the FASHION thread

Raye99

MMM. Very feminine. Nice.

Anonymous

Raye, Beth, Tina...thanx for the positive vibes.  

Gina (I think I can say her name here) came over for a fitting today.  I was afraid the bodice would be too small but it fits her like a glove!!!  This project is just going to be too easy.  She has a waist to foot length of 44 inches..talk about statuesque!!!  I am so excited about this project, but like you Beth, I only play to win!!!!

The bureau was made by my grandfather and was a gift to me on my twelfth birthday and I treasure it.  It is curly maple inlaid with cherry.

Linora 

saint

I'm new to this thread, but loved reading the last couple of pages & want to throw in my 2 cents:

Good luck quitting smoking! We all know the reasons to embrace a smoke-free life, but it takes will power to stop any habit. Having quit twice (first time when the "rabbit died" & with bc dx) I encourage you to stick with it believing you will find second hand smoke offensive in the near future. It happened for me within a few weeks & I am now one of those obnoxious reformed ppl! LOL   I simply cannot abide being around smoke anymore--no fear of back sliding now! BTW--I think cigarettes ARE a fashion statement!!!

I LOVE What Not to Wear!! (I question some of Clinton & Staci's clothes too!! LOL) Watching those shows helps give hints as to how we should dress ourselves. I have totally changed what I wear since bc. I began buying good quality clothes when I found them on sale cuz I decided I DESERVED them for surviving! I brought home something new & tossed something old! I don't think I even own a pair of sweatpants anymore.  LOL I have been complimented frequently for "always looking nice" tho I don't get dressed up much. A blazer, good shoes & bag with nice jeans is NOT frumpy or sloppy!! LOL

I LOVE shoes, bags & jewelry cuz no matter the scale-tale, they ALWAYS fit! I need help with shoe choices now cuz I don't wear heels since my femur broke & I can't find flats that look as nice as heels! (Gotta shorten most of my pants too)

I am SO excited to watch the Project Runway unfold here! They had to have 3 of those dresses to film that movie as they were so "fragile" they had to keep replacing it!!! Please post pix as you go & good luck!

BethNY

On what not to wear yesterday, stacey looked better then ever... in my opinion. She was wearing a bright yellow sheath dress and she was tan, and instead of her signature red lipstick, she had a great tan flush and glow to her face, black liquid liner on the eye, and sheer pink lipgloss. Her hair was down and she wore black heels... It was stunning. Apparently yellow is gonna be huge for spring, which I think is stupid, b/c we just did yellow a few years ago...

whatever, it looks good on me as long as I'm tan.  Speaking of....I know we've been around the block a million times on this topic, BUT, I REALLY feel like I want to go to the tanning salon. Someone tell me how stupid it is, and how I do not need to fake bake to look good.

Tina- I know it's a far drive, but there's a big get together planned in Long Island for the 24th at Kellyc's house. I'm just putting in out there...

saint

Beth!!  NO TANNING!!!!! You are smarter than to buy into that shallow culture!

DID that help??? LOL I NEVER look anything buy jaundiced in yellow! 

Raye99

We can go around the block on this issue again, Beth. DON'T TAN...til summer and cover your face with a towel for heavens' sakes. I am bad, but "they" say to never try and give up two unhealthy habits at once. Much too stressful.  Actually, I am going to try and not tan this summer, we'll see how it goes.

Yellow, ugh. Saint, I look like horrible in yellow as well (I take it you meant by looking jaundiced in yellow, that it is not the color for you?).

Anonymous

There is nothing more aging than tanning.  I live in a lakes community and when see the women who come in the grocery store from the cottages they look svelt in their short shorts, but they have 80 year old faces..they look like they've had some very hard living.

 

Why tan under a lamp when you can get a spray tan?  I've been using sunless tanning cream for years to perk my face up.  It doesn't damage your skin and it's actual good for it because it's moisturizing.  Lots of tanning salons have spray tans.  

 

I've never gotton one, but I've seen women who have.  The tan is deep, dark, lucious and moist looking!!!  No lines either!

 

KAK

Oh, Linora, that dress looks absolutely yummy!

Raye, your new avatar photo is adorable!  So is yours, Rocktobermom!

Found a fun website:  http://www.modcloth.com/

Beth, your galpals here are right about tanning.  Plus, there are some really great tan-in-a-bottle products these days, much much better than they used to be, so go shopping & see what you can find.

