Category Archives: Classic Wardrobe

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Polka Dot Dress

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Sharon| Leave a comment

The chances that a woman can look great on the red carpet seem to be pretty much guaranteed, if you ask me. Of course, having never been on the red carpet, I am speaking only as an observer who knows nothing of the hours and hours spent trying to pick out the perfect outfit. However, I somehow imagine that if I had a designer gown, some fabulous jewels and a few stylists fussing with my hair and makeup, it would not be too hard to look stunning. While I “ooh and ah” with the best of them when watching the stars walk the red carpet, what really impresses me is the way some women can put together a paparazzi-worthy outfit with normal “people” clothes. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is one of those women.

Kate Middleton wearing cream dress with black polka dots and black jacket

Kate wearing a Topshop dress with a Ralph Lauren jacket from, don’t you just love it, several years ago. (I am so glad I am not the only one with old clothes hanging in my closet.)

What makes this outfit work? If the woman wearing it was not the Duchess of Cambridge, would it still warrant a ” that looks really nice” thought? (For the fun of it, scroll the page down just enough to hide her face and I’m guessing you are still going to like the look.)

What makes this outfit noteworthy is its simplicity and its cohesiveness. Coco Chanel advised women to remove one accessory before leaving the house because it is so easy to overdo the add-ons. Unfortunately, too much is as detrimental to an outfit as not enough. Finding the correct balance, however, turns a simple classic fashion look into a memorable one. Kate understands balance. The focal point of the ensemble is the polka dot dress. The jacket, purse and shoes act as spotlights on the dress by drawing our attention to the color of the polka dots. The result is a look that is effortless, timeless and noteworthy.

SIMPLICITY RULES

The Inspiration: Kate’s Ensemble

Polka Dot Dress
Polka Dot Skater Dress (same dress in navy)
Ralph Lauren Black jacket
Episode “Angel” pumps
UFO Suede Clutch (similar clutches at emmyshoes.co.uk)
Annoushka Pearl Drop Earrings

Look Number One

Navy floral dress with navy blazer, shoes and purse

Look Number Two

Posted in Classic Wardrobe, Fashion, Fashion 2013, Style Icons: The Classic Look

Tagged classic fashion, Kate Middleton, Kate's polka dot dress, Ralph Lauren, the Duchess of Cambridge, Topshop

Those Little Details

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Sharon| 1 Comment

I don’t know about you, but I have this terrible habit of sometimes neglecting the little details that can make or break an outfit. For example, I am notorious for getting my makeup just right by cleansing, moisturizing, priming, and “glamorizing” my skin, but forgetting my lips. That’s right, I do not know how many times I have jumped into the car, looked in the mirror, and realized I forgot my lipstick. What I do know is that I have done it so many times I now anticipate my “forgetfulness” by keeping a nice neutral shade on stand-by in my car. The fact is, it is so easy to concentrate on the larger picture, that the little details often get tossed to the wayside, especially when we are pressed for time. Actually, it is probably more a case of pushing them so far down on the to-do list that they do not get done. The unfortunate truth is that forgetting those little details totally destroys the bigger picture on which we worked so hard.

Dress for success by avoiding these often forgotten details:

1. The Wrong Pants Length. Regardless of how well your shirt or blazer looks, if your pants are too short or too long, the look has been destroyed. There is just no way around it. Remember, the hem of your dress pants should fall about ½ inch from the ground in the back, but long enough that the pants graze the very top of your shoe in the front.

Hint: If you always wear the same heel height with a particular pair of trousers, the tailored hem length will always be correct. Resist the urge to try to wear heels and flats with the same pair of trousers.

2. Improper Sleeve Length. You may be wearing the greatest statement necklace ever, but if your sleeves are too long or too short, it will not be what people remember. Make sure the cuff of your sleeve hits just below your wrist when holding your arms at your sides.

3. The Dreadful Button-Gap. If the buttons gap on your shirt, it does not fit properly, no ifs, ands, or buts, there is no room for negotiation. There are a couple of options if you are not an off-the-rack perfect body type: find a shirt that fits perfectly in the chest area and then have the rest of it altered or try The Shirt by Rochelle (a shirt designed not to have the dreaded button-gap).

Hint: Tailor Items 1-3 either at the store or at your favorite tailor as soon as you purchase them. That way, once it goes into your closet it is ready to wear.

4. The Worn-Looking Shoe. You can be wearing the most fantastic pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, but if they are scuffed or have worn-down heels, you may as well be wearing flip-flops. Whether you check your shoes’ appearance every month or at the beginning of each season, regularly check them for scuff marks, broken or worn down heels and worn out soles. Again, by staying on top of any repairs your shoes may need, you never have to worry about your shoes stealing the limelight for all the wrong reasons.

