I can't go into a store this season without seeing black and white horizontal stripes everywhere. Because of all the image, style and body line analysis classes I've taken and the books I've read over the years, I've discovered just how conditioned I am - B.F. Skinner-style - to avoid them in the same way I avoid mosquitoes and bears.
What I didn't realize is that most of my clients, no matter how un-fashion-savvy they claim to be, at the very least know to avoid the evils of the horizontal stripe.
Recently, a few clients have thought I was absolutely nuts when I slipped a couple of such pieces onto their racks of clothing to try on. Scary! This was one response from a 49 year old:
"Oh my gosh, my mother
would kill me if she knew
I was buying this!"
Seriously, folks.
(If you want to read more about mothers, ex-boyfriends,
catty friends and how they never leave our closets,
Trends come into our lives to present us with opportunities to get out of our fashion comfort zones. Some are only for crazy fashion daredevils (did anyone buy into triple-pleated pants that were here and gone in about two weeks?) and other trends can be molded to fit any style, coloring and body shape.
Horizontal stripes can work for pretty much anybody in one way or another - just follow a few simple tips.
1) Dresses and tops should be close to the body, but not clingy.
Beware! This full skirt with wide stripes may not be your best buddy.
2) A narrow stripe is typically - but not always - more flattering than a wide one.
3) Don't wear the most obvious thick stripes across the widest parts of your body. (The above is not a good choice if you have a thicker torso.)
4) Confuse the eye - not all stripes have to be horizontal.
5) Even a small amount of stripey-ness goes a long way.
Layer a striped cardigan or jacket over something plain or a plain jacket or cardigan over a striped top or dress.
Kristen Kaleal is a wardrobe stylist, speaker and fashion writer. The black and white stripe trend reminds her of one of her favorite fashion icons, The Hamburglar. Ironically, she is a vegetarian. *rubble rubble*
Each fall and each spring, the fashion pundits come out with their lists of what the hot trends will be for the coming season. After being part of that game for so many years, I started rolling my eyes when the same clothing, accessories and colors made the list again and again and again. "Bright colors are big for spring? Oh reeaaalllllly?"
Obviously, certain clothes just go with certain seasons.
If you want to make a few smart wardrobe investments, instead of going with whatever flights of fancy the designers sent down the NY Fashion Week runways for Fall 2010, why not buy a few wardrobe staples that will be equally hot every year?
Structured military jackets⁞⁞Menswear-inspired pants, vests and blazers ⁞⁞ Leopard print accessories⁞⁞Deep shades of purple, plum and aubergine ⁞⁞ Long scarves
One of the best ways to inject some color into your cold weather drabs is to have a hot bag to grab when you’re leaving the house. Extra credit if you can find a lightweight scarf containing a similar shade of purple. It will look like you put a lot of thought into your outfit. Don't worry - I won’t tell!
Accessories influenced by menswear are an autumn fashion staple. Here, a men’s oxford-style shoe is made more ladylike with cutout details, a peeptoe, and a nice high heel. This shoe will look fabulous with brown tights or trouser socks peeking out for contrast.
Everyone seems to be turning up their sleeves this season. While the long version of the boyfriend blazer will never be a flattering look for curvy women, there are lengths out there to suit everyone. And if you don’t feel like investing in a jacket that may not be in style for too long, an alternative is taking a longer jacket you already have, buying small shoulder pads at JoAnn Fabrics and rolling up the sleeves. Instant boyfriend jacket!
We have seen ruffles every season for years now. Do you think ruffles are a good
investment? You bet. They are one of those details that you either love or loathe.
If you have a romantic side to your clothing personality, then ruffles feel fabulous and look great on you. If they’re not your thing, then it’s okay to pass them by.
Necklaces are my favorite accessory. And you thought I would say shoes! Nothing but a necklace can make a drab outfit more exciting both quickly and inexpensively. They are also the recessionista’s best friend because they can transform something you’ve worn dozens of times into whole new look.
With necklaces right now, the bigger the better. Statement necklaces are usually worn close to the face – at 16” or 18" lengths.
In my book, cute hats are always “in” - especially if you live in a chilly environment like I do. Try that scarf trick you used with the bag above with a colorful hat. You can thank me later :}
Another 80’s trend to go along with the boyfriend jacket, long cardigans are everywhere. Be sure to try on a bunch of them before choosing one. There are many, many styles out there and it is a very tricky piece to pull off successfully if you are short or curvy.
The “duster” style shown above is very flattering to most body types and can be worn to work and with jeans for years to come. A great investment piece.
Pink is not necessarily the color you most associate with fall, and that’s what makes it unexpected and exciting. Fall’s pink is a little on the dusty side to go with all the gray shades we’re seeing in the stores. A jacket like the one pictured above can be worn now with a lightweight scarf or it can be a spring jacket as well.
