Skinny Pants

Choices: Last season's sale items at Holt Renfrew vrs. Costco 

New (Purchased over the last 6 weeks)
Note-Worthy      No Thanks     Need    

I've purchased three pairs of skinny pants in the past six weeks; two were on sale at Holt Renfrew and one pair was a Costco purchase - each in three different Canadian cities. Skinny pants are my alternative to short shorts. As to weather considerations, a loose pair of linen pants or a gauzy lightweight dress/shift would be better in hot weather than short shorts anyway. It's an age thing.

Retrieved from Lyst on March 27, 2013.

The dark taupe Theory pair were purchased at Holt Renfrew in Edmonton, Alberta at the sale cost of $149.00 (plus 5% GST) at the beginning of February. The original cost was $225.00. Theory was founded in 1997 by Andrew Rosen in New-York but is now a Japanese owned company. Clothing from Theory has defined "the modern contemporary category". According to the publicity statements, "exceptional fit, high-quality fabrics, and sleek silhouettes for both men and women have made Theory designs go-to staples in stylish closets around the globe". The starting retail prices are about $200.00 for pants. My favourite way of wearing my dark taupe Theory pants through the last of the snow is with a pair of flat knee-high boots and a black lightweight merino wool top. For work I put a black blazer on and it feels perfect.

Retrieved from Hudson Jeans on March 27, 2013.

I paid $99.00 (plus British Columbia HST of 12%) for these Leeloo super skinny cropped Hudson "bone white" pair with black side stripe at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver. They were originally priced at $198.00 but I bought them for $99.00 on March 19th. On the Hudson website I found them at a sale price of $119.00. They look more white in this photo than the beige I see in real life.

Nice:  My favourite of the two are the Theory pair. They feel the best, they sit the best and the dark taupe is my new beige. 

Need: I intend to find a floral top or a striped scarf including a matching taupe accent to lighten and brighten the Theory skinny pants for spring, 2013.

Note-Worthy 1:  Even though the cropped Hudson pair don't fit or sit as well as the Theory pair and they feel like they are "falling down" (but of course I only found this out after wearing them for a day), I do like the look. As well because stripes are such a strong trend this spring, I still am glad I bought them. 

Need:  A belt to keep my Hudson Leeloo cropped pants up!

Note-Worthy 2:  I bought a beige pair of skinny pants for a Costco purchase of $24.99. Of all, these are the easiest to wear and certainly fall into that "comfortable casual" category since they have no front or side zippers, except to act as fake pocket closures, and are simply a pull-on. What's note-worthy is that when I wear any one of the three, the "look" is essentially the same. Alfred Sung is a Canadian designer who is responsible for the Club Monaco label (with Saul and Joe Mimran - of Joe Fresh fame).

What shoes to wear with skinny pants: 

Professional stylists tend to put heels with skinny pants and I have done that. In the winter, flat or heeled boots are so perfect but in the summer, the ballet flat is my preference.

Care for cotton based clothing with elasticine or polyesters: 
The Theory label suggests the need for drycleaning. Yet the content of the Theory pants are over 60% cotton with nylon and elasticine. Sticking that drycleaning label on their clothing is a default action to defray any liability for fabric destruction by customers. Essentially they don't trust us to know how to care and clean our clothing. For the most part, when it comes to pants, the only ones I dryclean are those that are 100% wool (or the majority percentage is wool) and could be described as "dress pants" or "suit pants" - professional pressing and cleaning is a combination I cannot duplicate for those pants. The Hudson pants are 90% cotton and the Alfred Sung Costco pants are polyester and elasticine. Their labels both suggest a delicate cold water machine wash with similar colours, hanging to dry or tumble dry and ironing with a low iron if needed. If your iron has a "synthetics" setting, that would be considered "low". The Alfred Sung pants appear not to need any ironing and I would modify the "ironing" to inside out on the Theory and Hudson pants. I just washed the Theory pants, nothing bad happened and they look fine.

