Friday, October 24, 2008
Dressing Professionally in a Ski Resort Town
Hi there!
I stumbled across your site and you look like
just the person to give me a little help.
I work at a small family owned ski resort in Northern California, and
I am trying very hard to change my wardrobe to reflect a more feminine me. I am part of upper management, and dress is VERY
casual during the winter - mostly for functionality. I need some advice on moving away from hoodies, levi's and skate
shoes, and more into a feminine, professional- yet still functional, youthful, and appropriate attire for work. I need
to be able to tromp thorugh snow AND meet with prospective group sales leads and be an authoritative figure to my employees-
all in a 12-14 hour time frame at work. Any advice you could give would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Ps love
your site! congrats on all of your successes!
Hi, Strictly Cas(ual),
Sounds like it's cold
weather if you're in a ski resort. It's easy to throw on casual clothes when it's cold. They're usually much
more cozy than dressy ones. But if it's anything like ski resort towns in Colorado, you have to do a mixture of nice but
not extremely dressy. I have found that layers can help in a couple of ways, keeping you warm and also creating flexibility.
In exchange for hoodies, I would try a longer length top, such as a long turtleneck or tunic. Sometimes people ask
me what a tunic is exactly, so I will explain. They are tops whose length usually ends somewhere between a normal blouse length
and your knees. It's kind of a very short dress, in other words. I recommend tunic lengths that are just below your hips.
They are cozy and current and can be very flattering. You can also wear longer sweaters.
http://www.target.com/Tunics-Tops-Clothing-Women/b?ie=UTF8&node=193835011
As for the layering part, you can wear a crisp shirt or blouse under the sweater or tunic and wear it with nice dress
pants. The pants need to be of a nicer fabric but you don't have to wear something too dressy. If you do, it will look
aging. For warmth, you can wear leggings or tights underneath.
I usually categorize women into black accessory
lovers or brown accessory lovers. Choose which type you like and accessorize and put together your wardrobe around that. Some
people like myself, do both. One any given day, I choose either brown or black shoes and the outfit goes with it. This especially
makes sense if you're going for a professional look. Of course, you could do red or purple or orange accessories, but
then all of a sudden, your wardrobe will become very complex, high fashion, possibly eccentric and it sounds like you're
going for simplicity.
But I digress.
How do you replace the Levi's? Tell yourself that you can never
wear those Levi's unless it's after hours. If you truly want to make an impression, you have to look as good or better
than the people you're selling to. Levi's are too run of the mill for daytime. Don't get me wrong - I love Levi's.
So consider pants that are made of a heavy material like Levi's but in colors and a little more dressy. Here's a couple
of examples:
http://www.7forallmankind.com/Bootcut_Trouser/pd/c/92/np/92/p/1999.html
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/pants/corduroy/PRDOVR~95823/95823.jsp
I love all the corduroy pants that J.Crew is doing by the way. If you find a style that looks great on you, get it
in different colors. It will extend your wardrobe greatly.
Skate shoes are also a big no-no for business unless
you're selling to skaters or snowboarders. You can look like them if you're selling to them. But if you're going
for a more grown up appeal, try knee high boots with skirts and tights or leggings. You can also go for ankle boots with the
same type of thing. High boots or ankle boots will also add warmth. Since you say you may be sloshing through
mud, choose a semi-dressy boot. Forget thin heels as they'll sink in the mud. You could choose up to about a 2" high
heel but something thicker - you could do what I call a "horse-y" type of boot. I realize the boots below are very
expensive but I think you can find something similar for much less...
http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3132647&cp=1760782&ab=crosssell_3_3181087_3132647
These ankle boots from DSW are also cool.
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=62&category=dsw10cat120036&prodId=176794&brand=
You could go for a nice-looking denim skirt with it, too. But nothing faded, torn, fraying or distressed.
J Crew does it again with this great high-waisted pencil skirt.
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~96120/96120.jsp
In fact, you can do a variety of pencil skirts - one in denim, one in black and maybe one in another color or print
would be a good start.
