Maureen’s Blab and Blog

With Earth day approaching, we all start considering what we are doing to reduce our “carbon footprint”.  A lot of us drive hybrid cars, buy organic produce, take public transportation and of course, recycle.  As a personal shopper, I started thinking of ways I can encourage people, including myself, to be a little greener in the way they dress.  I don’t mean to suggest that green is the new black, but keep an open mind, and it just might be.

Designers getting into eco-friendly garments, shoes and handbags are truly multiplying at a staggering rate.  Denim brands like 7 for all Mankind, James Jeans and even Levi’s are all doing eco-friendly versions. Skinny, wide legged and boot cut styles are all covered.   Most are made with organic cotton with some stretch thrown in, some even using recycled zippers, buttons and rivets.  One company will even “fix” the gaping holes in your favorite old pair of jeans by reweaving them with matching thread… www.denimtherapy.com.

Stella McCartney, talented designer and offspring of Paul has never used animal or fur products in her designs.  As a lifelong vegetarian, her designs align with this long held principle.  She even has shoes in her line and watch out, they are high and tres chic!  Terra Plana (www.terraplana.com) is another shoe line that is made from sustainable or recycled materials.  This line includes everything from sandals to dressy pumps.  Tom’s Shoes also adheres to the socially conscious concept by donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy (www.tomsshoes.com).

If it’s handbags you want, no worries, there are plenty of green alternatives.  Canadian designer Ashley Watson (www.ashleywatson.com) makes every bag out of recycled leather, which makes each one a little different from the next.  Ella Vickers (www.ellavickers) is one of several designers that use old sail boat sails to make roomy tote bags, duffels, backpacks and dog beds as well.  You have to love Kim White handbags (www.kimwhitehandbags.com) because they are all made of reclaimed car upholstery from the 70’s and 80’s!  She also uses furniture upholstery from the 50’s to 70’s.  I never thought the “Gremlin” could look this good!

In a similar category, my favorite shopping bag, beach bag, and all around great tote is the Envirosax line (www.envirosax.com).  They are carried locally at Maison d’Erte, 5640 College Ave. in Rockridge.  This line comes in many different colors and graphic prints, is paper light and folds up super small.  They are reasonably priced and last forever.  This is my very favorite gift giving item.

White Apricot (www.whiteapricot.com) is a great website for those of you who want to take green fashion to the next level.  They have great top ten lists and feature only designers, clothing, shoe and handbag lines that are eco-friendly.  They make dressing green easy to do.

In addition to buying green, there are many ways to make what you already own green.  Obviously, recycling clothing by giving it to a worthy non-profit is a great way to reuse clothing.  Re-purposing clothing by having it altered is another way.  A good seamstress or tailor is very important in this endeavor.  The main alteration I suggest to clients is to shorten long pants to a Capri or walking short, and shortening a traditional trench to knee length or shorter.  Consigning current styles and making some money back is another way to guarantee more wear from a stylish garment.  Vintage is one of my favorite ways of recycling.  I happen to love the lines and shapes of vintage handbags.  They take me back to a different time, and I find myself wondering who once carried my stylish bag.  I have a wonderful vintage Christian Dior handbag that I just love using and I can feel good about reusing.

On Saturday, April 26, 2008 is an event that I think is the epitome of the whole green movement.  “Discarded to Divine” (www.discardedtodivine.com) is the brainchild of Sally Rosen with the St. Vincent DePaul society.  Academy of Art University, City College of San Francisco and FIDM students have created over 100 garments from the discard bin at St. Vincent DePaul.  50% of every garment is discarded material including curtains, upholstery, old wedding dresses, bedding and many other materials.  The event is being hosted at the Academy of Art Tent at 601 Brannan Street from 7-9:30 p.m. on April 26th.  There will be both a silent and live auction and all proceeds from the ticket sales and auctioned items will be donated to St. Vincent DePaul.  All of the food, drinks, models fees and venue have been donated and the theme of the event will be …you guessed it, GREEN!

This event really closes the circle of recycling and giving back to the community, what a potent combination.  It should also be noted that Oakland born, later Piedmont High School Alumni, Amanda Cleary is one of the Academy students that has designed a couture dress for the event.  The dress is featured on the www.discardedtodivine.com website.  Tickets are $45-$90 and they are going fast!  Happy Earth Day!

