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Read Fashion Secret Archives Here
Fall/Winter 2001 Fashion Secret
This Season's Fashion Mantra?
How to make the best of the worst!
There is no question that these are hard times! Working through the events of the day as we go about our normal lives when things are anything but normal, is an incredible challenge. The fashion industry has created a selection of clothing which matches the times. Bad! Mini-skirts, bell-bottom pants, long and lumpy sweaters, leather pant suits… The stores are bursting at the seams with throwbacks to the seventies. We have all heard the rule; "If you wore it the first time you should not be wearing it now." This year the rule should be, don’t wear it at all!
So where is the silver lining in this cloud? How will we make the best of the worst? First, count our blessings. The times have offered most of us financial uncertainty and we feel the need to tighten our belts. Think how much harder it would be if all of the stores were filled with irresistible fashions? We are feeling unfocused and distracted. It is not a good time to be making major decisions or purchases. You can stay out of the stores and know you are not missing much!
Despite the bad fashions and tough times we still need to revive our fall wardrobes. Dressing in comfortable well fitting garments will make us feel good.
Getting Down to Business:
How many times have you purchased fall and winter clothing without reviewing what you already own? Reorganizing your closet at the onset of cold weather can really cut down on unnecessary purchases.
- Are your fall and winter items, clean, pressed and in good repair?
- Did you store away some items last spring that really should have been discarded? Only put into your closet things you know you will use and wear. If you have items that you are not sure about, store them somewhere else. If we get well into the winter season and you have not gone to retrieve them, discard them.
- Check out the condition of your cold weather gear? Did your winter boots have their last season last year?
- Make a list of items that need to be replaced.
Make the most of what you already own. Reorganize your closet you are bound to discover your favorite fall and winter fashions. I like to call them the repeat performers. These are the clothes you love to put on. They can make you feel and look great!
This season the role of the repeat performer will be more important than ever. How can we make the old look new again? How can we stretch the clothing we own so we do not look like we are wearing the same things over and over again?
Have a home fashion workshop. You can do this on your own or ask a trusted objective friend to help you. Ask her to give her impression as you try wearing some of your favorite things mixed with different items in your wardrobe. Making new combinations can give your older looks a new spin.
Spice things up with new accessories. Shoes and jewelry can add a new flavor to our current wardrobes and are easier items to shop for this season. Add a pair of sleek long earrings — especially if they have a bit of sparkle. They are great fun and look good on
nearly everyone (unless your neck is fairly short).
As you have probably noticed, there is a wonderful selection of boots in the stores this year. Any size, shape, heel height and style is
available.
When you have to shop, choose your stores carefully.
Talbots — ask for the magic pants. They are comfortable and work on many body types (which is why they are "magic") (Note: Some of their stores carry them and others don't, so you might have to ask)
Turnabout Shoppe (Wellesley, MA) — they have a beautiful selection of cashmere sweaters. They never go out of style!
The Studio (Brookline, MA) — they offer a wonderful selection of cozy sweaters and jackets. Some are even available through their website www.studio233.com
Jewelry by Karel — Her pieces are beautiful, there's something for every style, and they are extremely affordable. For those of you in the Boston area, stay tuned for a special shopping event at Karel's. (Note: You must be subscribed to the "fashion events" newsletter (click here) in order to receive notification of this event.
Other Fashion Opportunities:
When you get the itch to shop experience some of the other fashion opportunities in your community. Here in Boston we are lucky to have fabulous exhibits to experience and enjoy.
The Museum of Fine Arts is exhibiting, "The Images of Glamour and Style." The exhibit features the photographs of two of the most influential fashion photographers of our times. Included among the models are fashion trendsetters such as Joan Crawford and Jessica Tandy.
The Kennedy Library is exhibiting, "Jaqueline Bouvier Kennedy: First Lady." Included within this exhibit, which chronicles her life as first lady, are some of the fabulous clothing she wore. The world of fashion and art continue to be influenced by her incredible taste.
My feeling about the 1970's is... been there, done that. It's time to move on. Thankfully, there are enough smaller, boutique-type stores around that know their clientele and realize that most of us don't want to go back (and don't look good in it if we do). If, after reading this, you are confused about how to begin, let me suggest that you spend your money on a good wardrobe consultation as opposed to purchasing new items that simply sit in your wardrobe.* You wouldn't be the first woman to successfully shop in her own closet! And, with a little help, you can save money as well.
*If you want to find a consultant in your area, please go to the Association of Image Consultants International's website at www.aici.org.
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Sun image courtesy ArtToday.com
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