O.Chat > Fall Fashion 101
Great idea for a thread, MsG.
I would characterized my style as classic, but not necessarily conservative. Black, grey, brown, greens in the sage and olive shades, navy, slate blue and splashes of red dominate my wardrobe. I am blonde and pale, so bright colors overwhelm me. I can wear pale peaches, citron green, and white. Lilac actually looks okay on me.
I am a black pants person and I love capris. I have owned too many white classic shirts to count - I can't seem to keep food off them for very long. I have sheaths that I have bought at TJ Maxx and Marshalls years ago that I still wear all the time. I love Macro reversible raincoats and use them almost all year long.
If I had the money, I would buy shoes and boots ad nauseum. I will splurge on good shoes, but I can't wear high heels (as much as I would like to). So I buy Arche, good, sexy ankle boots for
pants, and Jeffrey Campbell.
I love earrings - all kinds and styles.
Bevi
I am SO ready for fall clothes. Summer is great, and I love the weather, but the clothes never seem quite "real" to me - many are kind of disposable. But I have fall clothes that are years old, still great, and itching to get back into my closet. Style-wise, I'm definitely classic - but always with a twist. An unexpected color, or element is always going on.
I am on the hunt for a dress or two. I'd love something in red or violet. I spent serious (for me) money on a black wool dress last fall that I know I will wear for years. It was a big step, but I feel fabulous in it. I have a lot of separates, which I'll keep mixing up and wearing (my top and bottom rarely match) but MO has pushed me toward dresses as well as the investment piece mind set. My body is not unlike hers - a little less curvy in the hips - so I think it's going to be about sheaths.
I'm very intrigued with the idea of dark tights with bright dresses. Initially I thought the look was too bottom heavy, but I'm beginning to wrap my head around it. I wear tights with skirts and jackets - but they have a little more bulk than a dress. I was looking for a pair of good black pumps, and found Cole Haans with a peep toe (they are woven leather and patent - seasonless, I think). It will be interesting to see if I can pull the trigger and wear shoes with tights out of the house. One reason I love fall is boots. I wear them a lot (tall ones, with tights)- mostly with skirts of any length. I'd like to try them with tights and a dress this year. I need new booties, and will check out Arche and Jeffrey Campbell (thanks, Bevi!).
For kicking around, I finally found black suede cowboy boots which I will probably keep (Zappo's is great - you have 365 days to make up your mind). They will be great with jeans and cords, which I wear with sweaters and jackets. I doubt I'll wear them with anything else - at 62 there is the "do I look like an idiot?" factor to consider.
I want more necklaces - big ones. I love the look of multiple necklaces, and don't quite have the variety to pull it off. I know this is a trend that will die soon, but I want to play with it. Hopefully, I'll be left with necklaces I can wear alone later. Anyone have ideas about where to find??
Where I shop: a lot at Talbots. Banana Republic. I'm not big on department stores, but I do shop Neiman Marcus, in their less pricey dress and separate departments (I just discovered them). Nordstrom and Macy's for basics.
Where I'd shop regularly if I could: Maria Pinto, of course! Armani for jackets. Max Mara for coats and skirts.
I'm going on and on here, but it has actually focused my shopping list a lot. I worked with a stylist (ack - there's that word again) a few times in the last couple of years. The best advice she gave me was to shop with purpose. I have a list, and I stick to it. Once in a while I go off the menu, but my "what the hell was I thinking??" moments have definitely dropped in number.
Ms. G - great thread. Thankyou thankyou thankyou!
operafanatic
Ooh, this is fun! It has been incredibly hot in New York for the past week, so I can hardly think of Fall clothes yet. But, let's see. I love J.Crew. I will often target certain items early in a season and then wait for them to go on sale. I have always been a J.Crew fan, but it seems to be getting better all the time.
I love eBay. There are outstanding deals on eBay to be found. The fit of clothes a bit risky, but I've had good luck recently. I've actually gotten in the habit of doing eBay searches for some of Mrs. O's designers and have seen fantastic deals on dresses by Thakoon and Moschino specifically. I'll often peruse Anthropologie, and for something fancy, might splurge on a dress from Rebecca Taylor.
