Useable Images

Every season it is the same thing. I buy magazines touting a "preview" of fall clothes- but I cannot make heads or tails of the images.

Each model is leaping or contorted. I can't make out the lines of the garments. Each model is so over-accessorized that I can't focus on anything. Everyone appears to be wearing enough layers to endure a seige.

So far, I am picking up on purple, plaid and florals for fall. Do you have any advice on where to find images that make sense to a wannabe stylish woman living in a flyover state?

Thanks for all you do,
Deb

The major fashion mags seem to be showcases for photo art (and hooray for them!) but they don't do the job we need for fashion education. If you want to see upcoming styles in views that you can use, look at the highest end fashion store sites and their catalogues. That's where the looks that you see on the runways are translated to clothes that women can actually wear. Runway clothes are often adapted, with linings, and normal skirt lengths, before they are shipped for sale.

My favorite is Neiman Marcus, but there are others, like Bergdorf's, Barney's, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms and SFA. They currently have Fall previews of real clothes. Review their designer collections. This is a good way to educate your eye before you search for clothes in your own price range. (All looks can be copied at several price points.) If a designer's style attracts you, find that designer's work on their individual sites on the net, and see more. I usually check out all the runway shows online, as well. They are all available at Style.com.

For magazines, Lucky Magazine has the highest percentage of wearable ensembles; you can check them out online, too.

You are on the right track! An educated eye will be your greatest asset.