Shopping - Fashion Clothing

Go Buy Now: Scarf-Print Blouses

Who What Wear — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:10:00 GMT

What exactly is a scarf-print blouse, you ask? Simply put, these are silky affairs featuring pretty prints-the kind you'd typically find on a scarf, hence the name — like a swirling paisley pattern or dreamy watercolor floral. Our fling with scarf-print blouses first started when we spied Alberta Ferretti's Printed Silk Blouse ($995, 310.652.9000) paired with Printed Silk Trousers ($995, 310.652.9000) from her Resort 12 collection.

Picks:

— Zara Scarf Print Shirt ($80, zara.com)

— DKNY Long Sleeve Button Through Cozy Blouse ($245, 212.223.3569) in Cadmium/Black

— Sandro Express Printed Silk and Crepe Blouse ($385, net-a-porter.com)

View the full article and more picks here: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/go-buy-now-scarfprint-blouses

———

Get the latest and greatest celebrity style, runway trends and shopping suggestions from the fashion and beauty experts at WhoWhatWear.com!

———

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Today I’d buy: Sexy, impractical gloves

Debra D. Bass — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:39:00 GMT

There might be snow on the ground, but it won’t be cold forever.

These graphite lambskin leather gloves are my current infatuation. They are extremely cropped to just cover the fingers and thumb and, frankly, they scream femme fatale.

Get me a fascinator and a wiggle dress and cue the music, please.

They have a subtle metallic sheen and are unlined so that the smooth leather caresses the hand.

You can wear them alone or with a wool muff for a little retro chic. I’ve been craving a pair of vintage gloves, but I could never find what I was looking for. Now, I realize that what I was really craving was an updated vintage-inspired glove.

Fickle, I am.

Anyway, this is what I’d buy today if I had an extra $125 for these graphite gloves handmade in France by Maison Fabre, available at femininrascal.com.

___

Visit the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at www.stltoday.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Wardrobe basics: Go from drab to fab this year

Sunil Ramchandani — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:46:00 GMT

January and February are challenging months to get dressed — fall is long gone and spring is not quite here. This, combined with a possible vacation to somewhere warm and tropical, means your wardrobe is doing some serious multi-tasking. With the help of these five fantastic wardrobe basics, looking great will be effortless:

1. HAVE A BLAZER ON HAND — A blazer is an easy way to dress up an outfit: Mix it with jeans, khakis, pants or even a pencil skirt to go from casual to dressy. Blazers in black, gold or white mixed with floral print dresses are a big trend for spring, so a well-fit blazer will be an essential piece throughout the year.

2. DARK WASH JEANS WITH MINIMAL DECORATION — These have become a great item that takes you from work to play or from day to night. It’s best to choose a fabric weight that works year-round. Denim is a consistent fashion staple, so more than one pair never hurts.

3. THE CRISP WHITE WOVEN SHIRT — This is the wardrobe staple that’s a go-to when you simply do not know what to wear. Take your cue from Jackie Kennedy, who showed up year-round in a crisp white button-down shirt, keeping it simple but always classic.

4. THE LBD (LITTLE BLACK DRESS) – This type of dress works every season and any time of the year; it’s all in how you accessorize it. Most style experts will tell you “Don’t leave home without your favorite statement piece of jewelry and your Little Black Dress.” If you are not sure what to wear in a more formal situation, always reach for your LBD.

5. CAMISOLES AND TANK TOPS – This year, select stylish, well-fitted camisoles and tanks in colors that flatter your skin tone. These must look good when worn under sweaters and jackets or just by themselves; this way, they are extremely versatile and work in any season.

Make these five essentials the cornerstone of your wardrobe and you’ll be surprised how they will make you look and feel good as you transition through the seasons this year. Happy 2012!

———

Jockey Person to Person® is one of North America’s premier direct sales companies offering extraordinary women’s apparel and accessories, created for today’s on-the-go woman. Visit http://www.JockeyP2P.com to find out more. Also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

———

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Stand and deliver

Jenny B. Davis — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:16:00 GMT

Make a grand entrance with these gravity-defying, special-occasion heels.

SUPER NATURAL

Pink champagne-hued patent leather shines next to darkest black grosgrain ribbon and crystal on Vince Camuto’s “Geneviv” peep-toe pump. $129, vincecamuto.com.

PARTY ANIMAL

The big-cat print goes glam with Miu Miu’s spectacular glitter and leopard calf-hair sling-back, sure to enliven any outfit. $575, Bluefly.com.

