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Total Image Consultants Fashion Secret
Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered A Fall Preview |
| Last Spring I wrote this column a bit later in the season than usual, and was I glad I did! All my initial research indicated that there would be lots of bright colors to wear. I should have trusted my instincts after watching the trend-setting Academy Awards. What did we see most? Gowns in pastels and, of course, the ubiquitous black and white. What did I see when I shopped with clients? You guessed it. Black, white, brown (which is nice), pastels and a smattering of bright colors (mostly red or odd purples). This season, I decided to go with what they are telling us and see what happens. It’s a long season so we’ll see if these trends really do make it to the stores. If not, perhaps I’ll do a second “Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered!” later this winter. For now, however, here’s what the powers that be are telling us we’ll see: Bewitched Color: Last spring they said color was coming back. They lied! The minute I saw the first 5 dresses at the Academy Awards I knew we were in trouble. Pastels reigned as did black and white. While the fashion magazines were screaming brights are in, stores were filled with black, white, brown, a touch of navy, and some pastels. A smattering of red, a strange violet and bright sun yellow (yikes!) could be seen. So, now they are saying brights are in again but with more conviction. Jewel tones, especially fuschia (we saw various shades of this at the Emmy’s last night), paired with black are hot. Hopefully, we will not have a repeat of last Fall/Winter when stores were nearly devoid of color. Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes open! Dress for Success: The dress made a serious and long awaited comeback this spring. Word has it they will still be around. Let’s hope. We don’t want to go another 15 years before we see another dress! One word of caution: I still recommend steering clear of babydoll dresses (especially since designers are hiking the hemlines even higher). If you read my July Fashion Secret, you know why. If not, you can find it here: www.totalimageconsultants.com/fs-top5officenosJuly07.html. Mary Janes: I have to admit that Mary Jane shoes have not been my favorite shoe style…until now. Designers have tweaked them so they no longer look frumpy or overly sweet. Apparently, my original misgivings were not misplaced. Rumor has it that Mary Janes were named after the little girl who wore them (although they were flat) in the Buster Brown Comic strip at the turn of the 20th century. It seems that Mary Janes have grown up! Shoulder Pads: I know many of you think this is a misprint. I didn’t really put shoulder pads in the “bewitched” category, did I? Yup, I did. Supposedly, they are back in style (although they will ease us into it, I’m sure), and I, for one, am not unhappy. While I don’t see us going “dynasty” quite yet, a little lift and structure (at least for those of us with narrow and/or sloping shoulders) is a relief. Balance is back! Velvet Blazers: These were a hit last year and supposedly we’ll see lots of them again this year in gorgeous deep colors. They can fit into any look including this season’s “biker” look, preppy, soft and feminine and elegantly casual. Bothered Floppy Bow Blouses: Didn’t we do this not that long ago or am I just getting old? Okay, I have to admit I have found one or two that are promising – the bow starts lower with an open neckline and the bow is small. Other than that, I’ll try to keep an open mind but most blouses with bows look annoying and messy. Short-Sleeve Coat or Jacket: Another style we should leave in the 80’s. Short-sleeve coats or jackets worn with long –sleeve blouses. Trendy, trendy…if you must have it, buy one. Hopefully, it will be a very short-lived comeback. High-Heeled Oxfords: Want to make your ankle look heavy and your legs look short, wear a pair of high-heeled oxfords with a skirt or better yet a jumper (please beware of jumpers). Maybe if the shoes are black and you wear black tights with them you can overcome the clunkiness of them (they have the same effect as ankle boots). If you really like them, stick to wearing them with pants. Bewildered Leggings with Long Sweaters: I have to admit I loved this style 20 years ago. It can look very sleek and clean but there is an unmistakable tendency for it to look messy and embarrassing. My advice? With rare exceptions, leave it to the teenagers. Trapeze Dress: I have a love-hate relationship with this dress style. Although it can work on almost anyone, if it doesn’t work, it really doesn’t work. Be careful of too many gathers and definitely don’t wear it too short unless you are a teenager. The prettiest trapeze dress I found was the Kay Unger New York Trapeze Dress at www.amazon.com. Platform Sandals or Peep-Toe Shoes: I love this style shoe but in the winter? This trend will last through about mid-October (if we are lucky!) in the Northeast and then it will be too cold. Maybe I’m too much of a fuddy-duddy, but I’m not wild about wearing black tights with open toed, colorful shoes. But, who knows, they could grow on me, I suppose. Cowl Neck Sweaters: Here is the 80’s influence again. These can look fine as long as you aren’t (like me) someone who will spend way too much time fussing with them. Colored Jeans: Okay, here I go again with the 80’s bashing. Neon pants just don’t thrill me so you’re on your own with this one. One of the nicest things this season is that jackets are hot. You can find casual, professional, pretty, and even rough and tough biker jackets…a jacket for any occasion. I predict we have a fun shopping season ahead. * * *
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