Romantic Musings
Yes, it's in the air. Marc and Stan, Style's beloved stylists and master hair artists, are celebrating the loveliness of the season. It's lace, ruffles and romance all around. Think Nicole Kidman.
Marc and Stan remind us that hair is getting longer and softer. They also warned us that some fashion gods are trying to bring back perms, but this will be about as popular and long-lasting as the so-called big hair revival that was to accompany the "Dynasty" look and its big shoulder pads, or the insane bare-legged phenomenon that surfaced one winter of all times. If you are a fashion slave, don't waste time and destroy your hair on this.
Our dear guys also remind us to check your roots. Anything more than _''is a major hair faux pas, no matter what famous or infamous celeb is sporting a two-toned look. Keep your class and see thy hairdresser for repairs.
In addition to hair, Marc and Stan are fashion savvy. Just walk in their well-done, well-decorated place anytime and take a restful look at their surroundings and what they are wearing. Cutting edge always, without ever being slavish. That goes for their house, too, all fully self-created
Get a ruffled white blouse this season, they emphasized (Marc, as always in capital letters and Stan more quietly). Fashion slaves should not toss everything for ruffles or they could end up looking like a bedskirt. Instead, get one or two soft, lovely and large white blouses. If ruffles aren't your thing, a man's tailored shirt in a very gentle fabric (nothing stiff, please) will do.
How you wear it is your choice with one exception. Do not tuck it in unless you are thin, thin, thin. Even then, you are best wearing your poet-peasant look belted over jeans, plain flat-front pants, or a long, loose skirt. Think dignified hippies here.
Larger and smaller women need to follow the same rules. Easy on the ruffles and full, full skirts to avoid looking like a ship at full sail. Both need to choose simpler, less extravagant styles. The tall clothes-hanger body types can wear exaggerated, oversized furbelows and skirts wide enough to handle a hoop skirt.
Style can't emphasize this enough - if you wore the hippie-love bead-psychedelic crocheted thingies a few decades ago, your turn is over. Now, you can still wear the peasant styles and tops, but do so with more than a touch of restraint. Pick that one gorgeous, embroidered, beaded blouse and put it over solid-colored slim pants or Capri's (no bell-bottoms PLEASE!). Pick that one white ruffled romantic top and put it with a flowing skirt of crinkled silk or printed Indian gauze. Keep it simple.
It's time to divorce your beloved twin sets from each other. Use the cardigan over a crocheted or tank top (again paired with lean, clean skirts and pants). Use the sweater with your Capri's or a peasant-ish skirt. Ballet flats and sandals are best with skirts, and your beloved clogs with pants. Accessorize carefully or you'll look like a bad attempt at a gypsy. If you are one, fine, but if not, stop before someone hands you a pack of tarot cards. Choose simple hoop earrings, or more restrained ethnic ones. Ease up on the beads.
If you have fabulous jewelry, a stunning pair of ethnic earrings or a necklace that can stand on its on, let it. Choose a proper background worthy of it. Go monochromatic in a stark T and pants or skirts, and let the necklace-earrings shine.
Planning ahead, the fall fashions were shown to the fashion world a few months ago. In keeping with these still uncertain times, designers stayed (for the most part) with what they do best. More on the grand and grotesque of fall fashions next month, with suggestions on how to get in style without breaking your budget.
So what is normal now? Style maintains that simpler is better. If it looks good on you, if you can be seen over the fashion, if what you wear reflects your personality and style, wear it proudly.
Skin note: Don't forget your sunscreen and a hat! Skin cancer continues to rise in spite of better products and more advertising. The younger set believes it is indestructible. The older, damaged skins feel it is too late. And many simply don't read the instructions or use enough. One bottle of sunscreen should NOT last the summer. If you aren't using at least an ounce each time, you are using it properly. Also, apply it at least half an hour BEFORE going out. DAILY. Even in winter. The chemicals need to bond with your skin to form proper protection. Several new studies have suggested that one should put it on at bedtime, then again that morning to provide the best protection. •