Not a Slave to Fashion, |
Art Director of My Own Life! |
| Every season brings an onslaught of new looks and an endless list
of must-have items. It’s overwhelming. At certain times of my
life, I have tried to get it all. What a disaster. As I got a bit
older I noticed more and more of my friends just opting out of ‘fashion”.
They bought new things, but stopped keeping up with trends. They found
it all too much. They didn’t relate to the over-the top spreads
in their formerly favourite fashion glossies. No fashion at all is
just too depressing. |
Some women of means solve their shopping problems by sticking to
just a few posh shops. They pick their booty from the racks or use
a personal shopper. It’s not a bad strategy if you have loads
of cash, time, and a defined personal style. Younger friends complain
that prices are sky high, and they never seem to get all they need
to feel “just right” no matter what they buy. They either
buy too much or go the opt-out-route. Neither is a happy solution.
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| A perfect “IT “dress simple and shiny.
A classic by Alice and Olivia. |
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| I find making a check list of basics needed to up-date my wardrobe
works for me. I am then free to trawl the racks of my favourite shops
and internet sites with a sense of purpose. I can call ahead to my
favourite shops and ask if they have an item that I know I will want.
I can also snag a hot item before it sells out. Sure, I still fall
impetuously in love with a bargain or fabulous thing I don’t
need, but must have, but that is after I have my wardrobe basics covered. |
| If this sounds elementary, then darling you must look smashing and
always feel very chic and ahead of the curve. If it all sounds like
too much time and trouble, ask yourself how much you stress over clothes
now. Do you always feel fabulous and up to the minute? Do you garner
compliments on your outfits and accessories? Trust me darling, at
any age and on any budget, looking smashing is more about planning
than spending. Although spending is nice, it doesn’t ensure
being chic. |
Think of women whose look you admire. It’s that little “je
ne sais quoi” that comes from the right little accessory and
the total look. You know full well some women can - and do - hang
all of Bergdorf Goodman’s on themselves and still look dreadful.
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| D&G Dolce and Gabbana Metallic Python Bootie:
a splurge but an instant wow! |
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| The easiest way to update your look this year is with patent leather.
Black patent is the easiest to find and to wear. Look for a wonderful
black patent shoe, boot, bootie, bag, or even a head band. A black
patent trench is absolutely killer glam! |
| The bootie is the “it” shoe this year. Worn with black
or brown tights, it works with skirts if you have mile long legs.
It’s a star with pants. |
| Think simple tailored shifts for daytime, in one of the hot, hot,
colours: bright pink, red, or yellow! Black is back and it’s
shiny with sequins and beads. It’s a stellar look for evenings
and available at every price point! H&M
has a killer beaded black dress under $50. |
| Turtlenecks in jewel tones with new the higher-waisted pant are
a very hot look. |
| If you love turtlenecks, this is the year to hunt them down in your
favourite shades. |
| heavencashmere.com |
This is a great year for all knits. From rich luxe sweaters worn
with cozy mufflers in cold climates to sleek sweater dresses, take
your pick sweater girls.
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| Sweater girls can be simple and sweet |
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| Look for a fabulous pair of pants with a high-waist. You can get
a wider leg or stay very skinny; both look fresh with the new waistline.
Finish the look with narrow belt of shiny snakeskin. If you have tummy
issue, belt over your sweater. |
Also if you love grey or brown there are plenty of basics available
in both colours. Think of getting a good pair of pants and fabulous
sweater in either colour if it suits you.
