Fashion Week 2008

Let’s face it, as fabulous as Fashion Week is, most folks can’t wear or fit in their budget the designer items on the runway. Because all shapes and sizes are still not represented on the runway, it’s tough even decided if something a model is wearing will fit your shape. So, may I suggest, watch the shows, look in magazines for ideas, but get what fits your shape and looks good on you and would represent your personal style.

While the Seasons are changing, this is also a great time to schedule a closet consultation. There should be three piles, give away, throw away and keep. (Give away - what no longer fits, or if you haven't worn it in two years, throw away anything worn or damaged in any way, keep what fits or that you'll some day use as vintage). And what you’re keeping should be organized in a particular manner, (more on this later).

Every woman should have staple items in their wardrobe collection, such as button-down white shirt, black skirt, dark (brown, blue, gray) slacks, cotton sweater (that can transition through seasons), a “simple chic” dress that you can dress up or dress down, wear to work or to the Warner to see a play. Also, don’t forget a nice-fitting pair of jeans, that don’t bunch, gap or sag, neither are they so tight that you can’t get two fingers in them.

When thinking of mixing and matching while shopping, each item in your closet should have the ability to be paired with at least three other items in your closet. This the mother of all mix & match. Maximize what you have by pairing it with other items and changing the look. Your comrades will never know. Case and point, I was at a show where the facilitator had on a basic black suit, but paired it with five different pair of shoes, five different shirts and various accessories, creating a myriad looks for different occasions. No one would know it was the same suit, even if worn five consecutive days.

Fabrics should be chosen primarily based on fit, durability and maintenance. However, one should always have a few pieces that can be worn in all seasons. There are various types of fabric, natural and otherwise that can assist you in achieving this goal.

Once you’ve had a wardrobe overall, each season you simply have to update it. Add a few pieces here and there. I highly recommend adding more classics and limiting your purchase of trendy items. That is unless you have a daughter who you think won’t be embarrassed to wear it two decades from now when it repeats. You do know fashion repeats itself, right? They just add a new name and a little twist, e.g. gauchos in the eighties are capris today. Bermuda shorts back then, walking shorts today.

So if you want to be a model or just look like June Cleaver, make this your Fashion Week. Or at least your “Image Week”. Me, personally, I liked I Love Lucy. I loved it when she would get dressed in hat, gloves and matching handbag, just to go to the butcher. To me, that was “Image” at it’s best!


Remember: Life is a fashion show, every where you walk is your runway, so work it. -LDR