If we’re talking about what’s in for fall, we have to touch on the neon trend. All I can do is say a sarcastic thank you to the 1980’s for neon. For those of us who already lived through the wild fluorescents, we will probably skip this one every time it cycles back in fashion. But it’s new to others, so the best advice I can give is to use it sparingly. A simple shoe or bracelet will do – and I won’t have to avert my eyes when you’re walking toward me.
Yawn! Patterned tights. Again. They’re not even a trend anymore. They’re an essential wardrobe staple. Hint: When the tights sales start at the end of winter, stock up on plain black and black patterned ones. The darker they are, the more flattering they will always be. I love the large herringbone-type pattern above.
Now that you’ll be looking stylish and feeling hot, the cold weather isn’t so bad, right?
Look thinner without setting foot in the gym. Kristen Kaleal, a Cleveland-based wardrobe consultant, shares three ways to use your wardrobe to shed unwanted pounds.
Grab a long necklace. “Anything vertical will make you look thinner,” says Kaleal, who adds necklaces should hit right below the bust line. “The whole thing is you don’t want to accentuate the bigger part of your body. You don’t want any line to end up on the bigger part of your body.”
Slip on some nude shoes. “Those are really hot for spring. And they should be hot all the time because they really make the legs look longer and thinner,” she says. Unlike gladiator shoes that wrap around your leg and can make you look stumpy, nude shoes (heels preferably over flats) elongate your natural shape, making your legs look like they flow into the ground.
Accentuate your skinny bits. Your neck, forearms and calves are three of the thinnest parts of your body. So show them off and drop 10 to 15 pounds in the process, says Kaleal. Pull back your hair to accentuate your neckline. Highlight your forearms with a three-quarter-length-sleeve shirt. And thin your legs with a skirt that ends right below the thickest part of your calf.
Q: What do you get when you combine the worst of the Age of Aquarius with the worst of the 80's?
A: This ~
I don't really see anything from this look that I can steal and use for myself or any of my clients. It's really out there - styles and eras that should never be put together. The colors (for spring) aren't even inspiring. What the heck??
Got to talk about fun fall fashion yesterday morning on Wilde & Fee on Q104! I've never done radio before, so I was a little anxious. Turns out it is totally fun. I had the best time!!
I am most proud that I got to mention Prince (thanks to the purple trend) and The Fonz (because I felt like I was dressed like him!).
Here's me flanked by Allan Fee and Rebecca Wilde! (Is it me or does my head look really small?)
Hey gang - my Blogger has been acting weird for a couple of days - I will correct this when it's acting normal again.
Fall is my favorite season for fashion. Why? Because spring and summer fashion always seems to go together, so it’s basically six months of the same thing. But fall always throws us a curve. The colors change, the fabrics get heavier, and the interesting textures come out to play!
Whether you are shopping in the stores or in your own closet, here is some stylish inspiration!
1) Fall is usually known for its colors – pumpkin, dark yellow, rusts and warm dark greens. This year, we’re being thrown a big curve. Purple is everywhere, in case you haven’t noticed. The great thing about purple is that there are so many shades that there is a purple that looks good on everyone – from lavender to deep plum. To look really chic this season, pair it with fall’s hottest neutral, gray.
And if you aren’t partial to purple, try one of its relatives, wine, berry or fuchsia, which are also around for the season. Top from Nordstrom
2) While spring and summer are known for florals in feminine skirts and dresses, they are also spilling over into fall. This time, though, the palettes are deeper and richer with less contrast, like in this skirt from Macy’s.
3) A lot of women have been complaining about skinny jeans for the past couple of years. If you go to New York, you see them everywhere, but they never really caught on around here because they just don’t work well for most “real” women. Luckily, the fashion gods have given us wide-leg jeans for fall. These tend to be more flattering on most bodies, and they’re more comfortable too. They can be dressed up, like a trouser, or dressed down and worn in a very relaxed manner. As always, the darker the denim, the more formal it is.
Wide-leg trousers from 7 for All Mankind
4) Out of nowhere came 1970’s prints for the season. Yes, the crazy patterns my mom was wearing in my baby pictures are back in vogue and I can hardly believe it! Of course, they’re being worn in more contemporary silhouettes, like contemporary wrap or empire-waist dresses. If you’re partial to a Bohemian sort of vibe, you will love these patterns!
Check out this dress from Candie’s for Kohl’s.
5) Another fashion item that has entered the 1970’s time warp is the cuff bracelet. These look great on women with long arms. Don’t have long arms? Simply choose a bracelet size that is proportional to your arm length and wrist size. Part of my job is to help you flaunt the parts of your body that you love, but also navigate around the areas that are more of a challenge to make them look more fabulous. Bracelet from Forever 21
6) The wild black and white herringbone pattern that was really popular last year has morphed into a more subtle black and white with less contrast and smaller patterns. This more conservative look is so elegant in jackets and coats if you’re professional woman and tired of the old back or gray options. It’s a great investment piece. I also love this for suits!