One of the reasons I iron my pants inside out is to prevent that "shine" which occurs when your iron is too hot for the fabric composition. To be on the safe side, anything that has nylon, elasticine or spandex in it should be ironed inside out. My guess is that the nylon, etc. has a lower melting point and those fibres will melt and create the shine. I may be wrong but it's a thought. Some will suggest using an ironing cloth, a cotton or linen piece to place on the fabric you are ironing so that the iron does not touch the clothing item directly. Good use for an old linen shirt or cotton t-shirt.

Another inside out ironing tip is to iron the zipper area and the seams open flat (if they aren't stitched together that is). This provides a flat finished look rather than the crumple you sometimes see at the seams or zippers.

Following Jewellery Trends for Spring 2013

Spring "Greens" for Spring 2013

NEW!          

Turquoise embellishing large chain links for Spring, 2013.

One of the reasons I have not been blogging over the past month is that I am preparing for a spring show in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and now that it is a week away, I pretty much only have to price my wares and make a piece or two to round out the choices. I am leaving via Vancouver where I will spend a couple of days and maybe pick up some jewellery findings and semi-precious stones. Of course, the basis of my work is in turquoise and sometimes a piece evolves from whatever components sit and stare at me for a significant amount of time. And so it was with this piece as I pondered how to use the last of the big link chain and a 6 pack of turquoise donuts. I do not buy much in mass amounts just because it forces me to be unique in my designs. Unfortunately when someone asks if I can make them another exactly like "this one", my answer is often no.

Semi-precious green stone with oversized spheres for Spring, 2013.

Although I find turquoise something of a chameleon that can be worn with many different colours and outfits, green, according to Panetone, is the colour for Spring, 2013 and so I created a few in the jade tones and some lighter shades of green.

Over the past five years of making jewellery, I have noticed that statement necklaces are becoming a basic rather than just a trend. More women are choosing big and bold and the statement necklace is becoming a "must have" necklace. I have been making pieces with large links, huge chains and over-sized beads for a good while and just when I think that the more delicate will overtake the "trend of the moment", Chanel (see slide 61 on the Harpers Bazaar link) places giant pearly baubles at the wrist and at the neck, as they did again for the spring of 2013. It doesn't seem to matter whether it is night or day, the statement pieces are being worn at work and play. Even a t-shirt and jeans become a palette for the artistry and design of a signature piece.

Just be advised that with all the "bigness" in both earrings and necklaces in the spring of 2013, keep the clothing simple and understated.

Spring 2013: Colours

Last fall's colours blend into spring 2013

Choices: Green or Blue?

Note-Worthy           No Thanks           

Last fall I suggested you buy some t-shirts in colbalt blue, orange and emerald. Aren't you glad you didn't buy head to toe orange? Mind you "tangerine tango" was the 2012 colour of the year as proclaimed by Panetone, a commercial conglomerate dedicated to producing colour for print, fabric and anywhere else colour is needed. Blue tops purchased on sale in fall, 2012 and winter, 2013 Panetone is calling "emerald" its colour of the year for 2013. This spring, you might want to look for a skirt, baggy Bermuda shorts or pants in the tones of the green top or t-shirt that you bought last fall. But if you were like me, you may have chosen the blue instead and bought a top or two in that colbalt colour last fall. The Panetone colours for Spring 2013 have been determined as emerald, tender shoots, greyed jade, dusk blue, Monaco blue, African violet, lemon zest,  nectarine, linen, and poppy red. Cobalt blue has been toned down to dusk blue and Monaco blue, a slightly less electrifying shade than colbalt; orange is now nectarine and emerald is still emerald although there are at least two other green tones for the spring: tender shoots and greyed jade.  Note-Worthy: If the 2013 Academy Awards was any indication, there was a smattering of blue in the "colour" choices within a predominantly pale palette, short of the black and red that is. Nothing "green" stands out. If anything, blue came through more strongly than green. I don't believe that's a big surprise because I believe that, for the most part, blue is easier to wear than green and will "last" longer in your wardrobe. Not that any of these women (or the little girl) would dream to wear any of these dresses again.