To top it off, wear a cool jacket. The jacket could be in a heavy cotton twill or corduroy.
You can be a little casual but don't let it get wrinkled or dirty after wearings, because then you'll be back to the
look you're trying to avoid.
Look under coats and jackets, the Field Work Jacket in
www.anthropologie.com
this one is a classic:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=22924&pid=419019
or this
one is great:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=14729081&color=01
Scarves are really hot right now, so invest in a few scarves. You can go with brighter colors for fun or you could
go with stripes. Be careful of prints when you're trying to look professional. People either love prints or hate them
and they may be so distracted looking at the print you're wearing, that they may forget what you're talking about.
Still, something colorful can help you keep your spirits up and make it through the cold winter:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=cat1_gallery_12&listing_id=15659924
www.anthropologie.com - check out the "Circle of Light" scarf.
http://www.teramasu.com/c=p1p8RLClcQ0b3ApEM6OlOgD0w/product/AASC1074-BLU-RD/Pashmina_Silk_Shawl_Blue_Red_and_Orange_Metallic.html
Plain black and white:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=125986&CategoryID=8672&PageID=8671*1*24*-1*-1*1
Nice gloves are a good idea if it's that cold. Hats...be careful of hats as a salesperson...I get inundated by
salespeople all the time and somehow hats are off-putting to me. I feel like the sales person has "something under their
hat" maybe...Caps are too casual for business...Not sure why I think this because I love hats otherwise, but I would
say if you need warmth on your head, wear a scarf and pull it down around your neck before you enter the place of business.
I hope this helps! Thanks for contacting us on Advice on Fashion and thank you for the nice comments.
Mona
11:31 am est
Leopard Print Bubble Dress...What shoes or boots should I wear?
Dear Advice on Fashion:
I got a leopard print
bubble dress... what shoes or boots should I wear?
Dear Bubbles,
I would wear ankle boots, probably
pointy or a "mod" square toe. You can wear it with black opaque tights or without any stockings. Consider wearing
a different color besides black or brown, possibly red. patent leather would look great.
Thanks for contacting
Advice on Fashion!
11:27 am est
Monday, September 22, 2008
Boots in Early September
Question: I am going out in NYC tomorrow night and I want to wear my new fall boots. Is it too soon?
Hi, Woman in Man-hattan ,
No, it's not too soon, especially in NYC in September. It may be warm during the
day but it should be cool enough to wear your boots. You can wear them with a short skirt or even shorts. Usually I wear mine
with dark leggings or tights but if it's still warm, you have the option of wearing them with knee socks or short
socks to show your bare legs. That can look great and is unexpected. Of course, you can wear them with pants, too.
I believe boots can be worn most of the year, starting in September and going through almost May but of course it depends
on the weather. If you're a rock n' roller and you have the right attitude, you can wear them all year round!
Thanks for your question!
Mona Lucero
>
8:57 pm est
How Do I Wear Ankle Boots?
Dear Booty-ful,
Much of it depends on what your ankle boots look like. Most of the ankle boots that are out right
now are high heels and some of them have half-platforms. They are definite glam but they can be worn with a variety of looks.
Take a look at September 2008's Vogue which is on the news stands right now. Pages 710 to 719 show that even sleek-looking
ankle boots can be worn with flowy, romantic skirts and dresses.
For the most part, I suggest you wear shorter
lengths with ankle boots. Ankle boots beg to be shown off and although you can wear a long pant with them, you probably don't
want to cover them up. If you do wear pants with them, do a skinny pant or legging that tucks into the ankle boot. No socks,
short or long and no sheer pantyhose. Opaque tights look great with them and generally, I recommend wearing it that way when
wearing it with skirts or dresses for fall.
I've seen some parachute-type pants worn with ankle boots. This
is a look only for the fashion adept and the fashion confident. It's all about proportion with ankle boots and if you
understand proportion (which is almost innate and difficult to learn), you can wear just about anything with an ankle boot.
If you're nervous, then wear mini-skirts, above-the-knee or just below-the-knee ensembles with them, and you should be
good. Mod tunics or dresses & generally sleek looks are great with an ankle boot.