New Year’s eve has come and gone and most of us are still pondering what our resolutions will be and how long we’ll stick to them.  Two of the most popular, yet disappointing resolutions are the desire to loose weight and start an exercise program.  I started thinking about how I can accomplish this without all of the pain and deprivation associated with dieting and exercise.  Then I had my “AHA” moment, to coin Oprah’s much used phrase.  Why not DRESS thin instead of dieting my way there?  So with that as my goal, here are my suggestions for dressing thinner.

I have to start with what NOT to wear.  For both men and women, pleats add weight!  Remember this always, unless you are very thin (thus no need for above resolutions) pleats are extra fabric and are rarely going to make you look thinner.  Similarly, pants with a tapered or “peg” leg type bottom, will exaggerate your middle, an area most of us don’t want to draw attention to.  Pants that are too short (listen up all you men out there) also make you look shorter and heavier.  The combination of pleats at the waist with a tapered bottom is going to add 10 lbs. without the fun of eating and drinking your way there.  You make the call!

Clingy and tight fabrics are not our friends.  If you are trying to look thinner, keep the focus away from your problem areas, thus no tightness in the middle.  Also remember that bigger is not necessarily better.  A very tented style makes it hard to discern where the garment ends and you begin.  Overly baggy tops or bottoms definitely add unnecessary pounds.  Large horizontal stripes are also to be avoided as they make people appear wider than they are.  Large scale prints are another possible pitfall in the quest to dress slimmer.

Make sure you don’t cut yourself off in the middle.  In other words, extend a vertical line down your body and try not to chop it off in the middle.  You can accomplish this by wearing monochromatic outfits or colors that are not totally contrasting like black and white.  You can always add some color interest with a scarf or interesting piece of jewelry.

Now that you know what not to wear, let’s focus on what to wear.  For bottoms, a wider legged pant or trouser will always balance a larger middle, as will an A-line skirt or dress.  These gently fall away from the body making your bottom and hips look smaller and more balanced.  Obviously, darker colors on the bottom half of your body will minimize that area.  Black is not your only choice either.  Try dark wash jeans, brown, navy or dark grey pants and skirts instead.  Pay attention to the quality and drape of the fabric.  Fabrics with a little more body are not going to hug your problem areas, and will fall nicely away from your body.  Bottoms that are lined are also going to look smoother and sleeker than those that are not.

As you may imagine, any type of clothing that creates a vertical line from your head to your toes is slimming and makes you look taller.  This is one of the most appealing things about wearing high heels, as it visually extends that line.  You can also create the line by wearing vertical stripes.  These can be on a button down shirt for men and women, a chalk or pin stripe in a pant (men or women) and also in a skirt or dress for women.  This illusion is one that is proven over and over.  Wearing a longer top for women also extends that imaginary or real vertical line.  This can be done with a longer jacket, tunic top or long cardigan.

Keep your prints in check, and scale them back if you tend toward more dramatic colors.  Remember that your accessories should also be considered in dressing slimmer.  Handbags should be chosen in relation to your natural size.  If you are larger boned, carrying a very small bag will make you appear bigger and vice versa.  Be sure to choose a handbag based on what your needs are, but also what your body type is.  Jewelry falls into this same category.  Chunkier jewelry looks better on a body that can accommodate the oversized look.  Choose jewelry that catches people’s attention, but is also in sync with your body size.

The last tip for looking slimmer is perhaps the most important.  Wearing the right “foundations” (aka undergarments) is the key to looking thinner.  The right fit takes away 5 lbs. visually and the wrong fit can add 10 lbs.  Which would you prefer?  You can find a good fitter in the lingerie area of most major department stores.  Following these suggestions might just get you that much coveted question, “have you lost weight?”  Don’t worry…I’ll never give away our little secret!

The wait is over. I have just returned from my first foray into the spectacle that is New York fashion week. Did it live up to all the hype and hysteria??? You bet it did! It was all that and more. From the time you enter the “tents” in Bryant Park where the majority of the major shows are held, you enter another universe. People suddenly speak your language and talk your talk. Both men and women are dressed well, although some go a bit overboard to say the least. Every time I flashed my press pass to enter the tents, I felt a new jolt of excitement

