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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Fall and Winter Fashion Shows

I know it's a little early to start thinking about fall, much less winter, but I got an invitation from Vogue to subscribe. You know, the magazine offers we all get? They included a handy guide to upcoming fashion shows and I was curious enough to see where they were and what they were showing. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to check a couple of them out.

I was not surprised to see at the Paris Fashion Week site shows starting at the end of the month for Fall and Winter Haute Couture, next month for Spring 2014 ready-to-wear, and Spring 2014 Menswear.

The website for Sao Paulo Fashion Week let me know there was still time to plan my vacation there to see the shows this fall. Kidding...kind of. They still haven't announced the collections they are planning on showing, but in October, Spring/Summer 2014 is a given.

As evidenced by the image to the right from the Sao Paulo Fashion Week site, fashion is ongoing and ever-changing. And it's fun to keep up, which is why I love my job...

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Is Your Closet A Fashion History Lesson?

I read with interest an article in Bazaar about Suzy Menkes selling her legendary collection at Christie's. If you're interested in the sale, go here. The sale is scheduled to begin July 11.

Although I love a good sale, it was much more interesting to read about Suzy's perspective. A world famous fashion editor around since the 60's, she never truly parted with anything, which is the reason for the sale. She needs the space. The most interesting thing that happened to her while she was cleaning out her closet was she learned about herself. What would you learn if you took that trip through time and cleaned out your closet?

Suzy learned she loves patterns and prints, jewelry jazzes up an outfit, and she is not a minimalist. This is a woman who knows who she is and what she likes, and was surrounded by the best fashion had to offer for the last several years. It's tough to maintain your perspective when you're surrounded by inspiration.

Her clothes were both a product of her lifestyle and fit the lifestyle she was leading. I'm curious to see what made it up for auction, but it would be more interesting to see what she kept...

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Summer is Finally Here!

And...it came in with a bang. Temps increased and the air conditioning came on. This is the time of year when people get summer colds - that sneezy cold that comes from walking into an air conditioned space from the warmth outside.

The smart money is on layers, as always. With men, in a business casual environment, while you can't really rely on your suit jacket since you likely won't be wearing one, you can utilize a long sleeve button down shirt. If you get chilly in the office, you can leave the shirt buttoned at the wrist. If you get warm, it's very easy to stylishly roll up your sleeves these days. Many shirts are now available with a contrasting pattern or color that gives the shirt a different look when rolled up.

Women have it much easier when layering. A simple sweater shrug over a short sleeve shirt or a tank dress with a long sleeve shirt layered over it (belt optional) is an easy solution. Of course, a jacket or long sleeve shirt always looks tailored and put together.

What else do we do during the summer? As I pointed out in my book, Portraits of Lifestyle Dressing, there is more to one's life than work. Whether you're attending an outdoor concert, a comedy show or headed out to the farmer's market, comfort and fashion can meet with ease. Making certain you are aware of the weather is key. If the forecast calls for rain or strong sun, add weather appropriate pieces to your bag or your car to make it through the day with style. Maybe add a fun summer hat or a polka dot umbrella to complement your striped sundress.

If you had to choose what to wear for 100 days of summer ahead of time, and knew what the weather would be in advance, what would you wear?
 
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