I've included a few
links here to give you some other ideas. Also, I ran across a fringed ankle boot which reminds me of hippie-days but funnily,
they also have a preppy look. They're not my taste but who knows, they could be the next big thing.
http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/category/womens-fashion/Careful with the "slouch" ankle boot. They have a Jethro-Tull/Medieval Jester look which I suggest you
avoid at all costs. Not sure they'll even look that good on a "perfect" model type. Sorry, but I just don't
love this look and I avoided Uggs, too.
Here are some "slouches"...
http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=slouch+boots Remember, ankle boots are difficult because visually, they "cut" your ankle and sometimes that can
make your leg appear to be shorter. They are also funky, no matter how you wear them, so always wear them with a sense of
humor. They're a nice change from the tall boots that have been everywhere for at least 5 years now, so have fun wearing
them!
Here are some actual people wearing ankle boots. They look fabulous...
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/sartorialist/2008/09/on-the-street-7th-ave-nyc/ and check out "The Young Photographer", all in black.
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/ Yummm!
Thanks for your question!
Mona
AdviceonFashion.com
Thursday, August 28, 2008
QUESTION: I am 21, 5' 4" and 100 lbs. but not without curves. People think I'm 16. I am getting married
next year and want to look my age! What can I do?
DEAR BLUSHING BRIDE-TO-BE,
In some ways, this is simple. Look to young models to learn how to make yourself appear older. A lot of models are very
young - sometimes starting to model as young as 12 but they look much older, sometimes even appearing to be in their 30's.
How is it done? Mostly with makeup and hair. Your makeup should be stronger than usual (and this is true pretty much for all
traditional weddings). Keep your foundation impeccable and smooth and put more emphasis on your eyes. More mascara, smoky
eyes or doe eyes (eyeliner that swoops past your lids a little), more intense color on your lips, particularly deeper
colors, can make you appear to be older and more sophisticated. Since you are still young, though, you can also
do stronger eyes and lighter lipstick and a gloss over the top.
Be careful with your hair.
If you do too sophisticated of an updo, or too perfect hair, you will look like a young woman who already looks outdated.
The trick is to look older but not old. Also, be careful of prom hair, which is usually too intricate with lots of curls,
braiding and too much hair product. Ask your stylist to make it look special, but don't let them put so much product in
it or on it so that it's not still soft & touchable.
As far as your clothes, I usually
advise "classic" for weddings, especially for the brides, so that in the future, people will look at your photo
and see your beauty and your taste. If you do anything too 2008, you may look back and wished that you had done something
more appropriate to withstand the cold eye of time.
To be sure, I believe that people should
express who they are at all times, so think about what your every-day style is and dramatize it. What is your fantasy dress?
If you are a modern flower child, consider wearing a flowy, flowery dress with sandals or even barefoot. If you are a lover
of elegant clothing, consider an Audrey Hepburn-type dress, very simple with clean lines. We can't always have our fantasy
dress but find something that expresses the important part of your fantasy - is your fantasy romantic or sexy or high fashion...?
Always consider the back of the dress as your back will be facing your guests during the ceremony.
This is why so many wedding dresses have bows, bustles or lots of buttons. You can do backless or have an interesting
veil or shawl around your shoulders, also. Try to make it interesting and attractive for your guests. They'll admire
your taste, your beauty and how interesting you are.
Above all, remember to be yourself and
that the day of your wedding will go very quickly so have fun finding your dress and planning your look but keep a sense of
humor. There is no such thing as perfect, even at a wedding. Don't follow in some other's "Bridezilla"
footsteps sending everyone around you scurrying to make your wedding perfect, and you'll have enjoyed your own wedding.
Here are some interesting bridal looks that I've found online:
Example 1:
http://www.brides.com/beauty/hairstyles/gallery/editorspick/detail/170843?f=582%3a583&offset=8
A quick look at this model shows how young she is, yet she still look sophisticated and mature. Her flawlessly-applied
foundation, the strong eyebrow and "true red" lips create a worldly look. Her simple and classic hair contribute
to that, but in my opinion, the hair may be a little too severe for someone as young as you.
