I may have become a genuine Midwesterner. I am not really ready for Spring because I don't feel sufficiently beaten by snow and ice. Honestly, it's embarrassing. What kind of winter was that anyway? (Okay, it was a lot like a Washington winter, actually.)
Well, I guess I'm proclaiming this a bit too early because there's still plenty of time to get clobbered. Alas, it's not too early to preview the Spring trends.
ISYFashion RESOURCES
It's So... Charming!
Sr. Edna's
Creations
Ey time I see my friend Anne Rice, I comment on her necklace, bracelet or earrings. Wow! Charming! Gorgeous! And, it's always the same answer: Sister Edna's Creations! So, this lady earns the distinction of catching the imagination of so many in a very crowded market of handmade jewelry. Bravo! Charming creations to benefit an organization I've been honored to see operate firsthand. See the jewelry. See the Center.
Remember - Christmas is coming and any of these items would make a wonderfrul gift.
It's So... Helpful!
Success In Style in the Washington-Baltimore area is a non profit organization providing career wear to men and women in need.
- Thrifty: Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
- Teen Fashion:Mercator
- Tattoos:Mercator
- Advice to Famous Politicians: NRO
Press Box
(USA)
Ask Mary your question:
or call
414.412.6333
or write
PO Box 11596
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Art of Manliness. Dress your honey better with the tidbits you get on this site.
The Sartorialist.
View up to date street fashion from all over the world.
Fashion history placed in an easy-to-read format.
Just launched: EIS certified trainers in Singapore!
Visit this site if you are looking for great fashion help!
See Elegance In Style for other consultants.
Fashion Gift Ideas for Women:
1. A signed copy of "It's So You!" with an inscription for best wishes. Here
2. Big fuzzy bathrobe - Here's one idea...
3.Pretty case for glasses Here's one idea...
4. Silk, oblong scarf in her best colors, or maybe a Pashmina Here's one idea...
5. Bangle or cuff bracelet Here's one idea...
6. Charm for her charm bracelet Here's one idea...
7. Fuzzy socks Here's one idea...
8. Soothing skin lotion Here's one idea...
9. Novelty tote bag - monogrammed! Here's one idea...
10. Pendant Here's one idea...
It's So... Clever!
Remember the George Costanza wallet? Maybe a fellow you know has one. Or, maybe not. The guy you love is a minimalist and George's wallet never had a
chance at his back pocket.
Either way, Quivvers melds utility with style in a way George never learned. Take a look:
Go to www.quivvers.com to find out more. Its creator, Amy Bendfelt Barnum is based in my hometown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
So, why I do I tell you about this here at ISYFashion? Because women are smart and they'll buy it too!
*Form fitting
*Wear inside or outside the jacket
*Lots of pockets for stuff
*Reversible
*All weather
*Adjustable
*Made in the USA
Tips for Giving a Great Interview...
Interview / Work Tips:
1. Choose your outfit with care. Ensure that it is cleaned and yes, pressed. (Dig out that iron from under the laundry!) Generally, professional attire involves separates like a structured top (for example, a collared shirt) paired with dress pants or a pencil skirt. Wear flattering colors for your skin type.
2. Update your eyeglasses. You must look current and convince your potential employer that your knowledge of the world didn't stop at 1999.
3. Wear eye makeup, but ensure that the eyes are still more noticeable than the makeup.
4. Limit the amount of jewelry, especially noise makers like bracelets. Cover or de-emphasize body art.
5. Attend to the smaller things like your breath, your uh, overall scent, and the condition of your hands. These are cues for how detail-oriented and charitable you are.
6. Wear shoes which don't involve any serious modifications of your walk. Practice walking as if you are used to work shoes.
7. Choose a bag which implies "work" rather than "beach," "bar," or "motorcycle gang."
8. Keep papers organized in a folder or portfolio and bring your own pen.
9. Wear hosiery if in doubt (especially if you are interviewing for a job which involves the management of lots of money).
10. Turn off the phone. Don't even put it on the table in front of you no matter how badly you need to view texts from your teenager who is stuck in front of the school. She'll be fine.
It's So...
The Best Stuff Out There!
It's so thoughtful!
A Year of Good Manners by Margery Sinclair. Not only do I wish I had long ago discovered this perpetual calendar for recording important dates (before I missed those important dates), but I wish I had met Margery long before now. She is a treasure of information on etiquette and fashion and a great human being. See her work or order her book at www.margerysinclair.com.
The book is Margery's wisdom with original paintings by Jan Polk.
The Maxi Dress. The maxi dress and maxi skirt are both back as great alternatives to shorts and shorter skirts. (I was especially in love with the maxi skirt last summer.)
Romantic tops in neutral hues
Colors in the stores right now are bright and sometimes neon (especially in Juniors). The truly elegant color combinations involve mixes of light neutrals or ecclectic pairings of muted cool tones. See the original forecast:
ISY TIP: Sure, go for the current colors but keep your best colors up around your face.
ISY TIP: The silhouette of the maxi is rather slim and very vertical. Don't go for a dirndl gather at the waistline unless you are very tall and/or trying to add volume.
ISY TIP: Silhouettes this season are soft and draped with a romantic flow. Any item with structure ("preppy pants," blazers, or shirt dresses) tend to be softened with a feminine counterpart.
ISY TIP: What to make of images like these? In the above example, you take away that lace is in! Rather than copy this look from head to toe, find your comfortable level of lace (or not) and put together your own look. (Great mix of patterns and textures here.)
My Favorite Things:
Vivienne Tam is someone I watch each season.
Nanette Lepore's work always makes me smile.
Darling: The Art of Being a Woman. Excellent!
Even structured trenchcoats have fun details lie ruching (left) or color blocking (below).
ISY TIP: If the trench is your investment piece for the season (like the Burberry above) then take care to not go too trendy and stay with a neutral. At lower prices, you can take more chances.
The Trouser Fit is a full-leg that falls from the widest point of the hips. It can be the most elegant of trousers when made from a good woven fabric.
ISY PANT TIPS:
ISY TIPS: The four looks above will work long before the heat of the summer in personal-casual settings. The four illustrate key looks which rely on color.
Leggings, skinny jeans, and cropped pants come in every color imaginable. Be sure to choose with an eye on the tops you already own.
Shorts are paired with flats and heels.
The "jumper" is another trend I'm watching and waiting to channel my inner 70s girl.
Satchels, clutches, totes
ISY TIP: Pop a colorful bag into a wardrobe of neutrals or mellow a coloful wardrobe with one light neutral purse.
The Boot Cut fit is universally flattering because the artificial volume at the leg opening balances your natural volume at the "seat." Dark shades of denim will provide the most sophisticated look.
Form fitting trousers (skinny jeans, leggings, "stove pipe capris) are not as flattering on women who have a lot of natural volume on the bottom because the lines of the legs do not drop down vertically. Women with a lot of natural volume at the top may appear top heavy.
These jeans work with tasteful tops that skim over private areas like tops over leggings. And, as we all know, leggings work like panty hose. (One never leaves the house in just hosiery and a top.)
Jeans that are tapered on the bottom, loose through the thigh, and high waisted are "mom jeans." (and not in a good way)
