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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-11-01 14:34:00

: How can I convert my "work day attire" to "evening holiday party" attire?

ANSWER: Combining business and evening attire is a great way to stretch your wardrobe and your dollar during the holidays.  It also cuts down on rushing to change outfits after work!  Christmas is associated with vibrant red, green, gold, rich purple and royal blue.  Textures are everywhere!  Beautifully wrapped boxes draped with  bows and trims are bombarding us  and we can't help but wonder...what's inside?  Think of yourself as a gift, a plain box at first, but add the right trimming and Voila!  By selecting a few glittering, eye-catching accessories, you can make any outfit festive.  Take the little black dress, we all have one and because it looks great, we always reach for it in a pinch.  This simple basic can be "glammed up" with a gold lame shawl, a small sequined purse and a vintage rhinestone broche.  Patent leather heels are hot this season.  The basic black suit can be punched up by embellishing the blazer with a long crocheted, silver or gold tasseled scarf and bright red sateen blouse and trade in the plain Jane pumps for a rich suede or beaded heel.  A red business skirt can be enlivened by wearing a fitted black turtleneck woven with silvery threads.  Wear these with black opaque tights, knee high leather heeled boots and simple but large silver jewelry for a tailored look.  The red blazer can be used for a separate outfit by pairing it with black leather, ultra suede or velour trousers a white blouse and patent leather heels.  Choosing accessories rich in texture, color and embellishments and adding them to the basic reds, blacks and whites already in your wardrobe brings an old stand-by new life.

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-10-01 08:50:00

: I prefer to wear bright colors, but with summer coming to an end it seems that most winter fashions are dark and drab.  Is there a way to carry over some of my summer look into the winter months?

Stephanie Macera Question: I prefer to wear bright colors, but with summer coming to an end it seems that most winter fashions are dark and drab.  Is there a way to carry over some of my summer look into the winter months?Answer: The muted tones frequently found in fall and winter fashions can seem dreary after wearing your summer wardrobe full of vibrant colors.  The skies and scenery are gray and hazy and then you go to your closet only to find more of the same dark, seemingly lifeless black, khaki, taupe and brown shades waiting for you.   We are all stimulated by color in one way or another, and those who thrive when surrounded by bright, sunny, electric color lament the fall season.  Not to worry, there are many things that you can do to brighten your fall wardrobe.     Fortunately, the fall colors are primarily neutral, which means that you can add splashes of color with accessories or by layering your clothing.  The standard fall colors of black, brown, and navy are all excellent backdrops for bright accent colors.  As you are putting away your favorite summer clothes, ask yourself if any of the items can be layered with a blazer, sweater or denim jacket to brighten your look.  Rather than put them away, incorporate them into your fall wardrobe.  A lime green collared shirt with short sleeves or 3/4 length sleeves layered over a crisp white tank will look striking worn with navy blazer and pants.  Yellow also works well with navy.  Hot pink or red tanks and summer shirts can be layered under a snug black cardigan with tan trousers.  Brown can be livened up with accents of deep purple or sunny coral.  A denim jacket and jeans can be brightened with a colorful striped turtleneck and matching scarf.     The key to adding color to a dull wardrobe is to keep things simple.  Stick to adding one solid element of color to an otherwise simple, neutral outfit.  Prints can complicate layering.  If you want prints in your wardrobe, add a silk scarf that has your accent color and your overall outfit color in it as well.  Designers understand our need for year-round color and every fall we are treated to the new "IN" color that you'll see everywhere.  Flip through a fashion magazine, or stroll through the accessory aisles as you shop and you'll be sure to find items that will satisfy your craving for color.  Don't settle for drab and dull, be your own ray of sunshine!

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-09-01 10:08:00

: I need to clean and organize my closet.  It seems like I always have clothes to get rid of, but it's always the wrong season for anyone to appreciate them.  Can you suggest seasonal guidelines for organizing?  