Blue Gowns at the 2013 Academy Awards. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/topics/entertainment/movies/red-carpet.htm?mediatype=Image on March 4, 2013

Note-Worthy & No Thanks: I have purchased greens in the past: a lime green short boxy blazer, a wool "suit" in dark forest green with trousers, and a pale mint green silk suit with baggy pants and a pencil skirt with a blazer. I love that silk suit and it is still in my stash of "old closet stuff" that may once again see the light of day. The jacket and wool suit are also still in my closet but are not appealing enough to try to resuscitate. Of course, I always had something green to wear on St. Patrick's Day. In conclusion, for me, even though I have owned green in the past, it now would be considered a no thanks.

Nice: So what's my choice? It is obvious isn't it. 

Spring 2013: Black & White Stripes - Always & Again

Choices: Just How Many Stripes?

Nice           No Thanks           Note-Worthy

Two Spring 2013 trends are black and white, always or again, and stripes, always or again . . .

Always . . . it seems that stripes reappear every spring in  some form and if you scroll through the images of stripes online, you will find many celebrities, male and female, in stripes, from Coco Chanel through to Jackie O and Andy Warhol to present day celebs.

Again and again. . . Kelly Rypa caught on camera in the summer of 2009 . . . 

Retrieved from http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/192/1922564/29_2009/d23ce0001dbb0f73_Kelly-Ripa.preview.jpg on February 16, 2013

2013 . . . Dig out the stripes, any stripes: vertical, horizontal, blazers, pants, skirts, shirts, sweaters - like black and white, they've been "in" before and this spring designers decided to kick them up a notch again. 

Here's a look at the 2013 stripes. 

Retrieved from http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/style/2013/01/02/the-springsummer-trends-of-2013/ on February 17, 2013

No Thanks: That many stripes - very scary - in the trousers, in the top, in the skirt - just may be too much of a good thing.

Alexander McQueen retrieved from 

http://www.kristopherdukes.com/2008/01/02/alexander-mcqueen-shoes-striped 

on Feburay 15, 2013

Note-Worthy: As always, when a new trend arrives, I suggest and continue suggesting that you introduce it through your accessories - in this case, stripes in your shoes, stripes in your purse, stripes in your jewellery . . . . 

Nice: Other than my Amor Luxe tops, and perhaps a few accessories, I know that will be the extent of stripes for me in 2013.

Spring 2013:The Necklace or Sunglasses?

Choices: Statement Necklaces or Statement Sunglasses?

My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses.

- Audrey Hepburn

Simple clothing, that LBD - little black dress you bought five years ago, with funky statement jewellery was one of the hottest trends for winter 2013. But it does take more than a trend for someone to wear those statement pieces. And in actuality, the person buying the statement pieces will wear them, trend or not.

In the same way that a pearl necklace or a symbolic religious piece can be a person's signature, the statement necklace has become a signature; and signature pieces override trends with women who have the panache and personality type to match.

Turquoise with silver crosses

Coral & Turquoise with 3 Crosses

A woman in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada purchased two of my necklace:one in turquoise with black and another in turquoise and coral. There is no better customer than one who demonstrates excitement and pleasure in wearing a piece that one has created. It is exactly for her and her response that I in turn take pleasure in creating. The pieces are bold and definitely make a statement.

It seems that for the spring of 2013 there is less emphasis on the necklace; the new "statement" is apparently sunglasses. So whether you indulge in a designer line, choose an economical drugstore brand, or resurrect a "vintage" pair, find the funkiest and flaunt them. 

At the same time that I write that, go and visit this trends site to see the big and bold neckpieces for 2013. 

Although, I believe it's easier to wear a necklace, some of us will choose the sunglasses. After all it's a spring and summer thing! We all love warm weather and why wouldn't you wear your statement sunglasses when you can be eating and drinking al fresco? Take a look at Elle's illustration of Marc Jacobs' red dotted butterfly sunglasses or Parasite's "Vamp" for two very different statements for the Spring and Summer, 2013.