PYRAMID GLEAM

Manolo Blahnik’s “Tucciocri” stiletto showcases crystals arranged in elegant, deco-inspired geometrics. $1,595, Neiman Marcus (check stores for availability).

CHARTREUSE CHANTEUSE

More than a mere pop of color, this satin Kate Spade “Latrice” heel is a true style statement. $298, Saks Fifth Avenue (saksfifthavenue.com).

FLOWER POWER

Backed with a dramatic oversize fabric rose, Beverly Feldman’s “Bouquet” heels are in full bloom. $53.75 (on sale), beverlyfeldmanshoes.com.

___

Visit the Fort Worth Star-Telegram at www.star-telegram.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

___

Photo: More than a mere pop of color, this satin Kate Spade "Latrice" heel is a true style statement. $298, Saks Fifth Avenue (saksfifthavenue.com). (Ross Hailey/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Go buy now: Parkas

Who What Wear — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:27:00 GMT

When heading out into blustering climates, we find it's always best to be equipped with the most practical, versatile, and of course, stylish outerwear, hence our obsession du jour: the parka! Formerly categorized as merely military garb and casual winter attire, the parka has officially made its high-fashion return to the spotlight as the season's must-have coat. From classic-yet-cool daytime styles to luxurious evening options, the heavy-duty parka is guaranteed to arm you against the winter chill, which is why we believe it's a cold-weather essential you should definitely Go Buy Now!

Picks:

— Charlotte Ronson Hooded Army Jacket ($355, satineboutique.com)

— DKNY Broken Twill Parka ($367.50, on sale; shopbop.com) in Chino

— Topshop Borg Collar Padded Parka ($190, http://us.topshop.com) in Khaki

View the full article and more picks here: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/go-buy-now-parkas/

———

Get the latest and greatest celebrity style, runway trends and shopping suggestions from the fashion and beauty experts at WhoWhatWear.com!

———

Photo: DKNY Broken Twill Parka

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Trends to wear

The Philadelphia Inquirer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:28:00 GMT

’ve compiled a list below of what’s chic for the cold weather this year. Think of these as your go-to items for adding pizzazz to the cold seasons’ bold shades and basic silhouettes.

What You Have: A cardigan sweater

What you need: A fur chubby

Pick: Trina Turk Braden Faux Fur Hooded Vest, $298 at Per Lei (perleiboutique.com).

———

What You Have: A boring winter hat

What You Need: A 1920’s-style cloche.

Pick: Red cloche, Jeanne Simmons Accessories, $30 at Smak Parlour (smakparlour.com).

———

What You Have: An oversize bag that you throw all of your junk in

What You Need: A midsize bag with a funky handle

Pick: Red quilted “Agathis” bag by Ted Baker, $235 at Nordstrom (nordstrom.com).

———

What You Have: A trench coat

What You Need: A cape, preferably patchwork

Pick: Sleeping On Snow Patchwork Cape, $168 at Anthropologie (anthropologie.com).

———

What You Have: Dark blue skinny jeans

What You Need: A bold pair of skinny corduroys

Pick: Crimson skinny cords, Rag & Bone, $176 at rag-bone.com.

———

What You Have: Bare legs

What You Need: Leg warmers

Pick: Gray knit leg warmers, M. Renn, $30 at Smak Parlour (smakparlour.com).

———

What You Have: Hoop earrings

What You Need: Dangling feather earrings

Pick: Orange enhanced rooster feather earrings, Sultana Maria Jewelry, $30 at Smak Parlour (smakparlour.com).

———

What You Have: An A-line skirt

What You Need: A midi-length pencil skirt

Pick: Diane von Furstenberg forest green skirt, $210 at Per Lei (perleiboutique.com).

___

Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.philly.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

___

Photo: Trina Turk Braden Faux Fur Hooded Vest, $298 at Per Lei (perleiboutique.com). (Michael Bryant/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT)

Holiday wardrobes are bold, festive

Debra D. Bass — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:34:00 GMT

Don’t be afraid to make a few bold statements with your wardrobe this holiday season. When the mood is festive, it’s the perfect opportunity to live it up, and it always helps to look the part.

If towering cobalt blue calf-hair platforms aren’t your cup of tea, maybe ivory wide-leg slacks are. You can make a splash with color or the lack thereof.

You can also dress to make a grand entrance in not-so-basic black. We featured a sequin dress and a skirt with just a little fringe at the hem to accentuate your dance moves. We are suckers for any clothing that encourages people to do a twirl, so we paired that with a sleeveless top that’s layered in feathers.