Stephanie Macera    Question: I need to clean and organize my closet.  It seems like I always have clothes to get rid of, but it's always the wrong season for anyone to appreciate them.  Can you suggest seasonal guidelines for organizing?   Answer: Most of us get the 'pleasure' each season to rotate our clothes from storage, which means we to have to deal with both seasons at once during the switch.  Tedious as it may be, this is the best time to ask yourself key questions about the clothes you are removing AND replacing.  "Do I wear this often? Does it go with more than one other outfit? Does it fit properly? Is it flattering?"  BE HONEST and ruthless as you examine your clothes.  Your first reaction is the right one.  Separate clothes as you go into KEEP and REJECT.  Leave the clothes on hangers.  Remember, most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.  Your pile of rejects may be larger than the pile you keep.  Don't be alarmed!  You are doing yourself a huge favor, not to mention opening the door to shopping for replacements.  Holding onto items that you never wear only clutters prime closet space.  Keeping things too long causes problems later when they are dated and no one else wants them either.  If you haven't worn it once in the past year, get rid of it!   Your next step is to evaluate the items that you don't want.  Condition is the key.  If you know an item is too worn or needs repair, it is not a candidate for the keep or give-away pile, but it may still be useful as a donation to a nearby thrift shop.  Cover the give-away items with garment bags, dry cleaner bags or in a pinch, garbage bags in manageable groups. Identify these items by marking either GIVE-AWAY SUMMER '03, or THRIFT SHOP SUMMER '03, etc., before placing in storage.  As you bring in your fall items, repeat the process.  You may want to consider resale either throughgarage sales, church bazaar, fund-raisers or shops that specialize in clothing resale.  Many nonprofit groups would be happy to receive clean, quality, fashionable clothing.  Repeat this process seasonally, and you are on track for regular seasonal organization.   Tip:  Color-code your hangers.  Blue = Fall, Yellow = Spring, Red = Winter, Green = Summer.    As the season progresses and you find you are not wearing items, place them to the rear of your closet until the time comes again for seasonal reorganization.

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-08-01 11:28:00

: I’m having trouble finding flattering clothes for my “pear-shaped” body.  Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER: We all have some area of our body we must consider when shopping for clothing.  Fortunately, designers understand this and often will incorporate the specific needs of the "ill proportioned" buyer in their designs.  Your situation calls for sleek lines that will not accentuate your lower body.  Avoid pleats, drawstring waistbands, and fussy prints like florals or plaids that draw the eye to this area.  Solid colors in darker shades are more slimming.  Longer, knee-length shorts or wide-legged capri pants elongate the body and diffuse the pear shape.  Just as important as the style of shorts that you select is the style of shirt you wear it with.  Tight, clingy fabrics, or cropped styles accentuate the upper body and make the difference in proportion more noticeable.To make the upper body seem more proportionate, invest in a good support bra or enhancer bra and use appropriately sized shoulder pads to give more significance to your upper body.  Use pattern in your blouses to draw theeye away from the lower body.  Larger prints have more impact and give the illusion of moredefinition.  Women with pear shapes often have slender waistlines.  Wearing a belt will enhance the waistline.  Giving more substance to the upper body, slimming the appearance of the lower body with clean lines, and accentuatinga trim waistline combats the pear shape.  Accessorize with a substantial necklace and earrings to further draw the eye upward.  Keep in mind that your footwear can also play a role in reducing the pear shape. Tiny, strappy footwear can look weak and flimsy perched below a heavier, tapering leg.  Give yourself a balanced, grounded look with thick-soled wedges for height, leather mules or sandals.  The same principals that apply to your summer wardrobe will also work as you select items for the fall.  Separates will always work better for the pear shaped body, as few dresses accommodate the smaller upper body and larger lower body.  With the right tricks, we can all dress away our troubled spots! Have fun shopping!

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-07-01 16:09:00

: What IS the rule about wearing white shoes after labor day?