I suppose I would characterize my style as feminine and perhaps a bit romantic. And most of the time I'm looking for something that's a) unique or b) a great bargain. For shoes, I'm almost always in flats - another reason I really sparked to Mrs. O's style I think.
Ms. G, thanks for this great thread!
Mrs. T
Great to have you on this chat, Mrs. T! When I was going thru all the early postings, it was so fun to read your responses, which happened pretty regularly. I know you are way busy these days, so hearing from you - especially about your personal wardrobe - is a special treat.
Thanks for the tip on eBay. I never thought to buy clothes there, but your search philosophy is inspired.
operafanatic
I LOVE shopping for bargains. For me, there is nothing better than getting a deal. In the old days, when Garnet Hill had a tent sale in Franconia, NH, My friend and I would stay in a motel, get up at 6 am with our coffee and lawn chairs, and be the first in line to get into the tent. I have a black silk bomber jacket that is 20 years old from the old GH tent sales.
Jewel tones with black stockings/opaque tights is a great look.
I also have a Searle brown wool opera coat that I bought at 70% discount back in the late 80's that I love. I still wear it.
My sister uses eBay to buy shoes, and she has great success.
Bevi
Mrs. T, I was SO hoping we'd hear from you on this thread! Thank you so much for your post. Before watching the video of last week's TV appearance, I'd never had a face to put with your name; and now I also have a visual of what you like to wear. Thanks also for the great tips. A colleague of mine got into shopping on eBay a few years ago, so I tried it a few times without much success. But I'm going to try again and look for the designers I'm learning about on this site.
BarbG
Okay, here’s me.
I’d say I’m classic with a twist. I love separates: pants, capris, skirts, jackets, vests, sweaters, some blouses but mostly knit tops. I love long jackets and tops, skirts and dresses knee length or just slightly below, and ¾-length sleeves. I also love dresses, but just the right dress is tricky to find, so I have fewer of them than I’d like. I love shoes and wear a lot of flats—something I have in common with Mrs. O, so I was excited to see someone in her position wearing flats with all types of outfits. I always look for pieces that have something distinctive about them: cut, texture, seaming, embellishment.
I’m exactly the same height as Mrs. O but without her curves. I have broader shoulders and narrower hips. Operafanatic, on another thread, called herself the whitest white woman on the planet; sorry, Opfan, but I’m going to have to challenge you for that title. :-) For that reason, it took me a VERY long time to let go of wearing hosiery because my legs always looked so ghastly pale. But with the recent improvements in self-tanners, I have a new BFF and have learned to feel quite comfortable in the summer months with bare legs. I’m a pretty consistent size 8 with an occasional lucky 6. A little over a year ago, I let my hair grow out from bottle blonde to its natural color for the first time in decades. So I now call myself gray, but most people still call me blonde (I love those people!). My hair is a little shorter than its normal length right now since I had it cut a few months ago to finish off the color grow-out, but it will soon be back to my usual shoulder-length bob.
I’m a winter clothes lover living in the land of eternal summer, south Florida. It’s a long story, but I’ve lived here on the west coast for 25 years; and since two of my three children have settled here and my only two grandchildren—so far—live here, there’s almost no chance that I’ll decide to relocate. We don’t have distinct seasonal changes here, so my wardrobe contains less diversity than I’d like. When weather permits, I LOVE opaque stockings/tights in darker colors. I would wear them every day if I could. I also love boots and wear them every day that I possibly can. My greatest regret is that I rarely get to wear sweaters which I LOVE, but the availability of cotton sweaters and short-sleeved styles has increased my opportunities—also the fact that we often need them inside air-conditioned buildings.
My fall shopping list. I need a couple of new pencil skirts, some long layering tops, another pair of boots, and some new black flats. And beyond those pieces (and probably a few more), I’m going to focus on adding lots of new accessories. This is the Mrs. O-inspired part of my list. I have a few brooches which I hadn’t worn in years, thinking they were out of style. Those are coming out, and I'll be shopping for more. And even though I have quite a few necklaces, I want to add to my collection of statement pieces. And one item which I’ve neglected for years but am now obsessed with is bracelets.
