November 2002
Fashion - Lana Fertelmeister
In this month's fashion article, we uncover 5 items from seasons past that can still work for you now, the best gift-giving from your living room and our debut of Image Consulting 101.
So you already know what stylish looks you would like to emulate and add to your wardrobe, but what about pieces you already have? There are terrific items that we think it's time you made up with... Here's 5 Items we know you still have in your closet that will work into this season perfectly, with just a slight tweak:
1. The sweater jacket...great last year, even better this season with a fabulous thick leather belt to pull it together. (Secretly, I would even do that to my old pashmina.)
2. The camel-colored short boot - still works - no tweaking needed.
3. Take a fitted jacket from a great suit that you love and pair it down with a fitted cashmere or merino wool turtle neck and great pair of slim jeans (very London!) (picture of outfit)
4. Unlock your old jewelry that you only wear for special occasions. Life is too short - wear it every day…gold is in again and diamonds are timeless.
5. We all have a knee length skirt. Get to your nearest tailor and have them fit it pencil thin. This
look is really sharp for any figure -- booty and all. Pair it with a sleek, mid-length boot or a sexy stiletto.
The best websites for unique holiday gifts
2. For a more playful Los Angeles feel, check out www.purpleskirt.com, created by funny woman Tracy Ullman, with help from designer friend William B. This site is chock full of terrific finds from Marc Jacobs, Tocca and Diane Von Furstenberg, as well as accessories and beauty products. You can even have a personal shopper create looks and gifts for you. (picture of any piece from the site)
3. If you're the type that needs the feel and smell of vintage especially designer vintage clothing and accessories at great prices, then we have just the site for you. www.chelsea-girl.com was named one of the best websites by Instyle magazine and is a favorite among major celebs such as Cameron, Drew and Julia. Here you can find amazing designer pieces that are in perfect condition with label tags in tact. (picture of any piece from the site)
4. To pamper yourself with unique hard to find international products, click on www.guillotapothecary.com. Indulge in products from French, Italian and Australian lines as well as familiar favorites like Diptique candles and products by Fresh.
For him:
2. If you are looking for items such as John Varvatos, Earl Jeans and Zegna check out www.eluxury.com, for unique designer pieces, at times, at a decent discount. (picture of any piece from the site)
3. If you have been dreaming of the perfect suede jacket that you can machine wash, yes we said wash, then check out www.nordstrom.com for terrific suede jackets.
4. So you want to be different, an individual you say and you want everything customized, look no further then www.shirtcreation.com they will create your own personal shirt and make you feel like a one-of-a-kind kinda guy.
With fall and its fashions in full swing, its time to recognize what works for you and what doesn't. This month, we would like to offer you tips on updating your looks by offering a new advice column. "Image Consulting 101", where you e-mail your fashion-related questions to our fashion writer Lana Fertelmeister at Fashion@Chicago-Scene.com and she will answer your fashion related dilemmas.
Q. " I just got used to my white jeans and how fabulous they make me feel. Do I really have to wait until next summer to feel sexy in white again?" - signed "Feeling Whited Out"
A. There really aren't that many rules in fashion to follow. But white, is that one sticky issue. Here is my personal view on the subject. If you have the body and confidence to wear a great fitting pair of white jeans, don't stop, not for September, October, November...you get the drift - unless of course it's a snow drift! Pull it all together with a cream sweater or another soft tone as well as camel or brown feminine boots. Avoid black for daytime and bring it back for evening. But be very careful not to confuse jeans with white pants or summer-weight jeans, all VERY different garments! Jeans have a way of working themselves into any season, you just have to be bold enough to handle the confused looks, because honey, you would be a true pioneer in this category...if it makes you feel better, I wear mine with pride! (Picture of white jeans with a beige top)
Q. "They are showing a lot of light colors for leathers and shearlings, how do I feel comfortable wearing them every day without worrying about accidentally spilling or staining them?" -- signed Klutzy in Chicago.
A. I am glad you brought that up, because I too have a shearling in light camel, not the most intelligent color choice for our city but definitely the most glamorous one. I have just discovered a great process called "ultra guard" for all leathers, suede and shearlings. The process involves a special solution that is applied to your garment with a sealant that acts as a repellant for stains and spills. In other words, stains and spills have nothing to stick too and simply bounce right off, its great. "Ultra Guard" can be found at S. Garber Furs (312-642-6600).
Q. I love all the denim looks that are being shown for fall, but what looks are appropriate for the workplace? - signed Working Fashionista.
A. Fashion choices for the workplace are always tricky decisions. What you have to think about is what type of work you are in, if you work in advertising, public relations, media or publishing; you probably have more room to play with your career wardrobe. But if you are in financing, consulting or in the law profession, unfortunately you have less room for error. For those who still are not sure, ask around and to play it safe, do stick to that suit. If your workplace allows for some denim, remember these few tips: the denim color you choose is very important; stick to darker and cleaner shades for work, and please, never wear ripped or faded old denim.
1. Pair a fitted leather blazer with a crisp white shirt and a pair of black denim jeans.
2. Pull off a denim look with a knee length denim skirt and a pair of boots that have a smooth and clean silhouette and a monochromatic sweater. (picture of outfit)
3. Try a denim blazer with a turtleneck or a fitted v-neck sweater with a great pair of black wool gabardine pants.
5 musts 4 fall
The cold in the air should give you an indication that the holidays are just around the corner. You've probably started your own list of desirables, but what are you going to give your loved ones this season? This list should start your creative juices flowing, and you won't have to leave your home to find them.
1. If you call yourself a true fashion maven, then you need to acquaint yourself with www.language-nyc.com. This hot boutique in New York is a mecca for all things fabulous. Lucky for us Chicago gals, we can shop like the east coasters right in the comfort of our own Shangri-la. Plus, you'll save a bit on the sales tax. Find hard to find labels such as cacharel, language, and amazing British imports as well as your favorite denim players like Seven, Paper and Denim and Earl jeans. (picture of any piece from the site)
1. Most guys don't have the shopping bug bite them in the…as we do. As usual, we can find the best sites for them to shop, purchase gifts or get ideas. www.bluefly.com has an array of labels that you are familiar with like Polo, Andrew Marc and Diesel at discount prices.