5. Chipped Nail Polish. What a nightmare –you get ready, look great, go running out the door, arrive at your destination and then look down at your hands and see a once-fantastic manicure that has gone rogue. Suddenly, your focus is on trying to hide those neglected nails. Unless you are in a position where you do not have to do the daily chores called housework, chances are your nail polish gets chipped. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” especially when it comes to protecting your polished nails. Whether you do your nails at home or have them professionally done, remember it takes about 12 hours for the polish to fully harden. They may look dry, but looks are deceiving, so avoid soaking them in water during those first 12 hours. The good and the bad news is that those dishes are just going to have to wait! (Oh, the sacrifices we must make for good looking nails LOL) Wearing gloves when doing any cleaning that requires water or scrubbing also helps protect your nails. If you polish your own nails, do not omit the top coat – it helps to seal the edges and protect them from water damage. Finally, keep a bottle of polish handy for quick repairs.

Posted in Classic Wardrobe, Everyday Matters, Fashion

Tagged dressing for success, dressing for work, manicures, shoes, style

My New Discovery: Eileen Fisher, Inc.

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Sharon| 2 Comments

Recently, my daughter worked as a dresser for a fashion show featuring clothing by Eileen Fisher. While we were talking about the show, she told me about the clothes — how they were made, the contemporary styling, the great looks — she suggested, “Why don’t you write about it in your blog? Her clothes have classic lines and would be great for working professionals as well as women wanting to dress in contemporary styles without dressing like teenagers.” At her urging, I began researching Eileen Fisher, the woman and the company, and, I must say, I came away from my computer quite impressed.

Eileen Fisher, an interior and graphic designer, had a problem. She was frustrated because she could not find the kind of clothes she wanted to buy. She decided to do something about it. As she says on her website,

” In my mind I kept seeing these simple shapes for clothes. I knew they had to be beautiful colors, great fabrics and have certain shapes and proportions that worked together. This was my “aha” moment: a system of dressing that I’d been looking for ever since I abandoned my Catholic school uniform back in Des Plaines, Illinois.”

Although not a sewer, she knew how convey her designs to a seamstress. With $350.00 in the bank and four designs, she started her company in 1984. Today Eileen Fisher, Inc. employs 900 people and has 58 retail stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

However, Eileen Fisher, Inc., is about more than fashion. It is a company that cares about sustainability, human rights, and the environment. In addition, it is a company built on the principle of giving women the tools to feel good about themselves. Now, that’s a principle I can get behind.

EILEEN FISHER, INC

Stand-Collar Vest

Shirred Dress

Funnel-Neck Sweater

Sparkle Mesh Poncho

Ballet Neck Flared Skirt Dress

Boxy Wool Tunic with Wide-Leg Pants

Jersey V-Neck Dress with Leggings

Silk Chain Scarf, Sheer Mesh Shrug, and Lace Dress

Sheer Knit Cardigan & Slim Jersey Dress

Wool-Ribbed Cardigan, Scrunch Turtleneck Top, Scarf & Wide-Leg Wool Pants

Posted in Classic Wardrobe, Fall 2012, Fashion

Tagged classic lines, classic wardrobe, Eileen Fisher, Fall 2012, fashion

Building a Classic Wardrobe One Piece at a Time — the Nude Purse

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Sharon| Comments Off

eighth in a series

The final piece to add to the foundation of a classic wardrobe is a leather nude purse. Although many fashionistas would advise against having a purse in the same color as your shoes, the fact remains that carrying a purse that is the same color (although not necessarily the same material) as your shoes gives a polished, classical look.

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge with a beaded clutch and pale suede pumps from LK Bennett.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex with beaded clutch and nude-colored pumps by Jimmy Choo.

Investing in a quality purse and shoes is exactly that — an investment. When properly taken care of, they will last for years and by choosing classic styles, they will never go out of style. Also, people tend to notice your purse and your shoes so it is important that they be the best quality you can afford.

Before making an investment, whether small or large, in a handbag there are three important things to consider: the material, the style and the size.

The Material

By now it should be no surprise that the material of choice is leather. A leather purse, when properly cared for, can last for 30 years or longer.

The Style

The one rule to remember concerning shape is pick a handbag shape that is the opposite of your body shape. For example, if you are tall and slender, a rounded bag is desirable. However, if, on the other hand, you are small and round, a rectangular bag would be a better choice.

Guidelines

If you have a Curvy Shape, carry a boxy handbag.