I was only able to attend the last three days of an 8 day long fashion week. The first show I attended was Milly by Michele Smith on Monday afternoon (9/10). Michelle Smith launched Milly in 2000. I was happy to have my first star sighting right off the bat. LeAnn Rimes was quickly escorted to her seat so that us common folk would not be a bother. Keep in mind that designers are one or more seasons ahead of what’s in the stores, so I was seeing Spring/ Summer 2008 collections. This collection was fun and feminine, with the predominant colors being navy, white and electric green along with graphic black/ white prints. Together, this color combination looked really fresh and clean. The models wore different head coverings including a turban like hat that I could certainly use on my bad hair days! The clothing looked retro and elegant with a modern twist. Skirts were pencil thin and EVERYTHING is being belted (note this for next season). Cardigans tied around the neck were prevalent as were tiny bikinis in fun playful prints. Large oversized totes were shown with beachy cover-ups. This is a really cute line with a younger vibe, but some pieces are definitely wearable for the over 40’s set. Milly is carried locally by Bloomingdale’s, Saks and Neiman’s.

Monday night was the John Varvatos show. Varvatos is the designer credited with infusing the Converse brand with new life. This show was held on the 45th floor of a building in lower Manhattan. The space had a very industrial quality as it was unfinished office space. There were windows all along 2 sides which made for a beautiful view of tribeca and the financial district. John Varvatos does great menswear with a hip, urban feel to it. Tim Robbins (Susan Sarandon’s partner) was my next star sighting of the day/night. This was a great show although the male models looked all of about 13, more boys than men.

The runway looks were casual and cavalier, not taking themselves too seriously. The inspiration noted in the show notes mentioned the bohemian feel of the collection. Even the more tailored pieces did not look overdone. The colors were very neutral with a lot of grey, dusty rose, faded brick and pale pink along with washed shades of black and brown. The pants were very slim cut, with few grown men able to pull this look off. The knits were memorable with the vest making numerous appearances. The knits coupled with more traditional plaid shirting, made for a striking combination. The music for the show was vintage Alice Cooper, who was apparently joining Varvatos at his after show party. John Varvatos dressed several of the Emmy award attendees this past Sunday. Throwing a menswear show into the mix was a good move indeed.

Tuesday (9/11) began with torrential rain and stayed that way most of the day. Getting to the tents without getting soaking wet was a real feat. Not having packed a raincoat, but throwing in an umbrella at the last moment was like the proverbial Band-Aid on a break. After walking one block on my way to the subway, a quick stop in a drugstore for a child’s rain poncho (it was all they had left) torn at the neck to get it over my head, was all I could do to help myself. My footwear was a pair of trusty Havaiana flip flops that fared pretty well through the massive puddles. Once safely in the tents I headed to the Betsey Johnson show.

This was a show I was really looking forward to. The invitations were hot pick with black lettering and had pictures of Betsey’s 1958 Prom (during which she was crowned homecoming queen). The tent was decorated like it was 1958, complete with little tables lining the catwalk with centerpieces and silver tablecloths. Tori Spelling and hubby Dean McDermott were the celebs dujour at this show. Betsey never disappoints when it comes to theatrics. The show was a walk UP memory lane as the styles started in the 1950’s and proceeded all the way up to present day. The dresses were fun and frilly with more tulle than anyone should ever use, but that’s signature Betsey Johnson. The music mirrored each decade and the colors were candy store hues, both bright and pastel. Johnson also showed some summer looks with the main colors black and white (again) with polka dots and stripes in abundance. Cinched at the waist or bodice was the trend here. This is a show totally dedicated to wit and whimsy. Betsey cart wheeled down the runway at the conclusion of the show to the strains of Eric Clapton’s “Layla”, (her granddaughter’s name). Fun, fun, fun!

Tuesday night was Custo Barcelona, a line I had seen a lot while in Barcelona this summer. This collection has a European esthetic. The prints were bold, graphic and geometric and the color palette was bright: blues, purples, fuchsia, and lots of metallic sliver and grey. Custo Dalmau is a designer who is not afraid of color or pattern. There were lots of dresses in this collection as well as daring menswear, not for the faint of heart. Tote bags were oversized and dresses were not. There were wide legged trousers, and asymmetrical swimsuits and cover-ups. Beautiful jackets, jumpers and skirts tailored expertly wowed the packed tent. Evening ensembles, swimsuits and handbags are new to this line and will debut in stores in Spring 2008.