Example 2:
http://www.brides.com/beauty/hairstyles/gallery/editorspick/detail/174000?f=582%3a583&offset=15
Here's another makeup look that can make you look more mature. Look at the arched eyebrows and the high contrast
on her eyelids. The hairstyle is nice, also, but again, may be too perfect.
Example 3:
http://www.brides.com/beauty/hairstyles/gallery/editorspick/detail/170670?f=582%3a583&offset=22
This is an example of hair, that to my mind, is just about perfect. It will play up your features and is simple, elegant
and classic. Great image now and for the future.
Example 4:
http://www.brides.com/beauty/hairstyles/gallery/editorspick/detail/170675?f=582%3a583&offset=21
This is an example of something that would make you look younger and probably should be avoided. The makeup is pink
and dewy and the braiding all contribute to a young look. Personally, I think it's very pretty but not what you are
looking for.
Here are a few examples of traditional dresses that are young but won't make you look immature.
Example 1:
http://www.bridecouture.com/CatalogBrowser.aspx
This reminds me of a dress that Reese
Witherspoon wore to the Oscars a few years ago. The cap sleeves are flattering for a younger woman.
Example 2:
http://www.bridecouture.com/CatalogBrowser.aspx
This is an example of a style that looks a little too "old"
for your age. The bodice is okay but the extra fabric in the skirt starts to make it a little old-fashioned.
Example
3:
http://www.bridecouture.com/CatalogBrowser.aspx
This is another example of something a little "iffy".
If you are very busty, be careful of this style. It can make you look top heavy and it's begging for a sleeve. Strapless
sometimes seems a little wanting of something more but maybe that's just me.
Example 4:
http://www.bridecouture.com/CatalogBrowser.aspx
Here's an example of an Audrey Hepburn classic style. Make sure that during the fitting, that the seamstress
works to make you look smaller at the waist. Look for a flattering neckline for your own body.
Of course, these
are just suggestions and remember to express who you are in the end.
Hope this helps! Thanks for contacting AdviceonFashion!
Congratulations and best of luck,
Mona
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
August 14th, 2008 - What do I wear to a Wedding in California?
Question: I'd like your opinion on what to wear to an October wedding.
I'm in Southern Calif, so it
won't be cold. The ceremony starts at 1:30,
and the reception will go well into the night.
Dear California Girl,
I've been to several weddings recently and have found that the
best
dressed women are usually wearing dresses. Sometimes a skirt and
blouse look good but generally
dresses are best. Pants aren't being
done much right now, but if you're tall and slim and model-like, you
could possibly wow 'em in a pair of linen pants and pretty top.
For me, there
are two things I remember when I'm dressing for a wedding.
1. It needs to be classy. Weddings
are not places to be too sexy
or too wild or too avant-garde.
2. What I will look like
in the photos afterwards. Photographs will
"reveal all" as time goes on. Will my image look good in the
future?
I don't know what your age is or what you look like so it's difficult to
get
too specific but looking classic in some way is always good so that
you're not the one in the photographs that
people point to sometime
in the future and say, "Oh, my gawd, that's so 2008!"
If you know what the official wedding colors are, try to steer away from
them and never white, ivory, or
champagne so that you don't compete
with the bride. Pastels are also something to be careful about since they
have been used so much in weddings. A black dress, with a soft look,
is possible, but you have to have
a lot of confidence to pull it off.
Choose a color that you know you look good in and stick
with that.
Solids are fine as long as they are in flowy fabrics. Prints are okay also
but not too large,
bright or psychedelic. Try not to do a suit at all since
it looks too "Mother-of-the-Bride".
Jersey or stretch fabrics with no drapiness are usually not good -
unless the
fabric is the best quality and it fits great, they have a
tendency to look too streetwear or too sexy for
a wedding. Of course,
you want to look beautiful and sexy but classy and toned-down.
