Coats: Warm, Fuzzy, & Chic

Photo of Jessica Alba courtesy of Time Inc. on PeopleStyleWatch.com

Autumn may be in the air, but as sure as Barneys Warehouse Sale, blustery winter is just around the corner.  What?  In February you'll be frolicking at Carnival in Rio, dancing the samba, and wearing nothing more than some strategically placed plantain leaves and a headdress??  Lucky you!  You can wait for the bikini post.  But for all those who must brave the winter this year--you can stick around.

It doesn't matter how stylish an Everyday Glamour Chick's, (E.G.C.'s), outfit is in the dead of winter if her coat's not up to par.  Because that's what most people will see on her--it's the coat and the golden trifecta, (shoes, handbag, & hair).

Instead of launching into a prolonged discourse on the merits of plunking down mucho dinero on one perfect winter coat that goes with everything, let me just say this:  You'll never find it.  You need three.  Don't get mad!  Ok, ok, to be honest, you don't really need three winter coats, but it's sooo much nicer when you do have them.

You need three winter coats.  One dark, neutral basic coat, one lighter neutral coat, and one show-stopper.  Relax.  You don't need to buy them all at once, and you don't have to have mucho dinero either.  A wardrobe is not built in a day!

STAGE 1

Look for that perfect dark, neutral basic coat that goes with almost everything.  For most E.G.C.'s, this means black.  This coat is the one you'll be spending a little more dinero on than you'd like to.  Expect to pay 30% more for the coat than you want to pay.  It'll be a stretch to buy.  Beyond quality, warmth, and functionality, the most important consideration is shape.  The shape of the coat needs to be in harmony with the shape of the E.G.C.  Look at it this way, how does a very curvy E.G.C. look in a boxy winter coat?  Not so great, right?  She looks better in a coat with some waistline emphasis, perhaps even with a belt, correct?  What about an E.G.C. whose shoulders are broader than her hips, does she look good in a double-breasted coat with epaulettes?  NO!  That style is for the E.G.C. with narrower shoulders and wider hips.  Broad shouldered E.G.C.'s  look better without the epaulettes and extra rows of buttons.  Next, consider the length. To the knee is a safe choice.  Taller E.G.C.'s  can get away with longer coats, however.

Photo of Jessica Alba by Splash News courtesy of TheInsider.com

STAGE 2:

Time to find your lighter neutral-colored coat.  Usually this means, navy, grey, brown, camel, or even white.  The Stage 2 coat doesn't necessarily have to be a solid color, and it doesn't have to be so basic, either.  The lighter neutral color and the extra design details make this an interesting new coat to break you out of your winter coat doldrums.  It's like a dash of cumin--adding some flavor, but not welcome every day.  This one you can wait to find on discount.  Be open to trying different things on.  And your mantra is shape, shape, shape!!

STAGE 3:

It's time to find your show-stopper!!  Find something that stands out in a crowd.  How about red?  Or leopard?  Or metallic?  If the Stage 2 coat is like cumin, the show-stopper coat is like habanero sause!  An occasional dash to shake things up!  The main thing to look for is your gut reaction when you put it on.  The reaction should be, "WHOA!  HOT!!"  Needless to say, you'll be getting this one on double markdown.  And don't forget the mantra:  shape, shape, shape!!

Photo of Jessica Alba courtesy of Fashionising.com

Fall 2009: Boots and Bags

Autumn is in the air!  Everyday Glamour Chicks, (E.G.C.'s), love that a well-paired boot and bag combo can make dressing a snap.  Rule of thumb:  NO MATCHING!!  It just needs to work.  (And don't think the colors have to match either.  As long as it goes, you're good!)

E.G.C.'s mix high and low end bags and boots with abandon.  And one more thing, I'm only showing one black boot--and it's on purpose.  Let's look at the brown options for a change of pace! 

 

Sexy Secretary

Dior Serpant Bootie courtesy of BergdorfGoodman.com

 

Chloe Paraty Capsul Purse courtesy of BergdorfGoodman.com

 

 

Fashion Intern

Pour la Victoire Brenda Cuff Bootie courtesy of Nordstrom.com

 

Prada Zip Top Bowler courtesy of BergdorfGoodman.com

 

 

Downtown Ingenue

MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to Metal Sasha Shoulder courtesy of BerdorfGoodman.com

Eliza Slouch High-Heel Boot courtesy of BananaRepublic.com

 

  

Casual Sexy

KORS Michael Kors Lucille Scrunch Boot courtesy of BergdorfGoodman.com

Nine West Felicity Flap courtesy of Piperlime.com

 

   

 Weekend Equestrian

Gucci Pelham Satchel courtesy of NiemanMarcus.com

Vivica Equestrian Flat Boot courtesy of BananaRepublic.com

 

 

 

 

It's Just in the Jeans

Beyonce photo courtesy of Hellobeautiful.com

Finding good jeans is like finding a good man.  Sometimes difficult, but you'll find the right fit if you know what to look for.  And it's always thrilling when you do find them.  So here's to finding a good pair of jeans that will hug you where it counts and be around for the long haul.

