Today's NYtimes has an article on the weak dollar, foreign shoppers, and the limits some retailers are placing on shopping for luxury goods.
Can you imagine actually being wealthy enough to stockpile handbags in order to resell them for profit overseas?
Love, Ms. M
Friday, January 11, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Lengthening the leg, the rest of the story
As many of us know, the right cut of jean can transform your body. Trouser jeans are a cyclical trend in fashions--especially fall--but they're also great wardrobe staples no matter what season. Like all good trousers (no matter what the fabric) trouser jeans should hit you at your widest point, then drape straight down. Period. The most flattering cut on the body.
However, today is all about building the image of a leaner, longer leg--building upwards from the foundation of a good heel, and for that you need the use of a slim, boot-cut jean.
So, how to combine jeans and shoes to get the right look?
First, it must be stressed that not all jeans can be worn with all shoes. There are jeans you wear with more casual clothes and flats, kicky sneakers, sandals, etc. Then there are jeans that you can only wear with high heels.
As impractical as that sounds, it's true. I have my heel jeans, and I have my flip-flip jeans for road trips. The accessories and shoes never switch sides.
So, back to the long, lean leg....
The illusion we're creating is one where the majority of your body is leg (a fictional scenario, I know), but an illusion that is made up of two key ingredients--super long jeans and high heels.
Shape, color, and length of jeans:
The idea is to find somewhat slim-cut, darkwash jeans that flare only so slightly at the bottom, (we're not talking huge 70s flares, ladies). This subtle flare counterbalances any width issues up top (which we all have).
I'm been a huge fan of Gap's Long and Lean line for years. They are much more affordable than high-end designer jeans, don't seem to fade that quickly, and come in a range of lengths, which is key.
By designating a "heel jean" that means you need to buy longer cuts of your favorite style. For example, normally I just wear the "regular" length when bumming around in flats, however, I always get the Long and Lean's in the "long" length for my heels. Another great gauge of length--in my bare feet my I have about 3-4 inches of fabric on the floor.
The merest peak of a shoe, no more:
But, once the heels are on the goal is to have approximately 1 inch of shoe exposed beneath the cuff of your jean. It's especially important when it comes to heels (see "Lengthening the leg, the foundation"). Any more exposure, and you risk looking like a trashy date at the local roadhouse (see image at right for example of how not to look, unless, that is, you're auditioning for Rock of Love, Season II: washed-up 80s girls bring the horrors of bad fashion back to life).
The bottom hem of your pants should break (or hit and slouch slightly) no further up than the middle of the top of your foot, (which, when positioned on a steep incline of a heel, means all you should see is a little toe cleavage and the bottom of a spiky, mysterious heel jutting out on the bottom.
Pointy-toe heels are best, as they continue the length of your leg, but I digress...
By purposely wearing longer jeans (with the stlit-like prop of a high heel hidden behind the curtain of a longer hem), people interpret the visible fabric as the true length of your leg... a stupendous, but glamorous lie.
Love, Ms. M
p.s. image courtesy of http://images.chicalert.com/75OffDesignerFashionSale_14D5C/seven.jpg
However, today is all about building the image of a leaner, longer leg--building upwards from the foundation of a good heel, and for that you need the use of a slim, boot-cut jean.
So, how to combine jeans and shoes to get the right look?
First, it must be stressed that not all jeans can be worn with all shoes. There are jeans you wear with more casual clothes and flats, kicky sneakers, sandals, etc. Then there are jeans that you can only wear with high heels.
As impractical as that sounds, it's true. I have my heel jeans, and I have my flip-flip jeans for road trips. The accessories and shoes never switch sides.
So, back to the long, lean leg....
The illusion we're creating is one where the majority of your body is leg (a fictional scenario, I know), but an illusion that is made up of two key ingredients--super long jeans and high heels.
Shape, color, and length of jeans:
The idea is to find somewhat slim-cut, darkwash jeans that flare only so slightly at the bottom, (we're not talking huge 70s flares, ladies). This subtle flare counterbalances any width issues up top (which we all have).
I'm been a huge fan of Gap's Long and Lean line for years. They are much more affordable than high-end designer jeans, don't seem to fade that quickly, and come in a range of lengths, which is key.
By designating a "heel jean" that means you need to buy longer cuts of your favorite style. For example, normally I just wear the "regular" length when bumming around in flats, however, I always get the Long and Lean's in the "long" length for my heels. Another great gauge of length--in my bare feet my I have about 3-4 inches of fabric on the floor.
The merest peak of a shoe, no more:
But, once the heels are on the goal is to have approximately 1 inch of shoe exposed beneath the cuff of your jean. It's especially important when it comes to heels (see "Lengthening the leg, the foundation"). Any more exposure, and you risk looking like a trashy date at the local roadhouse (see image at right for example of how not to look, unless, that is, you're auditioning for Rock of Love, Season II: washed-up 80s girls bring the horrors of bad fashion back to life).
The bottom hem of your pants should break (or hit and slouch slightly) no further up than the middle of the top of your foot, (which, when positioned on a steep incline of a heel, means all you should see is a little toe cleavage and the bottom of a spiky, mysterious heel jutting out on the bottom.
Pointy-toe heels are best, as they continue the length of your leg, but I digress...
By purposely wearing longer jeans (with the stlit-like prop of a high heel hidden behind the curtain of a longer hem), people interpret the visible fabric as the true length of your leg... a stupendous, but glamorous lie.
Love, Ms. M
p.s. image courtesy of http://images.chicalert.com/75OffDesignerFashionSale_14D5C/seven.jpg
Literature review of the day
The latest issue of Harper's Bazaar arrived yesterday and they feature an interview with Bottega Veneta's creative director, Tomas Maier.
While in a luxury market unattainable by most, BV has always created spare, yet beautifully elegant, dresses, accessories, and more casual wear. They perfectly sum-up the rich leather creams and greys of spring. Check out the segment on their site called "The Art of Collaboration." The still images truly remind you how beautiful and organic Italian life can be--a rich, but simple, use of materials, and a true appreciation for craftsmenship.
While in a luxury market unattainable by most, BV has always created spare, yet beautifully elegant, dresses, accessories, and more casual wear. They perfectly sum-up the rich leather creams and greys of spring. Check out the segment on their site called "The Art of Collaboration." The still images truly remind you how beautiful and organic Italian life can be--a rich, but simple, use of materials, and a true appreciation for craftsmenship.
[insert sigh]
Love, Ms. M
Love, Ms. M
p.s image courtesy of http://www.frillr.com/?q=node/973
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