by Mimi Spencer
Early days, my friend, but the time is already right to nail the new season with a list of juicy directives. This year’s spring fashion appears to have arrived prematurely, like those daffodils that bloomed before Christmas, like the shops that are hawking Easter eggs. But what’s one to do? Lag behind like a sorry Mary and let others suck up all the good stuff? I thought not. So put down that toast and jump to it.
Lingerie effects
As an adjunct to the underwear-as-outerwear trend, watch out for masses of chantilly lace, ruching, draping, ruffles and sheer (you got the lot on the Valentino catwalk). Think of delicate, darling undies in silk, satin and the ssshh of chiffon. It’s all very feminine and adorable – but a killer to wear, especially if you’re on the wide side. The sensation is set to be Roland Mouret’s quite devastating deconstructed dresses. He now sells his power-mesh underpinning (the body-control ingredient in those Galaxy dresses) as a dress in its own right. As Mouret says, ‘Spanx are great until a woman gets home after the party. This gives a guy something to play with.’
Cut-outs
Again, a body-baiting trend, designed to play peekaboo with your bits and bobs. Keyholes, panels, slashes – it’s all very hot. Look at Zac Posen and Miu Miu for inspiration. For women of grand standing, Michael Kors showed us how to do cut-outs with kudos.
From pale rose to old gold, from soft lilac to that warm fleshy tone, the new non-colours are truly fetching
Neutrals and nudes
These are the unarguable shades of spring, from pale rose to old gold, from soft lilac to that warm fleshy tone that deserves a better name. They may be a bit vanilla, but they lend themselves to the lingerie look. Against most complexions, there’s something truly fetching about the non-colours seen at Burberry, Chloé, Lanvin, Donna Karan and the rest; with porcelain skin, the look becomes almost transparent, a daydream. They are not hardy, though, so treat them with respect and never introduce them to a red sock in a hot wash.
Sporty details
There was neoprene and wickable sports-mesh aplenty on the catwalks – at Gucci, Pucci and Christopher Kane – as well as sporting accessories (Marc Jacobs’s bum-bag being the mega-hit). It’s a sassy spin-off from the recent body-con trend, and requires (again) that you have visited the gym (put a round body into neoprene and you get a beach ball). You’ll also find a few sporty comeback kids on the agenda, including the hoodie, cycling shorts and interesting leggings – Vuitton’s cross-laced ones will no doubt spawn 1,000 dodgy versions.
Military
Yes, the trend that wouldn’t die battles on into spring 2010. An update might take in a hit of khaki from Alexander Wang, Vuitton’s army patch pockets and military drab from Balmain, where it all went a bit M*A*S*H. Yum.
--
Neutrals and nudes. Can't wait for spring fashion!
Fashion for Life
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Fashion for life: A sign of the timeless
by Mimi Spencer
Here we are, our toes just dipped in 2010, and it’s already clear that our relationship with fashion has changed hugely. Where once it was all spend, spend, spend; where once we basked in the great throwaway bonanza of budget fashion, now we seem to have come to our senses.
There are many reasons for this. Crammed cupboards. A sense of shop-weary ennui. The recognition that a new handbag will not make us a better/more fascinating person. An awareness that cheap clothes come from cheap factories. A recession which cut into our fun money.
All of this adds up to a newly calibrated relationship with shopping: it’s still a love affair, but it’s not as lusty and abandoned as before. Like a contented married couple, we’re no longer doing it everywhere, every day, every which way. We’re more circumspect.
Like smoking, driving SUVs and drinking bottled water, there has been a weaning off our shopping addiction. Shopping to excess now looks old hat, embarrassing even – and the brownie points are going to women who have found ways not to shop. Customising, swishing, swapping, knitting, sewing. Wearing vintage, or design classics, or cherished investment pieces that have developed a patina of age and interest.
My friend Constance wears only the Greats. She buys original YSL jackets, and Alaïa in his first phase, Jil Sander pre-Uniqlo, 80s Yohji. She looks timeless, like a Picasso.