There are a lot of things that you can wear that will look classic and
yet still exciting. Do a classic hairdo,
but don't let your hair look too
perfect or too frosted. Pulling it back (softly - in other words, not too
severe or tight) or up is always classic. If your hair's short, then also
keep it simple. Wear enough
makeup so that you don't look washed
out in photographs but not too much so that other guests are shocked.
If you're in good shape, wear something close-fitting to show off your
figure - but
not too close-fitting - or too low cut - or too short -
or too revealing. Right now, strapless is definitely in,
but be careful
to shop at a place that your friends don't shop at so that you don't
end up wearing
the same thing or something that looks too similar
to anyone else. Steer away from "puckered fabric"
strapless or
strapless with a baby doll look. It will look dated in year or so.
Try
to go for something a little different from what you think others
will be wearing so that you don't see yourself
coming and going
during the reception.
If you feel a little self-conscious about
your figure, wear a light
layer over what you're wearing, such as a shawl. Shawls cover but
don't
add weight. Jackets are out. Even if it's really warm during
the whole night and you're in great shape,
it's important to cover
your shoulders during entrances and exits, and especially during
the
ceremony. It gives you class and elegance.
Don't cover up too much in any case - such as long
sleeves,
since it has a tendency to look fussy for a wedding. Bare
shoulders are good. Dresses with
wider straps (about 1" to 2"
wide are always look good and are classic.
Shoes - normally open-toed or open-backed are good for
weddings. Closed-toe shoes look too much like office
wear
many times. For a long wedding, you can wear heels but not
too high, probably 2" at the most
so you can make it through
the night. Kitten heels can be very comfortable and yet give
you some height.
Boots are definitely out unless it's a theme
wedding like a Western wedding or Biker wedding!
Wear
a small matching cloth bag - leather is out for weddings.
Big, splashy prints or too
much color (such as a bright pink
longish dress) won't look great in pictures. Try to break up
your
outfit a little - such as wearing an open neckline or a belt,
etc. If you have a few things that you're considering
wearing
in your closet already, try them on ahead of time,
including accessories and get opinions from
friends you can
trust (the friends who give you positive opinions, not negative
ones).
If
you're buying a new outfit, get at least two opinions from
the sales people (one nice saleperson, one pushy
salesperson.
The nice saleperson will give you honest feedback and the
pushy salesperson will probably
get you to push your
boundaries a little) and at least one helpful fellow customer
(they'll give
you encouragement and honesty).
Ask them if they have suggestions on hair and accessories, too.
I'm sending you a few ideas for some dresses that I think
would be great, too. I am not paid by any of
these companies
so they are just suggestions!
This one has interesting color and is current
and classic
at the same time.
http://www.anthropologie.com/
Look
for the embroidered "Poppy Fields" dress in crimson.
This is a truly unique piece, although
expensive, but the color
is unusual and it's a flattering cut for most shapes.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/35292
Here's another classic style with a twist:
http://www.bluefly.com/
Robert Rodriguez Graphic Stretch Dress
with Bow Detail. Although this one is in dark grey, it's a great look and would be flattering on a lot of figures. It
would be better worn with a softer-looking belt & possibly pearls:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=319772&CategoryID=22120
At Nordstrom.com, check out the JS Boutique lace dresses.
In
doing research on your question, I found that
Nordstrom's online seems to have a lot of
great dresses.
Just look under Dress Shop/Guest of the Wedding. They have
a
lot of great and appropriate options and even if you don't
buy from them, it'll give
you some good ideas.
Thank you very much for your question. I hope this helped!
Signed,
Advice on Fashion
Sunday, July 20, 2008
comments:
I am 54 and will be attending a wedding at a nice hotel in Seattle next month. I have a periwinkle blue silk dress. I have
bone colored heels that I could wear with it. Should I wear those and do I wear hose with them or go barelegged or do I get
a strappy sandal and go barelegged? Help!
Thanks,
Ms. Periwinkle Silk Dress
Dear Ms. Periwinkle Silk Dress,
Thank you so much for your question.