I am a bargain shopper extraordinaire! Love the thrill of the hunt and being able to bring home a lot of new pieces without breaking the bank. I love Ann Taylor—both the regular store and The Loft. I’ve never had much luck at Talbots. For department stores, Macy’s of course and a local store named Dillard’s. Marshalls and Ross are great places for bargains, so I check them out often. Last year, I discovered a clothing line sold only through home parties; I think I must have groaned audibly when I first heard about it (Tupperware for the wardrobe!), but after going to a couple of parties, I’m a fan. It’s called CAbi (Carol Anderson by Invitation). I’ve bought a couple of pairs of jeans and a few other pieces. I tried eBay a few times and then lost interest, but Mrs. T has inspired me to give it another chance.
My “If I were” list:
If I were shorter and younger, I’d wear those outrageously high (treacherous-looking) heels that are so popular right now.
If I were in a cooler climate, I’d have dozens of sweaters.
If I were in a cooler climate, I’d own dozens of pairs of boots.
If I were able to afford it, I’d have a whole roomful of designer sheath dresses.
BarbG
Oh, one more thing. I have a question for everyone: Is there an age limit for wearing tights? I really like the look but have hesitated to wear them for fear they may not be age appropriate. I'm a couple of years older than Operafanatic, so the "Do I look like an idiot factor" is a big concern. :-)
BarbG
MsG, thanks for starting this thread!
I'm not sure how to characterize my own style. I love the look of a sharp, pulled-together pantsuit. But Mrs. O has also reminded me that there are some lovely dresses out there, and I've augmented my wardrobe with them. It seems like dresses fit me better than skirts, generally -- pencil skirts are not always kind to someone with a little "junk in the trunk" like I have!
If I were picking the Mrs. O designers that I would buy from (if money were no object!) they would probably be Maria Pinto and Narciso Rodriguez. With a leetle Alexander McQueen for spiciness. So I guess I lean more towards classic?
My favorite stores are Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, and moving up, thanks to Mrs. O, J.Crew. I mentally wrote off that store as a preppy haven with clothing only for very skinny women, but there are some nice things there. I do shop at department stores occasionally but I don't have the patience to wander them for very long. I've also found quite a few fun pieces at Target! It's nice if you're looking for something very trendy and don't want to spend the big bucks.
I have tried eBay a couple of times for clothing, and have ended up with a nice pair of brown silk slacks. Definitely sizing is an issue, so I stick to stores I know, and try to keep the price down so that I won't be upset if I end up having to give most of it away to Goodwill.
For the fall, I think I'm probably looking for some slacks and cardigans. Not because of Mrs. O -- she got that from ME. : -) I think I just like the pulled-together look of them, and the fact that a nice pair of slacks and a cardigan can look like a suit without the formality of an official suit.
I think dark tights with bright colors are very cute! I do think of that as a fairly youthful look, but that doesn't mean it should only be worn by young people.
Christina
Hey, come on! Everyone can play here! I know you all wear clothes, so dish already. :-)
BarbG
Sorry! Sorry! I took the weekend off so I didn't see this till now. Here goes, you asked for it!!!
OK. Currently, being unemployed and slightly overweight, I wear things I can garden in, and walk the dog in. This is not necessarily the stuff I would LIKE to spend my time in! Polo shirts, T shirts, linen trousers and cargoes, dog walking shoes. But I have them in great colours and I love having fun with the mixes. Plus I live for my jewellery collection now. That always fits, and it can change the look of any outfit. I never go out without a hat and sunglasses if it's bright. I have a large collection of hats and wear them all year round. Big brims, square crowned, that's my shape.
Since I put the weight on, I do feel a bit adrift. The flamboyant clothes I used to look great in would now make me look like a giant cake with something stuck to it, so the "do I look like an idiot" factor is HUGE and wary-making.
I'm a tall hourglass with dreadful legs, so my solution is long skirts or wide leg trousers, full length bias cut dresses, cardigans, 3/4 length sleeves, corset style tops, long tunics, flared sleeves... interesting collars, beading and detail..... boots feature highly if I can get them to fit the calves. I wear heels to help my height balance out the width. Underwear is the goddess of successful dressing, in my view. I can be a complete bore on the subject tho, so I won't go off on one here..... well not yet anyway. A good, well fitting bra can take a dress size off you so I never buy cheap bras. And I never wear underwear that would show lines. That makes me want to scream. (Along with price tags on the bottom of shoes. WHY?) I never wear tights. Unless it's the dead of winter in which case I'll wear opaques to keep me alive. I think as my legs get less toned I'll probably wear tights more to disguise flaws and hold them together a bit!!! If I had nice legs, I probably wouldn't bother. (Are we talking about the same thing here? Tights? Sheer tights for uber formal events, opaque tights of 60 denier and all stations north for winter???)
