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Observations in Fashion

What’s In & What’s Out For Spring 2020

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Fashion trends ebb and flow. What’s “in” is a matter of personal taste but some trends we can get behind because comfort is something we can all agree is key. And comfort is key in Spring 2020.

With the last breath of 2019 we can look ahead to something new—a new year and a few New Year’s resolutions to kick things off. It’s important to remember the good things that happened in 2019 and forget the bad. As far as the good fashion trends from 2019 we can still look forward to wearing our jeans a little looser and with a higher waist. In addition, combat boots are still quite popular. As far as the bad trends let’s hope the ginormous beach hat and micro handbag from last year never darken our closet door again.

Biker shorts were another talked up trend for 2019. Tight athleisure wear-inspired shorts were touted as the new pant everyone will be wearing for all occasions. According to the Zoe report, “stretchy sport shorts are the latest item of athletic apparel to become an everyday wardrobe basic . . . biker shorts are a major trend for 2019”.

But they weren’t because as often happens the trends pushed by marketers, influencers, and fashion mags simply never really transpire. As disappointed as the manufacturers of the biker shorts were it did not dissuade them from giving it another try. For Spring 2020 trend forecasters are predicting that hot pants and Bermuda shorts will be the trend everyone will be wearing. I am not convinced that hot pants will really take off but a slim cut short that hits just above the knee could be a key style for this coming spring and summer.

The itsy bitsy handbag that was on almost every influencers “must have” list for 2019 was another crashing disappointment and designers took notice. This year all eyes are on the tote. And why not? A tote is practical, classic and chic.

Tall Structured Leather Tote by Cuyana $215
Available in 9 colors
Medium Shopper Tote by Shinola $395
Available in 5 colors

The ever trendy ugly dad sneaker of 2019 has thankfully been retired because it was simply too any longer awful to gaze upon. However, as much as the ugly sneaker has gone the way of other unfortunate trends sneakers in general are still quite popular. For Spring 2020 there are a good selection of styles that you can wear forever.

El Capitan Poplin Lace Up Sneaker by Angela Scott $175
Available 4 colors

If you are looking for a less traditional sneaker these woven leather slip-ons are just as comfortable.

Sophia Woven Sneaker by M.Gemi $248
Available in 3 colors

Personally, I found the high heel mules trend annoying. I struggle to walk in them and they make an irritating sound with every step. But despite my take on them they were all the rage in 2019. However, not all fashion mavens were on board with the tend. Carine Roitfeld, the former Paris Vogue editor, told The New York Times, “I hate the noise when someone walks with mules,” she admitted, “Clomp, clomp, clomp. I think it’s very not chic.”

It you like the ease of a mule skip the ones with the high heels and go with the flats instead.

Oiled leather Mule by Jenni Kayne $395
Available in 2 colors

It’s no surprise that wide leg pants, oversized sweaters, and flats are still in vogue. They are everything we want in our clothing–comfort and lasting style.

Wide Leg Crop Pant by Everlane $68
Available in 6 colors

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

Add A Touch Elegance To Your Outfit By Adding A Splash Of Red

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The color red appeals to most of us. However, some find red too bold to wear. However, a touch can add just the right amount chic to your outfit.

Great style always looks effortless regardless of how much actual effort was delivered to get those results. Whether you are meeting friends for dinner, interviewing for a job or simply need to make a good impression it’s important to consider your outfit. One of the easiest style tips to follow is to dress monochromatically in neutral colors and then add a splash of bright color. However, when in doubt choose styles that are classic as the uncomplicated nature of tried and true pieces never fail to look sophisticated (or cool). For example a black pair of trousers, black turtleneck, white button-down shirt and camel trousers or even an all cream ensemble with a bright-colored handbag will add just the right amount of chic to your outfit

There are certainly many bright colors to choose from but there is only one standout and that is the color red! There is something alluring about the color red and adding just a touch will make your outfit that much more elegant.

A red pair of shoes with soft colors like camel is less bold but just as eye-catching.

Even your favorite jeans can look more elegant with a touch of red.

And if black leather with your favorite black pants is your thing throw on a big red scarf.

Even if you are not a fan of flaming red remember that adding a splash of any bright color to an understated outfit can add that touch of elegance.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

Less Might Be More When It Comes To Good Skincare

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With over 25,000 skincare products to choose from no wonder most of us are confused about which products to use. Considering all of the choices there are it’s inevitable that our cabinets are full of products we probably don’t need. According to an article in The Telegraph the average woman uses 16 beauty products everyday! I can’t imagine the amount of time it would take to wash, exfoliate, tone, rub, protect, and make up your face by applying all 16 products. But I can relate to the confusion over what products are best for our skin.

More and more products are being produced every year that promise to reduce fine lines, create glowing skin, eliminate dark spots, and tighten our sagging faces. And it’s no surprise that the growth in the skincare industry is largely in the anti-aging category.

Here’s another interesting fact. Almost all of these products are owned by 7 corporations. Which begs the question—do expensive products work better than less expensive products?

In an article from the New York Times, The $20 Luxury Face Cream, the author opines that beauty brands are changing the way they market through more transparency. According to the author, Chrystal Martin, there is still a lot of misrepresentation in the beauty industry. However, with insiders spilling the beans on the efficacy of claims made by brands it is becoming easier to research these claims. Insiders like Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu who founded Chemist Confessions attempt to unpack the enigma of products in laymen’s terms. In their blog and podcast they reveal how ingredients work. Further, they help to demystify the proprietary formulas claimed on the packaging.

There were some interesting new products that were recommended by Crystal with notes on what ingredients are worth placing on our skin. Ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide can reduce pigmentation and tighten pores. It also mentions hyaluronic acid which helps our skin retain moisture. And then of course there is the holy grail of ingredients. Retinoids and rentinols have been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

The article was informative enough but what I found much more illuminating were the comments (and I read them all). These comments were quite broad from favorite products to quips on aging. However, there was a consensus from the commenters regarding the subject of skincare.

~Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary are two very popular websites for good recommendations. In addition these will websites explain the benefits of ingredients used.

~We don’t need to spend a lot of money for great products.

~Good genes trumps great products.

~CeraVe is a drugstore gold standard for skincare.

~Sunscreen and retinols (or retinoids) are the 2 most essential products for good skincare.

Eat well, laugh alt, and be chic!