If you have a Slim Shape, carry a Rounded Hobo Bag or Soft Body Satchel.

If you are Petite, carry bags that are long vertically, but are not oversized.

If you have a Pear-Shape, Satchels and Bowler Bags are best. Avoid bags that hit at the hip.

If you have a Thick Waist, opt for bags with longer handles. Also, hip-length cross-body bags are excellent choices.

SIZE

The opposite rule is true when choosing the size of your purse. This time you want it to compliment your body size. If you are small and petite, a small purse looks better as a large purse will only make you look smaller. If you are tall, your best choice is a larger purse because anything smaller will look awkward.

THE BAGS

Boxy Handbags

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cabas Chyc Medium Top Handle Bag

Lanvin Snakeskin Happy Bag

Marc Jacobs Baroque Single Bag

Kate Spade Signature Spade Madelyn Shield Bag

Jimmy Choo Candy Petrol Acrylic Clutch

Bowler Bags

L.A.M.B. Stripped Small Bowler

The Venetia Leather Bowler Bag by Marc Jacobs

Cross-Body Bags

Lark Small Duffle Bag by Philip Lim

See by Chloe’s Albane Top-Handle Bag

Quilting The Single Leather Bag by Marc Jacobs

Hobo Bags

Cervo Hobo by Prada

Classic Q Hillier Hobo

RED Valentino Bow Hobo

Satchels

The Rider Bag by Loeffler Randall

Pour La Victoire Brice Satchel

Tod’s D-Styling Small Leather Bag

Vertical Bags

Loeffler Randall The Locker Tote and Clutch Set

Longchamp Le Pliage Large Shoulder Tote

(other posts in the series “Building A Classic Wardrobe One Piece at a Time — The White Button Down Shirt, The Dress Slacks, A Cashmere Twinset, The Black Skirt, The Black Tweed Blazer, The Sleeveless Black Dress, and The Nude Pump)

Posted in Classic Wardrobe, Fashion

Tagged building a classic wardrobe, Countess of Wessex, Duchess of Cambridge, how to buy a purse, Longchamp Le Pliage Large Shoulder Tote, Marc Jacobs, Prada

Building a Classic Wardrobe One Piece at a Time — Nude Pumps

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Sharon| Comments Off

Christian Louboutin Simple 70 Leather Pumps

seventh in a series

“For women, shoes are the most important. Good shoes take you good places.”
― Seo Min Hyun

After assembling the main pieces for a classical wardrobe (The White Button Down Shirt, The Dress Slacks, A Cashmere Twinset, The Black Skirt, The Black Tweed Blazer and The Sleeveless Black Dress), it is time to turn your attention toward your feet. Investing in fashionable, yet versatile, shoes is vitally important to your overall look.

The first shoe to buy is the nude pump; it goes perfectly just about everything. Plus, there is the added benefit that it will make your legs look longer. For a professional look, closed toed shoes are a better choice than those with open toes. Also, pumps with a closed heel will stay put; the strap does not slip down the way a slingback often does.

Pumps have come a long in the fashion world; they have real character and style. They come in a variety of heel heights ranging from kitten heels to mega-stiletto. It is always better to forget the latest fashion trends and chose a height that is the most comfortable for you to wear. Generally speaking, heel heights of 2 -3 inches work best. Remember, it pays to invest in your feet — they go with you everywhere and when they hurt, it’s harder to have a good day. Not only that, but shoes that fit or are made poorly can also hurt your legs and back. If you take care of your feet, they will take care of you.

Unfortunately, it is getting harder and harder to find sales associates in the shoe departments of many stores who are well versed in the quality of shoes or, even more importantly, the proper fit of a shoe. You, however, can be. Look over the shoe and check the craftsmanship, know the materials it is made from, and walk around the shoe department while you are wearing it. Take your time and be “comfortable” with your selection.

Tips for Buying Heels

Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are tired and perhaps swollen from the day’s activities.
Make sure there is enough support under the balls of your feet (where the toes join the rest of your foot). If, when you push down on the shoe bed, your hand bounces right back up again, you’ve got a winner. You want it to be springy so it can absorb the shock of walking on hard surfaces.
Check the soles of the shoes. If it is completely flat, it will be easy to slide around. (This problem is easy to solve — have new soles attached at a shoe repair store.)
Look for shoes with good arch support. If you need more support, you can buy new insoles.
When the shoe is on, in addition to the heel not slipping, make sure there is enough room for your toes to move around.
The more leather in a shoe, the better. Genuine leather retains the shape of your foot and is always a better choice than man-made materials. It is also a material that breathes and has better moisture absorption.

NUDE PUMPS