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I have several collections.... pashmina's and shawls, handbags, shoes, jewellery. And not enough clothes to go with them. Humph.
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For my 40th birthday I bought myself some Louboutin's in purple silk. They are quite, quite extraordinary.
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I have no pride and will buy from any retail outlet. Second hand shops, jumble sales, high street, car boot sales, charity shops, tiny expensive places and large cheap places. I have used Ebay with great success - and with occasional disappointments on colour and as Mrs T says, fit! TK Maxx has afforded me great success, as has Monsoon, who always have long dresses in, no matter what's in vogue, thank god.
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Jeans. Hmmm.... I have one grubby gardening pair. I have one "magic" pair (they do everything surgery would do, only they cost £20). Outside of that, I kind of hate them. They have their place, and can be marvellous, useful, dressy, casual, comfortable. On the whole, I think there are too many of them, and that they've turned into a uniform. So I try not to wear them outside of being at home, food shopping, dogwalking. For going out I like to dress UP and look PRETTY!
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I had my colours done last year when I got a few weeks work, and that's been a godsend. white, cream, stone, caramel, rose brown, olive, sage, apple, turquoise, teal, charcoal, coral, periwinkle, navy, purple. It's saved me a fortune in mistakes, that little colour swatch! I also have a few other style icons who give me ideas on how to combine colours or shapes, new jewellery ideas etc., and Mrs O has been a fresh inspiration too. I'd already got SO sick of suits and jackets that cardigans had been my lifeline - now with Mrs O, there are so many different styles and colours, I can have even more of them for every occasion! Hehehehe.
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I don't like a lot of the clothes I've seen in the shops recently - if it han't got a waist, I look like a small building, so I'm pleased to see that Victorian black is back this winter - hurrah! Beaded lace, tight waists, thank you thank you thank you.
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I don't think I follow fashion. Some seasons I'll find a lot of things I like and then others, I won't find anything and it doesn't really matter. I just wear what makes me feel nice. I don't like to wear what everyone else is wearing. I love my height and I like to accentuate that. I feel that what I wear is a bit of theatre, and I like the performance to be interesting, rather than a damp squib. Not to make an effort with my clothes always makes me feel terrible all day.
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You know, if I had access to free shopping, money no worries.... I'm not sure my approach to shopping would change that much. Even when I earned a lot I still shopped in all the places I do now. Occasionally I bought something pricey, but if I loved it, it didn't matter if it was £2 or £200.
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This winter I'm happy to see velvet, black, leather, draping, shoulders, boned bodices, the sexy secretary look, teal... yes, I think it's going to be a good winter! Oh and shaggy fur - why oh why did I get rid of my sky blue afghan jacket?????
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Trends I won't be touching with a bargepole: anything shorter than ankle length, anything chunky, twee, or leggings. Leggings are for the phenomenally fit (i.e. Mrs O) or young (i.e. Malia!). One shouldered anything. Pompoms - strictly cheerleaders ONLY.
Posh Tater
I am a classic/conservative dresser and my fall looks only change to wool.
I wear boots to work to change into heels during the winter months, but I have not been a boot person since high school. I never wear boots with the skirts (few) that I have in my closet. Essentially, I don’t like them as part of my corporate get-up.
I prefer dresses and suits and don’t own many pants/pantsuits. Being 5’8, I still prefer heels and rarely wear flats unless it is with a pair or khakis or pants. I don’t like flats with dresses or skirts, for myself. I like the way the legs look in a heel. I still wear heels at 2.5 – 4.00 inches. I also wear stockings with my dresses and suits.
I love ¾ sleeves and hope that they never go out of style.
I don’t have a favorite color. I buy what looks good on me in various hues.
I like well-tailored clothes that can go from year-to-year and not become dated. Most of my “favorite” clothes I have had for years and just can’t depart with them. They look as if I purchased them last week!