Shopping to excess is old hat. Instead, wear classics or cherished investment pieces
Even government watchdogs are getting in on shop shame. The Waste & Resources Action Programme claims that overcoming our obsession with owning goods could be a ‘secret weapon’ in meeting climate change targets. It has called for a fifth of household spending – £148 billion out of an annual total of £732 billion – to be converted to renting by 2020. And high-end clothing is one of its main targets.
But will we buy into it? Would you rent a party frock? Well, you recycle your papers now, don’t you? And you order tap in restaurants. A recent YouGov survey reveals that 77 per cent of women are willing to make lifestyle changes now in the knowledge that climate change will affect their children. If that means one great handbag, one fabulous dress, one less pointless splurge, I’m in.
Fashion for Life
---
No one can never go wrong with the classics when it comes to fashion.
Here we are, our toes just dipped in 2010, and it’s already clear that our relationship with fashion has changed hugely. Where once it was all spend, spend, spend; where once we basked in the great throwaway bonanza of budget fashion, now we seem to have come to our senses.
There are many reasons for this. Crammed cupboards. A sense of shop-weary ennui. The recognition that a new handbag will not make us a better/more fascinating person. An awareness that cheap clothes come from cheap factories. A recession which cut into our fun money.
All of this adds up to a newly calibrated relationship with shopping: it’s still a love affair, but it’s not as lusty and abandoned as before. Like a contented married couple, we’re no longer doing it everywhere, every day, every which way. We’re more circumspect.
Like smoking, driving SUVs and drinking bottled water, there has been a weaning off our shopping addiction. Shopping to excess now looks old hat, embarrassing even – and the brownie points are going to women who have found ways not to shop. Customising, swishing, swapping, knitting, sewing. Wearing vintage, or design classics, or cherished investment pieces that have developed a patina of age and interest.
My friend Constance wears only the Greats. She buys original YSL jackets, and Alaïa in his first phase, Jil Sander pre-Uniqlo, 80s Yohji. She looks timeless, like a Picasso.
Shopping to excess is old hat. Instead, wear classics or cherished investment pieces
Even government watchdogs are getting in on shop shame. The Waste & Resources Action Programme claims that overcoming our obsession with owning goods could be a ‘secret weapon’ in meeting climate change targets. It has called for a fifth of household spending – £148 billion out of an annual total of £732 billion – to be converted to renting by 2020. And high-end clothing is one of its main targets.
But will we buy into it? Would you rent a party frock? Well, you recycle your papers now, don’t you? And you order tap in restaurants. A recent YouGov survey reveals that 77 per cent of women are willing to make lifestyle changes now in the knowledge that climate change will affect their children. If that means one great handbag, one fabulous dress, one less pointless splurge, I’m in.
Fashion for Life
---
No one can never go wrong with the classics when it comes to fashion.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Retailers and fashion brands do their part to help Haiti
by Melissa Magsaysay
While shopping and material possessions are the furthest thing from anyone's mind amid the horrific aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti, several brands and retailers are mobilizing their resources to help the relief efforts. Here is a list of companies getting involved and how you too can help.
The Soles4Souls charity has set up donation stations for gently worn shoes at all Sport Chalet locations. People can drop off shoes at any Sport Chalet today through Jan. 31. Shoes will be shipped to the most affected areas of Haiti.
Vans shoes is donating 30 containers carrying 10,000 pairs of work boots, rain boots and children's shoes to earthquake survivors. The Cypress-based shoe company also teamed up with Soles4Souls.
Soles4 Souls is committing 250,000 pairs of shoes from U.S. shoe brands and store owners. It originally pledged 100,000, but discovered it still wasn't enough. To distribute the goods, Soles4Souls teamed up with Operation Compassion, a charity that transports and distributes the aid, which along with Vans shoes, includes packages -- from a footwear industry effort -- providing food, bottled water, baby necessities, medical supplies, tents, blankets and flashlights.
"With mounting public health concerns and conditions in the area, something as simple as shoes can make a huge impact on relief efforts," says Kevin Bailey, president of Vans, in a statement.
