help sell all manner of products and packages. "We also want [people] to stop and say, 'Oh, neat color. Maybe I need to buy those plates,'" Ms. Eiseman says.
Pantone, part of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based X-Rite Inc., offers systems for identifying, matching and communicating colors to industries including printing, industrial, fashion, and home design. It also puts out color trend reports several times a year and has been expanding its consumer licensing division to put its name on everything from Pantone mugs to a hotel in Brussels.
It's not entirely clear how pink rose to the top. Most designers won't admit to any inspiration other than their own. "It's funny how some colors just start to look good. It's in the air," says Mr. Adler, who says he never looks at trend predictions.
Designers have been toying with loud pinks on and off for several years. Two years ago, there was a flurry of pink in menswear and in decor. When manufacturers discovered that consumers were recoiling to seek traditional heritage looks during the recession, colors went earthy.
But when Ms. Eiseman saw hot pinks this year on men's sports equipment, such as the graphics on skis, it really caught her attention. "Graphic designers today are right there at the cutting edge," she said. Then honeysuckle pinks appeared all over the fashion runways in September, in startling contrast to the camel/gray looks in stores.
In choosing her spring 2011 colors, New York fashion designer Nanette Lepore says she reasoned that people need optimism after several years of depressing economic news and bland colors. Ms. Lepore focused on pinks and orange. "We wanted to look through rose-colored glasses," she says, letting loose a string of rosy clichés. The colors have sold brilliantly, she adds.
The exact shade of pink gets careful thought from designers. Mr. Mirabile of Lifetime Brands notes that honeysuckle has less orange than coral pinks, so it looks better against most skin tones. Also, it reflects a color found in real flowers.
Some designers have chosen variants within the hot-pink family. Crate & Barrel used both honeysuckle and a similar Pantone shade called "pink flambé" in everything from furniture to dishware. Ms. Lepore calls her orange-tinged version of the color "hot melon." Ken Downing, fashion director for Neiman Marcus, referred to "orange coral" when he described his pick for the color of the spring 2011 season.
The Pantone color-of-the-year announcement isn't likely to alter designs for 2011, which are already in the works. While colors used to trickle down from European fashion runways to Target and the like, the interplay happens more quickly these days—though mass retailers tend to use colors more conservatively. Mikasa is using honeysuckle as an accent in a floral pattern, because loud solids don't "have high-volume potential," according to Mr. Mirabile.
But the color of the year will likely be seized on by marketers deciding, for instance, which products to feature in promotions.
Confusion over colors is the reason Pantone came about, back in 1963 when Lawrence Herbert was working as a color-matcher at a New York City printing company. Mr. Herbert recognized that the printing and graphics industries needed to communicate colors with a tool more accurate than words. His first system was essentially ink recipes for 500 colors.
By the 1980s, he had added a separate fashion and home color system that would work on fabric. Today, Pantone's products and systems include 10,000 colors defined for various industries. Pantone recently came out with a $650 gizmo called CAPSURE that works a bit like a point-and-shoot camera—but, when pointed at an object, will produce the Pantone color recipe for it. A "My Pantone" iPhone app identifies the primary colors in a photo.
But the core of Pantone's services is helping creative people identify just the right color. Ms. Lepore sends Pantone swatches to her fabric manufacturers so there's no mistaking the tone she's aiming for.
The arrival of pink now doesn't mean that other colors will disappear from the market. Turquoise, the Pantone color of 2010, and other shades of blue-green are expected to be popular in 2011. Mr. Adler notes that honeysuckle goes well with a "punchy turquoise" he's been using. At Crate & Barrel, which used turquoise extensively in its collections this year, the color was a big seller and continues to be popular, says Beth Eckerstrom, Crate & Barrel's director of trend and product development.
Turquoise was chosen for its ability to soothe and calm, says Ms. Eiseman, who is the author of a number of color books, including the recent "Color: Messages and Meanings." Blues evoke tranquility for most people, she says. Ms. Eiseman also saw the use of turquoise in the movie "Avatar" as very color-influential.
It's no coincidence that most Pantone colors of the year are vivid. Five of the past dozen colors of the year have been a zesty reddish, pink or orange hue. Reds are a marketer's delight, says Ms. Eiseman. Pink hues in particular generate the need "to pick it and chew it" like fruit. Flowery colors attract people, as well as hummingbirds, and "encourage propagation," she says.
"Chili pepper" was the color of 2007, the last year of the economic boom: The fiery red seems appropriate for a year that started out so hot, yet ultimately burned so many so badly.
Yellows—which can reflect unflatteringly on many skin tones—have been few and far between. The golden "Mimosa" color of 2009 was the only yellow hue of the decade. And the only truly bland color of the year was 2006's off-white "Sand Dollar." Ms. Eiseman says that reflected the interest in organics and sustainability. But it's hard to imagine anyone feeling they just must have those off-white plates.
Now that red-pink has bubbled up so widely, it's a sure sign that designers will be cooking up something different for 2012. Mr. Mirabile, for one, says that for 2012 he's leaning toward "more mineralized brights," which are toned-down colors, after the brilliance of 2011. For instance, adding some gray would tone down a chartreuse green to the color of moss.
Write to Christina Binkley at christina.binkley@wsj.com
MY THOUGHTS
honeysuckle pink. makes me think of my favorite things when i was a lot younger. brings about happy thoughts of light summer breeze, refreshing wet drizzles, of afternoon naps under a mango tree, of sunsets by the river and sunrise at the breakwaters. i think i'm going to love the 2011 color.
How 'Honeysuckle' Pink Was Chosen to Be Everywhere
The new year is looking brighter in at least one respect. Thursday, color authority Pantone plans to announce that its color of the year for 2011 is an intense pink it calls "honeysuckle."
Pantone predicts that we're about to see a lot of this color, appearing on everything from designer dresses to pillows, water bottles, nail polish, sofas and appliances. A sherbety shade of pink, with a hint of red and orange zest, honeysuckle is seen by designers as a pick-me-up at a time when many people have had their fill of misfortune.
Pantone polls graphic, industrial, fashion and other designers from around the world each year to forecast the colors that will have broad appeal. After many design experts told Pantone they were using versions of a hot pink, the company narrowed the field to this precise shade—known specifically as Pantone 18-2120 TCX.