You have several
options. If your bone-colored heels are sandals or are backless, those should work. Just make sure that if it's a soft,
"chiffon-y" dress that you wear shoes that are more "open", as in strappy, nothing that has too much fabric
or too chunky of a heel. You can also go with a slightly darker color of blue than the periwinkle to "anchor" your
look. If you are petite, the lighter color shoe will probably look nice. If you are a larger woman, I advise a slightly darker
color shoe than your dress.
If you want to look light and romantic, go with the lighter shoe. If you want to
look more authoritative, go with the slightly darker shoe. Black shoes, strappy or not, will be too harsh. Other colors also
will probably not work. Periwinkle is a demanding color to match!
At this time of year, sandals with a heel (not
necessarily high - kitten heels would look good and be comfortable for standing on your feet for a long time) probably will
look best. For casual occasions, you should probably go barelegged but for formal occasions such as weddings, there is a way
to do it with sheer pantyhose. Make sure that the pantyhose are very close to your skintone and very sheer but has the sandal
"toeless" look. I've included a link for the Hanes version, as an example. I've tried toeless pantyhose
before when I wanted to wear strappy heels at a wedding and they worked great. My legs felt silky smooth, it smoothed out
the curves of my derriere and they showed off my pedicure.
http://www.haneshosiery.com /SilkReflections/detail.asp ?collection=Silk%20Reflections &category=Beyond%20Bare&sid
=0A085Also, get a beautiful pedicure - your feet will thank you and even though you might not think people notice such
a subtle thing as a pretty toe, they do.
Thank you so much for contacting us at AdviceonFashion and feel free to
contact us again if you have further questions!
Mona
6:20 pm est
Dear Cougie,
I am replying to your question about what to wear to a Diana Ross concert at the Hollywood Bowl. First
of all, sounds like fun!
You said you are 55 years old and slender. There are a few things that you should
remember.
For going to a concert of someone the likes of Diana Ross, you should make a special effort. My
suggestions are you can really look sophisticated with a nice dress or do it up in a different way with sexy jeans and high
heels.
Heels are important if you can handle them. A bit of a heel at least and probably strappy sandals. If you
can handle high heels, so much the better.
If you do a dress, try a nice slinky good-quality jersey dress. Something
with simple lines that flatters your type of body. Since you are slim, make sure that it fits somewhat close. You are
55 and are still in good shape so it's important to draw attention to that.
Choose a solid color that flatters
your skin tone - if you're dark skinned, go with deeper colors such as red, purple, or other jewel tones. Of course, black
would also look great but if you're in the mood to have fun, choose a color other than black. If you want to look elegant,
of course black would be great.
If you're light skinned, then go for other tones that you've found look
good on you, but shy away from pastels which aren't in right now. If you're blonde, consider a "clean" red,
no wine tones. True reds always look good on blondes.
Keep your jewelry simple - silver or gold hoops would look
great, probably not chandeliers as they are starting to go out in fashion. Or choose a really standout pair of earrings and
keep away from too many accessories.
If you go with wearing designer jeans, wear it with a nice white blouse with
layered necklaces or a drapy top, also simple colors that flatter your skin tone. Keep your accessories to one area - for
instance if you wear a few necklaces, don't wear earrings or only wear little posts. Be careful of too much jewelry
or matching your jewelry too closely.
Wear heels with the jeans, also. If you need to wear a jacket, steer clear
of Levi's-type jean jackets or motorcycle leather jackets. Everything needs to look up-to-date. Even though sequins can
be fun, I might stay clear of it as I would guess that others might be wearing sequins or beading.
One more idea:
a great fitting men's tailored type pin-stripe suit with an open white shirt, fedora & high heels, if you dare!
Remember to keep your hair and makeup looking current. Go to a hairstylist who does current looks and also ask for
some advice on your brows and makeup. You'll want to wear makeup but don't overdo it. Sleek hair, not-too-big hair
& not-too-perfect hair also show your self-confidence. Let your natural beauty shine through.
Dear
Miss M,
What should I wear to a diana ross concert at the hollywood bowl. I am 55 years old, and slender.
