Perfect Outfits Part 3

Here's Zebra in Chambray and White.



Pres, too:



Tenn Girl Adds Khaki and a Scarf:

More Perfect Outfits from The SOS Gang

Here's Halfpint: The Zara Dress was $18 on Ebay.


Ruffles
Ruffles, a pencil, and nude shoes, all at 'round 5ft.

Siepres: Nicole Miller dress from Ebay for $100 and BR Nude heels with microfishnets



Who says Bosoms Can't Wear Ruffles? Gap pencil skirt ($30) and Jcrew ruffled blouse ($79) with black Carlos Santana T-Straps ($50):

And Cheryle:


Making the Tucked Shirt Work
Ruffles, Vee, and Red Shoes

More to come!

Perfect Outfits

The SOS Group has been working on new Spring outfits. Here are some outfits and items from our wardrobes that we want to share because they are worth seeing. Nothing almost, over, ill fitting, or that otherwise needs help. Some things that we are happy to post because they sing.

Ili starts us off:


Another
One More!

Judyanne's contribution:


The skirt is from Penney's, the blouse is Foxcroft from a local dress
shop, the shoes are Franco Sarto from Zappos.com

Pres:
Ralph shirt and skirt; Biviel Nude Heels

More to come. Watch for it!

Sheer Top

I have a new semi-sheer top, but I'm not sure how to wear it.
Any ideas for me?


The sheer top is meant to be worn as an accessory, creating a lovely group of color blocks and lines. The outfit underneath must provide the proper structure.

The Cami under should be of a distinct, saturated, contrasting color. If your sheer shirt is a pale color, Navy satin is a good choice for the cami. A bold shirt can support a neutral (white) cami under. For a beachy, summer look, you can try a sheer white linen shirt over a light cami, but be sure that the pants (shorts!) support this look. Don't add high-waisted, structured, pressed khaki poplin pants.

Spaghetti or very narrow straps for the cami are a must. The sheer shirt, not the cami, is providing the coverage. The cami must fit correctly, and end on the sweet spot on your hip. The line where the cami meets the pants will be visible. Don't create a second horizontal break that's up too close to the Empire line on your torso. Only the longest, narrowest natural torso could support this look.

The Vee neck of the cami should be low enough, and open enough, to expose a good bit of cami; right down to the the Empire line. Avoid exposing only a small vee of cami. The sleeves of the shirt must end below the Empire line; don't create a horizontal line from sleeve hems to Empire line straight across the chest. Finger tip length, or pushed up to the forearm, (but no higher) is good.

Remember that the look is a long, wide, flowy top, over a fitted, tight cami. The top must not be skimpy, too short or closely fitted. It should look like it's ready to fall off your shoulder; with the defined cami under providing the safety structure, not disappearing.

Sheer top

Add a shiny accessory, like a bangle or two, to define your limbs.

Narrower Pants Legs?

Hi!

I'm between a 0 and size 2, 5" 4 and in my late 50's. What's your take on pants width for suit pants. I noticed that Theory and Hugo Boss, show so called boot legs with a pants width of 18" in. (Of course bell bottoms are over.)

I'm wavering about narrowing the 18" wide pants of last years Galerie LAfayette 148 suit. Worn with high heels.

Thoughts?

Consider the width of your legs and hips. With thin legs, as you know, it's easy to wear a straight line. Boot cut width may make your legs look bowed.

However, I have had bad luck with messing with the width of pants legs. The narrowed ones didn't fall properly after the alteration. The pants must drape properly to cover the shoe, and the angle of the hem is critical. SOS sewing expert (Vava) is dubious, too. I would only try this if the pants have already fulfilled their usefulness, and you find their current look unwearable, because it is risky.
Let us know how it goes!

Searching for Style

Unfortunately, I can't think of anyone whose style I'd like to emulate. I know they're there! - I just don't know names. However, a month or so ago, one of you sent a link to runway fashions and I just loved the sweet old fashioned dresses/skirts. I also like hats, scarves, and some big jewelry but typically I don't wear bright, bold patterns. Can you help?

You need a little education for your eye, and a little tweaking,

The Runway that you are remembering is Ralph Lauren Spring 2010
Sweet Dress

I suggest that you start with one, just one, perfect outfit.

The dresses that you liked are around these days:
Sweet Dress 2
Add some pale neutral shoes, plus a little cardi in a saturated color, like light blue, and this outfit will support a straw hat with a wide brim or a newsboy cap.

Fresh Vibe

I've looked at my closet, and it definitely needs work. I'm ready to take a fresh look at my clothes, but where to start? How do I know what to discard, or keep?


Guest Post by Ilie:

Pondering questions: Sometimes starting there gives us a vision of where we want to go; what we want to look like; what we want to achieve in our wardrobe, and once that is clear, the seas part and you know what needs to be done...

So i ask you...do you have a vibe in mind? if no one was there telling you to be 'sensible' or that you're too short (me); too old to do or wear something...

Who inspires you when you see a photo? it could be a family member, a Hollywood star past or present, someone who 'gets' your style or has a look you'd always wanted but were afraid you couldn't pull off (mine, this past year, was VB's style of the summer).

After you have the answer, hear the voices in your head that say 'you can't,' and say back to them 'why NOT?!" i think 'giving yourself permission' to be who you want to be in how you present yourself to the world is very very important- it gives you gumption and determination and a force of spirit that won't allow the disablers in this world to bring you down or to take away the reins of your wardrobe. it will give you confidence to say 'this is what i want to do, this is the look i want- deal with it." i've never been as happy with my style as i was this past year, and its not about how i look, it's about the attitude, giving myself permission to be who i want to be an unleashed a passion and confidence that i never ever ever ever had. so take some time to think about the question...it will open doors...
:)