I’d rather be blue--from midnight navy to turquoise.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tone on tone is gorgeous in many diverse palettes. The cool colors that have blue as their "primary" (primary colors on the color wheel are blue red and yellow)-- include many, and varied blues from dark to light, purples, and greens. Wear them creatively together. Here are some pieces that I love. Items shown all support the same color theme, and can be easily mixed with the accessories.
Have you gotten sophisticated in your use of color?
In a recent WSJ article, "What's Out: The Fashion Trend" Christina Binkley supplies lots of supportive evidence that the "trend" is no longer what the public follows. "Everything is in style" says David Wolf of the Doneger Group consultants. The "must-have" is construed as a marketing pitch "The trench coat has been "in" for the past five years, and will be hot next year, too. Indeed, it's a safe bet that next month we'll see every possible length of skirt, width of pant and cut of blouse walk the runways-sometimes all in the same show.Rather than fuss about skirt lengths or the season's silhouette, people now dress the way they see themselves, choosing looks that flatter their bodies and fit their lifestyles."
True in part--certainly if you're conjuring the "runway". But there are trends going on, and for sometime now for sure--especially with the young. Case in point--the legging or skinny jean tucked into boots. Uggs are everywhere! How about long, shawl-like sweaters?
"There was a time when luxury retailers Stanley Marcus and Andrew Goodman, of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, determined what women would buy each season. That was back when nerds weren't cool and, for some reason, a lady's coat had to be longer than her skirt. Women who wanted to be fashionable bought the fashions whether they wanted to wear miniskirts or not. Though fashions changed, the primacy of trends didn't: Until just a few years ago, no self-respecting teenager would have been caught in the wrong denim wash. Part of the fun of watching old movies was seeing the funny old fashions. Now, most old film fashions look pretty current to me, from Katharine Hepburn's swishy man-tailored pants in 1940's "Philadelphia Story" to those skinny ski-lodge capris in 1963's "The Pink Panther."
"Trends are diluted," says Doris Raymond, owner of the Los Angeles vintage store The Way We Wore. That's because designers have in the past two decades "referenced every possible fashion period for inspiration."
So with no boundaries are we at the Ground Zero of style?
And like all such declarations--one better read between the lines. The trend has frequently led folks astray but not as badly letting "all hell to break loose". Does anything and everything truly "go"? I wish people did "dress to flatter their bodies" and saw themselves accurately (most don't). A "must-have" should be a trench, as should be a great cashmere sweater or white blouse-- but not necessarily "the it-bag" in gold. The public needs direction and this article makes some correct observations ( i.e. "Most of us dress with our social groups or professions, rather than fashion trends, using clothes to flash messages about who we are.") but not all correct--and seems to come to imply that the public is better off.
Are they? Then these are times that seperate those that have what it takes to create their own style (but well!) from the rest.
Challenging times for retailers, designers and us of course.
If only men knew how simple it could be for them to look good!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Yesterday my husband and I attended the motorcycle show at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. No--he didn't force me--I've always thought motorcycles are an art form. And although I know that the folks who love them may not ascribe to my thoughts on good personal style choices (I've been to a few motorcycle rallies)--I was really unprepared for what greeted me there. Without going into sordid detail , I can only say, it's hard to believe why the same people who appreciate the beauty of certain bikes seem to be unable to transfer the aesthetics to themselves.The men in my "Never Cool" photos look like "afters" next to the "Wild Bunch" at the show. Ditto,for the ladies!
Of course jeans--and its many forms and reincarnations were a wardrobe staple on nearly every guy--young and old. But it was evident that not one person there had read "Forever Cool", seen Harrison Ford in "Extraordinary Measures", or read Guy Trebay's brilliant article "Read My Hips: These Are Jeans That Fit"." The article should be required reading. Really it should be the easiest style choice a guy has to make, what jeans to wear," said Mr Dan Perses the editor of Details,"who at 38 is at that dangerous age where one wrong satorial move can mark you as a person frantically clinging to youth or slumping into middle-age surrender."