'It's a very "Mad Men" pink. It's like the lipstick our mothers wore,' says Tom Mirabile, head of global trends and design at Lifetime Brands Inc., the company behind Mikasa, Cuisinart and other houseware brands. "There's a retro aspect to it that's going to be very popular." The company has glassware and dinnerware coming out in a hot pink much like honeysuckle and is using the color in all sorts of home accents.
The word "honeysuckle" doesn't signal bright pink to everyone. In some parts of the country, the flowers are yellow, white or other shades. A Pantone spokeswoman says that people's opinion of honeysuckle's color derives from the flower they saw as children.
"There's an innate optimism to pink," says Jonathan Adler, an interior and housewares designer who is using hot shades of pink widely in his 2011 collections. "As we speak, I'm wearing a hot pink shirt," he says.
The honeysuckle color evokes nostalgic feelings of summertime, says Leatrice Eiseman, a color psychologist who has been director of Pantone's Color Institute for 25 years.
Strategically, colors of the year are supposed to help sell all manner of products and packages. "We also want [people] to stop and say, 'Oh, neat color. Maybe I need to buy those plates,'" Ms. Eiseman says.
Pantone, part of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based X-Rite Inc., offers systems for identifying, matching and communicating colors to industries including printing, industrial, fashion, and home design. It also puts out color trend reports several times a year and has been expanding its consumer licensing division to put its name on everything from Pantone mugs to a hotel in Brussels.
It's not entirely clear how pink rose to the top. Most designers won't admit to any inspiration other than their own. "It's funny how some colors just start to look good. It's in the air," says Mr. Adler, who says he never looks at trend predictions.
Designers have been toying with loud pinks on and off for several years. Two years ago, there was a flurry of pink in menswear and in decor. When manufacturers discovered that consumers were recoiling to seek traditional heritage looks during the recession, colors went earthy.
But when Ms. Eiseman saw hot pinks this year on men's sports equipment, such as the graphics on skis, it really caught her attention. "Graphic designers today are right there at the cutting edge," she said. Then honeysuckle pinks appeared all over the fashion runways in September, in startling contrast to the camel/gray looks in stores.
In choosing her spring 2011 colors, New York fashion designer Nanette Lepore says she reasoned that people need optimism after several years of depressing economic news and bland colors. Ms. Lepore focused on pinks and orange. "We wanted to look through rose-colored glasses," she says, letting loose a string of rosy clichés. The colors have sold brilliantly, she adds.
The exact shade of pink gets careful thought from designers. Mr. Mirabile of Lifetime Brands notes that honeysuckle has less orange than coral pinks, so it looks better against most skin tones. Also, it reflects a color found in real flowers.
Some designers have chosen variants within the hot-pink family. Crate & Barrel used both honeysuckle and a similar Pantone shade called "pink flambé" in everything from furniture to dishware. Ms. Lepore calls her orange-tinged version of the color "hot melon." Ken Downing, fashion director for Neiman Marcus, referred to "orange coral" when he described his pick for the color of the spring 2011 season.
The Pantone color-of-the-year announcement isn't likely to alter designs for 2011, which are already in the works. While colors used to trickle down from European fashion runways to Target and the like, the interplay happens more quickly these days—though mass retailers tend to use colors more conservatively. Mikasa is using honeysuckle as an accent in a floral pattern, because loud solids don't "have high-volume potential," according to Mr. Mirabile.
But the color of the year will likely be seized on by marketers deciding, for instance, which products to feature in promotions.
Confusion over colors is the reason Pantone came about, back in 1963 when Lawrence Herbert was working as a color-matcher at a New York City printing company. Mr. Herbert recognized that the printing and graphics industries needed to communicate colors with a tool more accurate than words. His first system was essentially ink recipes for 500 colors.
By the 1980s, he had added a separate fashion and home color system that would work on fabric. Today, Pantone's products and systems include 10,000 colors defined for various industries. Pantone recently came out with a $650 gizmo called CAPSURE that works a bit like a point-and-shoot camera—but, when pointed at an object, will produce the Pantone color recipe for it. A "My Pantone" iPhone app identifies the primary colors in a photo.
But the core of Pantone's services is helping creative people identify just the right color. Ms. Lepore sends Pantone swatches to her fabric manufacturers so there's no mistaking the tone she's aiming for.
The arrival of pink now doesn't mean that other colors will disappear from the market. Turquoise, the Pantone color of 2010, and other shades of blue-green are expected to be popular in 2011. Mr. Adler notes that honeysuckle goes well with a "punchy turquoise" he's been using. At Crate & Barrel, which used turquoise extensively in its collections this year, the color was a big seller and continues to be popular, says Beth Eckerstrom, Crate & Barrel's director of trend and product development.
Turquoise was chosen for its ability to soothe and calm, says Ms. Eiseman, who is the author of a number of color books, including the recent "Color: Messages and Meanings." Blues evoke tranquility for most people, she says. Ms. Eiseman also saw the use of turquoise in the movie "Avatar" as very color-influential.
It's no coincidence that most Pantone colors of the year are vivid. Five of the past dozen colors of the year have been a zesty reddish, pink or orange hue. Reds are a marketer's delight, says Ms. Eiseman. Pink hues in particular generate the need "to pick it and chew it" like fruit. Flowery colors attract people, as well as hummingbirds, and "encourage propagation," she says.
"Chili pepper" was the color of 2007, the last year of the economic boom: The fiery red seems appropriate for a year that started out so hot, yet ultimately burned so many so badly.
Yellows—which can reflect unflatteringly on many skin tones—have been few and far between. The golden "Mimosa" color of 2009 was the only yellow hue of the decade. And the only truly bland color of the year was 2006's off-white "Sand Dollar." Ms. Eiseman says that reflected the interest in organics and sustainability. But it's hard to imagine anyone feeling they just must have those off-white plates.
Now that red-pink has bubbled up so widely, it's a sure sign that designers will be cooking up something different for 2012. Mr. Mirabile, for one, says that for 2012 he's leaning toward "more mineralized brights," which are toned-down colors, after the brilliance of 2011. For instance, adding some gray would tone down a chartreuse green to the color of moss.