The necklace or the sunglasses? First thought - choose one or the other.

How about both? Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing! However, do they complement each other or clash? Follow your heart.

Many Options at All Price Points

When I looked at the date of my last post, I almost couldn't believe it. It has been a long time! I am now settled at the University and have put in my first week of five on a temporary contract. I have hardly had a chance to look at clothing as anything other than functional and professional. As far as what to bring for a 5 week professional stint, I just threw my "2010-11" wardrobe into a huge suitcase and am now hoping for the best. Many things are big on me but passable. Funny I don't seem to care. And I have done no retail therapy yet.

So now when I am too busy to do anything but plan for and prepare lessons, mark assignments and deal with university "housekeeping", do I practice what I preach when it comes to clothing?

Being slightly overwhelmed with work causes me not to pay attention to clothing; therefore for those who are always overwhelmed, I can't imagine when or why they would ever think about what they wear. Presently I believe it is important to dress professionally. I need to set an example for the students yet they, as pre-service teachers, are closer in age to the students they will be teaching than to me, their professor. Ultimately they are going to dress more like the high school students they teach than me and I expect that. So what are the features of the clothing I expect them to wear professionally?

A man can put on a tie, a white shirt and "dress" trousers and there he is, professionally dressed. It never has been that simple for women.

I do not expect 21 to 24 year olds to dress like 50 year olds therefore the choosing of professional dress is based on features more than specific pieces of clothing. Young women who are going to be secondary school teachers need to acknowledge that the following considerations are important:

Fit: If it's too tight, it will be provocative and uncomfortable.
Cleavage: what 14 to 16 year old male doesn't like to see cleavage? Why else would video games have Barbie Doll proportions on their feature characters and avatars?
Length: Of skirts particularly. Short skirts are uncomfortable and make one feel self-conscious in addition to all the other stresses involved in standing up in front of 20 plus high school students.
Style: Professional, yet a 20 something should not be wearing her mother's blazers.

In addition to those "professional" considerations, a beginning professional probably only has one thought: I can't afford professional clothing.

That statement made me remember a short clip with the designer of Joe Fresh on Diva on a Dime. Yes the grocery store clothing line has a designer. The recent opening, Spring 2012, of an international flagship store in New York and to have Joe Fresh on a national television show are both significant accomplishments for a grocery store brand from a Canadian food distributor.  Joe Fresh designer Joe Mimran said something that was quite profound for me and that was: women (and men - my addition) have more options than they ever have had at every price point.

Price options are a good thing! So that means that you can look professional at lower price points. Therefore it's the features of style, length, proportion, fit, and appropriateness that become criteria when shopping for professional clothing.

Joelle Aidan in Calgary who has an administrative position keeps her classic work wardrobe fashionable with designer basics; however she is not shy to admit that Joe Fresh plays a role in her closet choices. "I have primarily purchased tank tops, short and long sleeve t-shirts from Joe Fresh - for $8. you can't go wrong. The quality of the cotton is very good and quite thick. As well, the shirts are a longer length so there is no gap in the back if you are sitting when wearing jeans. 

At those prices, Joe Fresh offers incredible wear-ability and transition for the up and coming stylish young professional. 

Artisan Made Outer Wear

Closet Content Analysis: Clothing Art/Closet Gems

 

Choices: Winter Coats & Jackets

NOTE-WORTHY!        

Insofar as winter outer wear goes, after you have had the long camel coat, the black wool pea jacket, the down-filled parka or the shearling jacket, it’s time to purchase something unique. Shopping at arts and crafts shows, artist-owned co-operatives or museum and art gallery shops, even for winter outer wear can be rewarding. First you are supporting a craftsperson, local or international, and second you are getting a piece never seen in a department store.

The coats here are examples of work by master artisans in Canada and Eastern Europe.

Sometimes it feels like it hurts when you make a big purchase, so I really beleive that the more expensive things should be gems that you keep in your closet, not trends. 