Anonymous

Saint, welcome to the fashion thread from a relative newcomer...luv your enthusiasm!!

That was a very interesting anecdote you told about Keira Knightley's dress, three of 'em no less.  It did look a little flimsy!!!  Oh, but sexy. Wish I had some of that diaphonous satiny fabric to work with!

Raye, can we call this Day Seven?  I like your new avatar too...you look healthier already!!! I think I noticed you look a tad paler when you were smoking.  I always looked so pale I seemed half alive.

abbadoodles

If you love the Keira K dress and Linora's take-offs, you should watch Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.  Just watched it last night and OH!  The set design and the clothes!  (The period is just before the entry of England into WWII.)  It stars Frances McDormand, one of my favorite actresses since Fargo.  They should never show her legs on the screen, though, as she has what used to be called "piano legs."  I do recommend the movie.  It has such a satisfying if sappy ending.  Don't we need some feel-good treats???

Welcome, saint.  I wish I could watch What Not to Wear, but we don't have cable.  I've never seen the gals you mention. 

Re: tanning.  I think people think they look better tan than they often do.  Does that make sense?  I do think some of us look ghastly tan.  That said, I do like to have tan legs in the summer because my blue legs really do look unlovely.  I just wish they would invent a self-tanner that does not stink.  Every, single one I've tried stinks, even if not when applied but later in the day or night.  Yuck.  Keep me posted, girls, on that.

Has anyone seen that TV ad with all the funny, over-tanned people in the tanning parlor waiting room?  I think it's an ad for the Florida tourist industry.

Yellow is a very hard color to wear for most people.  SOME do look gorgeous in it.  I think maybe it speaks to the state of the fashion business that they are trying to bring it back.  Must have lots of leftover yellow fabric from a few seasons ago.........

OTOH, it is said that there is at least one shade of every color that any one person can wear; the challenge is to determine which one it is .  Then, you have to find ready-to-wear in that exact shade.  Oh, my head hurts.  I think I'll skip yellow.  Maybe a clutch bag?????  Certainly NOT shoes.  I don't want to look like a duck.

saint

Thanx for the welcome! I love this thread!! 

When talking of fashion I always want to suggest that we try to break from the "industry hype." Growing up in the late 60's & 70's I have a strong sense of "natural womens' beauty" & I really like to stress that we NOT be slaves to fashion.OTOH-I grew up just outside NY city & now live near chicago & the LOOK of  city women is always more polished & competative......hard balance to strike!

Young women seem to wear ANYTHING that is current, despite what it looks like out THEIR bodies! Muffin tops! At one point I thought maybe they had such strong self esteem that they just didn't care; working with teens I know it is the opposite!!! What happened to all the work of the Women's Movement????

I think we should start a new trend---harken back to the days when women protected their skin form the sun with big hats & parasols!!!! The whiter your skin the more beautiful you were! It also meant you were well-off since you had the luxury of staying out of the sun & being pampered..LOL

WHITE legs anyone???? (I understand some of the top models are currently avoiding the sun)

Look like a duck---ahhahahah quack quack  

BethNY

My mom brings me her magazines each month when she's done reading them. I was pretty amazed at how tiny they were (allure, lucky, vogue) it really shows just how bad the economy is... I know advertising is down, but the magazine looked more like a weekly tabloid it was so thin.

What pisses me off, is that Allure is still highlighting these high ticket items like $1200 shoes, and when they have the look for less, they show the $1200 shoe as the wish, but the $300 shoe as the must have...

I'm sorry, last I checked this economy was falling apart-- are people really buying $300 shoes? Even the richy rich have taken HUGE hits in this market, and it pisses me off that these fashion magazines wouldn't be embracing "back to basics" and how to look like a million bucks when you've only spent $50.

Anonymous

Tina...thanx so much for the tip on Miss Pettigrew.  Saw the preview in a theatre and forgot all about it, but I just ordered it on Netflix.  Fun!!  Like you I don't have cable.  We had it turned off around Thanksgiving to cut expenses, I knew I would miss the fashion programs, but I was getting so turned off by some of those shows and what they say about our culture.  So we upped our subscription to Netflix and now we just watch movies (AND NO COMMERCIALS!!!)  Whooray!