Write to Christina Binkley at christina.binkley@wsj.com
MY THOUGHTS
honeysuckle pink. makes me think of my favorite things when i was a lot younger. brings about happy thoughts of light summer breeze, refreshing wet drizzles, of afternoon naps under a mango tree, of sunsets by the river and sunrise at the breakwaters. i think i'm going to love the 2011 color.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A WOMAN SHOULD SHOP LIKE A MAN
To Dress Well, a Woman Should Shop Like a Man
When it comes to shopping for fashion, women usually dominate, buying clothing for their men as well as themselves. But ladies, I have a gauntlet to throw down: Women have a lot to learn from the way men shop.
I first sensed this when menswear designer Thom Browne told me that he couldn't use a fabric unless it felt good "to the hand," because men won't buy uncomfortable clothing.
Come again? If comfort were the top criterion for selling womenswear, Jimmy Choo would be out of business. Unlike men, women frequently settle for garments that don't fit well and don't feel good.
Sometimes, women have little choice. It has long been an irritating truth that men are offered better-quality clothes for lower prices. Many fashionable women's clothes—including plenty sold at luxury prices—are made relatively cheaply. "Women do get shortchanged in the market," says Patrick Gigliotti, a menswear salesman at the venerable Boyd's Philadelphia department store. Some women who value well-made clothing have even resorted to shopping in menswear departments.
One reason for the quality difference is trendiness: Because womenswear is more faddish, there's a perception in the fashion industry that the clothes will be thrown away more quickly. Indeed, fast fashion has trained a generation to seek out throwaway styles.
Yet tailoring should matter. Women are always looking for clothes that will lift their bottoms and smooth their bulges. That's exactly the kind of magic that tailoring works. Luckily, with a little education about the way sophisticated men shop, it is possible to buy good-quality womenswear.
What does it mean to think like a man? Consider the way Jay Kos bought himself a pair of pants in New York last Sunday. Mr. Kos, himself a clothier and the owner of the Jay Kos store on Park Avenue, found a pair of olive wool pants at Soho's Blue in Green shop. But the pants had to pass a few tests before he took them to the dressing room. First, he felt the wool with his hand to ascertain its weight and softness. He checked the seams for clean stitching—no loose threads. In the dressing room, he squatted to be sure they fit comfortably. Only then did he step out to take a careful look in the store's biggest mirror and ask the salesman if the pants fit well.
This isn't the way most women shop. But it can be.
A first step is to put less focus on the brand. Logos don't guarantee fine craftsmanship. Dozens of luxury womenswear brands make high-quality fashions—Dolce & Gabbana and Akris among them. But I've found excellently sewn clothes at Zara (though not universally so). Some brands, like Ralph Lauren, have varying quality levels among a dizzying array of sub-brands. Akris offers well-made but lower-quality clothes under the "Akris punto" label. Rather than being blinded by branding, use it only as a starting point.
When you like a garment, grab the fabric and crunch it up—ignoring any gasps you hear from the womenswear sales staff, who are not accustomed to these maneuvers. If the cloth stays wrinkled or feels scratchy, consider moving on.
"You should start from the inside out," says Debi Greenberg, owner of Louis, a high-end store in Boston that caters to both men and women. Loose threads and ragged seams are signs of poor construction. Look for seams that have been carefully rolled and folded before being stitched down or have been "taped," or sewn over with a narrow strip of fabric.
In pants, the waistband is particularly important, as it provides structure and must hold up to sweat, pressure and twisting. In well-tailored pants, the waistband will have two layers of lining, with some structural seams in between. When it comes to pants, Ms. Greenberg recommends Proenza Schouler and Marni at the high end of the price range and Jil Sander for Uniqlo at the more affordable end.
A good jacket starts with a shoulder that permits comfortable movement and isn't so stuffed with foam padding that it looks awkward with the arm raised.
While you're peering inside the garment, check out the width of the fabric in the seams. Is there enough to allow the garment to be let out, if necessary? While good men's clothing is manufactured to be altered, women often have to buy a size larger and then cut the garment down—which can be more costly and difficult.
It's a good idea to ask where the garment—and sometimes the fabric—were manufactured. "Men love the story," says Mr. Kos. "If you're going to spend the money, then it should come from a place with a respect for quality."
The country of origin can be an indicator of quality, and it's certainly a fair indicator of price. Italy, France and Japan are famous for their high manufacturing standards, but their prices are higher than those of lower-labor-cost nations.
Still, "made in Italy" is no guarantee, and it's possible to buy well-made clothes from many parts of the world. The 3.1 Phillip Lim brand makes some high-quality clothing in China with taped inner seams and alterable waistbands. J. Crew buys many quality shirting fabrics and cashmere yarns from Italian factories and then cuts and sews the clothes in less expensive countries.
Mr. Kos believes that garments and accessories that use a logo as the dominant design feature are more likely to take short cuts with materials or manufacturing.
Only after a garment has passed all these tests is it time to try it on. Be sure you can raise your arm in a shirt or jacket and that you can squat (without making the knees baggy) in pants. See if you can breathe easily. There should be no stretch marks across the torso and no gaping buttons.
When in doubt, remember what Mr. Gigliotti of Boyd's says about men's priorities: "Comfort is paramount."
—Email Christina.Binkley@wsj.com or twitter.com/BinkleyOnStyle.
MY THOUGHTS
this is a revelation! i thought men shop without fuss? or maybe they're not fussing. they're just being sensible. after all, as the article suggests, men's fashion doesn't change as much as women's does. i don't remember ever squatting inside the fitting room to test the seams. maybe i should. especially because i have ceased being fashion conscious. i prefer classic styles that would last longer.
When it comes to shopping for fashion, women usually dominate, buying clothing for their men as well as themselves. But ladies, I have a gauntlet to throw down: Women have a lot to learn from the way men shop.
I first sensed this when menswear designer Thom Browne told me that he couldn't use a fabric unless it felt good "to the hand," because men won't buy uncomfortable clothing.
Come again? If comfort were the top criterion for selling womenswear, Jimmy Choo would be out of business. Unlike men, women frequently settle for garments that don't fit well and don't feel good.
