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Observations in Fashion

How To Wear Color Style Inspiration Through Color—How to Wear Different Combinations

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Combining different or unusual colors in an outfit can seem a bit daunting but it is as easier than you might think!

We generally gravitate toward our tried-and-true or safe color combinations—combinations like grey and black, brown and cream and, of course, denim blue and white. There is nothing wrong with wearing these classic combos but it can feel a bit boring at times. If you are looking to break out of your daily color routine when it comes to style have a look at these combos.

 

~Try wearing a bold color with a soft neutral color.

Red and white is a safe combo.

If you are feeling a little more adventuresome try wearing different shades of red, pink, yellow or orange.

Wearing reds with just about any color looks incredibly modern. Try combining red and pink or red and grey.

Even better, wear a black and white print with something orange or red.

Do you love bold colors but feel they are too loud to pull off

~Try wearing a bold color with a soft neutral color.

Red and white is a safe combo.

If you are feeling a little more adventuresome try wearing different shades of red, pink, yellow or orange.

Wearing reds with just about any color looks incredibly modern. Try combining red and pink or red and grey.

Even better, wear a black and white print with something orange or red.

~And speaking of prints . . .

Wearing two different prints in the same outfit might seem too busy and a bit risky but the trick is to have a common color thread.

The easiest way to approach this is to combine graphic prints or linear prints with abstracts or florals.

If you simply cannot wrap your head around wearing bold colors or prints keep your outfit monochromatic and add a splash of color with either your shoes or scarf and accessorize.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and wear different color combinations  

remember to wear them confidently!

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

What’s In Is Out And What’s Out Is In—Fall 2018 Trends

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So many fashion trends are merely recycled looks from seasons past much like the fringe trend of last fall. It was also a major trend in the 20s (think flappers). But that was not the end of the  fringe trend. It was big in the 60s (think Jimi Hendricks), in the 70s (think Cher), and It showed up again in 2015 (think Coachella). However, fringe is no longer “in” because it’s out.

And that is how it goes. 

Animal prints are back “in” this Fall season. But my question is, “Was the animal print trend ever really out of style?” Joan Crawford wore it in the 30s, Jane Mansfield wore it in the 50s, Verushka, the super model of the time, Liz Taylor, and Zsa Zsa Gabor wore it in the 60s. It was also popular in the 70s. Betsy Johnson featured annual prints in her fashion show in 1995, Kate Moss wore it in 2004, Armani featured animal print pants in his 2007 fashion show, and Jennifer Lopez wore a animal print to the Met Gala in 2013. 

Of course every fashion magazine has its own take on what is trending and what is not. Not surprisingly they don’t always agree. However, there are trends that just about every fashion editorial agrees on—let’s focus on those.

Plaid

Plaids are back in again but interestingly enough have been around for 3,000 years. Plaids more recent popularity were in 70s and were prompted by punk culture. Then in the 90s Pendleton’s were the iconic trademark of the grunge scene. 

Plaids can be difficult to wear due to the repeat of the pattern. If you are in the mood to branch out you can add this classic print to your wardrobe easily. Stick with smaller repeats as the larger patterns will only add inches to your frame. Stay away from a head-to-toe plaid look unless you are participating in a Scottish Parade. And most importantly, make sure the plaid matches up at the seams–if they don’t it simply looks cheap.

Slouch Boots

Boots have been popular forever. Robin Hood wore them, Czars wore them, and cowboys wore them. More recently, Vogue declared 1939 as the year of the boot. Then boots made a huge comeback in the 60s with the go-go boot. Boots were popular again in the 70s in a platform style and made a sweeping comeback at the turn of the 21st century. Their popularity has not waned much since then. It is only the design and details of the boot that have changed.

This year it’s the slouch boot that is trending. We’ve seen them before but like last year’s over-the-knee boot the slouch boot seems to be the preferred style for 2018.

If you are looking for something that will make you look shorter and your legs look wider this trend is for you.

Color

That’s right! Everyone agrees that color is important and each season there is a palette that is prominent. This season the colors that are in vogue are as follows; brown (presented the new black), red, light blue, and silver. We’ve seen these colors before and there is nothing new about them. The story here is that along with plaid these colors will dominate the market. The good news is these colors will never go out of style unlike the years when neons where all the rage. Let’s give thanks!

Animal Prints 

As I mentioned earlier they are back! The timeless look of animal print will go on because they can be worn like a neutral color. Not everyone likes prints but wearing a monochromatic black, brown, red or you-name-it outfit and adding a splash of animal print in a pair of shoes, a handbag or a scarf always looks chic!

Eat well. laugh a lot, and be chic!

The Best Ways To Launder Your Clothes

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I get a lot of questions regarding the proper care of  your beloved clothing.  Here is a a quick tutorial on the best way to take care of your clothing and in layman’s lingo simplify the meaning of all of those cryptic icons that are featured on your care labels.

It is important to keep in mind that fabric content and the quality of the fiber is what dictates how to best care for it.


Wool, Cotton & Cashmere

Natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen and cashmere are best when they are hand washed using a mild cleanser, not a detergent. FYI Woolite is a detergent. Heat will kill a garment faster than anything so if you love something wash it in cold water. Otherwise, you will be setting it free before too long. 

Here are a few of my favorite delicate wash cleansers.

Wash in Cold & Don’t Ever Use Bleach

Don’t use any temperature but cold when washing your favorite pieces. And never use bleach, not even on your favorite white tee shirt—it’s full of chemicals which are bad for the environment and bad for your skin. The best way to whiten your whites is to line dry them in the sun. If a clothing line is not available you can add 1/2 cup of lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to your wash.

What About Silk?

Silk can be hand washable but sometimes the darker colors may not be color fast which means they might bleed. I hand wash my lighter colored silks just like my woolens but with colors like red, teal, and purples I send them to the dry cleaner.

The Problem With Dry Cleaning

Which brings me to the dry cleaner—if you can you should avoid taking your clothing to the dry cleaners because like bleach it’s bad for the environment and bad for your skin. 

Try This Instead

If your clothes are smelly spray a solution of 1 part vodka to 2 parts water directly onto your clothing and then let your clothing  air out. The alcohol will kill the bacteria that causes the odor. You can also place your smelly garment in a  plastic bag and put it in the freezer overnight.  Like alcohol the freezer will kill the bacteria that causes odor.

If you must dry clean remember to remove your garment from the plastic bag immediately. This way your clothes can air out. Leaving it in that plastic bag can trap moisture or even trap nasty insects inside the plastic that have an appetite for expensive wool and cashmere.

What Is Rayon & Why Do Some Rayon Pieces Launder Beautifully & Others Get Destroyed In The Wash?

Rayons & viscoses can be problematic. I personally love them but some must be dry cleaned and others can be laundered. They are considered a semi-synthetic fiber because they are made using cellulose (wood pulp) but need a great deal of chemicals to convert them to a fiber.

Some can be very sensitive to moisture. Consequently, if you wash them they will lose their shape. What I prefer to do with rayons is spot clean them with a mild soap and cold water. And unless I am sure about the fiber I never immerse it in water. 

What Do The Symbols On Care Labels Mean?

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!