the FASHION thread

I am 5'10" ...  I never wear shoes that high .... I towered over people when I tried wearing heels and platforms.  Not to mention, now that I seem to permanently have this 20 pounds of extra me, I look very "large" with high heels ...  when I wear a 3" pump with jeans or knee length dress, that's a classic look for me.

Has anyone tried the "Chic Shaper" advertised on TV?  It is supposed to improve your posture as well as push the girls waaaaaaay up. 

susan, as I'm under 5'2" with "healthy" thighs, I cannot help you.  LOL  About the only recommendation I have is to look at all the expensive brands.  You're sure to find just what you want if it costs more than you want to spend.

You shoe girls are way beyond me.  This is an example of my shoe lust. www.athleta.com and search for ropeswing ballet flat.

Actually, I like their clothing in general.  Not that I am svelte enough for a lot of it....but I have plans..........

My taste runs to Eileen Fisher.  They do have a couple of stores in my area.  Hey, when I get to the MAC store, the Eileen Fisher will be right around the corner!  Oh, boy, I feel a shopping trip coming on. 

One thing I've noticed about fashion is that the parts stay the same but with different proportions.  A cardigan can look very old lady when worn a certain way but a slightly tighter, cropped cardigan, or at least shorter than the shirt underneath, looks very young and contemporary.  This is the hardest thing about dressing, to me.  Figuring out the way to wear stuff.  Any hints of where to look for guidance?

Tina

I received the VS lingerie/swimsuit catalog a couple of weeks ago and placed it on dh's chair just to give him a tease.  It worked.

Must get that other catalog.

LUV the VS Ipex bra, Debbie!

Tina

My name is Pam & I am a purse slut. Purses, like shoes, are always the right size.

I would love to be a full-time Eileen Fisher girl, but my credit card would probably explode.

Last time I was in Nordies, I had money to spend but everything looked like 1. My grandma wore it or 2. My grandma made me something that looked just like it back in 1972. When you're um, mid-40's, going back to one's childhood isn't a good thing.

A saleswoman literally ran to me and offered help. Went to a different department & she found me things that fit, looked professional, were fairly affordable, and didn't make me look like G'ma. One EF top, but the rest was from one of their brands, Isda. Love, love, love the clothes. And the saleswoman - the first in forever who actually looked at me like I was real.

Now if I could just find pants that fit a hippy, pear-shaped, short-legged person.   

Oh, Pam, honey, I hear you about the hippy, short-legged creature!  I always say that I would be a tall person if I didn't have such short legs.  My torso is so long but my legs and arms so short.  I cannot wear petite size dresses or pants, just some tops, even though I am not quite 5,2.

I guess we are "built for comfort, not for speed." 

You make a good point about the Nordie's saleswomen.  Nordstrom's prides itself as being service-oriented and having salespeople that are trained to actually help customers.  I had forgotten all about that.  Another reason to make that trek to a mall. 

Doesn't it seem to you purse types that the handbags this year have way too much hardware on them?  I had to look around a good bit before I found a Fossil bag with a minimum of junk on it.  Just wanted a plain, old British tan pouchy thing for everyday.

While going through chemo, I was also going to the ps for expander fills.  She used to admire my collection of shoes.  On day, all she did was point at the latest example, as I was being examined by a couple of medical students.  As I told her, "You can always make your feet look good."   Diversionary tactic.

Yes, the Eileen Fisher stuff is pricey but if you can find one or two good pair of pants and tops that really fit and flatter, what more do you need?  After my upcoming recon, I plan on treating myself to a new outfit and to hell with the $$$. 

Tina

The best bags in the world are in France. The department stores have such huge selections - like different shops for each brand. Even the 'house' brands are fun and priced right. In among the Fendi, Gucci, and Chanel were purses that I could afford.  Some of the ones I've brought home are Lancaster, Longchamp, Kesslord. Hubby bought me a beautiful Longchamp handbag this summer (we were there on a planned trip 3 days post dx) - brown faux-croc leather. Otherwise, I've spent around $60-80 for lovely purses that can't be found in the states (at least not in the PNW).

Aha...Right on with Lisa then! And Beth, you are soooooo Christian Louboutin! I love the new VS shoes too, especially the knotted T-strap wedges...and they're only $55!

Allysonw....I'll confess that I did sense granola, but only accompanying contemporary classic for you....and definitely rasberry/fuschia!

Tina....I also felt that you & I had similar styles! Before chemo, my hair was dark brown/auburn and I always wore black with splashes of red or purple. Now that I'm blonde, the black still works, but somehow just white or deep shades of pastel work better. And YES, I did see the Oprah episode with Vera Wang and I too adore her! Classy stuff, fer sure! And did you know that she's like 60 years old?! She's one gorgeous babe! So if you like the leggings/tunic look, instead of pure black, it sounds like khaki, olive greens and earthy colors like muted berry might work for you...do ya think?

Maybe this belongs in "MOJO," but I felt soooooooo fashionable last night when I wore a tuxedo-style black bustier and a teeny lacy black thong to bed. I was planning black heels, but never got around to them ! White pearls completed the look and I "messed" my hair up all lionesque-like. Lotsa fun !

~Marin

OMG, Lisa, your description of the leggings nightmare had me rolling!! I always wanted to be the photographer who would take the "Don't" pictures for Glamour mag. My favorite fashion nightmare are these little pre-teens (who, shall we say... aren't petite flowers?) whose mothers allow them to cram themselves into the latest trends. A couple weeks ago I saw a young "egg on toothpicks" rammed into leggings, a longish tight t-shirt w/ a chunky belt and accessories for days! She was carrying her purse on the crux of her arm (a la Vicky Beckham) and wearing white sunglasses.

Of course she was with her family (I didn't notice but I'm sure mom was probably wearing a NASCAR shirt and dad a cammo cap) and they were walking into Wal-Mart. Damn I really need to start carrying my camera with me. This was horrifying!!!!!! LOL

Erica

Ooooo, just was checking out the VS site for shoes.  Did anyone see the "Fitflops," which are supposed to give your legs a workout as you wear them?  Hmmm. Painless exercise?  Unless I trip all over myself???  Go look and tell me what you think.

Re: handbags.  Does everyone insist on leather or are fabric bags and novelty bags acceptable/fashionable?  I believe in a couple of good, leather bags but some of the fabric bags can be so fun, esp. in the warm weather.  Are they too old lady? 

We went out yesterday for a nice dinner and I discovered that in the process of cleaning out my closet over the past few months I have almost nothing to wear that's nice.  I did squeak into a pair of stretchy peached fabric pants (black) and a different textured black tunic top.  With hair done and the right earrings, I looked pretty good but ***I had no decent jacket or coat*** to put over it so I just went as is into the warm car and then into the restaurant.  Thank goodness it is not the dead of winter.  So, my question is, what kind of outerwear do you keep on hand for such occasions?  Something that will go with everything is what?????  I hate to spend much as I hardly EVER go out to dinner anymore and certainly nowhere else too special.

Help.

Tina

Oh, and, Erica, kids?  You mean little nose-pickers???  LOL 

Have you seen the purses that are made from men's neck ties? Also...how about the ones made from seat belts? They're quite the fashion statement!

Coat?

What is this "coat" item of which you speak?

<ducking and running>

Lisa

who really does have one - a beautiful, soft, grey, cashmere and wool blend that she wore last on trips to NC and Chicago

ahhhh!!!! Bethhhh!!! that is great news! Tell us more...