Expensive-Looking Fabrics

Whowhatwear.com featured a piece this week about fabrics, describing ones that always look expensive and nice and others which don't wear well and look cheap. I like their guidelines:

Linen

One of the hallmarks of cheap clothing is a shiny, obviously synthetic fabric. Natural fabrics like linen feel expensive because they have the exact opposite feel. It actually gets better with age, whereas many synthetic fabrics deteriorate at an accelerated pace.

Faux Suede

We all know authentic suede is an expensive fabric, like most leathers. “Vegan” suede tops our list of great affordable fabrics, because it’s difficult to differentiate the faux from the real, so it naturally looks fancier than it is.

Cotton

Cotton is a high-quality fabric that doesn’t necessarily come at an elevated price. Its natural fibers are its strong point, similar to linen, and the washable, low-maintenance fabric is easy to care for.

Rayon

Rayon tends to age poorly, and it will often start to pill or show wear and tear after a few wears.

Acrylic

Acrylic pieces can lose their shape easily, so you after you wash an acrylic sweater, for example, you may find it stretched out and ill-fitting. It also isn’t a very warm fabric for winter pieces.

Polyester

Polyester has a bit of a bad reputation, but today’s versions have a decent feel, and the fabric is so ubiquitous in affordable clothing that it can be hard to avoid. We recommend considering each polyester piece individually—stick to affordable brands known for high quality, and always run your hands over the fabric to ensure it doesn’t feel cheap.

Carolina Herrera

 Photo credit: classiq.me


When I look at fashion magazines, I notice that certain designers' clothing appeals to me every single time. Carolina Herrera (above) is one of my favorite designers, with her beautiful, feminine dresses and lovely, classic styles (below). So I was so happy to read an interview of her and to learn that she is smart, witty, and down to earth. I appreciate what she had to say about style: "Style is a combination of many other things: It's the way you move, your taste in books your taste in a house. It's the things you do that are different when everybody else is doing the same thing."

Image credit: Harpersbazaar.com

Age and Dressing

Photo credit: www.dailytelegraph.com.au

I just finished reading "Dressing Your Age," by Lisa Armstrong in Harper's Bazaar. She writes about the value and importance of letting go of certain "treasured" pieces which no longer flatter or work for you. Instead of becoming depressed at the idea of not being able to wear former favorites, she encourages women to "see that letting go not as a loss but as a process of streamlining, simplification, and replacement." Armstrong suggests that we should always be letting go, paring down, and re-evaluating our style if we are to look stylish. It's not a matter of making dramatic changes as we get older.

Here is a passage that really stood out to me:

The basis of style is an understanding of not only who you are but also the kind of woman you want to project. "Don't ever try to compete with a younger woman on the age proposition. Why would you want to when you can outrun them by looking sleeker, more stylish, and generally better dressed?" asks Annabel Hodin.

I'll Pass

Photo credit: Burbank Town Center


The other day I went shopping with my 14-year old daughter. We went through one particular store a few times, and she circled back to pick up garments which caught her fancy. She was not at all interested in, however, the items that I found fetching. Once she got into the dressing room, she wanted me to stay close by, in order to weigh in her selections ( I felt honored).

Ultimately, she decided on a simple v-neck t-shirt and a pair of sandals. Once we got in the long line,  I cruised the store again. I considered trying on some chambray pants and a very soft denim shirt. I also liked one of the necklaces. Then I reminded myself of where I was, and that anything I bought was not likely to last beyond a few spins in the washing machine. I also reminded myself that the clothes were made for teen, not mature bodies. Yes, the clothes were inexpensive, but if they would not last, they were not worth my money. There is a caveat to this Wardrobe Wisdom: If you see something you really like in a teen store, try it on, it fits, and you love it, it's worth buying. You won't be spending a fortune and since it is probably a trendy item, you won't even want to wear it after it has been washed several times so longevity is not an issue.

"Iris"

Photo credit:  livelovecreateinspire.wordpress.com


Iris Apfel has a recognizable face, even if her name is not known by everyone. You cannot miss her trademark over sized eyeglasses and necklaces. The new documentary, Iris "portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life's sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment." Go here to see the trailer and learn more about this woman who Booth Moore, Los Angeles Times fashion critic, calls" "a tsunami of style. . . She's an encyclopedia of fashion history who can recall designer names and stores like that."

What Goes with What

If you have ever looked at your wardrobe in exasperation, go to page 27 in this week's Coastal View News to learn "What Goes with What." 

Shapewear Through the Ages

This is a men's corset from the 18th century.
Photo credit: Patricia Canino/Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Just the other day a history teacher friend was describing some of the outrageous ways people adorned themselves in the Middle Ages. This got us to talking about how men and women have always devised ways to dress themselves up with makeup, hair accessories,  and clothing to feel more attractive. I find fashion history fascinating so was quite captivated by the story "Shapewear Through the Ages" on National Public Radio. I highly suggest you check it out.

I Like Fringe

Image credit: pinterest.com

I believe I revealed in a past blog that I have wanted a fringe jacket (see above) for over 10 years. Where will I wear it? I am not sure. Do I look good in that color? No. Is this an item that will go with many things I already own? Besides my jeans, no.

Fringe has been on my mind lately since it is all the rage right now (see below). My fantasy fringe jacket is an example of an item on my dream shopping list. I definitely don't need it, but if I ever come across in a consignment or thrift store for under $25 I will snap up. Until then, it just remains a little fantasy. Do you have a dream shopping list? What is on it?

 Image credit: stylebakery.com

Right for the Job

Image credit: athleta.com

For the past couple of weeks, my younger daughter has been wearing my running shoes when she exercises. I don't object to her borrowing them; what I am unhappy about is the fact they are not her size! Her feet are one size bigger so running in tight shoes is neither comfortable nor good for her.

It's important to get that each garment or shoe suits its purpose. If you are just going to cruise around in sport shoes, go ahead and wear ones without much support (like my older daughter's chic and sporty Nikes). The ones pictured above are another example of a decidedly cute but not necessarily practical exercise shoe. If you need your clothing or shoes to really work for you, please get the best ones you can afford. Your body will thank you.