Sometimes, women have little choice. It has long been an irritating truth that men are offered better-quality clothes for lower prices. Many fashionable women's clothes—including plenty sold at luxury prices—are made relatively cheaply. "Women do get shortchanged in the market," says Patrick Gigliotti, a menswear salesman at the venerable Boyd's Philadelphia department store. Some women who value well-made clothing have even resorted to shopping in menswear departments.
One reason for the quality difference is trendiness: Because womenswear is more faddish, there's a perception in the fashion industry that the clothes will be thrown away more quickly. Indeed, fast fashion has trained a generation to seek out throwaway styles.
Yet tailoring should matter. Women are always looking for clothes that will lift their bottoms and smooth their bulges. That's exactly the kind of magic that tailoring works. Luckily, with a little education about the way sophisticated men shop, it is possible to buy good-quality womenswear.
What does it mean to think like a man? Consider the way Jay Kos bought himself a pair of pants in New York last Sunday. Mr. Kos, himself a clothier and the owner of the Jay Kos store on Park Avenue, found a pair of olive wool pants at Soho's Blue in Green shop. But the pants had to pass a few tests before he took them to the dressing room. First, he felt the wool with his hand to ascertain its weight and softness. He checked the seams for clean stitching—no loose threads. In the dressing room, he squatted to be sure they fit comfortably. Only then did he step out to take a careful look in the store's biggest mirror and ask the salesman if the pants fit well.
This isn't the way most women shop. But it can be.
A first step is to put less focus on the brand. Logos don't guarantee fine craftsmanship. Dozens of luxury womenswear brands make high-quality fashions—Dolce & Gabbana and Akris among them. But I've found excellently sewn clothes at Zara (though not universally so). Some brands, like Ralph Lauren, have varying quality levels among a dizzying array of sub-brands. Akris offers well-made but lower-quality clothes under the "Akris punto" label. Rather than being blinded by branding, use it only as a starting point.
When you like a garment, grab the fabric and crunch it up—ignoring any gasps you hear from the womenswear sales staff, who are not accustomed to these maneuvers. If the cloth stays wrinkled or feels scratchy, consider moving on.
"You should start from the inside out," says Debi Greenberg, owner of Louis, a high-end store in Boston that caters to both men and women. Loose threads and ragged seams are signs of poor construction. Look for seams that have been carefully rolled and folded before being stitched down or have been "taped," or sewn over with a narrow strip of fabric.
In pants, the waistband is particularly important, as it provides structure and must hold up to sweat, pressure and twisting. In well-tailored pants, the waistband will have two layers of lining, with some structural seams in between. When it comes to pants, Ms. Greenberg recommends Proenza Schouler and Marni at the high end of the price range and Jil Sander for Uniqlo at the more affordable end.
A good jacket starts with a shoulder that permits comfortable movement and isn't so stuffed with foam padding that it looks awkward with the arm raised.
While you're peering inside the garment, check out the width of the fabric in the seams. Is there enough to allow the garment to be let out, if necessary? While good men's clothing is manufactured to be altered, women often have to buy a size larger and then cut the garment down—which can be more costly and difficult.
It's a good idea to ask where the garment—and sometimes the fabric—were manufactured. "Men love the story," says Mr. Kos. "If you're going to spend the money, then it should come from a place with a respect for quality."
The country of origin can be an indicator of quality, and it's certainly a fair indicator of price. Italy, France and Japan are famous for their high manufacturing standards, but their prices are higher than those of lower-labor-cost nations.
Still, "made in Italy" is no guarantee, and it's possible to buy well-made clothes from many parts of the world. The 3.1 Phillip Lim brand makes some high-quality clothing in China with taped inner seams and alterable waistbands. J. Crew buys many quality shirting fabrics and cashmere yarns from Italian factories and then cuts and sews the clothes in less expensive countries.
Mr. Kos believes that garments and accessories that use a logo as the dominant design feature are more likely to take short cuts with materials or manufacturing.
Only after a garment has passed all these tests is it time to try it on. Be sure you can raise your arm in a shirt or jacket and that you can squat (without making the knees baggy) in pants. See if you can breathe easily. There should be no stretch marks across the torso and no gaping buttons.
When in doubt, remember what Mr. Gigliotti of Boyd's says about men's priorities: "Comfort is paramount."
—Email Christina.Binkley@wsj.com or twitter.com/BinkleyOnStyle.
MY THOUGHTS
this is a revelation! i thought men shop without fuss? or maybe they're not fussing. they're just being sensible. after all, as the article suggests, men's fashion doesn't change as much as women's does. i don't remember ever squatting inside the fitting room to test the seams. maybe i should. especially because i have ceased being fashion conscious. i prefer classic styles that would last longer.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Black Tie, Formal, Dressy Casual and More
Party Definitions
Black Tie, Formal, Dressy Casual and More!
By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide
Banish pre-party jitters about attire with our quick reference to dress codes for social events.
Black Tie
A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
A White Tie or Ultra-formal invitation requires men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.
Black Tie Optional
A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates.
Sometimes, themed parties call for dress codes like Texas Black Tie or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).
Semi-Formal
Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.
Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.
Informal
Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her -- especially when associated with a wedding or special event.
Festive Attire
Festive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or holiday bent (i.e. a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt).
Casual
Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For him, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for her a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual.
Casual generally means anything goes.
MY THOUGHTS
i didn't know that informal is not the same as casual. i go for casual, then. all the time. i love jeans. and shorts. any attire that won't take too much effort or time.
Black Tie, Formal, Dressy Casual and More!
By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide
Banish pre-party jitters about attire with our quick reference to dress codes for social events.
Black Tie
A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
A White Tie or Ultra-formal invitation requires men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.
Black Tie Optional
A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates.
Sometimes, themed parties call for dress codes like Texas Black Tie or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).
Semi-Formal
Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.
Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.
Informal
Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her -- especially when associated with a wedding or special event.
Festive Attire
Festive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or holiday bent (i.e. a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt).
Casual
Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For him, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for her a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual.
Casual generally means anything goes.
