Wedding Guest

I am attending a summer wedding in NY. I am from Canada. My problem is that I need to wear ballet flats. I have some that are soft and have pointy toes. The engraved wedding invitation has a reception card that says "Black Tie." The wedding starts at 6PM and is at a country club. I understand that the MOB is wearing a long dress. I want to wear a colorful satin top and a knee length black skirt.
What do you think? Thank you.


You can solve your problem (the need to wear flat shoes) by wearing a long skirt to cover your feet. Don't wear the flats with the knee length skirt&blouse. Evening separates are difficult to support with flats, but there are many long dresses and skirts out there just now. Although there are also short formals available that may work for this event, they aren't separates, and they absolutely require support from evening shoes.

Take the cue from the invitations and the MOB and dress properly for this formal event.

Fall Scout

I have been the SOS/LFT scout on Madison Avenue and I have some ideas to report. Most of the stores are still stocked with summer sales, but a few are showing Fall fashion, and here are some links to illustrate; the vibe is definitely dark, with gray, brown and NYC black riding high. Also, I note a certain drapey volume, with cowl necks, ruching, and flyaway cardis. The structure is provided by tight leggings. This is a hard look to wear, but stay tuned.

High end: Alice&Olivia

At the other price point:
NY&CoStreetwear

I like more structure, myself, so I may have to rely on Ralph to
Rescue Me.

Sleeve Length

What's so wrong about short sleeves? You never like them.


Consider the structure of your outfits. For most folks, the structural objective of an outfit is to create vertical lines, add height, and reduce width. Horizontal lines defeat this, and a horizontal line drawn across the upper arm, through the bosom, and over to the other arm is about the worst of the horizontal structures. Another would be the hem of a long gathered full skirt, drawing the line out from the widest part of the calf [shudder]. A short sleeve that is knit, and fits closely to the arm, especially at an angle (not straight across horizontally) may work, especially if there is not too much color contrast between the skin and the fabric. But crisp fabric, as in a button front, will defeat this. It's better to roll the fabric up to the most flattering part; usually to the forearm below the elbow, because that's a thin part and doesn't intersect with the widest part of the bosom, up by the midpart of the upper arm. BTW, men should also avoid short sleeve button front shirts, and roll the shirt to the elbow. The big sails that the short sleeves create (making the arm look spindly) don't do them any favors, either.

Keeping it Snappy!

Hey ladies, I really admire some of your styles and creativity. I am a young woman, in my early twenties who is about to enter graduate school. Although as a graduate student I don't have a lot of money, I feel that this should be a time in my life to have fun with my fashion-- both as a young woman and also because I have very few restrictions on my wardrobe as I don't work in an office of any type. However, I also am disabled and suffer from fatigue and chronic illness. In my case, in addition to fatigue, my disability keeps me from being able to stand for more than a few minutes and a medicine I take can cause swelling. I could really use some help creating some outfits that are low maintenance (can't stand long enough to iron/deal with the heat, can't be around dry cleaning chemicals) easy to put together, and comfortable for lots of sitting and in case of swelling. Shopping is also hard when you can't stand for long.

My field is very casual, as is the community and school I attend. I am 5'7" with an curvy hourglass figure (I weigh about 150) and have a light complexion with olive undertones and dark brown hair. I have just moved to a new climate, but am familiar with it. It is hot (in the 90s) three months of the year and starts snowing in September which lasts till May, so climate appropriateness is a big factor.

I would really appreciate you help!





Your answer is included in your question!

First, look for a certain style that's called "Relaxed." This refers to the fit, which has a little give.
The style can be copied at any Price Point in Many Great Colors, and for many levels of Informality.

Once you have the basic canvas of drapey pants, knit top, and flowy sweater, add pizzazz with Accessories. Look for Native American pieces that you can add to the Mix

Although it's not boot season now, here's a pair in patent that are waterproof, warm, and also have quite a bit of give to accommodate size change: Dark Cherry Santana

Don't forget that your relaxed fit "canvas" is the perfect background for adding detail with flashy scarves in artistic prints and beautiful bags with beading or other details.

Let'sFashionTalk

I need more places to educate my eye, as you always say. But I can't always tell what works, and even my favorite fashion sites, like JCrew, can be unreliable.
A fashion site that I once liked is more about anti-fashion now. There's a high quotient of meh clothes that are touted. Any suggestions?

I'm glad that you asked. There's a new fashion forum that can help. Let'sFashionTalk
Check this out. I'm biased because my friends and I post on this site, but it's open to many voices, and we love newbies. Welcome!

More Cruise

I am taking a cruise to the Caribbean in November...what outfits willI need? Casual daytime is easy enough, but dressier events and evenings worry me somewhat...I've never been on a cruise before so I'm not entirely sure what to expect. I know I want to pack as lightly as possible but still look good in the photos! Thanks for any insight you can provide.
Kim



Check out our previous posts about cruises, Cruise; and here's an update from SOS Guest Blogger, Joanne:

We were just on a cruise in May. Bring a lot of mix-and-match and pieces that can do double duty. All my tops went with all my bottoms and it allowed me a lot more flexibility. I brought along a headband which was great when out on deck, walking my laps. It was very breezy and it kept my hair in place. A big hat is good too, especially if you are coming from a northern climate and are not used to the very harsh Caribbean sun. November is the tail end of hurricane season in the Caribbean so a rain coat that folds down very small may be handy to have. I have one that folds down into a little pouch so it doesn't take up much room at all.

There will be at least one dinner that is formal, usually the Captain's Dinner, so a dressy outfit is a must. A light wrap will serve well as it can feel cool at dinner after a sunny, active day on shore. On our cruise we had themes for each dinner, so one night it was black and white, another was casual with a tropical theme etc. The only problem was that we were not informed of this ahead of time so hadn't packed for the various themes. Many others were not dressed according to the theme, so it was okay that we wore other colours.

Much depends on the cruise line as some are more formal and some are more family oriented. Once you know which type of cruise you are on, it will help you organize your wardrobe.

Have a great time!

Father's Day Tie

I want to buy my Dad a tie for Father's Day (I know, but he needs a new one.) He has a new oxford shirt that's a light, bright, lavender. He would wear it with pressed khakis and a navy blazer. My sister says to go with a light neon summery color with the lavender. What color and design tie do you recommend?

The light colors are the expected thing to wear with bright lavender. Why not try something like this: Dark Heraldic
This would work, too: Wine Clubs
The dark heraldic look is more surprising when paired with the spring tones.
Happy Father's Day!