- Amber Valletta

Artisan-made coat purchased at Galerie d'Art, Quebec City, October, 2004

Carolyn, Toronto-born and raised and now living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, bought her "festive holiday coat" in Quebec City. The artisan's shop was just inside the wall of the old city and was filled with Quebec-made knit, woven and sewn crafts and clothing. When Carolyn saw the coat she just had to have it and when she put it on, she visualized herself in a horse drawn sleigh. In fact, she did take a horse-drawn carriage ride after buying the coat. She only wears the coat two or three times a year, however, like a precious gem, it doesn't get "old" and it still makes her feel special.





The coat is reversible: red velvet "patchwork" on one side and blue wool on the other. It is stitched with multi-coloured crocheting and beading details. It features a hood and scarf which are also reversible.

Savelia decided to bring old world craftsmanship to Canada after meeting a master seamstress in Ukraine who made beautiful coats with the centuries-old tradition of appliqués. She brought them to Canada and sold them to friends, family and acquaintances as well as through artisans' shows and her self-sponsored fashion shows. Recently, unfortunately, the artisan in Ukraine is at a standstill since she is now becoming too old to maintain a steady stream of articles for a retail trade and must find an apprentice or apprentices to learn her craft. That puts Savelia with only two or three coats left in her inventory (the one in the photograph is the one long coat left) with an undetermined timeline for replacements.

I received what was called an "Eskimo" parka as a Christmas gift when I was a teenager in Manitoba. In Canada, the term "Inuit" now replaces all former references to "Eskimo". It was a beige wool parka, similar to felted wool, with Inuit inspired designs on the lower park of the three-quarter length jacket. It had a fur-trimmed hood and a dark brown waterproof overlay with matching Inuit designs. When the two-piece parka and shell was no longer a fad, it became a "gem" because of the timeless quality. These jackets are now being sold online as "vintage Eskimo parkas".

There's never a new fashion but it's old.

- Geoffrey Chaucer

Recurring Trends

Closet Content Analysis: Trends

Choices: Doing It Again?

NICE                   NO THANKS         NOTE-WORTHY            NEED           NEW

It was the seventies and platforms were all the rage. 

Platforms, 1973.

These were my "dress" shoes - platforms to go with navy and white polka dot "hot pants" - OMG! I remember the shop on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, long gone now. I knew no one else would have a pair like these in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada where I went to high school. Years later, my husband, when he was teaching Sociology, took them to a class to use as a motivational set. I still have them and they are still in wearable condition.

My objective for this post is to address the question that when you reach a particular age, and you have lived through a trend decades ago, is it ok to wear the trend when it recurs? I read somewhere, that if you have lived through a trend once, never try to wear it again.

NO THANKS;  Maybe NOTE-WORTHY: When I see peplums, considered a major trend in the winter of 2012, my immediate reaction is that I don't want or need anything with a peplum. I had several in the 80s and that was enough. Although I write this, if I was shopping for a suit or more formal attire and a peplum was one of the choices, I would not dismiss it entirely. I would not buy it for trend's sake but if it looked good, it would be considered.

NO THANKS: When I see retro-polka dots, that too is part of my past that I don't wish to revisit or reinvent. This is a definite NO THANKS.

NO THANKS: When I see colour blocking of contrasting colours side by side, I recall an oversized top from the early 90s that only evokes clownish memories and I am glad I have forgotten it (until this moment anyway).

NO THANKS: When I see short shorts as an alternative to a skirt, I remember "hot pants"; therefore, short shorts other than at the beach, will never again be part of my wardrobe. I know, never say never but I am of a particular age, when I can truly say "never" again to short shorts, no matter what the trendsetters call them.

NOTE-WORTHY & NEW: However, when I saw these platforms, I didn't mind and I bought a pair. So I broke the "never again" rule with a pair of platforms I purchased while I was in Romans-Sur-Isere in the south-east of France in September, 2012. This time they are black with no embellishments at all. I have worn them several times and have felt quite good in them. One of my friends exclaimed that these were the most practical sensible shoes she's ever seen on me. 