MY THOUGHTS
i didn't know that informal is not the same as casual. i go for casual, then. all the time. i love jeans. and shorts. any attire that won't take too much effort or time.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Find Your Dream Dress
Find Your Dream Dress
By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide
1. Decide on Formality:
Usually the event invitation will clue you into the formality of the event, whether it's casual or black tie. But sometimes even that will cause confusion (short dress or long?)
In general, the later in the day the event (after 6 p.m.), the dressier. Long dresses are usually reserved only for formal (black tie) occasions.
While some fabrics are year-round -- silk, brocade, organza, jersey -- fabrics like velvet and gold spangles are best reserved for winter holidays.
2. Flatter Your Figure:
The most important feature of your new dress is how well it flatters you.
Remember that darker colors and simple cuts (a sheath, an A-line) are the most flattering.
Show off your best feature. If you have gorgeous eyes, then play them up with beautiful makeup, off-the-face hair and jeweled earrings in a complimentary shade.
Not sure what your best asset is? Ask a friend or significant other. Or go to a store that sells special occasion dresses and enlist the salesperson's help.
3. Choose a Color:
You could just wear a little black dress (classy, flattering and slenderizing), but why not explore some of the other dressy options?
Red, bold prints, even gold are dramatic enough for evening wear. Pastels, mid-range brights and soft prints look great for dressy day occasions.
Blue (from navy to royal), pink (from cotton candy to fuchsia) and white (from candlelight to cream) look great on almost everyone. Remember that the "Don't wear white to a wedding" wisdom is still considered a fashion don't by most women.
4. Pick a Style:
Catalogs, the internet and magazines are a great places to seek special occasion dress inspiration.
Instead of going with something trendy, try to find a dress that reflects classic, timeless elegance. Remember that you'll have to look at photos of you in the dress for years to come.
Classic special occasion dresses are often deceptively simple, but they usually let the beauty of the wearer shine through. A few examples: the little black dress (a.k.a the cocktail dress), a goddess gown (draped and rouched), a ballgown, a slip dress.
5. Shop:
Set a budget before shopping. Special occasion dresses usually cost more than $100, but if you comparison shop you can find one that works in your price range.
Shop secondhand stores and sales to save even more money on a dress.
If you shop in a store, dress for the day by bringing along heels, any special accessories you know you want to use and a strapless bra.
When shopping online, make sure you understand both the sizing (know your measurements and check against a size chart on the site) and the return policy (some stores don't take returns on dresses.)
6. Accessorize:
The trimmings will take their cue from the dress, but for special occasions your jewelery usually gets bigger and your bag and shoes get smaller (as in strappy sandals).
Although you may want to add tons of glitz, remember that you can kill a look with too much matchy-matchy accessorizing. Find earrings, necklace and bracelet that compliment each other without being a matching set.
If your legs aren't perfect enough to go bare need camouflage and you don't like to wear leg makeup, then opt for super-sheer hose or fishnets.
MY THOUGHTS
too much effort. another reason i don't want dressing up for really special occasions. but when i have to, my decision for a dress will depend on the occasion itself, the crowd i'll be hobnobbing with, my role in the event, the place. see? i'm already getting headaches just thinking about it. and i really don't want spending too much on a dress that i probably won't wear again. i have a lot of those already. boxed up and gathering dust. by the time my nieces need them, they'll be so out of fashion wearing them would be like the kiss of death. but hey! there's recycling, right?
By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide
1. Decide on Formality:
Usually the event invitation will clue you into the formality of the event, whether it's casual or black tie. But sometimes even that will cause confusion (short dress or long?)
In general, the later in the day the event (after 6 p.m.), the dressier. Long dresses are usually reserved only for formal (black tie) occasions.
While some fabrics are year-round -- silk, brocade, organza, jersey -- fabrics like velvet and gold spangles are best reserved for winter holidays.
2. Flatter Your Figure:
The most important feature of your new dress is how well it flatters you.
Remember that darker colors and simple cuts (a sheath, an A-line) are the most flattering.
Show off your best feature. If you have gorgeous eyes, then play them up with beautiful makeup, off-the-face hair and jeweled earrings in a complimentary shade.
Not sure what your best asset is? Ask a friend or significant other. Or go to a store that sells special occasion dresses and enlist the salesperson's help.
3. Choose a Color:
You could just wear a little black dress (classy, flattering and slenderizing), but why not explore some of the other dressy options?
Red, bold prints, even gold are dramatic enough for evening wear. Pastels, mid-range brights and soft prints look great for dressy day occasions.
Blue (from navy to royal), pink (from cotton candy to fuchsia) and white (from candlelight to cream) look great on almost everyone. Remember that the "Don't wear white to a wedding" wisdom is still considered a fashion don't by most women.
4. Pick a Style:
Catalogs, the internet and magazines are a great places to seek special occasion dress inspiration.
Instead of going with something trendy, try to find a dress that reflects classic, timeless elegance. Remember that you'll have to look at photos of you in the dress for years to come.
Classic special occasion dresses are often deceptively simple, but they usually let the beauty of the wearer shine through. A few examples: the little black dress (a.k.a the cocktail dress), a goddess gown (draped and rouched), a ballgown, a slip dress.
5. Shop:
Set a budget before shopping. Special occasion dresses usually cost more than $100, but if you comparison shop you can find one that works in your price range.
Shop secondhand stores and sales to save even more money on a dress.
If you shop in a store, dress for the day by bringing along heels, any special accessories you know you want to use and a strapless bra.
When shopping online, make sure you understand both the sizing (know your measurements and check against a size chart on the site) and the return policy (some stores don't take returns on dresses.)
6. Accessorize:
The trimmings will take their cue from the dress, but for special occasions your jewelery usually gets bigger and your bag and shoes get smaller (as in strappy sandals).
Although you may want to add tons of glitz, remember that you can kill a look with too much matchy-matchy accessorizing. Find earrings, necklace and bracelet that compliment each other without being a matching set.
If your legs aren't perfect enough to go bare need camouflage and you don't like to wear leg makeup, then opt for super-sheer hose or fishnets.
