Women Wednesday – Summer doesn’t mean Casual

 

Men have it rough with no real choice of switching from winter wear to summer wear other than with lighter wools.

Women however, have the opposite problem. There are too many choices and so women can appear too casual or even sloppy. Thankfully, we have skirts that allow some airiness. Furthermore, we have the option of wearing short sleeve or three-quarter length sleeve blazers that allows for further breeziness.

Air conditioning is usually quite high in most office buildings so the only time that a person could be affected is to and from work and lunch time. It is perfectly find to take off the blazer to reveal a summer friendly blouse or tank top during these designated off times.

It can be a slippery slope to casual and inappropriate in the summer time. Just remember that the dress code doesn’t change because its summer and so you shouldn’t either.

Women Wednesday: Fashion Week edition

Last week was Toronto LG Fashion Week where fall/winter 2010 collections were shown from some designers. I attended numerous shows and spotted a few recurring trends. Now, I know it is the fall collection and you have to wait till fall but its still kind of cold so why not wear it all now? That is the hard part about fashion, the waiting game between seasons as designers create collections one season ahead. I learned quickly to abandon all timetables and just wear whatever whenever as its always cold in Canada anyway. Please note: I do not recommend any of these looks for a corporate/professional workplace environment (possibly socks with heels when worn with trousers only!)

Trend #1: Socks with Heels (Designer: LOVAS)

 It was all over the runway and by the end of the week, most attendees (including myself) were rocking the look. When things are trendy, nothing looks bad.

Trend #2: Large pleats resembling Ruffles (Designer: Orange by Angela Chen)

This was also recurring. I could see the extra large ruffles being perfect for keeping snacks for later. Also, perfect for hiding a lopsided hip or a small child.

Trend #3: Large Shoulders (Designers: Lucian Matis)

This is back in a big way. It is actually a continuing trend from Spring 2009 but this time the shoulder resembles a creature that could potentially eat you. Being a lady with large set shoulders, I am apprehensive about this, especially shoulders with extra embellishments. However, it is what it is, so look out.

Women Wednesday: Mad Women

Exploring my girl crush on Joan Holloway

Recently, I have become obsessed with Mad Men – obviously the suits are immaculate. All the men are dressed with perfection. I love the styling of Don Draper and Roger Sterling’s 3-piece suits. I am impressed with the stylist of this show and want a personal wardrobe tour. As I have only caught on to this show of late and it is at season 3 – I thought I would not discuss the men suits’ topic to death but moreover discuss my girl crush: Joan Holloway.

This woman is clearly not a size 8 nor is she petite. She is a real woman, a woman with a pear shape and curves. I love her tightly fitted dresses and her demeanor which exudes confidence. This is a woman we can all look up to and try to emulate probably not in her 1960′s style but in the way she carries herself. She has broad shoulders, an ample bosom and wide lower body. All of these are accentuated in her choice of colour and outfit. Usually, it is recommended to not draw attention to body parts you don’t like – clearly she is emphasizing all parts that most of us are trying to hide! What does this tell us? Love yourself for who you are and have confidence – this is all you really need for dressing success.

 

 

 

 

Women Wednesday: Flared vs. Wide Leg Trousers

Recently, it has been brought to my attention that my female clientele prefer the flared trouser over straight or wide. The main argument has been that due to the extra width at the bottom, the hips become proportionate. After speaking with an image consultant – Tamara Glick, she affirmed this belief but added that it depended on the curvature of the lady. Very curvy would require some sort of chunky or proportionate distraction at the bottom of the pant.

I, however, stand by my belief that a flared pant has no business within a professional environment. Even if you are a creative professional – at this current time – a flared pant is utterly out of style.

Thankfully, unlike a skinny or straight pant – a wide leg is great for the majority of us who have  hips that don’t lie. The pant will fit your hips that go straight to the floor – no hugs, snugs or bulges about it. Furthermore, it is a classic peice that will never go out of style.

