|
|
 |
November 2000 Fashion Secret
Read Fashion Secret Archives Here
Trendy Fall Accessories:
So Many Choices, So Little Time
As a teenager, I desperately wanted to be cool. It was the 1970's and being cool meant being somewhat defiant--a bit of a rebel. There was little room for being good or obeying all the rules (who, me?). Long hair, a laid-back demeanor and cigarettes were the craze. Any guess as to how cool I was? Try zero on a scale of one to ten.
It was a time when there was little choice in skirt lengths or jean styles (bell-bottom, hip huggers were it). Somehow, the trends never suited my style, and I felt goofy trying to make them work. Thankfully, some of that has changed, and while you won't want to adopt all the trends in any given season, there is generally something for every one. Thirty years later, anyone can look cool!
There's one thing we can all agree on when it comes to fashion trends: They are fleeting. Granted, they are fun, but they fall out of favor as quickly as they come in, and it's anyone's guess as to the lifespan of any one trend. The trick is catch a trend on the rise and know when it's over.
Let's review the rules about trends and then we'll look at what is in this season.
Rule #1: If you don't love it, don't buy it. (See Fashion Secret #10 in my book.) It doesn't matter if it's "in." Or if it's on sale, or even if you're desperate (that's another issue altogether). If you don't love it when you put it on, do not buy it.
Rule #2: Try something new. (See Fashion Secret #50 in my book.) Do not immediately dismiss something just because it's different. It never hurts to try something on. If you do and you hate it, take it off and put it back on the rack. By trying it on, however, there's always the chance that you will discover a new style, color or fabric that you like.
Rule #3: Don't buy it simply because it's in style. If it doesn't look good on you or you don't feel comfortable in it, the impact of the trend will be lost.
Rule #4: A little bit of trendiness goes a long way. This season, you'll see crocodile, psychedelic designs and leather everywhere. Beware of overkill. A little bit is tasteful. A lot is not. And that goes double for many work environments. Err on the side of conservative. You can push the envelope after hours.
Rule #5: Know where to shop. If you don't like what you see in the department stores or don't feel they suit your style or needs, then look for smaller stores where they cater to their clientele and not the whims of designers. In the Boston area, I can recommend, the Turnabout Shop in Wellesley, The Studio in Brookline, WOW and Randal Scott in Newton, Bjoux in Boston and Charlottes in Scituate Harbor. These stores know their clients and are less driven by fleeting fashion trends.
Rule #6: Never spend a lot of money on one trend unless you're sure you'll wear the item out before the trend is over or you have plenty of money to spare. You'll feel compelled to wear it because you spent good money on it, but once the trend is no longer trendy, you'll feel awkward in it. Somehow that defeats the purpose.
Rule #7: This is worth repeating... if you don't love it, don't buy it... period.
What can you buy this season that will satisfy your desire to be current and will not look dated overnight?
- Red Accessories.
Handbag, shoes, lipstick, watch, leather skirt or pants, even your cell phone. But not all at once. Wear one or two at the most at a time. Otherwise, you risk looking like you're trying too hard to be "in."
- Boots.
Last spring the shoes stores were filled with slides (which are still in style for evening wear). This season, it's boots in every imagineable heel height, color, shape and style. You can wear boots seven days a week and not only be fashionable but also warm! Resource: www.totalimageconsultants.com/books-and-links.html and go to ShoeBuy.com. They have a terrific selection.
- Hoop Earrings.
They've been in since last spring and will probaby be around for a bit. They are a throwback to the '70s with a classic feel to them. An inch to an inch and a half in diameter is fine for most situations. Anything larger should be saved (and flaunted) after hours! Resource: Karen at Jewelry by Karel. I got my gold hoop earrings from Karen and I'm wearing them as I write! You can reach her at KMHalaby@aol.com
- Gold.
It's about time silver took a backseat to gold... and we're not just talking jewelry here. You'll see gold leather pants, gold chain belts (one strand--not like the multi-strands of the '80s), gold jewelry and sheer gold face powder. Unless you're a drama queen, however, pick one. Remember this is the season of ladylike fashions and elegant glamour, so understated is best.
- Shoes.
Shine is in, so pull out those patent leather shoes or invest in a pair of crocodile shoes. The brave of heart won't want to stop there... look for patent leather or crocodile handbags, raincoats and even, dare I say it, pants! Of course, most of us will want to go for the faux croc since the real thing will run you into the thousands. Slingbacks have made a comeback but save them for evening wear. They are not particularly practical--at least in the snowy states--for daytime wear. You could even go wild and select a pair of red faux-crocodile slingbacks!!
- Shawls and Scarves.
Like the sweater set, my wish is that these never go out of style. They are elegant, soft, versatile and warm, with an emphasis on warm. Not to mention that they dress up an outfit, add new life to the ever-present little black dress, or pull a mix-and-match outfit together. Wear them anytime--day, night, casual or dressy. Resources: The Studio in Brookline, MA www.Studio233.com, Maya Meirav, designer www.Mayameirav.com, Bjoux in Boston (they will be carrying Maya's shawls) or, if you're in the Boston area and on my "events e-mail list" watch for a notice about a scarf sale in Lexington. Click here to be added to the events mailing list.
- Neckwraps.
Again, warm wins. Neckwraps are just that—-in fur or faux fur—-I'll leave that choice up to you. They are simple and luxurious. Resource: The Studio in Brookline, MA and most anywhere else.
- Patterned Stockings.
I've left this one for last because it's the most dangerous. While white stockings are still out (just a little reminder!), black is in as are fishnets (the latest fashion is nude fishnets which are less ostentatious than the traditional black), opaque bright hose and even animal prints or funky designs. One work of caution: Patterned stockings will draw a lot of attention to your legs so make sure you like people staring at your legs. And, a reminder: They are only, I repeat only, to be worn for social or casual events. Not to work!
- Handbags.
What a selection! I've rarely seen so many gorgeous bags available. What's particularly nice is that many of them are ultra-fashionable now but have staying power. For the best of both worlds, select a herringbone tweed bag with top handles that slip neatly over your shoulder leaving the bag tucked under your arm. Or, purchase a red tote. Even when red is not the hottest color of the season, it will still be fun and add a spark of color on a dreary winter day. Patent leather bags don't go out of style, and you can stray from the traditional black. For something more trendy and less classic, choose a fur or skin bag (again, your choice of real or faux) or simply fur-trimmed for something a bit less conspicuous. What else? How about bowling bags (yes, they resemble the bags you carry a bowling ball in), doctor's bag, and, gold chain shoulder straps on more delicate bags. Resources: Faux-Crocodile bags: Jones New York ($89) and Nine West ($69) or go for the real thing with Ralph Lauren for $5,000+. Wool plaid shoulder bag by Cole Haan ($125). If you're looking for a moderately priced bag, try Liz Claiborne handbags. Otherwise, a trip to Bjoux in Boston, The Turnabout Shoppe in Wellesley or Saks will do the trick.
Above all (forgive me for repeating this one more time), if you don't love it, don't buy it. Being trendy is not important. Feeling comfortable with how you look and dressing appropriately for the situation is important. Always listen to your inner voice. It will advise you wisely. If your inner voice is confused (and that's not unusual when we have so many choices), get a second opinion from someone you trust.
Back to Archives List
Sun image courtesy ArtToday.com
|
|
 |