Coat from Nordstrom
7) A lot of women live in their boots from the onset of cold weather to spring. There is a dizzying array of cute ankle boots out there right now. But I think the look of the moment is the tall, flat boot. We’re going to be seeing this everywhere. It’s not going to overtake the high heel boot anytime soon, but it’s a more casual and comfortable option.
Boot from BCBGirls
Honorable mention:
Ruffled blouses
Colorful, oversize bags
Patterned tights
Runway Trends:
One shoulder asymmetrical dresses
Mix & match plaid
Heavily structured garments
Minimalism
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
After a long Cleveland winter, we’re finally starting to believe that spring is here. At last, we can say buh-bye to the heavy sweaters and boots and a happy hello to our spring garb.
If you don’t want to spend a bunch of money to update your wardrobe right now (and who does?), here are 5 super quick pieces that will help you step into spring style!
1. Yellow Accessories Yellow is white hot for spring, but not everyone wants to look like a full-out lemon or banana! What's the solution? Just add a shot of yellow somewhere in your outfit. What shoe diva can possibly resist these adorable yellow slingbacks!?
2. Peasant Top Flowy, fun and cool for when the weather gets hot, the peasant top has become a staple. Pair it with a skirt, jeans, capris or even shorts!
3. A Fun Clutch Leave your big bag behind and try a casual clutch for day or evening. Trust me, you will feel like you lost 20 pounds off your shoulder! To compliment all the bright colors we’re seeing right now, try a neutral color or an exotic print, like snake.
4. Ballet Flats I can’t imagine a better shoe for spring. Ballet flats are in season after season for a good reason – they’re comfy, easy and elegant. Just slip them on with jeans, slacks or capris and go. Bold colors and patterns can add some excitement to a basic outfit.
5.Multicolor Necklace Is there an easier and cheaper way to add a pop of spring color to what you already have? Probably not. If bold geometrics aren’t your thing, find an inexpensive colorful necklace that you love!
We already know that flats are the cool shoe for spring. But, being 5’2, I need heels and I need them to be as high as humanly possible. But – these pics inspired me to buy a couple pairs of flats for running around in the nice weather. Super cute!
I asked Kelly to review the H&M spring line M by Madonnafor our April newsletter. I decided to take a look at it as well. I had heard it was rather blah, which is surprising for the usually controversial Madge. I was shocked that I loved so many of the pieces, which means that, officially, Madonna has gone soft!
The lines are great, even though most pieces are white or cream or black. Very minimalist, but very classy.And always, the prices are great - which is my biggest concern with their clothes - they aren't high quality. I invest in pieces, and the H&M construction is usually poor. Typically they are 'throw away' clothes. And the Madonna line is so classic that they are things I would love to have around for several years.
I am still baffled by the $99.50 shoe price when some of the dresses are $34.50. See? It's all about the quality.
But that's the H&M philosophy and it certainly is working for them.
Snooping around the stores, I was surprised what’s coming in for spring. Where did these 60’s- inspired mod dresses and tops come from? Not that I am complaining – I love flowy, soft geometrics – but I just didn’t anticipate it. I’m not a trend junkie, but I was expecting menswear-inspired looks to dominate for spring.
So, my thought is this: COOL!
Mondrian-inspired color blocking seems to be back as well. I will avoid that and focus on the gorgeous soft prints that I always love.
There are also some fabulous shoes out there right now. This seems to be an “anything goes” shoe season with different styles, heel heights, and various heel shapes – wedges, chunky, platforms, stilettos, etc.
Flats are also going to be huge, but I am a heel girl, so flats won’t be in my rotation!
I thought this was quite funny this past week when I was at a meeting downtown. The person I was meeting with expected me to be in New York at Fashion Week. I had to laugh out loud.
To people in my circle, I’m known as the ‘fashionista’ or ‘style maven’. I’ve even been called such in a few articles. I think it’s hilarious. We should all remember that Cleveland is a very small world and to be a fashionista here does not equate to being one in the rest of the galaxy. If I had attended Fashion Week, I would have undoubtedly dressed in a trendier version of my own style, but I still would have looked small-time compared to the REAL fashionistas of the world.
So I started thinking - what does it mean to be a Cleveland Fashionista? Is there such a thing? And if there is, how do you define one? Here is my attempt!
1) She bases her wardrobe choices on common sense, more than anything else. She wishes to stand out NOT because she is dressed like she’s right off a runway at Bryant Park, but because she knows how to pull together a creative yet sensible outfit flawlessly. Other women can look to her for style inspiration.