Everyday Glamour Chicks, (E.G.C.'s), know that the most crucial element to her jeans design is in the...ahem...backside.  Get out your hand held mirrors, ladies, you'll be checking yourselves out again, this time from behind.  Get used to it.  Men, women, children, your Aunt Tilly's Pug.....they're all looking.  It's just a natural phenomenon.  Make sure you look good!

Back Pocket Placement:

Check out the back pockets.  They need to sit right on your tush.  High pockets are "Mom-Jeans" territory, (translation:  not good).  Make sure the pockets aren't placed too wide apart or too close together.

Back Patch Pockets:

These pockets tend to look great on everyone.  The key is in the placement of the pockets.  (See above.)

Back Flap Pockets:

Great on E.G.C.'s with flat backsides, as they add heft.  Terrible on E.G.C.'s with Bubblishious proportions.

No Back Pockets:

Generally, good on E.G.C.'s with smallish yet perky backsides and terrible on flat or very generous ones.

Katie Holmes photo by JustJared courtesy of Denimology.co.uk.com

The next crucial element in good jeans design is the fabric.  Curvy E.G.C.'s look great in stretch denim.  The more curves she has, the more stretch the denim should have as well.  Straight and narrow E.G.C.'s don't need the stretch.  They can wear stiffer, straighter denim.

And finally...the sillouette, or shape:

Straight leg:  A good classic option for most E.G.C.'s. 

Bootcut:  Especially good on curvy E.G.C.'s.

Skinny:  Good on smaller E.G.C.'s,  both curvy and straight.  Curvy plus E.G.C.'s generally look better in straight leg or bootcut styles.

Boyfriend:  Not so hot on petites or plus E.G.C.'s.  Sorry!

And the bonus:  Dark wash jeans are generally the most flattering for all.  Lighter colors stand out and emphasize, while dark colors recede.  Take a look at the Don't Fight Your Figure post, to see what colors work best for your  figure.

Once you find good jeans, you can get rid of the rest.  Out they go!  You'll be shouting, "Take your sorry seats to the Salvation Army where you belong!"

Happy jeans hunting, E.G.C.'s!

Vintage Fashion: The Wave of the Future

Photo by Vanessa Jackman, courtesy of VanessaJackman.blogspot.com

You've seen them.  They're around.  On the street, in the grocery store, out on the town--Fashion Clones.  It's an invasion.  Watch out!  Fashion Clones look just so while simultaneously lacking that certain something.  They look human, act human, they walk and talk like humans--yes, they are human.  You can't quite put your finger on it but they look somehow manufactured.  Rather than dressing to express themselves, they take on the qualities of the brands that they are wearing.  That's it!  Fashion Clones are manufactued humans conjured up by a sleepy-eyed advertising exec who's graying at the temples and pouring over a table of statistics.  In a lucid moment he exclaims, "The stats show that Lady Gaga is a popular artist!"  And then he puts on his Burberry trench coat circa 1985 and goes home to listen to Barry Manilow's greatest hits.  Where's the soul, the grit, the real-ness?

Look, here come some Fashion Clones now!  Tell me, Fashion Clones, what are your fashion inspirations?

Clone #1:  "Oh, hello!  I'm very Banana Republic with a sprinkle of J. Crew!"

Clone #2:  "And I'm very Intermix with a Marc Jacobs zest and a Zara reduction."

Clone #3:  "I'm Ralph Lauren all the way!"  (Oh, you're name is Ralph?  Funny name for a girl.)

Everyday Glamour Chicks, (E.G.C.'s), always avoid the cookie-cutter effect.  How?  By incorporating a little vintage fashion into their wardrobes.  What is vintage, really?  Generally, there are two definitions for vintage, the technical definition, and the loosey-goosey non-technical definition.  Let's clarify.

Vintage Fashion:  Technical Definition

(n.)  Fashion that was made or produced at least 25 years ago.  Otherwise known as, "The Real Thing".  Wearing a true blue vintage garment is a nod to the era in which it was designed.  Real Thing Vintage usually comes at a price because availability is becoming more scarce as demand rises.  But there are always those magical good luck, "guess what I scored for next-to-nothing" stories.  Just like those magical good luck stories about snagging a rent-controlled one bedroom apartment on Central Park West.