"I hate all the designer jeans,the fake treatments and the artificial aging," said Bernie Pollack (longtime costume designer, now age 74, and the late Sydney Pollack's brother). They settled on a pair of 13MWZ Wranglers(about $32.00 online) perfect for Mr Ford--and his character. "The secret for Mr Ford or for an average Joe," Mr Pollock said (and hey haven't I said this for years?) is "to have some bit of style, but still look basic". "After all, he said, the essential element of jeans is nonstyle" (the secret to understated, sexy, masculinity) "--that and one other thing: "They have to fit your rear."
Celebrities reveal much about their personal good or bad taste at award events!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I have always felt, that like real people (and I've worked with both) celebs have great taste, not so great--and really bad taste. Sometimes their stylists don't help (or even hinder)--but when they're wonderful, most agree that the outcome is a joy to behold. My favorites are Penelope Cruz, Chloe Sevigny, and Reese Witherspoon. Nicole Kidman takes chameleonic style changes--but looks great usually (and G-d knows she and her husband have to attend endless events!). I thought Jessica Lange was much improved this year with a lovely dress that covered areas that last year's didn't, and that Sophia Loren, as usual, tries too hard to live up to yesteryear. Meryl Streep has never lived up to her incredible acting talents-- nor even her beauty-- in the world of style (because I'm certain she doesn't truly care except for the event itself--and style is not about special events). At these Golden Globes, her black dress looked best from afar. She fared worse in terms of style, at The Critic's Choice awards--but hey--she won Best Actress! Neither the English or American Fergie did themselves proud. Maria Carey showed up at both with dresses that revealed so much "information" that she remains a posrer child for excess. Cher never aspired for "taste"--but attention is what keeps her feeling alive. Halle Berry erred on the right side of both.Tina Fey may know (by her expression) that she goofed? Cameron Diaz, who has such a great figure for clothes--somehow manages to never have the right dress or hairstyle. Patricia Arquette is on every worst dress list and her hubby Thomas Jane qualifies as well. Talent and taste are not necessarily gifted to the same person. Examples:The talented Kevin Bacon, tries to be so cool--he looks silly! While George Clooney, Simon Baker, Bill Paxton, Colin Firth,and Gerard Butler get it "right on". Quentin Tarantino and Mickey Rourke are in a "bad taste league" of their own. Here are some photos to prove (I hope!) my points.
Weight is always a “weighty” question in the style world.
Friday, January 15, 2010
In a recent article, The NY Times writer Eric Wilson, said "the backlash against fashion images of the super thin is giving larger models a major career boost". Models like Chrystal Renn ,23 years old, 5'9"--38/30/42--is a size 12. The average woman is 5'4" and a size 14. Ms Renn says "I believe fashion can be a place of diversity. It's not going to happen overnight, but do you want it to?
Why not? The sooner the fashion world reconciles with reality the better for everyone. The sooner quality goods become affordable--the better for everyone. The sooner high fashion finds longevity again (like in the 50s and before) the better. Disposable style is not real style.
The better the information the average person receives in all media--the better everyone will look in the future.
The issue of weight is part of a larger issue. Reality bites!
That depends! If you go back to 2002 and view Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates (when she is wearing clothes!) in "About Schmidt" you see a costume designer's accurate representation of our-- too often-- bad style choices on an everyday to special occasion basis. But go forward to 2003 and "Something's Gotta Give"--Nancy Meyer's idealized aesthetic gives Jack a wonderful new look, as it does Diane Keaton. Both actors (Jack who is given to high end wild print shirts--and Diane who usually espouses high collars, and cinched-in wide belted waistlines and lady-like gloves) let go in favor of Ms Meyer's styized vision.Both are dressed in a gorgeous pallette of neutrals interrupted only by an occasional scarf or so in Robin egg's blue (perhaps Nancy's favorite color?). The clothes are in luxe linens, fine cottons, high end cotton knits and cashmeres. As only in the movies--they all coordinate with the incredible seaside home--and its beautiful decor. In the recent "It's Complicated" things get a bit more real with Meryl Streep's clothing (though the "palette" remains)--more inclusive of Meryl's penchant for more volume and layering (definitely favored by many boomer gals--and older), pendant earrings--and never looking "perfect". In either movie--the characters may have romantic problems--but it's obvious money is not an issue for anyone.