For more information on how to get involved and to donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org
Resurrection boutique is holding a sale through Jan. 31 both in-store and online, taking 70% off retail on vintage finds with 10% of all sale proceeds going to Haiti Emergency Relief Fund. Labels on sale include Chanel, Comme des Garcons, Alaia, Stephen Sprouse, Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler and others.
Earlier this month, Timberland released a line of boots designed by Wyclef Jean to benefit his Yele Haiti organization. Originally, $2 from the sale of each pair of boots was going toward reforestation in Haiti, but efforts have been redirected since Tuesday to help earthquake victims.
Also, perfumer Bond No. 9 will donate 10% of proceeds from the fragrance the Scent of Peace to the American Red Cross to assist communities affected by the earthquake. The perfume is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills.
Retailers help Haiti
--
Fashion and retailer brands do not only have heart for fashion. They also have heart for people.
While shopping and material possessions are the furthest thing from anyone's mind amid the horrific aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti, several brands and retailers are mobilizing their resources to help the relief efforts. Here is a list of companies getting involved and how you too can help.
The Soles4Souls charity has set up donation stations for gently worn shoes at all Sport Chalet locations. People can drop off shoes at any Sport Chalet today through Jan. 31. Shoes will be shipped to the most affected areas of Haiti.
Vans shoes is donating 30 containers carrying 10,000 pairs of work boots, rain boots and children's shoes to earthquake survivors. The Cypress-based shoe company also teamed up with Soles4Souls.
Soles4 Souls is committing 250,000 pairs of shoes from U.S. shoe brands and store owners. It originally pledged 100,000, but discovered it still wasn't enough. To distribute the goods, Soles4Souls teamed up with Operation Compassion, a charity that transports and distributes the aid, which along with Vans shoes, includes packages -- from a footwear industry effort -- providing food, bottled water, baby necessities, medical supplies, tents, blankets and flashlights.
"With mounting public health concerns and conditions in the area, something as simple as shoes can make a huge impact on relief efforts," says Kevin Bailey, president of Vans, in a statement.
For more information on how to get involved and to donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org
Resurrection boutique is holding a sale through Jan. 31 both in-store and online, taking 70% off retail on vintage finds with 10% of all sale proceeds going to Haiti Emergency Relief Fund. Labels on sale include Chanel, Comme des Garcons, Alaia, Stephen Sprouse, Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler and others.
Earlier this month, Timberland released a line of boots designed by Wyclef Jean to benefit his Yele Haiti organization. Originally, $2 from the sale of each pair of boots was going toward reforestation in Haiti, but efforts have been redirected since Tuesday to help earthquake victims.
Also, perfumer Bond No. 9 will donate 10% of proceeds from the fragrance the Scent of Peace to the American Red Cross to assist communities affected by the earthquake. The perfume is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills.
Retailers help Haiti
--
Fashion and retailer brands do not only have heart for fashion. They also have heart for people.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Crocs to donate shoes to Haiti earthquake victims
Crocs Inc. said Friday that it is donating thousands of pairs of its shoes to the Haitian earthquake relief effort.
The footwear maker is also using its headquarters in Niwot, Colo. as a drop-off site for relief items such as water, blankets and nonperishable food items.
Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake on Tuesday, and the Red Cross estimates 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed.
Crocs helps Haiti
--
I just love Crocs. I wish I could buy one soon.
The footwear maker is also using its headquarters in Niwot, Colo. as a drop-off site for relief items such as water, blankets and nonperishable food items.
Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake on Tuesday, and the Red Cross estimates 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed.
Crocs helps Haiti
--
I just love Crocs. I wish I could buy one soon.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sense of Fashion: Boots are made for walking - comfortably
By Erin Ebert
Winter sale season has begun, and for many of us, this is the perfect time to shop. A good pair of boots should be top of the pricey items on your shopping list that you want to find on discount.
Boots have always been in the upper price tiers of shoes, if for no other reason than they are simply made with more material than your basic shoe. To boot, they also have evolved into all shapes and sizes, making the options (and prices) more intimidating.
The key is finding a pair that will last. This makes that initial steep investment pay off.