Vintage Fashion:  Loosey-Goosey Non-Technical Definition

(n.)  Fashion that has been worn before.  Otherwise known as "secondhand".  Wearing secondhand clothing is a way of dressing in a unique way.  Secondhand clothing is easy on the wallet.  Yipee!!

Designers troll both vintage and secondhand stores for new ideas.  E.G.C.'s do the same thing.

Photo by Vanessa Jackman courtesy of VanessaJackman.blogspot.com

The trick is in the juxtaposition of design elements.  E.G.C.'s find that special something vintage that suits them to a "T" and style it in a modern way.  For example:  E.G.C. Sally just found a sweet 3/4 sleeve pintucked and eyeleted1920s underdress in white cotton batiste that is no longer a full dress because it had been torn haphazardly at the waist.  So now it's essentially a top.  E.G.C. Sally wears it over a longer white camisole, (for coverage and extra length), and juxtaposes the sweetness on top with the sharpness of dark skinny jeans and black suede booties.  E.G.C. Sally will not, however, wear the vintage top with her 1950s style frame bag.  Mixing eras is generally a no no.  Instead, she'll choose a simple oversized clutch in black nappa leather.

How to Shop for Vintage

Everyday Glamour promotes wardrobe planning, prepared lists, and measured thoughtfulness when shopping for new pieces--except when shopping for vintage!  Vintage shopping requires the exact opposite behavior.  Forget what you need and throw caution to the wind!  Be free and open to special things that you find via happenstance.  Take your time and look at everything.

Photo by Vanessa Jackman courtesy of VanessaJackman.blogspot.com

Advanced Vintage Shopping:  The Serendipity Method

1. Think about what you really would love to own, regardless of the price.


2. Imagine yourself wearing it or tell someone else, (someone who likes to shop and likes you and let them imagine you wearing it.)


3. Let it go.


4. It may appear.

For example:  It's freezing outside.  E.G.C. Sally is wearing her vintage black wool topper, but is shivering.  Her E.G.C. friend, Jane, notices Sally shivering as they are walking down the street and says, "Sally!  You're shivering!  You need a warmer coat!"  E.G.C. Sally responds, "I know, Jane, but I can't afford one right now, money's tight.  And what I really want is a beautiful Moncler down coat like the one you're wearing!  I don't have $1200 to burn!" 

"Thank you, Sally.  You're so sweet.  I love this coat--it's so warm and I've had it for years.  I'm so lucky to have it."  Jane and Sally part ways.  Jane is concerned for Sally and thinks about how great a Moncler down coat would look on Sally.  One week later, Jane is in a secondhand shop.  From the corner of her eye, she spots a snow-white down coat.  She runs over and grabs it.  She looks at the tag.  It's Moncler.  It's Sally's size.  It has a tiny lipstick mark, but that will come out.  It's $100.  Jane calls Sally on her cell and gets the go-ahead to buy it.

You may think the Serendipity Method is a bunch of hooey.  Maybe it is a bunch of hooey.  But it works!

Happy vintage shopping, E.G.C.'s!

Building Your Basics: Get to the Core of the Matter

Dita Von Tesse, Claudia Schiffer, & Victoria Beckham photo courtesy of Celebritygossip.net

You easily arise at 4:30 in the morning, you slip out of bed, and shortly after, head outside for an invigorating 10 mile run.  Ahhhhh......After a relaxing shower with the requisite shave, exfoliate, and pluck ritual, (because it's important to look polished at all times), you effortlessly slip into your ivory-colored cashmere bathrobe, the one that your supermodel/genius/Nobel Prize winning husband purchased for you from the 7th Floor of Bergdorf Goodman, "Just because."  You make yourself a steaming mug of cappuccino with just the right amount of foam.  (Yes, you have a shiny cappuccino maker in your sparkling kitchen that is never, ever messy.  Don't argue.  Just go with it.)  As you sip on your cappuccino, you saunter into your closet.  You turn on the light.  You hear the faint tinkling of Chopin in the background.  Hmmm...You ponder which setting would be most helpful to you today, and finally decide on the "Morning Sunlight" category for the lights.  Perfect!  Among the rows of impecably pressed designer clothes hung by style and color on wooden hangers, (purchased from Gracious Home), you effortlessly choose a gorgeous ensemble that you have never worn before and that is perfect for today's Time, Place, and Occasion, (T.P.O.). 