The tent lobby is a bit more crowded in the evenings than during the day. Drinks were being passed, and champagne was plentiful. I watched the Zac Posen show on live video feed to the lobby while sipping champagne with all of the beautiful people. Zac seems to be the designer of the moment with Mariska Hargitay and Katherine Heigel wearing his dresses to the Emmy awards Sunday. As you may recall, Zac Posen was the guest of honor for the Academy of Art University student show in April. He is boyish, charming and self deprecating all at the same time.

Wednesday was the last day of fashion week and a slower day all around. I went to a show by Caravan, which was more of a collective show with lots of different international designers. The show included Vivienne Westwood, Fred Perry (England), Walter Baker (USA), Purp7e (Brazil) and Edun, the line launched by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson. This was a more low key show at a warehouse space in Chelsea. This show was a good way to wind down my few days in fashion heaven. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, and next time, I’ll pack the raincoat!

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and kids are heading (or are already) back to school.  The Fashion magazines are brimming with the new trends, and declaring the season a success already.  Retailers are keeping it closer to the cuff as they await what will be best sellers and what will not.  I will try to boil down what will be the more wearable trends that we all can have a piece of.

Starting with colors this season… it will have lots of interest.  Pantone, the color authority, lists Spicy Chili Pepper, Lemon Curry and Purple Wine as dominant colors, along with Espresso Brown, Cashmere Rose, Green Moss and Burnt Ochre (translation: a shade of orange).  Gray seems to be making the biggest impact this season, as the “it” color.  For those who do not favor gray, try pairing it with a fun, bright color.  Red is everywhere and looks great with gray or black.  Having just returned from Barcelona,

Spain, every store was showing some form of red in their fall collections.  Remember to choose the shade of red that goes best with your complexion, all reds are NOT created equal!

Silhouettes will be slimming down this season and billowing out.  Skirts will be more tailored and more like the pencil style.  You will also see more full and flared styles also.  Pleats will prevail as long as you wear a more fitted top with them.  Pants will be either the continuation of the “skinny” jean look along with the wider legged trouser, with a higher waist.  You can actually use your pockets in these pants.  This style is flattering, and balances out a larger top or midsection.

Tweeds are making an appearance this season in very easy- to- wear variations.  They are sophisticated, but not stuffy this time around. Pair them with a nicely tailored leather jacket and you have a winning combination. You could also experiment with a more edgy motocross styled leather jacket. Man tailored clothing is also returning, so the tweed trend goes well with it.

Chunky sweaters and knits seem to be the way to keep warm this fall and winter.  The gauges seem to be exaggerated and bold.  For those of you who knit, take note: pull out your largest needles and start knitting!  Neutral colors will be your best bet for these pieces whether you choose a sweater coat, cardigan, tunic or oversize turtleneck.  Keep your bottom half tailored and not too baggy to balance the volume of this sweater.

Patent leather is BIG, BIG, BIG!  This trend is exploding.  We saw shoes and bags last season, and this season it’s taken one step further.  Patent leather trenches are showing up all over.  I love patent as much as the next person, but a patent trench?  Pass on that and grab yourself patent shoes and a bag.  Dresses are showing up with patent details and works nicely.  It will remind you of the days of Mary Janes and plaid skirts.

Capes are the new look in outerwear.   I think this is the next progression after ponchos.  Capes are more stylish and sophisticated, although not that easy to maneuver around in.  If you choose this look, stay with a style that can be belted in the front and worn looser in the back.  If your arms are too restrained, move on and choose another.  Bowed blouses look great with capes, and there are plenty to choose from.  The bow can be right at the neck, to the side or at the bottom of a V-neck.  Fabrics should be silky and easy to move in.  Cotton tends to be a bit stiff for this style to work.

Shine is the big buzz word this season, whether it is the shine of patent leather or the reflection of sequins and pailettes.  Eveningwear is shiny, silvery and sparkling.  You can choose from bronze, silver or gold.  No shortage of shimmering styles in dresses, shoes, bags and outerwear.

Feathers and faux fur are also showing up in trims and detailing.  Personally, I would skip the feathers in favor of the faux fur.  These treatments look great on evening wear or on the sleeve of a serious suit.  Choose what you like, and what looks good and remember to have some fun along the way.

Passport prevails …for 25 years.  One of my favorite shows is scheduled for the 19th and 20th of September.  Passport is coming, and it never disappoints.  This is the 25th anniversary of the show which has raised 25 million dollars benefiting the HIV/ AIDS community, both locally and nationally.  Passport is one of the Bay areas’ premiere fashion events and you don’t want to miss it!  For more information log on to www.macy’s.com and for tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com.