MY THOUGHTS
too much effort. another reason i don't want dressing up for really special occasions. but when i have to, my decision for a dress will depend on the occasion itself, the crowd i'll be hobnobbing with, my role in the event, the place. see? i'm already getting headaches just thinking about it. and i really don't want spending too much on a dress that i probably won't wear again. i have a lot of those already. boxed up and gathering dust. by the time my nieces need them, they'll be so out of fashion wearing them would be like the kiss of death. but hey! there's recycling, right?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
How to Accessorize a Special Occasion Dress
How to Accessorize a Special Occasion Dress?
By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide
Question: How to Accessorize a Special Occasion Dress?
Answer: Pearls are a great choice to dress up a special dress. Look for a double or single strand pearl choker and some matching earrings. Also, a bracelet -- in something sparkly or pearls -- is nice. Long earrings with clear or colored jewels and large diamond studs are two other special looks. Choose a small embroidered, beaded or otherwise decorated handheld bag. For more coverage, you can add a sheer wrap to wear around your shoulders.
MY THOUGHTS
i hope i'll never get invited to an event where i have to wear something formal. i don't like pearls. i don't like wraps. well,i don't like formal!!!
By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide
Question: How to Accessorize a Special Occasion Dress?
Answer: Pearls are a great choice to dress up a special dress. Look for a double or single strand pearl choker and some matching earrings. Also, a bracelet -- in something sparkly or pearls -- is nice. Long earrings with clear or colored jewels and large diamond studs are two other special looks. Choose a small embroidered, beaded or otherwise decorated handheld bag. For more coverage, you can add a sheer wrap to wear around your shoulders.
MY THOUGHTS
i hope i'll never get invited to an event where i have to wear something formal. i don't like pearls. i don't like wraps. well,i don't like formal!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How to Spot a Fake Designer Handbag
How to Spot a Fake Designer Handbag
Make Sure You are Buying an Authentic Bag
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
If you are looking to invest in a designer handbag, make sure you are getting the real thing. By following these simple tips, you can easily spot a fake bag. If you are still tempted to buy replicas, be sure to check out these reasons why you shouldn't buy a fake designer bag.
Know your bags.
The easiest way to spot a fake bag is to familiarize yourself with what the real thing should look like. Head to the department store, boutique or the designer's website where they sell the authentic bags. Make notes about the logo placement, hardware, size, materials and other important details about the bag that you want. By doing your research, you should be able to easily spot a replica.
Pay attention to detail.
When shopping, inspect the bag closely and pay attention to the detailing. Authentic designer handbags are made from quality leather with topnotch construction. The bags are normally hand-stitched. Look at the labels, where you will find the brand names and possibly serial numbers stamped, etched or stitched. Make sure the logos or monograms are the right shape and aligned properly.
Look for documentation.
When you buy an authentic designer bag, it will normally come with a certificate of authenticity or some kind of documentation. These can be faked too but falsified certificates are usually obvious. Many designer bags also come with dust bags as well.
Is it to good to be true?
If the price is pennies on the dollar of the MSRP, it's probably fake. Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. If you spot a Louis Vuitton bag for twenty bucks on eBay -- it's not real. Instead of purchasing a counterfeit designer bag, save your money for an authentic one and buy a couple less expensive bags in the meantime.
Be careful where you shop.
Designer handbags are sold in boutiques and department stores, as well as on department store and manufacturer websites. They generally aren't sold in kiosks, flea markets, street stands or out of the trunk of cars. Online, go to the designer's website and find out where their bags are sold. Also avoid online auction sites. Portero.com may be one exception -- they are known as a trusted resource for pre-owned authentic designer bags.
MY THOUGHTS
imagine that! fake authentications. there's no logic to it, is there. thing is- fake designer bags are evrywhere. they are even online.
Make Sure You are Buying an Authentic Bag
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
If you are looking to invest in a designer handbag, make sure you are getting the real thing. By following these simple tips, you can easily spot a fake bag. If you are still tempted to buy replicas, be sure to check out these reasons why you shouldn't buy a fake designer bag.
Know your bags.
The easiest way to spot a fake bag is to familiarize yourself with what the real thing should look like. Head to the department store, boutique or the designer's website where they sell the authentic bags. Make notes about the logo placement, hardware, size, materials and other important details about the bag that you want. By doing your research, you should be able to easily spot a replica.
Pay attention to detail.
When shopping, inspect the bag closely and pay attention to the detailing. Authentic designer handbags are made from quality leather with topnotch construction. The bags are normally hand-stitched. Look at the labels, where you will find the brand names and possibly serial numbers stamped, etched or stitched. Make sure the logos or monograms are the right shape and aligned properly.
Look for documentation.
When you buy an authentic designer bag, it will normally come with a certificate of authenticity or some kind of documentation. These can be faked too but falsified certificates are usually obvious. Many designer bags also come with dust bags as well.
Is it to good to be true?
If the price is pennies on the dollar of the MSRP, it's probably fake. Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. If you spot a Louis Vuitton bag for twenty bucks on eBay -- it's not real. Instead of purchasing a counterfeit designer bag, save your money for an authentic one and buy a couple less expensive bags in the meantime.
Be careful where you shop.
Designer handbags are sold in boutiques and department stores, as well as on department store and manufacturer websites. They generally aren't sold in kiosks, flea markets, street stands or out of the trunk of cars. Online, go to the designer's website and find out where their bags are sold. Also avoid online auction sites. Portero.com may be one exception -- they are known as a trusted resource for pre-owned authentic designer bags.
MY THOUGHTS
imagine that! fake authentications. there's no logic to it, is there. thing is- fake designer bags are evrywhere. they are even online.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Why You Shouldn't Buy a Fake Designer Handbag
Reasons Why You Shouldn't Buy a Fake Designer Handbag
Avoid Knockoffs and Replica Handbags
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
Many times you may covet a designer handbag that is out of your price range, but don't run off to the flea market to get a replica. Instead, save your pennies and look for an authentic bag on sale from a reputable retailer. Let's take a look at some of the reasons that you shouldn't buy a fake designer handbag.
Legality
Selling fake designer handbags is illegal. Counterfeit bags infringe on the copyright and trademarks of the designer and brand. By purchasing these bags, you are supporting these illegal acts. Instead, put away some money each month into your handbag fund and buy yourself the real thing for Christmas.