When I used to wear the stylist/costume designer's hat I always asked the director--are we doing reality--or the way we'd like reality to be?
My “Yearly Edit” is all about not being possessed by possessions!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
I welcome you to visit my "Style Glossy" latest blog for my newest contribution. I like to think I live by what I preach-- and "yup" it's very painful sometimes!
Make sure it's informative! Good mirrors (at least 5X for makeup application, and one good full length in good lighting) are key to applying makeup well, and feeling confident that your clothes fit well. The more willing you are to be realistic and provide yourself with the tools it takes--the better to achieve your best appearance.
Many women don't use the proper mirrors that are a truly essential tool in seeing with 20/20 vision. For many it may be an avoidance technique which ultimately leads to a poor analysis of your true face and body. This assessment needs daily evaluation, because we change subtly on an everyday basis. Of course changes like weight gain or loss, body weight distribution, and skin changes which may need surveillance periodically are also dependant on good mirrors.
Is this first step missing in your best stye bound life?
Can some stylish grays and silvers subdue the pink of your cold nose?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Brrr...it's freezing outdoors -- but the silver lining (if you can call wearing fun down jackets and coats that! ) is the lovely, soft silver and gray palette--so big in winter style this year. Ralph Lauren had introduced the silver look in skiwear several seasons ago. It caught on.
By wearing shades of gray from charcoal to dove gray (sweaters, scarves, leggings, gloves) in combination with glamorous and sporty silver down-- a woman can look extremely modern, sleek and utilitarian all at once. The more texture (from cashmere to chinchilla fur ) the better. Even Uggs come in a silver version. The caveat is to keep the shiny silver item like a down jacket as high-end as possible (no "cheese" please) and keep it to one article of clothig--obviously to avoid the "too much of a good thing" effect.
Grey and its shiny version-silver, is an ageless color that suits an older man or woman particularly well. Never "harsh" as black can often be next to aging skin. Those with beatiful gray hair have even more incentive to wear the color.
Lots of style is coming out of Africa…we are “Designing to an Afro Beat”…
Friday, January 1, 2010
..says the heading in the NY Times Thursday Styles, by Ruth La Ferla. What the Lion King may have influenced and now the new blockbuster (which I just saw) "Avatar" may further still ignite-- is a world of exoticism and tribal craft that excites the imagination. "Vanguard retailers like Barneys New York, mass marketers like American Apparel and designers as disparateas Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Frida Giannini of Gucci and Dries Van Noten embrace pan-African influences, responding, as if in concert to somefar waway drumbeat. Western fascination with African art and design has blown in gusts for over a century, of course, ever since Picasso and Kandinsky filled their canvases in tribal motifs. As recently as the 1970's, Yves St Laurent introduced a collection of "African" dresses constructed from raffia, shells and wooden beads.
This article only underlines and confirms the premise I often make--that design and beauty is there to be observed in travel, movies, art, and art books.
I've always treasured my Masai red beaded bracelets that stretch 4 inches on my wrists, my African straw bag (that Lauren Hutton also wore for years ecclectically with all her outfits) and my African influenced Robert Clergerie platform sandals--with their shell motif. Last year Azzedine Alaia designed several extraordinary pairs as well.They add personality to any simple outfit --especially when it's all white."Steal This Style" has photos of some favorite pieces (jewelry and shoes).
A friend just returned from Africa, and saw the crafts first hand. Buying from the women who make these beautiful items supports their ability to be self sufficient. One such site is www.samesky.com.
As I've shown with tunics and caftans--this is your opportunity to indulge in "more is more"!
...on my Style Glossy blog for this last month of 2009. Enjoy it--and let me know your opinions--always!
Happy holidays good wishes to all of you who I know--and those I'd like to know!I hope you have enjoyed and benefitted from my blog this past year--and will continue to visit often, give your comments, and tell friends about anything discussed in my blog or books and seminars--you'd like to share.