A parting note…I will be heading to New York Fashion Week September 5th – 12th.  Check out my experiences and impressions of the shows in the week or so after,  in this column.  Our very own Academy of Art University students will be showing their collections in the tents of Bryant Park on Saturday, September 8th at 7 p.m.  They will also be showing at the Passport events.  It’s a big month for the AAU fashion department and we’re so proud to have our local talent showcased so spectacularly!

After much pushing and prodding, I am finally giving in to the pressure and writing a column about men’s clothing. It’s not that I don’t like men or their clothing. It’s not that I don’t have some great male clients. It’s just that men generally don’t want to read about clothing and fashion.

From my experience, men approach dressing and fashion much in the same way they approach car maintenance. Every 2500 miles, the oil in the car gets changed. Every year or two, men shop for clothing. When the tires have been on the car a certain amount of time, they get rotated. Men do the same with their wardrobes. I am not saying that every man hates to shop, but a large majority do.

My husband’s technique is to write his name in my appointment book so that I have him on my schedule, just like a client. I know that I have about 2 hours to shop with him, and it better be productive! Men expect results, no excuses.

Shopping with men is in some ways the same as women. Men have areas that they like to show off, and some they’d rather camouflage, just like women. The difference I find with male clients is that if I tell them how good they look in something…they believe me! They do not second guess or need convincing. We buy that piece or pieces and move on.

Much like women, men look good in certain colors and not as good in others. My job is to point out the ones they look good in and stay away from the ones that don’t. I remember my sister’s 40th birthday party at a beautiful private room in a restaurant overlooking the S.F. bay. My brother in law had picked a really high quality button down shirt to wear that was the most beautiful shade of cantelope. It was the perfect hue, and everyone commented on how great that shirt looked on him. I think that was a lesson, on how the right color can really make a statement, man or woman.

Another major difference between shopping for men and women is fit. Men’s clothing tends to be very consistent. A 34” waist and 32” length is pretty standard no matter what vendor or designer you try on. This makes is very easy to pull clothing for a man. Keep in mind though, that certain cuts are better on some men than others. Some look good in a pleated pant and others in a flat front. Men have their “problem areas” just like us women! The good news is that shopping with men is a much quicker experience. Most of what I choose for men will fit them, it’s more a matter of choosing what looks best.

Another difference is that men generally understand that better quality is going to translate into more miles before they need new tires (shoes). A pair of Cole Haan shoes at $300 is going to last a lot longer and be more comfortable than and pair of $59 leather look a likes from Payless. More miles on the shoes, translates to more time between shopping trips. Comfort is usually higher on the priority list than looks, so I have to be careful here to choose something that satisfies both requirements.

Sometimes, it’s important to tell a man that the car is a lemon, or that it is no longer running well enough to drive, and junk it! Men are just as guilty of holding on to clothing longer than they should. Men’s bodies change with age also and clothing should evolve to fit that shape. Khakis that are threadbare from all of the washings should be tossed, as should any clothing that has lost its shape, shrunk or faded in color.

Clothing should not be thought of as a uniform. Just because something looks good, does not mean you need to buy it in every color. Again, using the automobile metaphor, you would probably not want two of the same cars. You might want to drive an SUV on the weekends and a BMW for the work week. Keep your clothing fresh and rotate shirts and bottoms so that you are not always pairing the same shirt with the same bottom. The ratio of 2-3 tops for every bottom applies to men’s clothing as well as women’s. Variety, good taste and high quality are the hallmark of a well dressed man, and the same can be said about cars!

Finding the perfect handbag is a lot like finding the perfect partner.  Before you think me a fool, let me explain.  When you meet your match, there is instant chemistry and you know they are the one.  Well, the same can be said for a handbag that you just have to have!  There is instant infatuation and you can’t live without it.  I’ve had this experience lately, but more on that later.

There are several requirements that this handbag must have before you decide to “settle” down with it.  It has to satisfy several litmus tests, if you will.  The first is size.  Does it fit everything you need to get through a typical day?  Does is feel OK even if it is at full capacity?  Can you comfortably wear it on your shoulder for long periods of time?  If you have to habit of stuffing your bag to within and inch of it’s full capacity, look for a bag that you can’t do this with.  There is nothing more unattractive than a handbag this is too full.  Another tip is to feel how heavy the bag is when it is completely empty.  If it’s already heavy you might want to take a pass and keep on looking.