Closet Requirements Relative to Lifestyle

Closet Content Analysis: Striving for a Minimalist Wardrobe

Choices: Lifestyle Requirements

NICE                   NO THANKS         NOTE-WORTHY            NEED

There are women in my closet, hanging on the hangers, a different woman for each suit, each dress, each pair of shoes . . . 

- Marya Hornbacher

Once again, I am contemplating reducing the items in my closet therefore I need to asses what it is exactly that I NEED.

Since I returned to Canada, I have only been bringing to my bedroom closet what I need from my storage closet. Two revelations have come to me. First I certainly don't NEED everything that I have and second, even within my limited range, I have certain favourite go to outfits, which would be considered my NICE.

Even though I am contemplating a minimalist wardrobe; I recognize that my lifestyle is erratic and I NEED different clothes at different times. If I am in my "workshop" or writing, then . . .

NICE: I can live in blue jeans, t-shirts, workout wear and for the most part, barefeet, flats and runners. I have used this quote before but it rings so true for me at the moment:

I'm like every other woman: a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear; so I wear jeans.

- Cameron Diaz

Presently I'm in my "workshop" constructing jewellery for the Christmas sale on the 7th, 8th and 9th of December. My yoga pants and a t-shirt with barefeet is as elaborate as I get. I leave the house to pick up a few things, where a merino light wool black pullover or v-neck camel cashmere pullover with skinny jeans and high boots are as elaborate as I want for my shopping treks. When I'm off to the gym, I wear my gym strip and don't even bother changing at the gym since it's there and back with no stops in between.

NOTE-WORTHY 1: However, at the jewellery show and sale, I have to look like I wear what I make! My LBD of course and any other classic apparel works but not jeans since they still look a smidge too casual for the type of sale I'm at.

So at certain times my jeans are both my NICE and my NO THANKS.

NOTE-WORTHY 2: With the holiday season here, I NEED formal/semi-formal attire. The LBD gets a lot of wear but I do have a range of simple LBD to lace overlay to bling enhanced. My LBD and a variety of statement necklaces can pull me through for the most part but even within the invitations there is a range of requirements.

NOTE-WORTHY 3: Then I have yet another life, where I occasionally take on teaching contracts so in January I'm off to the University of Alberta for five weeks in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A more business-appropriate wardrobe is required in this situation because it is a professional college and I feel more comfortable in business wear than in casual clothing. Therefore, I keep my blazers and re-work or update them as need arises.

Given all my NOTE-WORTHIES, how am I to minimize my Canadian wardrobe? I do have a minimalist wardrobe in France since my life there is simpler. My visa states that I cannot work and so I have no professional obligations. I have everything I NEED there and don't seem to be bothered by the fact that I have worn the same dress out to dinner many times. Most of my summer wear is now there and I probably will need to look at reducing the numbers in that closet as well.

It appears that this closet analysis has put me right back where I started. I NEED most everything I have in my closet even though it is only NOTE-WORTHY and not required everyday.  Should I feel guilty?

Guilty feelings about clothes are totally unnecessary. A lot of people earn their living by making clothes, so you should never feel bad.

- Karl Lagerfeld

So what are your favourite NICE go-to clothes in your closet?
In what ways might you minimize your wardrobe?
Or are you too caught in a lifestyle where very different clothing is required relative to the NEED of the moment?

Jewellery Trends Winter 2012-13

As presented on my blog "pages" you see that I make jewellery. Whenever I am preparing for a big sale, I spend a lot of time searching for the jewellery trends of the time. I then stare at my stash of "stuff" and allow creativity to flow.

For this post, I summarized the features from what I have seen online, in fashion magazines and in the stores while in France in October and in Canada presently. Keeping these features in mind, I design, assemble, take apart, put back together, ponder about and eventually design pieces with which I am happy.

Here's a summary of what I see as components in jewellery trends for the winter 2012-13:

Length: It appears as if lengths range from the "choker" to the long "flapper-style" and everything in between. Whether on the catwalk or on the DIY videos, every length is represented. In the business of preparing for a sale, I now feel that I have to have a representation of each.