ANSWER: There are very few hard-fast rules in fashion these days. One could argue that the only reason a critic creates a rule is to see which designer's new trend will break it first. I do not pretend to know the details behind the rule of not wearing white (anything) beyond Labor Day, but I do know that it is a rule that has been ignored by the fashion industry for decades. "Winter White" wool suits, coats and plush accessories adorn the pages of magazines every year just as our first crisp snow turns to gray sludge in the parking lots. We are reminded why white is not very practical. But, we love it and want to look good wearing it - year-round.    While there are few rules, there are several guidelines that will make selecting footwear a breeze. Your shoes and hosiery should be the same color or darker than your hemline. White shoes, therefore, are limited to white outfits or primarily white ensembles. Failing to adhere to this guideline causes the feet to "float" or be "disconnected." They look like ships sailing out to sea. The shoe is another accessory and meant to compliment and pull together the outfit you wear. Printed skirts or slacks generally have a strong overall color that stands out, this is the color you are trying to match. If multiple colors throw you off, stand in front of a full length mirror and from top to bottom, scan the outfit. It should not have a stopping point, the colors should flow from head to toe. If you notice that your vision keeps veering to the shoe or cuff of the pant, you have made an ill match. For summer, keep in mind that open toe shoes of any color should never be worn with panty hose. There are hose available that accommodate most open toe shoes and allow the leg the smooth texture, but are open at the toe for the carefree look of summer.    White is just another color, use it in your wardrobe year-round! Have fun!

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-06-01 10:13:00

:  I have 5 weddings to attend this summer, all on the same side of the family.  I can’t afford an outfit for each occasion, and I sure can’t wear the same outfit to all the weddings.  What do I do?

ANSWER: It is possible to create distinctive, wonderful outfits from a few basic separate pieces without spending a fortune. The key is to select a neutral color pallet that compliments your skin tone and your style. Neutral does not mean dull, it means that the color will blend easily with other colors and can be easily accented by unique accessories. Think of your outfit as a canvas and the accessories as the painting on the canvas. By selecting separates, you are able to mix and match pieces to create a variety of looks. This keeps friends and family from remembering THE DRESS you wore to every occasion.   Start by evaluating the accessories you already own. Sort them by style - casual, dressy, elegant. Find common colors among the scarves, belts, shoes and purses. These are your "presto - chango" pieces. Once you have a common color pallet, you will know what color your basic outfit should be. Select items that are the same color or hue, the same fabric weight and have little or no pattern. You will need two blouses in different colors of the same hue, a skirt, a pair of trousers and a lightweight jacket. You may have separates in your wardrobe, but if you must buy something new and cost is an issue, consider thrift stores or resale shops. Many women donate or sell items they no longer need, but that are in like new condition. If the basic outfit is something you already own, but are lacking in accessories, visit a discount retailer where you can find affordable and stylish pieces to accent your outfit. For under $100 you can create at least six different looks from one basic outfit by being creative with accessories.   One of your blouses should be sleeveless and can be paired with the skirt and casual accessories for an outdoor or casual wedding. Beads, straw hats, strappy shoes and a shawl will perk up a plain outfit.    Your next ensemble is a sleeved V-neck shirt with slacks and the jacket dressed up with a neck scarf and leather bag and shoes. Sterling silver jewelry compliments almost any color choice.    The skirt, tank and jacket are great for an indoor wedding where air-conditioning is an issue. You are repeating the skirt, but adding the jacket and changing accessories.   Trousers, V-neck shirt and jacket dressed up by pearls, black heels and accessories is an elegant choice for an evening occasion. Buttoning the jacket hides the repeat of the shirt, and creates a more finished look. Sarongs or large scarves are inexpensive and look elegant over jackets as well as a tank top.   Some ideas to consider when choosing accessories: add a colorful scarf to your waistline rather than wearing a belt. Sarongs can be worn over trousers and capris for a fun look. A silk flower makes a great brooch pinned to a scarf or straw hat. Bolder colors and larger patterns are easy to incorporate with purses, shawls and scarves, so don't feel that your outfit will be dull because it is simple. Accessories are inexpensive - outfits are pricey, put your money in the things that change your look the most effectively for less. HAVE FUN!

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-05-01 12:39:00

:  I’m sure I am not too different from most women in that I need to clean and organize my closet. It seems like I always have clothes to get rid of, but it's always the wrong season for anyone to appreciate them. Can you suggest seasonal guidelines for organizing?