So, how do you pick?
First, select the style of boot you like. That's the fun part.
Do you want ankle or over-the-knee, high-heel or slouchy?
Next, find the perfect fit.
Here's my "MPP" boot-buying guide so that your wallet - and feet - won't regret it later.
M: Material
Material is extremely important when selecting a pair of boots.
Bottom line, boots should be made of leather.
Can you get boots inexpensively in other materials?
Yes.
Will they look as good in pleather?
No.
Will they last as long?
No.
What you save in dollars today, you will lose in fit tomorrow.
The truth (as we all know it deep in our stylish hearts) is that leather molds to your shape, wears well and, with a little care each season, will last.
Can we say these things about pleather or plastic vinyl? Certainly not.
Synthetic boots will hold only the shape as designed and typically are not built to last more than a season, which is why they are so affordable.
If you invest in a pair made of leather, with some basic care you pay more today but save in the long-run.
After all, are you really saving any money if you know you will be buying another pair next year?
P: Pinch
Take your boots for a walk before you exit the store.
Why?
The pinch factor.
One of the most fabulous things about women is that we come in all shapes and sizes. My calves may be bigger or smaller than yours. My knees may be higher or lower based on my height and shape.
Therefore, the boot that fits your best friend may be absolutely uncomfortable for you.
When trying on boots, test the sensitive pinch areas so you know you are getting a pair made just for you.
Many boots have a zipper placed on the inside to help you slip in, zip up and go. But the slope of the inside zipper is sometimes too tight or too loose on two areas - the inner ankle and the upper calf.
If you try on a pair of boots and the zipper rubs your inner ankle from the start, move to the next pair. Zippers won't stretch like the rest of a boot, and you will just end up with a raw spot on your ankle and a tear in your trouser socks.
However, if you can't quite close the zipper at the top of your calf, allow for about a 1/4 inch of give for leather boots to stretch. If you need more than that, put them back on the shelf.
If the boots are overall too slack and your leg is moving around too much, you have to decide if this will work for you. You can add thicker socks on the inside, but the upper gap by your knee is a personal choice.
P: Pitch
If you are looking for a pair of sensible flat-heeled boots, then there's not much to worry about. But for those of us who love our heels, boots can be a real test.
Boots are made with different pitches at the arch of the sole, no matter the heel height. Add to that, when you don a pair of boots, you don't have to worry about the shoe sliding off like a pair of pumps. Therefore, we tend to walk a bit differently with the security of boots that are zipped up nice and snug.
As a result, you may find that a shorter pitch zone from heel to toe will bother you a bit more in your boots.
A good walk test will measure your wobble-factor. Many girls can walk in the highest of heels, but then let their ankles wobble in their boot-walking stride.
This can lead to an accident. Plus, for the fashion-conscious, it undoes much of the sexy boot look if your stride looses its muster.
Test the slope of your boot against your natural arch. If you are going for height, test your toe crunch immediately. If you know you walk heavier in your boots, remember the toll on your toes by then end of a long-walking day. Look for a boot with a decent shaped toe-box. You want just enough room to wiggle each toe.
For heel stability, gauge the shape of the heel-point. Is it a tiny tip or a more substantial stacked cowgirl style? Most people find that if they have a more stable back base, they walk more confidently.
One last note
'Tis the season for online sales. In general, we should consider buying locally. When it comes to a pair of boots, buyers should be especially careful to make their purchases in person.
Boots are an item that can be quite deceiving when presented in a 2-inch by 3-inch image - no matter how many zoom options the site may provide.
So, while you swoop in to save on those cashmere sweaters at the local boutiques to protect you for our chilly months to come, take a moment to try on some boots.
Your feet - and wallet - will thank you later.
Just remember your MPPs.
How to's of Boots
--
I love boots. I would love to collect them. Any woman in boots, I think, looks like she's on top of her game.
Winter sale season has begun, and for many of us, this is the perfect time to shop. A good pair of boots should be top of the pricey items on your shopping list that you want to find on discount.
