Shopocalypse

Photo credit: Allenedmonds.com

Being a curious people-watcher sure beats looking at my iPhone when I am idle. The other day my eyes settled on a dapper man whose shoes provoked me to comment, "Those are beautiful!" This led to a lovely little chat about footwear, and how happy he was to find shoes that were both great-looking,  well-made and comfortable. He said while the shoes were pricey, he thinks of himself as an "apocalyptic shopper," explaining he makes thoughtful wardrobe purchases, as if each one is his last. Therefore, he insists on quality items. I made up the word "shopocalypse" on the spot, and he endorsed this term.  Hooray for people-watching! And hooray for insisting on quality.

Super Site

I just discovered a terrific website for men's clothing and style advice: valetmag.com. Go here to learn how to iron a shirt, how pants should fit, what kinds of hangers work best, and about dozens of other topics. I just want to make a big pot of tea and read from this site all day!

This Year's Styles

Here is my monthly Coastal View News column, featuring my daughter's sketches:

I hope you enjoy reading it and learning more about current trends. Remember that it takes some time for your eyes and mind to adjust to new styles so try not to dismiss them too quickly.

Since the resolution on this image of my column is not optimal, I'd be happy to send you a more easy-to -read copy. Simply email me at loricooper@wardrobewisdom.com.

Silly Words

Image Credit: Dr. Seuss


The fashion world, like all other microcosms, often takes itself quite seriously. But it is hard for me to say some terms without cracking a smile. Such is the case for a current shoe heel, called a pancake heel. At least the name describes the heel accurately: it's a small round disc on the bottom of the shoe.

Another term that makes me laugh is the "micro trend." This suggests that a trend is going to have an even shorter run than usual.

I appreciate talented designers and fashion folks who can see the humor in their business. Clinton Kelly, Diane Von Furstenberg, Isaac Mizrahi, and Tim Gunn come to mind.

Opulence

This holiday season's fashions are carried over from some luxurious fall looks. Besides all kinds of velvet (which I covered in this post), designers are using luxe fabrics to convey a festive, rich mood. Below are the definitions* and examples of a few of these royal treatments. I hope you include one or more in your ensembles when you are thinking of what to wear to holiday events.

Jacquard: A fabric with an intricately woven pattern.

Brocade: A heavy fabric interwoven with a rich, raised design.

Satin: A smooth fabric, as of silk or rayon, woven with a glossy face and a dull back.

Lace: A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern.

All the trimmings: embroidery, fringe, feathers, beading, sequins, and fur.

I think this is the most beautiful bag I have ever seen (by Dolce & Gabbana)

*Thanks to the Free Dictionary by Farlex.

All about Sleeves

Someone asked me the other day what kind of tops she should wear, given (what she perceived as) her broad shoulders. Here's the scoop on different sleeve types and what is flattering on different shapes:

1. Set-in: A sleeve sewn into the armhole. This is a great style for women with narrow or sloping shoulders.

Image Credit: Bodenusa.com

2. Drop: The sleeve is sewn in below the shoulder area. Women with broad shoulders are flattered by this style. 

Image Credit for this top and one below: Jigsaw-London

Neither here nor there:

This sleeve looks good on just about everyone!

Fashion Terms and Clothing Definitions

Image Credits: Top, Diane von Furstenberg; Bottom: H & M

As a Santa Barbara wardrobe consultant, I get a lot of questions about terms used in fashion and clothing. So every once in awhile I'd like to define the ones that seem most perplexing or simply the most silly.

Here is how Tim Gunn describes surplice:

   A loose, draping neckline of two or more pieces of fabric that cross one another. The result is a soft V-neck. (The wrap dress usually features a surplice neckline.)

Shift vs. Sheath

Dresses have made a comeback over the past few years, and certain terms pop up repeatedly. Two of these are "shift" and "sheath." What is the difference?

A shift dress is a loose-fitting, knee or above the knee length dress. It is sleeveless and is often made in a knit fabric.. The dress below is a shift dress.

On the other hand, a sheath dress is form-fitting, commonly made out of rayon, silk, brushed cotton, or satin. I think of a shift dress as a sexier option. The dress above is a sheath.