 

Tina & Saint...I tend to think people look better with a tan, especially me.  I was as pale as corpse backing in my smoking days and anything I could do to make myself look healthier, I did it.  I love the idea of hats and parasols though, anything that makes a woman look like a LADY.  Where did ladies go anyway?  Are they totally out of fashion?

 

Beth, the amount of money people spend on personal vanity in this country is getting to feel a little creepy with all the economic hardships people are having now.    I just love style, but I think it should be for everybody, not just the rich and famous.  That's why I am having so much fun with this runway project...everything is recycled old clothes, no waste...just fun and lots of style!!!

 

Now...it's time to get back to sewing machine... 

Raye99

Linora - you sewing is really inspiring - almost makes me want to buy a machine and make my own clothes...ALMOST. There are just times when I have an idea of a clothing item in my head, but cannot find it anywhere. Now if I could make it...

Day 8 and counting, but still pale. I have a lot of English in me (Cornwall), so I am naturally pale, except when I get some sun. To be fair, I NEVER tan my face. I am one of those people who thinks she looks better tan, not the "too tan" look, just tan. Now these blue legs of yours, Tina, I must say I am intrigued. Didn't you like that Loreal Sublime self tanner last year?

I like your idea, Saint, about starting a campaign about the new beautiful. Pale (or blue in Tina's case) is beautiful. My friend's dermatologist told her she had to rethink her idea of what is attractive (she had been tanning slightly in the beds and her doc told her no more).

 $1200 shoes? That is just irresponsible and ignorant. Even $300. My lord. "Retail Sales Dismal in December". Well, no surprise there.

Raye99

Tina - boo boo - just kidding darling (about the azure legs).

lvtwoqlt

I'm with you on the $300 dollar shoes being irresponsible, $300 is half a house payment for me and right now every penny counts. I am wearing $20 shoes from JC Penney that I got 2 yrs ago with my dress slacks, not buying new shoes every season.  I am even used my Christmas gift card from Walmart to buy groceries for the family instead of something just for me. I am looking at Fashion Bug for something new, I got a gift card from them and since I am the only woman in the house, it is all mine.

I am with you also Saint on the pale is beautiful. If I get in the sun, I turn to a lovely shade of red, not tan.

Linora I love the dress, I am helping my sister work on gowns for a large wedding party (bride, 5 or 6 attendants, and flower girl) for September. We tell the bride to look for inspiration in magazines and we try to make their perfect dress.

Sheila

Anonymous

$300 shoes is way out there.  Even in my financially healthy days, I would never spend that much on shoes!

I just love to sit by the pool and relax.  This year though I am going to use self tanners and lots of sunscreen when I lay out.  I notice how my mom's chest looks in her shirts --- she tanned her face and chest and it really ages her.  I think getting my legs tan won't hurt.  And no more tan arms, I don't want age spots. 

I am going to really test out the self tanners this year.

Anonymous

Here I am, still connected to this tube, sewing not getting done...

Raye...you'd be a great designer, I got into it mainly because I got so tired of trying clothes on in shops that didn't fit well, were unflattering, the wrong color, and out of style before they were in style, and most of all, I didn't want to pay the price on the tag.  This idea that you can't buy it you can't have it is so silly...  I used to make everything from a pattern, but the patterns could be so disappointing, and you can end up wasting time & money.  My sewing has improved enormously since I got a mannikin, I just pin things up and can get a very good idea of the look before I start sewing.

BTW, I do have color now and I am no longer pale.  You'll get color too once you've been off the smoke for 3-6 months.  You'll also find out that you can run even further, which in your case, is almost impossible to imagine!  

L 

abbadoodles

Okay, the blue legs.  Of course! I mean so white they are glowing.  No varicose veins, nosiree, not me.  Just beautiful, whitey white legs. LOL

Sheila, I don't really tan, either.  If over-exposed, esp. at the beginning of the season, I do burn a bit, not bad, but then it fades quickly.  Even if I am out every day of the summer in the sun, I merely turn a golden beige, no dark tan.  The beige-y color contrasts unfavorably with my eyes and hair and lips.  Yuck.  Even brush-on bronzer, which I use rarely, really does not look good on me.  (I guess this is more a makeup hints topic so I will cease and desist here.) I have definitely ash-y hair and cool, gray-blue eyes.  You can imagine how yellow looks with those!