Colour:  As in all winters previous and all winters to come, deeper colours appear on the forefront. Emeralds and deep greens are popular this particular season. I've seen a lot of sapphire blue and red along with tones in turquoise and coral/orange. Of the metals, gold seems to predominate. But in fact, I would suggest that you choose the metal tone that feels and looks good against your skin.

Stringing Materials: A"new" recurring feature in the forefront this season is the ropey silk cords, waxed cotton, leather lacing and other woven cording. Of course, there are always pendants strung on cords every season but this winter, there appear to be more. In some cases, thick cording and the knotting is as much the feature as the pendant or charms. And yes, there are chains in multiples as well. There usually isn't just one style of chain holding the beads but rather many thicknesses of many chains looped in varying lengths. Then there are those pieces with the combination of cord and metal. It seems that metal hoops and fabric loops are being featured alone or in combination.

Beads, Charms, Pendants, Tassels and Other Decorative Embellishments: Stones such as turquoise, onyx, different colours of quartz and really just about any kind of stone appear in the collections and reflect that sought after "tribal" quality. Art deco and tassels, reminiscent of the "flapper style" balance the natural and fabric cording materials. Crosses, in decorative Gothic style, as well as in matching colours are yet another prominent feature. But then again you can find what you are partial to, whether it be hearts or skulls. 

Size: Big! Pendants are big, tassels are long and small elements are gathered to evoke "bigness".

Turquoise with multi-media. Created by JoyD. Winter 2012/13

Materials + Features = Product: Put it all together and you get the statement necklace which tops the lists as the predominant trend seen online and in print for the winter of 2012-13. Oversized earrings, with chandelier styles still in vogue, and multiple bracelets, beaded or cuffed, recur featuring the components listed.












So what have I missed? 
What's the trend in your part of the world for the winter of 2012-13?

Purchase Less, Look Great

We have all seen the phrase, "spend less, look great" but added to that we should probably also be purchasing less. As we get closer to Christmas, many vow to spend less and then they break that vow by allowing themselves to get caught up in the commercialism of it all. And so how can we spend less on our wardrobes as we prepare for Christmas gatherings and festivities?

Of course, "less" is relative to your income, and for the most part, unless you are independently wealthy or have "sheikh" status, spending "less" is  an underlying thought when most of us go shopping. But in fact it really doesn't matter how much you spend (as stated, some have greater expendable income than others) we really should be purchasing less, quantity wise, and looking great with less choice. 

And so I propose three holiday season challenges for you and your closet:

1 Challenge yourself to choose what you have in your closet instead of claiming you have nothing to wear and heading out to the shopping mall. Essentially go "shopping" in your closet. For formal and semi-formal Christmas parties, bring out that little black dress or the trousers and possible tops along with all the accessories and shoes that you can add that will dress up the basics or dress them down to accommodate the variety of events during the holidays. By pre-planning and playing with ideas, you will surprise yourself with all the combinations. Going shopping under the stress of getting something new for a particular event is the worst way to go shopping. You end up buying something you don't really need and it just may end up never being worn again.

Because of what's going on with the economy, I think women are realizing that maybe they don't need a closet full of clothes. They just need the right clothes. 

- Michael Kors

2 Challenge yourself to see the potential in a thrift store item or in a single piece that can complement what you already have. If you do feel that you must buy something new for the holiday season, take the advice of the the North American television show, Diva on a Dime. The hosts choose a runway outfit and then proceed to duplicate the look for the client. It is always fascinating to watch. The hosts scour thrift stores, vintage accessory shops, fabric stores, and sample designer trunk sales to find the "look" without the extravagant price tags. 

Buy what you don't have yet or what you really want, which can be mixed with what you already own. Buy only because something excites you, not just for the simple act of shopping.

- Karl Lagerfeld 

3 Challenge yourself to spend only a certain amount of money. Decide on that amount before you leave your home and do not go over that pre-determined number.

The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one.