Gazing into your three-way mirror, you feel giddy with delight about how fantastic you look from every angle.

This is you, non?  It's not you?  WHAT??  You hit the snooze button on your blaring radio/alarm clock a minimum of four times every morning and don't have time for a run?  You are bleary-eyed and incoherent while you get dressed, sipping on a chipped mug of stale Sanka that you made in your disorganized kitchen?  Your closet is a dark 35"x37" box with a jumble of shoes and old clothes languishing in disarray on the floor?  You put on pretty much the same outfits all the time even though you have an inkling that you may have way more clothes than you actually wear?  You leave the house with your hair still wet???

Photo of Rachel Zoe with assistant courtesy of TheFrisky.com

Not to worry.  You don't have to have the energy of Richard Simmons on speed, the free time of Lindsay Lohan waiting for her call back, or the money of a Rockafeller to be an Everyday Glamour Chick, (E.G.C.).  Trust me.  I'm going to teach you a method of getting dressed that will just make it look like you do.  You'll be able to get dressed quickly and easily, bleary-eyed or not.  You'll wear more of what you own in your wardrobe, rushed or not.  You'll be Best Dressed List-worthy, Rockafeller or not.

All that is required is a little prep work.  It's well worth it.  You're going to develop what I call a Core Wardrobe.  Core Wardrobes are like snowflakes--unique and unrepeatable.  And anyway, they're very handy.

Get with the program.  Here are the steps:

Step 1:  Fashion math.  Multiplication.  You'll be looking for 4 bottoms and 7 tops that all mix and match together interchangeably, (not counting accessories).  A dress counts as 1 top and 1 bottom.  4 bottoms times 7 tops equals 28 different outfits.  Well, except that a cardigan or a jacket is something that you layer over different tops.  So adding a jacket and/or cardigan increases the number of potential outfits exponentially, but let's just say 7x4=28, just to keep it simple.  Fashion math is not like real math--it's flexible and sometimes a little inaccurate.

How to find 4 bottoms & 7 tops that all mix and match interchangeably, (not counting accessories):

Start with the bottoms.  Dig out all of your pants, skirts, and dresses and find your 4 all time favorites.  Keep it within the season, (Fall or Spring?), and within the time & occasion, (work, daytime casual, evening fun, etc.?).  For example, if you decide to work on you Fall Work Core Wardrobe, then find the top 4 favorite pants, skirts, and/or dresses that look amazing on you and are appropriate for work in the Fall.  They need to be different from one another.  You can't pick out 4 of the same-cut black pants.  No!!  Four very different bottoms, please.

Next are finding the tops.  Don't give up.  Take a deep breath instead.  Start by finding your top 10 ab-fab, fave-rave shirts, blouses, sweaters, and/or jackets for work in the Fall.  Then start trying them on with your 4 bottoms and narrow it down to 7 tops that work will all 4 bottoms.  Have a couple tops that you adore that work with only 3 out of the 4 bottoms?  Don't worry about it.  Be a little flexible.  You don't have to be perfectly accurate because this is fashion math, remember?

Step 2:  Dig out your accessories.  Of course, you've read my, "Handbags:  Symbols of um....Femininity" post.  You haven't??  Read it!  All you need are 4 handbags:  1 dark, 1 light, 1 novelty, and 1 clutch.  Take a look at your shoes, scarves and jewelry.  And go for a bra fitting while your at it.

 

Casual office attire from JCrew.com

Step 3: 

Still haven't found your Core pieces?  Here's a cheat sheet that may help you. 

• Bottoms--4 very different pieces that you love.


• Tops--try...1)white shirt, 2)neutral top, 3)colorful top, 4)patterned top, 5)cardigan, 6)jacket, 7)sweater.


• All tops and bottoms must be in shapes, colors, and styles that flatter YOU!

Step 4:  Put the Core Wardrobe front and center.  Next time you're bleary-eyed and incoherent, reach for the Core pieces, accessorize, and you'll finally have the time to actually finish that cup of Sanka of yours before zipping out the door looking smashing.

Finally...THE BEAUTY OF THE CORE WARDROBE

You've found your basics!  Congrats!  Most likely, you'll find that other pieces in your wardrobe work well with the Core pieces.  And this means--more outfits without spending a dime!  Developing a Core Wardrobe also gives you style direction.  You'll get crystal clear about what you really need to shop for to make the most of your wardrobe.  And you may come to realize that you don't actually need yet another pair of black pants.  Or another Grateful Dead tie-dyed t-shirt.  And you can feel giddy with delight about how fantastic you look from every angle.