Women Wednesday: How to Wear Suspenders

I am not entirely sure where to find suspenders. I find that when fashion decides something is not in style for women, it is absolutely extinct from the world. That’s why vintage stores are so great. I was lucky enough to find my suspenders in a male relatives’ closet. Other than vintage or relatives, any classic men’s store may have them hidden away in the back room.

How to wear Suspenders:

1. The ideal and classic way to wear suspenders is with button holes, yet this would require investing in a pair of suspender-able pants which may not be practical for a work wardrobe. The next best thing is clip-ons and although this can look slightly tacky, I will forgive the lack of sartorial edge since well, I am not wearing it myself.
2. The whole point of wearing suspenders is a replacement for a belt; a way to keep you pants up. In this case, wear the suspenders with a loose and wide leg pair of classic wool trousers.
3. As for the top, wear a tight fitting collared shirt to show the femininity of the outfit. Here I have on a tuxedo inspired shirt, but any shirt will work.
4. Finally, spice it up with pearls, large earrings, stilettos, or bright lipstick for an androgenised look.

What I Wore – my new suit

Here it is, my new suit! I know I preach about getting a black suit first. (I do have one but not made by me – gasp!) It’s a little more trendier than my usual style – shorter jacket, shorter arms, 1 button, and popp-able collar. Yet, the jacket remains fairly classic - it has a sit-breath-comfort worthy fit.

Black cropped blazer with high waisted skirt – Savillian
Aqua blouse – Banana Republic
Black and white pearls – Aldo Accessories
Aqua tights – Nine West
Heels – Divna Shoes

Location: TFI

Photographer: John Medalla

Women Wednesday – 3 suit wardrobe

How many combinations can we make?

First off, its not only about colour matching, its also about fabric matching. The suits are made up of the following: 1. Light grey solid wool, Super 100 (durable, no shine) 2. Black two toned pinestripe wool, Super 120 (occasional wear, sheen) 3. Navy Blue with thin pink/green pinestripes wool, Super 100 (durable, light, no shine).

Since the black is more of a formal suit (Super 120 with sheen), its difficult to pair the jacket or pants with the other suits – it would look mismatched since the fabric is slightly different. Meanwhile the grey and navy blue suits can be paired together in any combination shown below:

 

So the answer is 5 combinations (4 with the grey/blue and the black suit on its own). Next time, I will add shirts and show how the formal suit can be taken from work to evening.  

 

Beginner’s Guide to Suits – Insert

I forgot something of importance in regards to the beginner’s guide to suits, and now I am adding it as an insert.

Starting with the Basics: Suit Colours

When it comes to suits, you need to start off with the basics – this does not include beige, white or multi-coloured solid pinestripes.

The basics for men are 1. Grey/Charcoal 2. Navy Blue 3. Black with a subtle pinestripe. The basics for women are 1. Black 2. Grey/Charcoal 3. Navy Blue.

You may be asking why a man’s and woman’s first choice of suit colour are different. For a man, a black suit is much too formal and should only be worn at a funeral or extremely formal and rare occasions – it is not a necessity for everyday. For women, a black suit exudes power while remaining feminine a la YSL.

Check out the Savillian Classic Collection for the basics. (Also added as a link on the right toolbar).

Women Wednesday: Secret to a perfect shirt

We have all been in that position (men too!) where we are “popping” out of our shirts. This can be an embarrassing predicament, especially at the boardroom table. How do we ensure this never can happen? Well, you could wear an undershirt – tanktop? However, an undershirt (especially for guys!) is the equivalent of showing visible panty lines for women – a definitive no-no. You could use double-sided stickers but they may un-stick themselves at will. What you need is hidden button snaps at two spots of potential reveal-age as shown below. A fitted unrevealing chest (with accompanying fit in the shoulder) is truly the secret to a women’s perfect collared shirt.

Women Wednesday: Business Suits

Fashion is fun, but when it comes to most industries like finance, law and most business – you have to look the part – professional and powerful. Here are two of my latest client power suits dressed up with some fancy scarves.

 

ladies custom skirt suit - charcoal wool

ladies custom skirt suit - charcoal wool

ladies custom suit - super 120 black two-toned pinestripe

ladies' custom suit - super 120 black two-toned pinstripe