The next thing to consider in this all important coupling is the color of the bag.  I personally treat handbags as accessories, meaning that I change mine constantly.  If you are going to stick to one bag for the whole season, I would stick with black or brown.  If you are looking for a way to turn up your color quotient, choose a bag in a fun spring color.  Try to stick with a color that will coordinate with most of what you wear.  Handbags are a fun and safe way to jazz up your look a little, without worrying about what size you wear, or weather it will make you look fat!

On the size note, consider the scale of the bag.  In other words, if you are a petite person, don’t choose a huge oversized handbag.  It will overcome you and all people will notice is the bag.  Conversely, if you are a larger woman, do not carry a tiny bag, again think scale when choosing.  Of course, this rule does not apply the evening or cocktail bags, where the point is not to notice them much.

Another factor in determining compatibility is what material your bag will be.  Most people choose leather for its great look and durability.  If you are sticking with one bag I highly recommend leather.  If you want to be more adventurous, there are a lot of manufacturers/ designers that are coming out with Vegan (non leather) alternatives, very durable straw or synthetic materials.  Remember, you want a long and stable relationship with this bag, so stick with a material you can relate to!

Now, think of the all important “style” of the bag.  Do you like a slouchy boho kind of bag with just one strap, or do you prefer a more structured look like the revered Birkin style?  Is a backpack style the only thing your back can handle, or do you like a briefcase style with room for all of your high tech gadgets?  Handbags are very personal territory, so only you can determine what works for you.

Lastly, how much should spend on this all important decision?  Remember that this bag should elevate your look, not bring it down.  I am not advocating buying a bag with the same price tag as a small economy car (they ARE out there, believe me), but you should spend enough to for a good looking, quality bag that you love carrying around with you.

I recently fell in love with a bag.  I’m ashamed to say that I am quite fickle when it comes to handbags.  Luckily, I am quite committed to my husband/ partner of 13 years.  I saw this bag and couldn’t get it out of my mind.  I thought about it a lot.  It was a beautiful patent leather (a very IN look, by the way) tote, with just the right amount of space inside.  Let me mention it had a hefty price tag to match it’s beauty.  I had used the bag as a prop at a packing program I did at Bloomingdale’s, and it was love at first sight.  What did I do?  I went back and bought it!  I now carry it proudly (you may see me around the village with it), and every time I carry that handbag, it makes my outfit and me look better!  That’s the beauty of a perfect match!

Another fashion note: My favorite student fashion show is happening today, Friday April 27th.  The Academy of Art University student fashion show is being held at 601 Brannan Street @ 5th St. in San Francisco.  There are two shows open to the public at 3:00 p.m. today, Friday and another tomorrow, Saturday, at 3:00 p.m. also.  The show for industry is at 7 p.m. tonight by invitation only.  Guests of honor include: fashion designer Zac Posen, Yves Saint Laurent friend and muse Loulou de la Falaise, and fashion editor of The Washington Post, Robin Givhan.  For more information logon to www.academyart.edu.

THE WEATHER LATELY has been a bit of a tease. Between daylight-saving time coming so early, and one of the driest winters on record almost behind us, it has been very tempting to start wearing all of those new spring purchases sitting in your closets. If you have been good and waited for the flowers to bloom before buying anything new, then here’s what you might be seeing in some of the stores and out on the street.

Nautical remixed is a look that depends on the basics of red, white, khaki and blue, stripes and gold buttons. The way they are showing nautical this year is mixing vertical stripes with horizontal ones. They’re pairing stripes with prints and some plaids thrown in for good measure. Add to this some wide-leg, high-waisted pants and you are starting to get the picture.

Soft and romantic is another look that continues to show up this season. This look includes ruffles and bows, lace and crochet. The fabrics for this look are both feminine and floaty. Keep other pieces low-key so that the romance can show through.

Modified men’s wear is a favorite this season. Again, a pair of wide leg trousers gets this look started. Vests are perfect for this trend. Keep the colors pretty neutral and do a tighter top over a looser bottom. A crisp white shirt is the perfect compliment to this style. Move over men, women are stealing your look!

The Grecian-inspired look is coming on strong. This trend requires very drapey jersey fabrics that flow and fall easily. It is a very dramatic look that can really add some glamour. Metallic accessories and flat sandals are perfect compliments to this look.