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| A shiny clutch at a fab price says chic. |
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| You need belts this year. A belt is an instant update. But if you
can’t wear belts, focus on a fabulous shiny bag. The newest
look is a clutch. Get a small jeweled or snakeskin clutch for evening
and maybe a big shiny tote for day. |
| While platform shoes are the rage and really work for some people,
many designers are showing gorgeous stilettos and boots. It’s
great to have choice. What ties all these looks together for daytime
is dark hose. I have stocked up on opaque black and brown stockings
with a slight sheen. All my favourite dark shiny pumps peep toes,
and sling backs work with these comfy and chic hose. |
| I’m also pulling out all my classic and kooky pins and broaches
to scatter across my jacket labels and sweaters this fall. It’s
a great way to wear bling and keep a clean sexy neckline. I want to
mix and match them. I also a have few fabulous art deco pieces to
add glitz to plain black dresses that lack this year’s necessary
sparkle. |
| So darlings, be smashing this fall. Be hip, be glam - whatever that
means to you. Take time to think and plan your look. You are worth
it. Clothes are pricey and a little planning goes a long to always
feeling great when you go out. Remember, you are not a slave to fashion,
but mistress of your own wardrobe and art director of your life! |
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Susan Farber
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Beautiful Baggage |
| Susan Farber, the woman behind some of
the most beautiful new bags we have seen, chats with DolceDolce
readers about the inspiration behind her gorgeous bags. They’ve
been seen on trend-setting shows such as Desperate Housewives.
They have been spotted on the arms of Debra Messing,
Eva Longoria and Sharon Stone.
And, I confess, I have my eye on a Sofia clutch or Nina
Hobo in black patent! |
| DD: Ideally how many bags does a woman need in
her wardrobe? |
| SF: More and more handbags are seen as a true accessory,
something that completes an outfit, whether you are walking into a
party dressed in all black carrying a clutch in a fabulous red or
another great color that makes the outfit "pop," going to
work, or shopping, or carry a great looking and durable everyday bag.
Taking the kids to school or going to the pool, carrying a light and
conventional bag can do the trick. It isn't really about a number,
but more the way a handbag really has become an easy way to complete
an outfit for a great look. |
| DD: What are the hottest trends for fall? |
| SF: From daytime affairs to evening parties, bow
bags are everywhere this fall season! Some of the more prominent trends
for fall include: hair calfs, patents, or rich leathers in jewel tones,
metallics, or any rich hues. The traditional neutral shades expected
for fall have been enhanced this season with more interesting and
unexpected color combinations, such as sapphire, olive, marigold,
pewter, gold, or red - all in beautiful patents or leather metallics.
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| DD: What distinguishes a quality handbag? Materials?
Details etc? |
| SF: Materials are the number one most important
aspect in distinguishing a quality handbag. This includes texture
and color. For instance, patents are so strong for this season. There
is such a variation in patent leather quality. Patent looks a lot
richer when applied to beautiful laundered leather; the result is
depth and texture. Shape, function, and comfort are also important.
Sometimes less is more, it is important to let the materials speak
for themselves. |
| DD: Which bag are you carrying now? |
SF: A Small Riley in black patent.
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Small Riley by Susan Farber
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| DD: Is there a trick to organizing your handbag?
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| SF: Utilizing the pockets and compartments is a
great idea, especially the cell phone pocket so that your phone doesn't
ever get misplaced. Also, using smaller makeup bags as portable/transferable
pockets is an easy way to keep organized and also helpful when switching
handbags. |
| DD: What inspires you as designer? |
| SF: Everything - whether it's a painting, architecture,
nature, or a great hairstyle. |
| DD: How should you care for a fine handbag? |
SF: Most leather designer bags are not treated.
This allows the bags to age gracefully and with the character expected
from a designer bag, making them distinct and unique. Keep your bag
away from makeup, food, or any other oil-based product which can stain.
When you are not using your bag, store it in a protective cloth container.
The very first thing you should do is treat your handbag with a leather
protector to prevent stains from setting in. No matter how careful
you are, at some point your likely to leave a mark on it and the leather
protection will not allow it to soak in, so you’ll be able to
more easily remove it. Depending on the type of leather and the finish,
will depend on the cleaning method used. If you’re not sure,
you can take it to professional leather cleaner that will have the
expertise to remove the stain.