ANSWER:  Most of us get the 'pleasure' each season to rotate our clothes from storage, which means we to have to deal with both seasons at once during the switch. Tedious as it may be, this is the best time to ask yourself key questions about the clothes you are removing AND replacing. "Do I wear this often? Does it go with more than one other outfit? Does it fit properly? Is it flattering?" BE HONEST and ruthless as you examine your clothes. Your first reaction is the right one. Separate clothes as you go into KEEP and REJECT. Leave the clothes on the hangers. Remember, most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. Your pile of rejects may be larger than the pile you keep. Don't be alarmed! You are doing yourself a huge favor, not to mention opening the door to shopping for replacements.  Holding onto items that you never wear only clutters prime closet space. Keeping things too long causes problems later when they are dated and no one else wants them either.  If you haven't worn it once in the past year, get rid of it!       Your next step is to evaluate the items that you don't want. Condition is the key. If you know an item is too worn or needs repair, it is not a candidate for the keep or give-away pile, but may still be useful as a donation to nearby thrift shop. Cover the give-away items with garment bags, dry cleaner bags or in a pinch, garbage bags in manageable groups.  Identify these items by marking either GIVE-AWAY FALL 03, or THRIFT SHOP FALL 03, etc., before placing in storage. As you bring in your spring items, repeat the process. You may want to consider resale either through garage sales, church bazaar, fund-raisers or shops that specialize in clothing resale. Many nonprofit groups would be happy to receive clean, quality, fashionable clothing. Repeat this process seasonally, and you are on track for regular seasonal organization.     Tip:  Color-code your hangers.  Blue = Fall, Yellow = Spring, Red = Winter, Green = Summer.     As the season progresses and you find you are not wearing items, place them to the rear of your closet until the time comes again for seasonal reorganization.

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Stephanie Macera

2003-04-01 10:42:00

:  What has happened to the good old ‘customer service’ in America?

ANSWER:  Americans are excellent consumers, we demand high quality products at bottom dollar prices from every type of business.  We work hard for our money and want the best customer service on all our purchases.  What we fail to realize is that the demand for high quality products at low cost means that retailers must eliminate expenses wherever possible to maintain profitable while meeting our demands.  Online shopping has made price comparisons so accessible that smaller, more customer oriented, family operated businesses have lost to larger discount operators who offer part-time employment as a way to eliminate the cost of offering costly benefits and have high employee turnover.  To remain competitive, most businesses in the service and retail industry have resorted to offering low or minimum wages, eliminate important staff positions, cut benefits, minimize training and avoid retaining costly long term employees to avoid pensions and retirement costs.  This means these positions appeal to a limited audience of applicants.  Those employees they do draw are concerned with job security and are often less loyal because they view this as a transitional job.  They provide minimal services to customers, at best.America has discount-shopped itself into a marketplace that will do whatever is necessary to obtain our hard-earned dollars.  Now, "getting what you paid for" is often no more than the product and the box it came in.  To cure the ambivalence we encounter from sales staff at retailers and service businesses, we must exercise our freedom as Americans to choose to spend our dollars at the businesses that offer more than the best price or the fastest service.  We must stimulate the need for good customer service as part of the package deal by taking our dollars where the customer service is best, not just where we find the convenience of one-stop shopping. We must demand the human factor to be just as important as the price of the product in order for employees to be considered valued by their employers.  We must frequent small businesses as well as larger ones who value their employees as much as they do their customer's wallets.  While this may mean we will pay more here and there, it will also mean that we find that "getting what we paid for" includes a "hello, how are you?'', a "can I help you?" and a cheerful and heartfelt "thank you, come again!".

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Alex Aillon

2002-07-01 15:42:00

Question:  Is A Cumberbund proper any longer, or is it just for formal attire?

Answer:  The cumberbund, or cummerbund, became a fashion of dress of gentlemen in England when it was imported from India during British rule.  Actually, Cummerbund (Kamarband: India) means 'waist - band' and was something worn for all occasions in India.  The British adopted this and slowly the 'sash' developed into a pleated waistband looking thing you see at The Tux Shop.  The cummerbund used to be worn for function, preventing bread crumbs and whatnot from slipping inside ones trousers during dinner, just make sure the pleats face up and not down.  I would assume that is where the connection developed for wearing a cummerbund for dinner event, and slowly it became more of an accessory versus a necessity and then moved from status symbol to mindless tradition.  Anyway, I say wear your cummerbund whenever you feel like it, and if anyone gives you any ’guff’, throw your nose up in the air and give them a brief history of the cummerbund with a fake British accent. 