And as far as accessories are concerned, dainty jewels will come and go, but nothing says “let’s celebrate” like a hunk of statement jewelry. You don’t want to overdo it when you’re wearing sequins, but a little bling on the wrist is rarely unappreciated.

We’re loving bangles and cuffs, but if you prefer the former don’t hesitate to pile them on. If they come in sets of three or five, there’s no rule that says you can’t buy two sets. You don’t have to wear them all, but you might feel a little bolder when you’re all dressed up and heading out the door.

And when it comes to makeup and hair, go for flawless. Whether you embrace natural curls or sculpted volume, this is no time to practice the messy look. When your outfit sparkles, so should you.

— Tori wears Jennifer Lopez collection pleated gold lame top ($54), cream pants ($60) and Marilyn shoes ($79.99) at Kohl's; and a cocktail ring ($68) at Ann Taylor.

— Jentri wears a sleeveless sequin dress by Tahari ($79.99) at Marshalls; blue calf-hair platforms ($248) at Ann Taylor; disco ball drop earrings ($26) and two sets of sparkling bracelet trio ($30 each), both at Kohl's. John wears a blue dress shirt ($45) and Marc Anthony collection jacket ($240) and pants ($120) all at Kohl's. Shoes are his own.

— Tori wears a feather shirt ($128), black skirt with sequin fringe at the hem ($248), the crystal glacier necklace ($98), crystal bracelet ($58) and earrings ($38) all at Ann Taylor.

— Tori wears a red jersey dress with a sequin empire waist ($39) and cuff bracelet ($36) at Kohl's; cocktail ring ($68) and earrings ($58) both at Ann Taylor. John wears a plum sweater ($29.99), eggplant striped “super skinny” tie ($12.99) and gray slacks ($19.99) at Marshalls. White shirt is model's own.

___

Visit the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at www.stltoday.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

___

Photo: Jentri wears a sleeveless sequin dress by Tahari ($79.99) at Marshalls; blue calf-hair platforms ($248) at Ann Taylor; disco ball drop earrings ($26) and two sets of sparkling bracelet trio ($30 each), both at Kohl's. John wears a blue dress shirt ($45) and Marc Anthony collection jacket ($240) and pants ($120) all at Kohl's. Shoes are his own. (Erik M. Lunsford/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)

Get the look: Velvet skirt

Who What Wear — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:34:00 GMT

Sartorially speaking, one of our favorite things about the holidays is planning perfect party looks for all the festive gatherings. And while a cocktail dress is a foolproof choice for these occasions, this season we're looking to switch it up a bit and plan on going for statement-making velvet skirts instead! Why, you might ask? The exquisite fabric will instantly add a certain element of luxury to any outfit, plus there are a slew of interesting options on the market (think: sumptuous colors, interesting prints), so creating a dazzling ensemble is easy! That said, we know this skirt can often be a tricky piece to wear-nobody wants to look like they're wearing a velvet curtain-which is why we've tracked down four amazing options as well as a few essential items to help you Get The Look!

Picks:

— Marc by Marc Jacobs Jagz Velvet Midi Skirt ($400, net-a-porter.com)

— MINKPINK Russian Roulette Printed Burnout Velvet Skirt ($108, http://us.asos.com)

— American Apparel Velvet Pencil Skirt ($40, http://store.americanapparel.net) in Green

View the full article and more picks here: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/get-the-look-velvet-skirt

———

Get the latest and greatest celebrity style, runway trends and shopping suggestions from the fashion and beauty experts at WhoWhatWear.com!

———

Distributed by MCT Information Services

The envelopes please: Femininity, functionality at your fingertips

Wendy Donahue — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:40:00 GMT

So often with handbags, our reach exceeds our grasp. That’s one reason designers are pushing the envelope this fall.

This clutch puts femininity and functionality at our fingertips, with a body built for business, but a surface of sensual skin. Scaled, sequined, spotted, striped, it sits blithely in the palm of our hand, yet many are surprisingly roomy inside. And there’s an envelope to please, with prices from under $25 for faux python at H&M on up to thousands for leopard-print mink at Bergdorf Goodman. So go ahead, send a mixed message. Designed, sealed, delivered, it’s yours.

— Cocobelle python clutch, $198, dna2050.com for stores.

— Black python print clutch, $24, hm.com/us for stores.

— Claire Vivier La Pochette clutches, $104 each, seevivier.com.

— Johnny Farah wrapped leather clutch, $298, markshale.com for stores.