- Erma Bombeck 

Men don't seem to have the problem that women have when getting "dressed up" but Diva on a Dime also inspires me to ask, are there television shows like this for men? I would think that there must be an audience of men who are looking to look good for less. In fact, thinking about my brother who has a limited "formal" wardrobe, a show of this kind would be perfect for him when he has special occasions to attend. Whether he would actually watch or act upon the suggestions is quite another thing. 

Consider yourself challenged and let me know what you found in your closet and how you re-invented it.

Seasonal Closet Analysis: Usefulness

Closet Content Analysis: A Strategy to Determine Usefulness

Choices: Colour Assigned Hangers as an Organizational Tool

NICE     NO THANKS     NOTE-WORTHY

Now that I'm back in my Canadian home, I need to organize my clothing for winter. I have attempted the subject of closet organization before in a pre-sale closet analysis post but this time I need to analyse my closet relative to season change. 

"Begin at the beginning", the King said gravely, "and go till you come to the end; then stop."  

- Lewis Carroll (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)

Depending on your personality type the following three steps may seem ridiculous or miraculous. If organizing your closet is a pain, this strategy just might work this time.

1 Get Your Tools Ready. 
Have available three different colours of hangers: one for NICE (clothing you love and always wear), one for NOTE-WORTHY (those that you occasionally wear but can't bear to part with or belong to another season), and one for NO THANKS. For your NO THANKS choices, buy a package or two of red hangers or any colour that is significantly different than the hanger colours being used for your NICE and NOTE-WORTHY choices.

2 Start Sorting. Ask yourself the following when, what, how, where, and why questions as you analyse each item of clothing hanging in your closet.

When do I wear it? (Seasons, months, weeks, days; how often)
If something is only to be worn in another season than which you are in, place it on a NOTE-WORTHY hanger. So if it's winter and you have the luxury of another closet, put the summer NICE/NOTE-WORTHY pieces aside. Place those items which receive seldom or never responses and hang them on your NO THANKS coloured hangers.

What items in your closet are your favourites?
You will probably be able to answer this question without thinking twice and of course, it is related to the "when" question. Your favourites are in an "easy to get to" spot in your closet and you choose them often and wear them comfortably. Put them on your NICE hangers.

How does it fit? (perfectly, too tight, too big)

There is a special category here and it is - tight, but since I'm on Weight Watchers/or any other weight loss program, I'll be able to wear it comfortably in two months, put it on your NOTE-WORTHY hangers. Or "too loose" but I love wearing it around the house. The NO THANKS hangers get the stuff that not only doesn't fit but no longer suits your lifestyle.

Where do I wear it?

By the time you ask yourself this question, your NO THANKS choices are already on their assigned hangers. If the answer is work or "going out" put it on your NICE hangers; if the answer is "at home only" put it on your NOTE-WORTHY hangers or fold them and put them in a drawer rather than taking up space in your closet.

Why do I wear it? (feelings, comfort, need/work requirements)
Clothing for work and your favourite "going out" clothing go on your NICE and NOTE-WORTHY hangers. Maybe you don't wear them often but they are your "formal fancy dress" clothes - those are NOTE-WORTHY.

By the time you have answered all these questions, you will have analysed and sorted out the stuff that is just taking up space in your closet. However, I'm not suggesting you throw or give the NO THANKS things away yet.

3 Dealing with the NO THANKS Lot. Put the NO THANKS clothing in another closet or in another part of your closet. Now they will be on hold for two months. If you retrieve any of your NO THANKS items during the two month period, change them to a NOTE-WORTHY coloured hanger. If you do not seek out or wear any of these items for the two months, it's time to determine what you want to do with them. Your choices are: consignment shop but only if the items are in exceptional quality; a charity depot; "put to other uses" bin (craft & painting clothes, craft bin for re-using fabrics or rag bin); 100% natural fibres to a fabric recycler; or the trash.

Order is the shape upon which beauty depends.

- Pearl S. Buck 

Now you have another task to add to your list for a cold and snowy or rainy winter day!