Metallic is the finish du jour. Accessories, shoes, handbags and of course dresses can be seen in metallics all over the place. Be careful to do just a touch of this trend, as all over is too much. A pair of metallic flats have a way of dressing up even the most casual outfit.

Cropped is the cut of the season for jackets and tops. Layered over a longer top or tunic, gives you a long and lean line. These shorter jackets also look good over dresses.

The LWD or little white dress is making an appearance this season. This dress can bee seen in eyelet, chiffon or even jersey fabrics. The dress in general has made a huge splash this season.

Dresses are EVERYWHERE! Dresses over jeans and leggings or on their own can be seen at the beach and in the board room. Dress silhouettes are A line, empire, wrap and trapeze styles in both solid and floral prints. One of these is bound to flatter every figure type.

Trench coats are everywhere you look, in the magazines and in the village. The trench coat has gone from fashion staple to fashion statement. The trench can be spotted in many different colors and fabrics to give some pizzazz to this wardrobe must-have. If you’re going to invest, go for a khaki trench in a classic double-breasted style. If you already own a trench coat, but want to update it, considered having it shortened right to the knee.

Headbands are the accessory of the season. This look is fresh and fun. You can pair several skinny headbands for a splash of color, or go with one wide headband. You can also use skinny scarves to make your own. This is a great look to camouflage your not perfectly coifed hair! A high-waisted belt is another accessory that defines spring 2007. It cinches in the waist and looks great with a blouson top and skinny pants.

Shoes this season are reason to celebrate. The wedge heel is making a statement. A wedge shoe is a great way to add some height, without having to visit your chiropractor. Wedges are easier on the back than a traditional heel and they are really comfortable! They look as good under jeans as they do with a frilly dress. Ballet flats are also showing up in every conceivable material. Suede, velvet, canvas, patent and leather are just some of the choices for this shoe. They look great with pants, skirts and of course, a dress.

It will be a fun season with lots of fashion options. No matter which trend speaks to you, there’s a lot to work with this spring. Pick a few that suit you best, and make them your own!

As temperatures start to warm a little (at least temporarily), spring cleaning will start to move to the top of our “To Do” lists.  I’d like to offer a few ideas for getting rid of the items you clean out of your closet.  In the spirit of giving and welcoming our new columnist Bill Somerville’s “Simple Gifts”, here are some suggestions for organizations that would love to get your cast-offs.

Wardrobe for Opportunity (website) is an organization I am delighted and proud to be associated with.  Wardrobe is an Oakland and Pleasant Hill based non-profit that helps its clients, both men and women, to dress for interviews and subsequent hiring.  Their mission statement reads “Wardrobe for Opportunity is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career support to low-income jobseekers so they can secure employment and become economically self-sufficient.”  Every month I show up for three hours to help dress clients.  Each time I leave, I feel happy, grateful and appreciative of the experience and thankful for the dedicated staff at WFO.  WFO also offers its clients a program called “Pathways to Opportunity” as additional training and preparation for their new jobs.   WFO is hosting a breakfast on Friday, March 16, 2007 from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. for donors, referral agencies and volunteers if you are interested in finding out more about Wardrobe for Opportunity.  I will be the keynote speaker, and will be talking about “de-mystifying business casual”.  All of the details can be found on their website.

A Miner Miracle (www.aminermiracle.org) is a San Francisco bases non-profit that also helps men & women dress for their entry or re-entry into the job market.  Miner Miracle has a retail store that is an additional source of revenue for this organization.  The shop is located at 899 Mission Street on the ground floor of the Mission & 5th St. garage right across from Bloomingdale’s.  In 1995, Kathy Miner founded A Miner Miracle after working with the Salvation Army on a similar pilot program.  A Miner Miracle also provides job skills workshops and additional education for its clients in order to prepare them for the current job market.

Dress for Success Worldwide (www.dressforsuccess.org) “is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women located in 78 cities across the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and New Zealand. The professional clothing, employment retention programs and ongoing support that we provide our clients symbolize our faith in every woman’s ability to be self-sufficient and successful in her career.”  Dress for Success just opened a San Francisco affiliate in 2006.  Dress for Success serves women only and also offers job skills training as well as professional clothing.  They will be opening a retail store, as soon as a suitable space is found.  Since its founding in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success has served 300,000 women around the world.