Well, I have spent over $200 on shoes, a lovely pair of black ballet flats I bought about 7 or 8 years ago.  They are soooooooo comfortable and still look very chic.  Sometimes it pays to buy top shelf.  And I don't have to worry about a house payment as I paid of my mortgage about 20 years ago.  (Am I old or what??? LOL) Generally, though, I hardly buy shoes, never mind expensive ones.

Raye, dahlink, I wasn't offended.  My word.  I'm so happy to hear you have kept up the quitting, too.

saint

I used to sew b4 my eyes got so bad. I miss it! I started sewing when I was pregnant & couldn't afford the high prices for even simple maternity clothes. Made a baby quilt for my first & then a Christening gown. Sewed them outfits for Christmas & Easter til they were too big for matching clothes...yes-I am one of THOSE! LOL

My dd LOVED daisy kingdom--all pinafores &/or details with 3 or 4 printed fabrics---but I think she really loved the matching doll dresses which often took longer to make than the child's dress!!!  

As for tanning-------it is only "healthy" as a fashion fad & that is only in recent years (Since the 50/60's?) It was once considered "base" to be tan cuz it meant you had to toil outside! No one actually tanned on purpose if they were rich!! You wouldn't think so to look at me, but I burn & peel if you take my pic with a flash!!! BUT--I think not tanning has kept me looking much younger than I am. My younger sis who tans like fiend looks older than me! Did Princes Di or Grace Kelly tan?? Weren't they still lovely (maybe lovelier without a tan???)

OK--I love to LOOK at expensive stuff, but truly, what can they possibly do to make those shoes WORTH $1200??? Or even $300. I don't care if they ARE Italian & flew over first class!!! Still not convinced it isn't just status.......

YEAH for day 8!!!  Blue-leg women unite!!!!!!!!!  Hahaha I wanna see more pix of that Project!!! Please?

Raye99

People can spend as much as they want to on shoes or any other item, as far as I am concerned. I meant that the retailers, advertisers, etc. are being irresponsible for touting that expensive stuff during these fiscally tough times. BAH.

Day 9 and counting. Even went out with the girls last night and wasn't really even tempted (was out with my non-smoking girlfriends) and the treadmill was much easier.

Back to Topic Tan. Girls - I am going to try my darnest not to tan this summer. We blue legged (and blue blooded - well, not me) women will ROCK the blue legs. Look at Madonna: fit, great bod and white as a ghost and still looks good. I was looking at celebrity women yesterday in their bikinis and no one was really tan and they still looked fab. Rocktober, I agree about the chest area making a women look older if she has tanned that area (and the face & neck of course).

Big snowstorm supposedly coming to Cleveland tonight - anyone else in the radar? Linora & Saint? You are probably getting it earlier than us. Beth and Tina will probably get it Sunday? I am just so glad it's coming on a weekend! Rocktober and Sheila? You guys are probably in the clear, although the Foothills of NC sounds like snow could come there.

lvtwoqlt

Raye, It was 25 degrees at my house this morning. Yesterday the upper elevations got 3-6 inches of snow and calling for more by the end of the weekend. The ski resorts at Blowing Rock and Boone (about 45 minutes from my house) loved the snow and cold weather, they can blow man made snow the next couple of days. I am just low enough altitude that we get the cold but not much snow. Although I wouldn't mind seeing a flurry or two but nothing major.

Sheila

GramE

Hi, first time posting here.   DSW is the place for shoes.  can get a zippy, snazzy pair and not spend half a mortgage payment.   And for those with narrow feet - I need AAA - usually on the clearance rack and 80% off the already discounted price.   

Talbotts outlet has 90% off sales twice a year ( or used to have them )  and also some great flat shoes.   I have peach and pale green ones for $ 17 each.    I worked retail for a few years and did markdowns.  The first markdown was between 20 and 30%.   

I will be back another time,   Nancy 

saint

More snow here today. Was REALY coming down a few hours ago, but not white-out conditions now. Just a regular old snow...so far! We are definitely headed for a record this year--again!!

abbadoodles

Yep, Raye, the snow is coming here Saturday evening into Sunday morning.  So, what else is new?  It's been one of those winters. 

Anonymous

Hey gals..

Since we're talking about shoes...did I have a creepy surprise this morning!!!