2) She is aware that Cleveland is not New York, Paris or Milan. She stays up on what’s happening in the world of fashion, but doesn’t feel the need to emulate it directly, for fear of looking completely out of place. She picks and chooses the trends she wears, based on her own personal aesthetic. She knows what looks good on her. And she avoids the things that don’t.
3) She dresses for the weather. Sense wins out every time in a climate like Cleveland’s. She may buy a sexy little jacket, but it may be velvet or even fine-wale corduroy because those have a better chance of keeping her warm! She knows that while turtlenecks are going to be big for Fall ’07, they are always big in Cleveland. Brrrr!
(Still, winter after winter, this Cleveland Fashionista doesn’t learn and still wears high heel boots when the sidewalks are icy. She chalks it up to bravery. She risks life and limb because she WILL NOT be seen in a pair of Uggs. )
4) She knows that those who are consciously mega-trendy are the real fashion victims. They attempt to follow a pack they can’t compete with – the celebs and socialites of the world. A Cleveland Fashionista understands her place in the fashion universe. She knows that being stylish is of primary importance. She realizes that trends spice things up and make life fun – but she doesn’t base every purchase on what the New York glitterati or celebrities in Hollywood are wearing.
5) She has a blue-collar style ethic. She spends her clothing dollars wisely. She invests in the classics and cautiously follows trends. She doesn’t feel guilty for the occasional splurge on an item she absolutely loves. After all, fashion is a guilty pleasure. She is not shy about sometimes shopping at off-price retailers and even brags about the deals she gets.
Her style may be on the conservative side, but with a definite edge, whether it is sexy, artsy, or even a little over-the top. She is not into labels so much as what makes her look and feel her best.
***
While “Cleveland Fashionista” may be an oxymoron, there is no dichotomy in being a “Stylish Clevelander”. There is a lot of style in Cleveland! Get out there and be inspired!!
I went out to lunch yesterday with my friend Michelle after completing my last blog entry. Imagine my dismay when I realized I was dressed like the 80's!! I was wearing skinny jeans - the one pair I have, a black top, bright multicolor polka dot scarf, big geometric dangle earrings, and hot pink pumps!
Okay, so I was adding an 80's feel to two basics with accessories. I swear it was completely unintentional! Too much thinking about the 80's has taken my casual style back a couple of decades. I promise I will still stay away from the Freddy Krueger look! (I swear a mannequin at Express at Beachwood was dressed just like him - in skinny, skinny jeans - all that was missing was the scary glove!!!)
On Monday, August 7th, trend analyst Kelly Smith and I went out to Crocker Park for my birthday. The visit had a dual purpose since she will be leaving to return to school in NYC and we wanted to do a fall preview column in our September newsletter.
I am not a huge trend watcher, so I’m thankful that Kelly has her finger on the pulse of what’s new and hip in the fashion world. And because the fashion world is constantly recycling old styles, we never know what we’re going to get each season.
Imagine my dismay when I learned that the 80’s were back. Yes, the 1980’s – the decade of Flashdance, Working Girl and the Brat Pack. I thought I was going to die when I saw what the stores were offering. We saw everything from bubble skirts to belted sweater dresses with leggings, super skinny jeans, bold black and white, black and purple, and black and red horizontal stripe tunics – which are wrong in so many ways. I mean, wasn’t Freddy Krueger around in the 80’s? And didn’t he wear a red & black horizontal stripe sweater? Who in their right mind wants to look like that??!!
We also saw a plethora of dolman sleeves, very wide belts, vests with ruffled shirts a la Janet Jackson in 1986, high-waisted skirts, and clutch purses. Layering is still really big. There is also a lot more gray out there than I have seen in years.
What does this all mean?
Kelly thought a lot of the 80’s inspired outfits were cute. And some of them were. But, as I explained to her, there is a reason those styles did not catch on and stay in style and become classics. It is because they do not flatter most bodies. Try putting a big thick belt on a short-waisted woman. Or a sweater dress on someone who has a few pounds to lose. How about a horizontal-striped top on a woman who is topheavy?
Unfortunately, most people are oblivious to their own unique body shape. I warned Kel that the fashion victims would truly be victims this fall. There is a lot that can be done wrong with the season’s clothes. And wouldn’t you know, I was at Beachwood Place the next day when I saw one of those fashion nightmares.
A young woman, probably in her early 20’s was dressed like the 80’s. And I’m sure she thought she looked super cute and on the edge of fashion. Unfortunately, she was about 5’0, very fair skinned, and wearing a black and white horizontal-striped tunic with a wide belt over leggings with flats.
Nothing about this outfit was right for the person wearing it. From the colors and contrast that completely overpowered her to the horizontal stripes that made her look shorter and wider to the belt that created rolls of flab where there probably weren’t any to begin with.
So, yes, the 80’s are back, but I will be warning every trend-conscious woman out there to pick and choose their pieces even more carefully than usual. I am predicting this look will not last beyond winter. Thankfully.