Signed,
Cougar with a Tale to Tell
Monday, June 23, 2008
today's fashion tip from The Fashion Dictator: June 23, 2008
the fashion dictator's tip of the day: wear clergy robes with a wide belt for that 80's japanese avant-garde
look.
"dear fashion dictator, where oh wear did you ever get such a heavenly idea,"
did you ask? well, today, i, the fashion dictator was depositing several checks into his trusty and favorite neighborhood
bank. the fashion dictator could do business at the chi-chi bank closeby but finds the grittiness of his favorite bank too
interesting and inspirational to pass by.
people from all walks of life come into that bank, including old and
young, cantankerous, quiet, meek, and a little crazy.
today, while waiting in line, i observed, for the second time
in several weeks, a friar from a local church. he was wearing traditional brown robes with a hood and tied with a white rope.
the look has been going on at least 4 to 5 centuries and still going strong in some circles. he wore it nonchalantly with
sandals. he was depositing what seemed to amount to a lot of cash and change. "perhaps i'm in the wrong trade..."
i thought to himself.
feeling that familiar something in the air - no one knows where or why, but all of a sudden
it happens - something new or something old comes into fashion. and today it occurred to the brilliant fashion dictator, yes,
that's moi, that perhaps it's time for that 80's japanese avant-garde/british eccentric look to come back. so
i googled it. yes, of course, in fact, there are inklings here and there that it's starting to happen again among the
deepest thinkers of the fashion world, the japanese, where it all began.
holy issey miyake! the fashion dictator is
correct again.
keeping my finger on the fashion pulse solely for you,
The Fashion Dictator.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Fashion Dictator is Offended
INTRODUCING...THE FASHION DICTATOR
Have you ever looking your closet, your drawers, your laundry basket and just wanted to give up? You
know you love fashion, mostly, but sometimes just get tired of all the choices and don't know what to wear next, which
way to wear your hair, whether blue eye shadow is a good idea or not? Why not ask THE FASHION DICTATOR? THE FASHION DICTATOR
is not afraid to tell you exactly what you're doing right or wrong - okay, let's face it, he's not afraid to tell
you what you're doing wrong, mostly. We here at adviceonfashion.com try to keep an open mind, but he does not. He's a legend in his own perfectly chapeau'ed head.
If you
have questions for THE FASHION DICTATOR, please e-mail him. If you properly intrigue him with your question, he just might answer you.
And now...introducing THE
FASHION DICTATOR.
AND NOW A FEW WORDS FROM THE FASHION DICTATOR
Ahem...I’d like to report a major fashion faux pas in the vicinity of Moe’s bagels on 6th
and Logan-ish. A certain person was seen looking sleepy with uncombed hair, boot-cut pants (so 1991 to 2005 - r.i.p.), an
old peacoat and a red knitted scarf (circa 2006 - r.i.p.) And an oversized black faux (no peta protests for her) fur cap.
She ordered a large chai tea and a chocolate chip toasted bagel with maple walnut cream cheese (right to the hips, baby...).
Trying to hide her identity unsuccessfully to a few fellow customers sitting at the table nearby (one of whom she knew but
couldn't bring herself to say hello knowing she wasn't at her best...who was she kidding she was close to her worst
- although he-who-would-judge was wearing a juicy-coutewhoreish velour ensemble - so 2004 - r.i.p.) Wearing her latest dark
shades (they look like big bug glasses - so 2007, the only thing she did right that day).
She took her chai and
went back to work only to find upon sitting at her desk that she had forgotten the god-forsaken calorie-laden bagel back at
moe's. Still not sure why she felt so off-kilter, she walked into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror and
found yesterday's black mascara making it's powdery way down her lower eyelids. Beyond smoky, if only they could be
described as smoky, she laughed out loud at the major fashion faux pas she committed that morning - but The Fashion
Dictator does not forgive her!
The next day, she decided to go bowling and rented a pair of those strange two-toned
monstrosities for her shoes. Horror of horrors.
Do not follow in her footsteps or you'll be fashionably sorry.
I know what I'm talking about,
The Fashion Dictator.