Each of these wonderful organizations has guidelines for donations, but generally, all clothing should be dry cleaned, on hangers and in good condition.  Business casual clothing is also accepted.  Don’t forget that these organizations also need belts, shoes, handbags, ties, scarves, briefcases, overcoats and raincoats.  Each of them can provide a tax receipt and lets you determine the value of the donation.  Check their websites for donation locations around the bay area.  Of course, monetary donations are always welcome and appreciated!  If you are looking for some way to “give back” this spring, consider one of these amazing organizations!

For the “packing challenged”…  If you stress about packing, weeks before a trip, join AICI (Assn. of Image Consultants Int’l, www.aici.org) for their Travel Express: Tour with Style program.  It is being held at Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 20th, 2007 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.  The program will include spring trends, great luggage options, and current FAA regulations.  Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.  For tickets and information call Katherine Wurzburg at (650)949-3170.

If you take a look in anyone’s closet, the owner would no doubt be able to give you a short history of the majority of their clothing.  In almost every closet there will be several, what I like to call “expensive fashion mistakes”.  What exactly is an expensive fashion mistake you ask?  It’s the piece you bought, because you thought you couldn’t live without it.  You’ve come to learn it’s exactly the opposite, and it’s never seen the light of day.

First, it’s important to know why people (men, that includes you too) make these lapses in judgement so often.  I find there are several explanations for this common situation.  First, you bought it on impulse.  You didn’t really plan on buying it, but you got caught up in the moment and you did it.  This is sometimes the case when we are shopping with friends, and fashion mistakes just happen.

Next is the last minute fashion mistake.  You have an event to go to, perhaps it is work related for you or your spouse/partner.  You’ve had ample notice before the event, but just didn’t make time to look for the perfect ensemble.  This is the prime environment for fashion mistakes to happen.  We usually feel very stressed as the time of the event draws closer, and our decision making ability is not based on what fits the best and looks great, it is based on sheer desperation!  You can see why this in never the optimal frame of mind for shopping and why so many fashion mistakes thus occur.

Another scenario for fashion mistakes is the all too common vacation purchase.  You see a beautiful hand painted sarong that costs a king’s ransom.  It looks beautiful on, and fits right in with the island vibe of ________ (fill in the blank with an island paradise).  The problem here is that a hand painted sarong is not something you’ll wear very often in your everyday life, unless you are a tour guide for tropical getaways.  Men make this mistake quite often with Hawaiian shirts.  If the only chance you’ll have to wear it is the yearly “Hawaiian Party” then take a pass and buy one from Goodwill when you need it!

The number one reason I hear from people about fashion mistakes, is the “it was on sale” excuse.  Let me be very clear here …just because something is on sale, does not mean it looks good on and fits you properly.  You are so much better off waiting until you find exactly what you want and are looking for, even if it means paying full price.  You will wear it more often and really get your money’s worth versus something you NEVER wear sitting in your closet collecting dust.  Enough said.

Now, let’s examine how you avoid making the above faux pas.  Always keep classic pieces in neutral colors in mind and know that you will always get the most wear out of these pieces.  These are the “investment” pieces that you will get tons of use from.  Spend more on these core pieces and less on the trendy garments that will only be worn for a season or two.

If you are considering a really amazing garment, that will make a big dent in your checkbook, consider using the 24 hour rule.  The 24 hour rule goes like this: if, after 24 hours, you are still obsessing over the garment, go back and buy it.  If your doubts about the garment intensify, forget about it and move on.  Most stores, both boutiques and large department stores, usually have a least a 24 hour hold policy.  This is precisely the amount of time you will need to decide if the clothing passes muster.

Make sure you always ask about the return policy.  Most small boutiques have somewhat more restrictive return policies than larger department stores.  I am not advocating for department stores, as some of the best finds are in smaller boutiques.  I am advocating being an informed consumer.  Make sure if you are uncertain about your purchase, you can at least return it for store credit.

The best solution for vacation purchasing, is to make sure that whatever you are contemplating, you wouldn’t be embarrassed to don in public, back “home”.  While vacationing in Puerto Vallarta a few years back I happened upon this wonderful “Zappateria” where they made the cutest hand- tooled sandals.  I bought a few pairs, and never regretted it because sandals are something I wear a lot in my “everyday” life.

My last suggestion for the fashion mistakes in your closet is to find a good place to consign it.  You may still be able to recoup some of your investment this way.  In the end, learn from those expensive fashion mistakes, and vow never to repeat them…at least until next season!