I do most of my shopping on-line with retailers. I will venture up to Woodbury Commons, a half-hour outside of NYC, about twice a year. This is a huge shopping outlet that has all of the top designers in one place (220 stores). This is one of the best shopping experiences for me and I am not disappointed too often. I usually have packages when I come home.
I still love to dress. I do like to dress down when the occasion calls for it, but I am not happy with the dress down of some in this country (during the summer). You can dress down without wearing: wrinkled pants (saw someone on the train who apparently slept in his (and didn’t have time to iron in the morning), too low cut blouses (the girls were almost ready to pop out), ugly feet (if you know your feet look like you pulled the plow without shoes, please, I beg of you, don’t wear sandals/open toe until you have had a pedicure).
jerseygirl
I'm going to follow on Posh's note and add some trends I'm picking up for fall:
1) Colors will be muted, understated on most things; browns, blacks, greys, etc.
2) Little accents will add interest, though: I suspect we'll see ruffles, pleating, bows and some beading, albeit understated.
3) Accessories will add color, texture and sparkly interest: metallic belts, chunky necklaces (natural stones), large bangle bracelets, brooches, and scarves (floral, most likely). I envision bags in a dark yellow, turquoise/teal or muted greens and purples. I think we'll continue to see a lot of clutches, too.
4) Suede shoes and boots, esp. flats, will be featured.
I think the economy will continue to weigh on more "optimistic" fashion (i.e., colors) and we'll see lots of dark, somber looks extend even into makeup. But there will be glimmer attached to all of it, just enough to keep things from seeming too desolate.
Chicagoan
Studs on bags looks quite interesting. I would quite like a really big black patent clutch. Even though I haven't used my red one yet.
Posh Tater
Posh forgot that one her faaaaaavorite things is argyle. She loves it! Can't get enough of it! <wicked grin>
Another trend that seems to be going strong for now is very large pieces of jewelry; necklaces that look almost like bibs. I find it a bit overpowering! It's one of those things that always look good on the model, but I can't imagine it on my own body.
I rather like the bit of sparkle/metallic accents that I see in clothing now. I think, as long as it's not TOO much, there's no reason why nice beading and some subdued sparkle has to be reserved for evening wear.
I have always had a lot of problems with jeans. I have a round behind and full thighs and a relatively narrow waist, so if I find pants that I can fit over my badonkadonk, they gap like crazy in the waist. Very annoying. Then I came across this brand called Not Your Daughter's Jeans. I see them at Nordstrom, but I suspect they can be found other places.
I know, the brand name is extremely unfortunate. But I LOVE them. The jeans have a little bit of stretch so they hug my curves, but they also have a high enough rise (? I think that's it) so I'm not flashing everyone in the back. But they're also still low enough that I don't have them pulled up to my breast like they're Mom Jeans.
So, they have stretch; they cover my undies in the back; and they're still low-rise enough to be stylish. Definitely check them out if you have the same gappage problem that I do. As for other pants, I have a wonderful seamstress who will alter them for me. Life is too short for ill-fitting pants.
Christina
Stacy and Clinton (WNTW) say that even jeans can be altered, but I've never tried it so I don't know.
I also have a lot of trouble getting jeans that fit but for different reasons. A couple of years ago, I was so fed up with the whole jean thing that I devoted a few days (not all at once) to going around trying on pair after pair after pair until finally I hit on just the right ones. And I've enjoyed wearing them more ever since then.
Is anyone else tired of the low-rise trend? I'm NOT saying I want to go back to wearing mom jeans, but I'm SO over the rise that causes the waistband to fall just below the "fleshiest" part of most women and creates "love handles" on even those of us who've never had that problem before. I mean look around you and ask yourself who it was that first decided every woman in the world should appear to be wearing a flotation device around her middle!!!! I can't stand it!
And since Posh brought up undies, let's share tips on where to find no-line styles, okay? I found a boy short at Soma that's very thin with no bulky elastic around the waist or legs, and they work pretty well with most things. But I'm still looking for just the perfect bottoms to make my bottom look perfect. :-)
BarbG
Christina is absolutely right about those "Not Your Daughter's Jeans"! I found them last winter--hallelujah!--the little bit of lycra keeps things smooth, the cut fits my body very well, doesn't gap in the backside--now if I would only wear jeans more places than to walk the dog and run into the grocery store.
