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!

Trend Talk

Some friends of mine are talking about trends. They can't give up the old stuff and they hate the new, or anyone who even mentions new. Any comments?


About trends, never adopt one that is unflattering. There are plenty of others out there to choose from that will work for you.
On the other hand, don't purchase something from a past trend, even if you see it for sale, and it is a good look for you. The dated aspect of the style will sink it.

Wear what you already own, but don't stock up on more. When you are shopping, educate your eye with fashion mags, runway shows, current websites, and buy the new stuff! Learn what is best for you, and look for that. This will help you to move on. Never stock up on a trend, nor on any other item, no matter how good that packed closet makes you feel. Remember that some updated accessories, like bags, bangles and necklaces will go far to freshen your so-called "classic" look. They work for most body types, too.

Looks Messy

I went shopping today in ATL and NY&Co. I like the casual vibe. I don't want to look like I am at work all the time, but the outfits looked sloppy to me. Any ideas?

Try adding one item that's soft, wrinkly fabric; or fits loosely, but keep the rest of the outfit pristine. Your white jeans can be pressed and have a crisp roll at the hem, and your shoes can be patent peep slides. Then you can add the partially unbuttoned, wrinkly linen top/jacket or cotton tee. Even though ATL, and even JC, will show outfits that are all muss, remember that they are selling those pieces and are not about to add a structured jacket from outside of their collection. But you can. Watch out for the thong sandal (aka leather flip.) if you add that to an outfit of unstructured pieces, you're toast. But if you have sleek hair and large bangles, and a white cotton shirt dress, they will support the casual footwear. Practice walking in the flats. If you walk like a duck, audibly flipping and flapping what's the point? Just like heels, it takes practice to do it right.

This is a beach cover-up, not an outfit. And even so, it's nicely ironed. Things are messier in the store. Long Tank

I want to keep it

I see that you are always saying to move onto new trends. I think that's wrong. My old stuff is fine. It looks timeless to me.

I am so glad that your old stuff looks great. I haven't seen too many old things that work well lately. Fashion has a very quick cycle these days, quicker than in previous times. The best way to manage this is to buy a few new items in each season, and remove the old items from the back of your closet. A hot trend is enough to refresh the situation. You can sit around deriding Mimosa from last year, or you can just donate your one Mimosa shirt and replace it with a Blue shirt for this season. You'll have a good season, and the shirt will move on when it's over.

(Pres' Shirt: CK from Bloomingdales. New this Spring.)

Quick Outfit

I need an outfit fast. We are going to my MIL's for a casual barbeque, but they are pretty dressy over there. I don't know how to do casual in a stylish way. I like basics but I want to look good. Any ideas?

It's easy to look sharp this season. You can put together a neutral ensemble in a flash. You need a) a white shirt (fitted, ironed and crisp) and b) a khaki bottom: pencil; slacks with hems rolled up to the most flattering length; or shorts. c) Add heels in a nude color. Don't overwork your hair.

A White Shirt

Shorts

Shoes. We can dream, can't we?