I have a pair of very nice but old dansko ankle high black suede boots...good traction, nice heels, but they hadn't come down off the top shelf of my closet this winter.    Got them down this morning to wear shopping; they are so comfortable and so pretty.  I slid my foot into one and felt something strange, like a piece of wadded up paper with some hard edges, a lost piece of jewelry.  Reached my hand in and eagerlly pulled it out anticipating the discovery of some long lost treasure, and SCREAMED!!!

It was a dead bird!  Decapitated (but head loose inside)...very dried out.  It had been there a long time I think.   Now how creepy is that?  

I hate to think what kind of omen this would be, so I wrapped the little bird up in some tissue, said a prayer for its little soul, asked God to take it back, and gave it watery burial in my toilet.  And I found another pair of boots.

I have three cats that go in and out when the weather is nice so I assume that's how the bird got there.

Tina...I am so jealous of you having paid off your mortgage!!!

Welcome LEFTY!!  It's nice to have you here.

Raye, shame on you for tempting fate and going out with the girls...did THEY smoke?!! I am so glad you didn't.  Keep up the good work.  I've revived the Spa thread in case anybody's interested. I've got some holiday weight to lose.

We're getting snowed in too...

Linora

BethNY

Okay, I can't sew. Not even a button. It all started when I got a D minus in 6th grade art class on a needlepoint project. From that moment on, I became a craft challenged person. I was gifted in music, so I didn't care that I was terrible in art class.

Well, it carried into my adult life. I've never learned to sew. AND, as embarrassing as it is, if I have a shirt that I love or a coat and I pop a button, I don't hesitate to ask my mom or sister to sew it for me.

Obviously, I could easily go to the tailor to have anything fixed, but I do think it's silly that I don't know how to sew.  If I had to sew a button I'm fairly certain I could do it, but if I had to mend a tear in fabric I think I'd run into problems.

 We're gonna get pounded with snow tomorrow early afternoon through the evening. Depending on how fast the storm blows upward and to the ocean we will get anywhere from 4-10 inches. Of course, the one night that we have plans, where M. doesn't have to get up for work at 3 am the next day, the weather won't cooperate. Grrrr.

Raye- keep up the good work. Glad you didn't smoke when you were out with friends, that's such a big part of it.  I love the fact that you can't smoke anywhere in NY. I hated smelling like cigarettes when I used to go out to bars and clubs, and my hair would stink so bad I wouldn't want to lay on my pillow without showering first. Are you using the patch at all? A lot of my friends were successful with the patch (although there was my one friend who stayed on the higest level for wayyyyy longer then recommended).

Tina- I may be able to beat you in a blue leg contest. My legs are so white, when I go to get pedicures, the woman ALWAYS says something to me about how ghastly white my legs are. Good thing I can't afford pedicures anymore, and I don't have to hear it.

I was a huge advocate for the spray, airbrush tanners, until I ended up getting a bad rash in Jamaica. The combination of the spray tan, and sweating so much in the high temps and humidity, mixed with sunblock, gave me a terrible rash up and down both of my arms. Thats why I'm thinking about going tanning again.... but I won't. It's a waste of money above all.

Raye99

No, silly - these were my non smoking girlfriends. So no smoky for anybody. Also, I must break the association between going out and smoking. I don't want to become a recluse because I can't handle going out and not smoking.  

Geez - A bird in your boot??? A bird in hand is better than two in the boot! I would have totally freaked out. Are you OK?

I do love DSW!!!

Raye99

Beth - I ask my mom to sew on buttons, etc. as well. Also, a lady at work has repaired some of my jeans.

No nic patches. Cold turkey this time. Your girlfriend was on the highest level of patch for a long time- 21mg?!? Whoa, those are strong and make me feel as though I am having a heart attack. "She's addicted to nicotine patches...a little Tori Amos for you girls. We cannot smoke inside in OH either, which makes it MUCH easier.

LisaSDCA

I'll enjoy the winter Santa Ana in the 80's this weekend. Chances are I won't live to get old so I'll still use the 15spf and 25 on my nose 

What do you guys do when you dress casually-nice and then put a hat on, or static-cling yourself to every cat hair in creation as soon as you walk in? Or I've got it - wear your coats (winter weight coats) while walking around the mall - in temperate temperatures? Considering going East...

Lisa