I'm a pretty conservative dresser, but insist on outstanding workmanship and superior quality materials. I'd rather have, for example, one beautifully-made pair of trousers that hang correctly than five that are so-so. Same thing with shoes and leather goods! One quirk: I will not wear or carry anything that has someone ELSE's name or initials on it (designers should pay ME to advertise for them, I think!) Fortunately, even Coach and Cole Haan make shoes and bags that do not have their blasted logo on 'em.
I no longer work outside the home, so I no longer have many "business outfits" -- but I do have need for "ladies who lunch" casual outfits (cashmere somethings, wool gabardine trousers, good jewelry and shoes). Because I am tall but long-waisted, most ready-to-wear dresses don't hit my waist at the right place, so I often do better in separate skirts, jackets, etc. I also have a wonderful alterations lady here who is worth her weight in gold.
Nothing looks better to me than a beautifully cut white silk blouse or broadcloth blouse tucked into a nice just-above the knee black wool pencil skirt, wide black alligator belt, black opaque hose, good black heels....good jewelry (pearls or chunky gold or silver necklace in the neckline with simple earrings). Good handbag in a pop of color--maybe coral? I love fall and winter clothes and get sick and tired of summer stuff pretty quickly. Good thing I live where I do!
Because of my husband's work, however, we do have occasion to do the dress-up black tie thing--which I love! But again, I'll go with simple lines and beautiful colors rather than with fussy frou-frou. And--yes--I love my fur coat for those times. So sue me.
Things at Talbot's fit me well (and thank goodness they're beginning to veer away from that matronly style they held for years and are a LITTLE BIT more modish), ditto for Ralph Lauren, Doncaster and Tanner. I like rummaging around in Nordstrom's Rack and Saks Off-Fifth, too (bought a FABULOUS paprika-colored wool pea jacket type coat made by Cole Haan--who knew?--there a couple of years ago that I always get compliments on).
Nancy
@MsG.
"I mean look around you and ask yourself who it was that first decided every woman in the world should appear to be wearing a flotation device around her middle!!!! I can't stand it!"
Oh, dear, the dreaded muffin top. You know, it's occurred to more more than once that I may have completely missed a trend and a muffin top is actually a desirable look. I'm completely serious. I see them FAR too often for there to be any other reason!
I like my jeans to hit below my bellybutton but I don't want them to be so low that you can see all my business, if you know what i mean. some of them are TOO LOW. Also, the skinny jeans trend can't go away fast enough for me, but that's just because I'm jealous.
@Nancy:
"Nothing looks better to me than a beautifully cut white silk blouse or broadcloth blouse tucked into a nice just-above the knee black wool pencil skirt, wide black alligator belt, black opaque hose, good black heels....good jewelry..."
I love that look. And I can't wear a pencil skirt for love or money. Same issues as with pants -- if the skirt goes over my hips, it's ridiculous in the waist. Sigh. But a-line cuts work for me.
Christina
@Christina - that elegant white silk blouse with a belt, etc. etc. look often works with a pair of great slacks. I held on to a couple of pretty wide-legged, wool slacks with pleats from about 4 years ago. I kept thinking I should recycle them, but I'm so glad I didn't - they look good to me this year. But this look also works with flat front slacks. I think it's really all about the fabrications - good, elegant fabrics like silk, wool, alligator and good jewelry - and perfect, not-too-tight fit. It's to make a mistake with that as your foundation.
@Nancy - I'm with you on the fur coat. So sue us. When I read all the eBay stories, I thought "I should try that." But actually, I have: on a slow day in the office a few years ago I was surfing eBay and wound up with a full length mink coat in perfect condition. I was in complete shock ("Holy c**p, I just bought a fur coat! For $800!"). I don't wear it as much as I'd like (I live in San Francisco), but on a cold day in the NE or Europe, there is nothing toastier.