Boots have always been in the upper price tiers of shoes, if for no other reason than they are simply made with more material than your basic shoe. To boot, they also have evolved into all shapes and sizes, making the options (and prices) more intimidating.
The key is finding a pair that will last. This makes that initial steep investment pay off.
So, how do you pick?
First, select the style of boot you like. That's the fun part.
Do you want ankle or over-the-knee, high-heel or slouchy?
Next, find the perfect fit.
Here's my "MPP" boot-buying guide so that your wallet - and feet - won't regret it later.
M: Material
Material is extremely important when selecting a pair of boots.
Bottom line, boots should be made of leather.
Can you get boots inexpensively in other materials?
Yes.
Will they look as good in pleather?
No.
Will they last as long?
No.
What you save in dollars today, you will lose in fit tomorrow.
The truth (as we all know it deep in our stylish hearts) is that leather molds to your shape, wears well and, with a little care each season, will last.
Can we say these things about pleather or plastic vinyl? Certainly not.
Synthetic boots will hold only the shape as designed and typically are not built to last more than a season, which is why they are so affordable.
If you invest in a pair made of leather, with some basic care you pay more today but save in the long-run.
After all, are you really saving any money if you know you will be buying another pair next year?
P: Pinch
Take your boots for a walk before you exit the store.
Why?
The pinch factor.
One of the most fabulous things about women is that we come in all shapes and sizes. My calves may be bigger or smaller than yours. My knees may be higher or lower based on my height and shape.
Therefore, the boot that fits your best friend may be absolutely uncomfortable for you.
When trying on boots, test the sensitive pinch areas so you know you are getting a pair made just for you.
Many boots have a zipper placed on the inside to help you slip in, zip up and go. But the slope of the inside zipper is sometimes too tight or too loose on two areas - the inner ankle and the upper calf.
If you try on a pair of boots and the zipper rubs your inner ankle from the start, move to the next pair. Zippers won't stretch like the rest of a boot, and you will just end up with a raw spot on your ankle and a tear in your trouser socks.
However, if you can't quite close the zipper at the top of your calf, allow for about a 1/4 inch of give for leather boots to stretch. If you need more than that, put them back on the shelf.
If the boots are overall too slack and your leg is moving around too much, you have to decide if this will work for you. You can add thicker socks on the inside, but the upper gap by your knee is a personal choice.
P: Pitch
If you are looking for a pair of sensible flat-heeled boots, then there's not much to worry about. But for those of us who love our heels, boots can be a real test.
Boots are made with different pitches at the arch of the sole, no matter the heel height. Add to that, when you don a pair of boots, you don't have to worry about the shoe sliding off like a pair of pumps. Therefore, we tend to walk a bit differently with the security of boots that are zipped up nice and snug.
As a result, you may find that a shorter pitch zone from heel to toe will bother you a bit more in your boots.
A good walk test will measure your wobble-factor. Many girls can walk in the highest of heels, but then let their ankles wobble in their boot-walking stride.
This can lead to an accident. Plus, for the fashion-conscious, it undoes much of the sexy boot look if your stride looses its muster.
Test the slope of your boot against your natural arch. If you are going for height, test your toe crunch immediately. If you know you walk heavier in your boots, remember the toll on your toes by then end of a long-walking day. Look for a boot with a decent shaped toe-box. You want just enough room to wiggle each toe.
For heel stability, gauge the shape of the heel-point. Is it a tiny tip or a more substantial stacked cowgirl style? Most people find that if they have a more stable back base, they walk more confidently.
One last note
'Tis the season for online sales. In general, we should consider buying locally. When it comes to a pair of boots, buyers should be especially careful to make their purchases in person.
Boots are an item that can be quite deceiving when presented in a 2-inch by 3-inch image - no matter how many zoom options the site may provide.
So, while you swoop in to save on those cashmere sweaters at the local boutiques to protect you for our chilly months to come, take a moment to try on some boots.
Your feet - and wallet - will thank you later.
Just remember your MPPs.
How to's of Boots
--
I love boots. I would love to collect them. Any woman in boots, I think, looks like she's on top of her game.
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