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| To order or view the line www.susanfarbercollections.com |
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today, and forward
to your friends. Because life should be sweet. |
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| Food |
Tony Treat |
Just because you’re not a kid anymore doesn’t mean your
don’t crave a childhood treat. But if you are anything like
me, you’ll love the posh grown-up version even more. Even the
savvy small fry I know these days are likely to go for Danish over
pop-tarts and Fettuccini Alfredo over Kraft dinner. So if you loved
marshmallows as a kid, Plush Puffs are for
you. These are gourmet marshmallows come in flavours such as Vanilla
Bean, Toasted Coconut, and Chocolate Chipetta, just to name a few.
The Chipetta is what it sounds like - a chocolaty puff studded with
chips.
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Plush Puffs a gourmet goodie!
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| Plush Puffs are yummy to snack on or cook with. They’re not
too disastrous to your diet either at about 90 calories for 5 big
puffs - give or take by my counter. How fabulous is that? Munch them,
toast them, and stash them or they’ll be gone. |
| www.plushpuffs.com |
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| L’Oreal Paris Emmy Gift to Julia Louis-Dreyfus |
Beauty
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More Emmy Glamour |
| We told you we were mad about this new lip colour from L’Oreal
Paris. L’Oreal is so proud of it; they are presenting each of
the female acting nominees of this year’s Emmy awards with a
commemorative, first-edition Infallible Never Fail LipColour in Cerise,
a “Red Carpet Red” that comes in an engraved package with
each actress’s monogram and “9/16/07” in recognition
of Emmy night. The Emmys will be broadcast September 16th check your
local listings. |
While you can’t get a personalized compact, you can get the
same chic styling and fabulously glam lips with your own shiny compact
in sexy-cerise.
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Tim Gunn and Victoria Webb
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| Fashion |
Must-See Fashionista TV |
Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style on Bravo
is must-see TV for fans of Project Runway.
Tim Gunn is the most lovable, down-to earth,
most empathetic, practical fashion mentor a girl could want. His 10
item wardrobe plan is workable for most women. Co-host Veronica
Webb has her moments too, but too but he is the star.
He is as lovable as he is suave, and that is no easy feat. Tune in
and see Professor Tim transform a new Eliza Doolittle
each week.
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| Food |
Fast Food That is Good For you! |
| Many people still think of pork as greasy and heavy, and it’s
just not true. Now, pork is bred to be lean and healthy - and as the
National Pork Board says, it’s the
“other white meat”. Pork tenderloin serves 3-4 people.
If you slice it, it will cook up in minutes. It will also stay tender
and juicy while absorbing flavours very well from spices and marinades.
If you don’t have a roast - and I seldom do - cooked and sliced
tenderloin would work well as substitute in our recipe from the National
Pork Board. Pork is now actually recommended as heart-healthy food,
when prepared properly. Grab tenderloin, slice and sauté; it
can be fast food, too. |
| Congratulations to the pork people for their National
Eat Dinner Together Week campaign, which generated this
recipe. |
| Curried Pork and Apple Salad |
| 1 1/4 cups leftover roasted pork, diced into 1/2-inch pieces |
| 1 small Granny Smith apple, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces |
| 1 stalk celery, diced into 1/2-inch pieces |
| 2 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced |
| 2 to 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, to taste |
| 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar |
| 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon curry powder or garam macula, to taste |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste |
| 6 leaves green leaf lettuce |
| Combine diced pork, apples, celery and scallions in bowl. Set aside.
Combine mayonnaise and vinegar and curry powder or garam masala. Add
to pork mixture and season to taste with salt and pepper. Line two
serving plates with lettuce leaves. Divide pork salad in half and
place a mound in center of each plate. Makes 2 servings |
| Recipe by Chefs: Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. |
| Another week darlings, and we are smack in September. But summer
lingers in the air. I refuse to be rushed through anything; life is
too sweet to hurry as much as everyone wants us to. I say savor. You
won’t come this way again. So no matter what you cook, make
dinner for someone you love this week, especially if you live alone.
Dining together for families and singles is so important, it’s
the board that binds. Treat yourself to a little red carpet glamour;
after all you should know you’re a star. I do and no one will
convince me to the contrary! |
| Until next week, please sign-up
if you haven't already - DolceDolce is free - and please forward
us on to your friends. |
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| Gracey Hitchcock |
| Editor |
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