— Yves Saint Laurent Belle du Jour clutch, also available in magenta or dark green, $445, neimanmarcus.com for stores.

— Banana Republic leopard calf hair clutch, $98 at bananarepublic.com.

— Marc by Marc Jacob metallic clutch, $158 at Bloomingdales.

— Fendi "Fan" patent clutch w logo closure, $1100 at Barney's New York.

______

Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

______

Photo: Claire Vivier La Pochette clutches, $104, seevivier.com. Available with red or blue stripe. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

Those trendy capes look good — on paper

Ellen Warren — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:40:00 GMT

There are times when fashion and common sense are on a collision course. This is one of those times.

I’m talking about the cape. You’ve seen it on fashion blogs and in magazines. It’s portrayed as an alternative to the coat this fall and winter. And on certain women impossibly tall, thin models — it can look good in a photo. Providing, of course, that the model is not holding anything, walking the dog, opening a door or trying to use her arms to wrestle a screaming infant into a car seat.

Of all the bad style ideas that have trended to the top of the heap in recent years (capri pants, sparkly blue eye shadow, leggings instead of pants), this is among the worst.

Let’s count the ways that capes are not a good idea.

1. You’ll freeze.

You’ll notice that one of the things capes do not have is sleeves. Instead, they have slits for your arms. Fast-forward a few weeks from now when the temperature has dropped considerably.

Think of those arm slits as open windows, welcoming in freezing winds. Do you open all the doors and windows when the wind chill is 20 or 30 below? I didn’t think so. The cape is the fashion equivalent of driving a convertible top down in an ice storm.

Or as the nice man at Barneys told me when I was scrutinizing a Comme des Garcons cape recently, “If you’re thinking warmth, no!”

2. You’ll look bad.

Even in a luxurious fabric, there’s no getting around it: Capes are not flattering. They are, after all, essentially a bag, with a cutout hole for your head. Nobody looks good in a bag. Even a bag like the one shown here, made of wool, cashmere and angora. You’re still wearing a sack.

Now, imagine yourself sticking your arms through those slits, trying to juggle a 12-pack of Diet Coke and a week’s supply of Lean Cuisines up a couple of flights of steps. Awkward. Still not convinced? Read on.

3. You’ll look really bad.

Because this garment has no sleeves (see No. 1 above), you will need to wear — at the very least — a heavy sweater underneath to keep your arms warm when you need to expose them to get on public transportation or fiddle with your phone. So, instead of a single layer, you’ll be wearing at least two. Setting aside the fact that it’s not cost effective, does anyone look better with more padding? Not a good style strategy unless you’re going for a linebacker look.

4. The clash factor.

As if appearing presentable in public isn’t enough of a challenge — especially in winter — the cape offers a whole new realm of opportunity to make bad fashion choices.

Now, you’ll have to worry about whether what you’re wearing beneath complements your outerwear. It’s the sleeve problem once again. Consider how bad a houndstooth cape would look if what was poking through the arm flaps was a colorful print blouse. Or a striped sweater. Or almost anything in your closet.

5. Playing dress-up.

The very essence of the cape is fancy fashion. A cape is simply not a casual look. Think you can wear your cape with gym shoes? It just won’t look right. Still tempted? Try it on with your Reeboks before you buy. If it’s winter versatility you want, buy a coat. With a zip-in lining. And maybe a detachable hood. Waterproof is always nice.

6. You’ve got baggage.

In sharp contrast to the lithe young woman looking sharp in a glossy fashion spread wearing her cape, you carry a purse. A big purse. And often a tote bag or backpack with your gym clothes and lunch. And another bag to hold your laptop.

Most of us manage all this stuff by slinging it over our shoulder(s). Unfortunately, when wearing a cape, you don’t have a shoulder. A cape eliminates this essential piece of your anatomy as a resting place for your gear.

For me, this is the clincher. When you’re wearing a cape, the only purse or bag you can carry is one of those ladylike handbags.

The shoulder bags slide right off. Now your bags are on the filthy, wet, slippery, icy, snowy sidewalk as you struggle — with your arms sticking through those silly flaps — to retrieve them.

Case closed.

___

Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

—————

Photo: Sure, models make capes look glamorously perfect in a completely casual way, as if they just threw it on and didn't spend an hour in hair and makeup. On anyone else? Not a great idea. Shown here is a camel sweater cape of wool, cashmere and angora by Akris Punto ($795 at Nordstrom). (Erik Lunsford/St. Louis Post Dispatch/MCT)