THE FASHION DICTATOR IS OFFENDED
Hello, my little yum-yums...how are you? Fashion dictator here...I would like to ask you something.
Since when did highlights become such a big thing? If I have a pet peeve about something currently happening in fashion (if
fashion is really what you want to call it), it's highlights. I have been known to make my fashion mistakes (Flock of
Seagulls haircut, creatively-shaped sideburns, orange hair which was not supposed to be orange). The Fashion Dictator is not
too proud to admit.
A few years ago, I got caught up in my crazy hairstylist's idea of what I should look like,
don't ask me why. She was crazy! In one year of seeing her, this is what happened in her life: new boyfriend, he was oh-so
hot, so rock-n-roll sexy! A hairstylist, too (uh-oh warning signs), he was totally against bobs, wouldn't do them, never...
They dated, fought constantly and got married! And then with my last appointment, they were divorced!
And me, the
fashion dictator, actually listened to this crazy girl. Highlights, she said, are happening. That was like how many years
ago and they're still happening. And I will just say, highlights are unhappening. For those of you who have been trolling
the internet (maybe what brought you here, lucky one) and haven't been paying attention to such important things as highlights,
hairstylists take your hair and lighten parts and darken parts and call it beautiful. To be sure, there's some hair peeps
who know what they're doing and do it well - no one would know the diff but in many, many cases, it just looks like too,
too much.
There are simply too many shades of color in many women's hair! Stop it! The fashion dictator is
offended!
Blondes, two to three shades are enough - when you've got reds and blacks and platinum tones in your
hair, it looks like your hair person just went too far! And I bet you're spending a pretty penny for it, too!
Brunettes, you are brunette for a reason. Highlights make you look cheap!
Redheads - luckily, it seems most
stylists leave you alone - you confuse them!
If you want to do highlights as a lark, for fun, in a kind of punk
way, okay. I can see that. But let it be obvious. Go for the obviously over-the-top, because you know you're being ironic
but otherwise, tell your hairstylist to stop with all the mixing and the aluminum foil and the strange colors.
Down
with tacky color! So saith I, the fashion dictator.
P.S. leave the perfectly blown-out hair-fresh-from-the-salon
look unless you're trying to look like Jackie O, which is always the height of fashion for Halloween, darling. If your
hair looks even vaguely like a helmet after your cut and blow dry, wash your hair immediately!
Yours,
The
Fashion Dictator
À BON CHAT, BON RAT FROM THE FASHION DICTATOR
Ahahahah! Stole the laptop back from le mona, who is right now slaving away, mopping her floors, drafting patterns
and drinking her chai (she is a bohemian want-to-be).
Le Fashion Dictator here...hello, my bon mots, as you can
probably already tell, Le Fashion Dictator knows no French, but feels an affinity for the French people. The love of chic
dressing, being snobbish, eating petit meals, and smoking are affinities that le dictator shares with the loveable French.
Mon amours, have you heard the latest thing that has happened to le French, eet es horribluh! Cigarette smoking
has been banned in the whole country, nec'st spa (a new place where you can get Brazilians - as in a very close shave
- in Denver's Highlands)?
Have you not heard? According to the BBC, "people lighting up in airports,
railway stations, hospitals, schools, shops and offices will face fines. Restaurants and bars have until December to comply."
tout le monde must stop puffing!
Eet keels me to hear these! How can one possibly look chic without a cigarette
dangling from one's mouth?
Oh, the gestures that will be lost. The elbow on the table with cigarette in hand, placed
high, blowing distractedly into the air while theenking deep thoughts, how can we lose these? How can these be?
The
Fashion Dictator has observed many a chic person (si vous plais, don't say "fashionista", the word ees only
used by those who aren't) smoking in the most dramatic and graceful ways, so provocative and sexy. Let's face eet!
Smoking ees sexy! Some of the greatest clothing has been named after the ritual of smoking..."le smoking"(jacket),
"le cigarette"(pant)...
A revoir, style! A revoir le cigarette!
À bientôt,
Le Fashion Dictator
(I will now eat a bon bon and a truffle and smoke a puff in solidarity)
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