Child Labor
Most designer replicas are produced by organized crime and illegal enterprises. They are made by young children in very poor working conditions. By supporting organized crime, you aren't just supporting and contributing to child labor, but also to their other crimes including human trafficking, child abuse and prostitution.
Appearance
Most fake bags look cheap. They are made from low quality leather. The colors and dyes are oftentimes uneven. The stitching and general construction are poor. Authentic designers take pride in their workmanship. Sweatshops don't. Who wants to look like a poser anyway? If you can't afford the real thing, don't buy it.
Designers
By purchasing fake bags, you are hurting the designers and the manufacturers. The time, effort and creativity put into producing a bag is extensive, from the initial sketches through the time it goes on the shelves. Additionally, if designers and brands are constantly having to spend money in court protecting their designs, the cost of their bags will rise too.
MY THOUGHTS
something to think about. most definitely. that is,if you still have sound values and try to live your life based on principles. what's in bag anyway. nothing maybe. just leather and zipper and buttons. and the lives of the people who mada that bag possible. so, why think about it?
Avoid Knockoffs and Replica Handbags
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
Many times you may covet a designer handbag that is out of your price range, but don't run off to the flea market to get a replica. Instead, save your pennies and look for an authentic bag on sale from a reputable retailer. Let's take a look at some of the reasons that you shouldn't buy a fake designer handbag.
Legality
Selling fake designer handbags is illegal. Counterfeit bags infringe on the copyright and trademarks of the designer and brand. By purchasing these bags, you are supporting these illegal acts. Instead, put away some money each month into your handbag fund and buy yourself the real thing for Christmas.
Child Labor
Most designer replicas are produced by organized crime and illegal enterprises. They are made by young children in very poor working conditions. By supporting organized crime, you aren't just supporting and contributing to child labor, but also to their other crimes including human trafficking, child abuse and prostitution.
Appearance
Most fake bags look cheap. They are made from low quality leather. The colors and dyes are oftentimes uneven. The stitching and general construction are poor. Authentic designers take pride in their workmanship. Sweatshops don't. Who wants to look like a poser anyway? If you can't afford the real thing, don't buy it.
Designers
By purchasing fake bags, you are hurting the designers and the manufacturers. The time, effort and creativity put into producing a bag is extensive, from the initial sketches through the time it goes on the shelves. Additionally, if designers and brands are constantly having to spend money in court protecting their designs, the cost of their bags will rise too.
MY THOUGHTS
something to think about. most definitely. that is,if you still have sound values and try to live your life based on principles. what's in bag anyway. nothing maybe. just leather and zipper and buttons. and the lives of the people who mada that bag possible. so, why think about it?
How to Accessorize a Little Black Dress
How to Accessorize a Little Black Dress
Accessories for a Little Black Dress
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
An essential in every woman's wardrobe, the little black dress is a stylish choice for many occasions. If you are wearing your little black dress to a cocktail party or evening event, these accessories will finish off your look perfectly.
Drop Earrings
You don't have to spend a fortune to look stylish and chic. These Eliot Danori earrings feature vintage-inspired Swarovski crystals for an elegant yet affordable appeal. These earrings are just $40.
Tennis Bracelet
A diamond tennis bracelet is a classic choice with a little black dress. It's sophisticated and classy. You don't need to splurge on diamonds. Sparkling cubic zirconia or other diamond alternatives are almost as good as the real deal.
Metallic Evening Bag
A small metallic evening clutch is a great complement to a little black dress. Metallic fabrics will add just a touch of shine for evening. Bags with sequins, beads and other embellishments are also terrific options.
Slingback Pumps
Select a pair of slingback pumps with a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2-inch heel to complement your little black dress. Black pumps are the obvious choice but silver is also a favorite. If you'd like a classic Audrey Hepburn style look, choose pumps with a round toe.
Dramatic Wrap
When it's chilly outside, add a wrap instead of an overcoat. You can choose from sheer silk wraps, fur-lined options, or something a little more dramatic like this leopard wrap from Harlequin Feltworks.
MY THOUGHTS
thing is, i do not have a little black dress. i have maybe a couple of black dresses. they are certainly not little. no problem with drop earrings and metallic evening bag. can't remember what happened to the tennis bracelet. i think i threw it in the face of the &*#$ who gave it to me. i've come to hate pumps and i certainly don't like wraps. dramatic or not. in other words, my lifestyle has changed so much the past years, i have no need to accessorize the little black because i don't have the need for it.
Accessories for a Little Black Dress
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
An essential in every woman's wardrobe, the little black dress is a stylish choice for many occasions. If you are wearing your little black dress to a cocktail party or evening event, these accessories will finish off your look perfectly.
Drop Earrings
You don't have to spend a fortune to look stylish and chic. These Eliot Danori earrings feature vintage-inspired Swarovski crystals for an elegant yet affordable appeal. These earrings are just $40.
Tennis Bracelet
A diamond tennis bracelet is a classic choice with a little black dress. It's sophisticated and classy. You don't need to splurge on diamonds. Sparkling cubic zirconia or other diamond alternatives are almost as good as the real deal.
Metallic Evening Bag
A small metallic evening clutch is a great complement to a little black dress. Metallic fabrics will add just a touch of shine for evening. Bags with sequins, beads and other embellishments are also terrific options.
Slingback Pumps
Select a pair of slingback pumps with a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2-inch heel to complement your little black dress. Black pumps are the obvious choice but silver is also a favorite. If you'd like a classic Audrey Hepburn style look, choose pumps with a round toe.
Dramatic Wrap
When it's chilly outside, add a wrap instead of an overcoat. You can choose from sheer silk wraps, fur-lined options, or something a little more dramatic like this leopard wrap from Harlequin Feltworks.
MY THOUGHTS
thing is, i do not have a little black dress. i have maybe a couple of black dresses. they are certainly not little. no problem with drop earrings and metallic evening bag. can't remember what happened to the tennis bracelet. i think i threw it in the face of the &*#$ who gave it to me. i've come to hate pumps and i certainly don't like wraps. dramatic or not. in other words, my lifestyle has changed so much the past years, i have no need to accessorize the little black because i don't have the need for it.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Must-Have Handbag Styles
Must-Have Handbag Styles
8 Purses Every Woman Should Own
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
Handbags come in all shapes, styles, colors and fabrics. When building your handbag collection, be sure to look for these essential styles. These different types of handbags are defined by their shape as well as how they are carried (handheld, over the shoulder, crossbody, etc.). Check out these must-have purses that every woman should own.