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Alex Aillon

2002-06-01 17:41:00

Question:  What's the latest fashion trend on ties and cuffs for men?

Answer:  With the onset of business casual fewer businessmen are using suits and ties, however, the trend is swinging back toward professional dress for work and ties are becoming very popular again. Woven silk ties win over silk print ties, meaning the silk is actually woven together to form a pattern or design (like a rug) versus screen printing on silk (like screen printing picture or pattern on a t-shirt).  Windowpanes and stripes are excellent with contrasting, brighter colors such as yellow, blue, orange, and yes, even pink.  A tie can either make or break a suit; you can take an older suit, wear a new, fashionable tie with it and change the entire image of everything your wearing. However, keep in mind that bad or cheap ties will also work just as well to change the entire image of everything your wearing.  Professionals are buying fewer ties now, but they are choosing them with greater care and spending more money in order to achieve a more refined look.  French cuffs are also making a comeback, but the accessories are kept to a minimum, no tie bar, tie tacks, or tie chain thingy, and please, please, no cartoon characters on your tie.

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Alex Aillon

2002-05-01 15:03:00

:  Insofar as men's ties… what is the 'Bowler Knot'?  How do you make one?

Alex Aillon Question:  Insofar as men's ties… what is the 'Bowler Knot'?  How do you make one?Answer:  Dating back to the golden age of 1930's Hollywood, the bowler is a crisp and elegant knot that's especially resistant to slipping. It requires a little extra dexterity.  Do some finger stretches first so you don't cramp up halfway through.   1.  Let the tie hang around your neck, uncrossed, with the lower tips separated by six to seven inches. Pinch the thin end in half with the crease facing away from you.   2.  Pass the wide end of the tie under the thin end. Flip the wide end around so the front of the tie is facing your shirt. Keep pinching the thin end until we tell you to let go.   3.  Follow through with the wide end, wrapping it completely around the thin end. Then wrap it around a second time.   4.  Still holding the thin end, bring the wide end under, up and through.   5.  Flap the wide end over your shoulder to keep it out of the way.  Loosen the knot...   6.  Then feed the wide end through.   7.  Hold the tie on both sides and pull it down.   8.  Pull as hard as you need to until the wide end is all the way through.   9.  Slide the knot into place. If pulled properly, the tie will end up with a single dimple in the center of the tie (or two dimples on either side of the knot).      Now you have it… a perfect 'Bowler Knot'.

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Clothing, Shoes & Apparel

Alex Aillon

2002-04-01 13:38:00

Question:  I am a short (5' 9") ex football player. I am also rather stocky at a weight of 215. I am always interested in looking my best but I find young men's suits to be too constricting across my chest and upper arms. I find older men's suits to be too 'baggy'. Is there any such thing as a 'full-cut' young men's line of clothing with style?

Answer:  It's a little misleading when you see any professional athlete off the field sporting the latest Armani suit or what-not.  They always look great.  The suits fit perfect and they actually look somewhat normal and not so out of proportion... at least as long as they're standing by fellow athletes.  There is no place for these gentleman to buy these clothes off the rack, meaning, suits that fit without alterations.  Manufactures try to cover as many different body types with the fewest number of sizes.  Suits are ready-made to fit the average man, average height and weight.  Being 5' 9” you most likely need what is called a "short" for the jacket, unless your arms and torso are exceptionally long.  It sounds as though your shoulders are size 46... maybe more.  It’s hard to say without seeing you in person.  The chances of anything fitting you without alterations are very slim indeed.  Even Big and Tall clothing is still made to fit the average big and tall guy.  So, the answer is, No.  If you are employed where it is required that you wear suits, you will do best by seeing a reputable tailor and having them made for you.  It's expensive, but less than what you might think... especially when comparing the cost of making the "off the rack" clothing fit you anyway.  You can select the fabric and design on each suit that is right for you, and they will last.