A variation on "flotation devices/muffin tops": what is up with those little pads of flesh that appear above your bra, just behind your arms? I HATE that - but I cannot find a bra that fits in the front that doesn't do it. Except for a strapless - which I am now wearing almost daily, and under everything. Ideas anyone??
operafanatic
Yes, Operafan, what IS it with those over-bra pads of flesh there and sometimes in the back? Underwires seem to help some, but I don't want to sneak into those 'full-support' Playtex things. Anyone who has an idea, please feel free to jump in. Yeah, and those muffin-tops! Arrrggghhhh. Even skinny just-barely-post-pubescent girls look fat with those things hanging out on the sides. Who on EARTH thinks they're attractive? It's for that very reason (well, and because I am very long-waisted) that I am nervous about low-riding jeans or slacks. Nope. Not gonna do it. If it looks silly on someone 16, imagine how ridiculous it'd look on me at 60!
I'm glad you hung on to your pleated front trousers. I did, also, simply because I feel like Marlene Dietrich or Katharine Hepburn in them--and also because I simply do not have skinny thighs, thanks to my hearty German and Dutch ancestry--I can hardly wait for the skinny-legged pants thing to pass. And it will.
Forgot to add that I love my pashmina stoles and scarves. Don't care whether they're still in style or not. They're in beautiful colors and I can always can count on them to add a dash of color and softness around the shoulders and face when I don't want to wear something as constricting as a jacket. And they pack beautifully.
Nancy
Yes! Pashminas are the best. I only have a few - I think the most useful are the larger ones, and I'm especially fond of one in creamy white. It goes with lots of things, in any season, and really brightens me up.
A couple of years ago I discovered Amoroso capes. They are really sweater capes - large, reversible, and perfectly shaped (I wear mind a little on the diagonal). They look great with skirts, dresses, or slacks. I have even worn them over a coat when it's really cold and damp. Very dramatic - I have people stop me on the street to ask about them. I have 2 of the border style, both reversible: one red/black and the other charcoal/tan. I've also seen the window pane pattern, and it's pretty wonderful. Google Amoroso capes.
operafanatic
I'm with you on the logos, Nancy - I can't stand them on my clothes. I think I have too many black dresses in my closet - I can never part with one and so I have a historical record of my life with the little black dress.
Bevi
"A variation on "flotation devices/muffin tops": what is up with those little pads of flesh that appear above your bra, just behind your arms? I HATE that - but I cannot find a bra that fits in the front that doesn't do it. "
If you have flesh that is kinda bulging out to the sides or over the top, you may need to go up a cup size, or you need a bra with more fabric in the cup (like full coverage instead of those half-cups I see sometimes)
Here's a guide to bra fit problems and potential solutions:
http://www.herroom.com/solve-bra-size-and-fit-problems,909,30.html#2
And ooh, ooh! I have a story about this. So, I was noticing not too long ago that my bras didn't seem to be fitting me very well. And I happened to wander into an actual bra boutique store (instead of just going to Target like I normally do) Well, let me tell you! Before I knew it I was whisked off to a dressing room and a bra ninja fitter lady was ordering me to take off my top. "But...but..I..."
Anyway, long story short, I ended up doing everything she said and thank god I'm not particularly shy because she had no problem handling my tatas while she had me try on four or five different styles. I walked out of there with the most expensive bras I have ever bought, but they fit SO WELL. Seriously, if you're having fit issues, get yourself to a bra ninja and let her work you over. What I discovered is that I was still trying to squeeze into the 34 C that I had been wearing for years, when I was really a 34 D. A D cup! You'd never think I had a D-cup if you saw me. One of them was actually a 34 DD.
So don't be afraid to experiment, because bra manufacturers are different, some styles may fit you better than others...you just never know. Like I said, you wouldn't look at me and think that I had anything more than an average sized rack for my frame. But apparently some bra manufacturer thinks I'm a DD.
Also, don't think you can mix and match, a 36 C is not the same as a 34 D. There's a different cup volume measurement. I used to think that they were all pretty much they same but it's not, apparently.
Christina
Some Nordstroms have bra ninjas. It is pretty incredible to have the expert push, pull, rearrange, and raise you a cup. I'll see your C and raise you a D! I Also found out that I was a D in the fitting room!
Bevi
I just read a few remarks on the main page about what's in and what's out for fall; and since I'm in the mood to do a little fall shopping myself, I thought it would be fun to talk about the latest trends. So share articles and tips, and tell us about your own fall wardrobe plans. Also, since I feel that I know so many of you after all these months of ongoing communication, I'd like to know how you would characterize your own style. What do you wear? What don't you wear? What would you wear if you had the money or the body for it? Etc., etc., etc.