Office Handbag
Your handbag for the office should be well-constructed and not too flashy. It should be medium to large sized--big enough to carry your essentials but not much more. It should have organizational pockets inside and out for easy access and convenience. A neutral color is the best in smooth or patent leather. Leather satchels, bowlers, shoulder bags and totes are ideal. This B. Makowsky leather bag is just perfect. This handbag is priced at $368 from Nordstrom
Weekend Bag
A roomy weekend handbag is a must. Select a tote bag, shopper, oversized hobo or large satchel. This should be the biggest bag that you own but it shouldn't so enormous that it overwhelms your body. It should be large enough to hold a simple change of clothes and your toiletries. This bag should have both interior and exterior pockets for convenience. Play with color, textures and prints. This bag should be durable--you never know where the weekend might take you.
This extra large convertible satchel from Juicy Couture is a fantastic option. With its adjustable strap, you can convert it into a crossbody bag. At 21 inches wide, it will hold everything you need. This bag is available at Nordstrom (Buy Direct) in three colors, priced at $228.
Everyday Satchel
This should be your go-to handbag for everything from dinner with your parents to a daytime date. A satchel has short handles and the top can have a zipper, snap, drawstring or buckle closure. Your everyday satchel should be medium-sized with high-quality construction. You can experiment with fun colors and patterns, but realize that you are looking for something that will work well with most of your wardrobe. The domed satchel is a popular shape right now. If you want to splurge on a designer bag, the Chloe Astoria (pictured here in pollen yellow buffalo leather) is a classy option. You can order this satchel from Neiman Marcus (Visit Their Website) and other top department stores and boutiques.
Casual Shopper
This versatile purse is perfect for shopping trips. It should be fairly large and definitely roomy. Instead of leather, pick a shopper in canvas or cotton to make it light and easy to carry. This soft body bag needs to be durable enough to get enough to get knocked around. This coated canvas shopper from Dooney & Bourke is a fun choice with its cheerful duck print. Get it now at Nordstrom for $195
Slouchy Hobo
The hobo comes in all sizes from small to oversized. If you only have one hobo, make it medium to large in a slouchy rather than structured style. Hobos are recognized by their distinct crescent shape. They come in leather, suede and just about every other fabric. For spring and summer, pick up a colorful bag like this Tarnish printed cotton hobo. This handbag is priced at only $68 at Nordstrom
MY THOUGHTS
second to shoes, i have a thing for bags, too. until i openedmy closet one day and all the bags fell on me. they didn't hurt one bit. but i realized i had too many bags. i stopped buying. but then, friends and family know i love them. so, i get them as gifts. 2-4 new bags a year is certainly better than 1 new bag a month. guess what? with all the bags i've amassed i can;t find that perfect weekend bag. it's always smaller or bigger. maybe i should change my packing habits, too.
8 Purses Every Woman Should Own
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide
Handbags come in all shapes, styles, colors and fabrics. When building your handbag collection, be sure to look for these essential styles. These different types of handbags are defined by their shape as well as how they are carried (handheld, over the shoulder, crossbody, etc.). Check out these must-have purses that every woman should own.
Office Handbag
Your handbag for the office should be well-constructed and not too flashy. It should be medium to large sized--big enough to carry your essentials but not much more. It should have organizational pockets inside and out for easy access and convenience. A neutral color is the best in smooth or patent leather. Leather satchels, bowlers, shoulder bags and totes are ideal. This B. Makowsky leather bag is just perfect. This handbag is priced at $368 from Nordstrom
Weekend Bag
A roomy weekend handbag is a must. Select a tote bag, shopper, oversized hobo or large satchel. This should be the biggest bag that you own but it shouldn't so enormous that it overwhelms your body. It should be large enough to hold a simple change of clothes and your toiletries. This bag should have both interior and exterior pockets for convenience. Play with color, textures and prints. This bag should be durable--you never know where the weekend might take you.
This extra large convertible satchel from Juicy Couture is a fantastic option. With its adjustable strap, you can convert it into a crossbody bag. At 21 inches wide, it will hold everything you need. This bag is available at Nordstrom (Buy Direct) in three colors, priced at $228.
Everyday Satchel
This should be your go-to handbag for everything from dinner with your parents to a daytime date. A satchel has short handles and the top can have a zipper, snap, drawstring or buckle closure. Your everyday satchel should be medium-sized with high-quality construction. You can experiment with fun colors and patterns, but realize that you are looking for something that will work well with most of your wardrobe. The domed satchel is a popular shape right now. If you want to splurge on a designer bag, the Chloe Astoria (pictured here in pollen yellow buffalo leather) is a classy option. You can order this satchel from Neiman Marcus (Visit Their Website) and other top department stores and boutiques.
Casual Shopper
This versatile purse is perfect for shopping trips. It should be fairly large and definitely roomy. Instead of leather, pick a shopper in canvas or cotton to make it light and easy to carry. This soft body bag needs to be durable enough to get enough to get knocked around. This coated canvas shopper from Dooney & Bourke is a fun choice with its cheerful duck print. Get it now at Nordstrom for $195
Slouchy Hobo
The hobo comes in all sizes from small to oversized. If you only have one hobo, make it medium to large in a slouchy rather than structured style. Hobos are recognized by their distinct crescent shape. They come in leather, suede and just about every other fabric. For spring and summer, pick up a colorful bag like this Tarnish printed cotton hobo. This handbag is priced at only $68 at Nordstrom
MY THOUGHTS
second to shoes, i have a thing for bags, too. until i openedmy closet one day and all the bags fell on me. they didn't hurt one bit. but i realized i had too many bags. i stopped buying. but then, friends and family know i love them. so, i get them as gifts. 2-4 new bags a year is certainly better than 1 new bag a month. guess what? with all the bags i've amassed i can;t find that perfect weekend bag. it's always smaller or bigger. maybe i should change my packing habits, too.
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