| fashion questions |
| and answers |
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|
anthropologie - summer 2004 |
 We thank New York Fashion writer Amanda Mandelli for having written our fashion articles for two years. However, Amanda has now gone on to bigger and better things, and we wish her well.
Meanwhile, we are looking for a local fashion writer, someone who would like to attain some not inconsiderable prominence in the greater Victoria area - even become a fashion maven, perhaps - and share her acute fashion sense with the lively folk of our fair city. |
| Fashion Questions
with Amanda Mandelli |
Dear Amanda,
I found your website and thought you would know the answer to my question. I bought a pencil type knee-length skirt that is black with white cording around the waistline and the slit (which is in the front and comes about mid-thigh). To me this skirt seems very summery. My birthday is September 13 and I am going out and wondering if this is too late in the year to be wearing such a skirt. I would really appreciate your insight on this matter. Thanks so much.
Michel
Dear Michel,
No, it is not too late to wear your black skirt. I do not see any reason why you couldn't wear a black pencil skirt in mid-September. If it is a real lightweight fabric I might not wear it in December, but I think you will look great.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I have a burnt orange, silk tank dress and wonder what color shoes, accessories to wear with it. I would like to wear a wrap of some kind as well.
Julia Beegle, BS
Dear Julia,
I think that burnt orange would look beautiful with a rich chocolate colour. I may wear a chocolate colour shoe and wrap, and then some beautiful topaz or amber jewelry. I think these would be elegant fall colours.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I am invited to an evening post-wedding reception at a restaurant where the requested attire is "casual elegant." What is the definition of "casual elegant?"
Dear Casual Elegant,
I am not sure that I have ever heard the term "casual elegant" used. However, I would have to believe that it means the same thing as "dressy casual". The definition to "dressy casual" is, no jeans or shorts, similar to business attire, but a tad dressier. Just remember, although it is an old cliché, the "little black dress" is a lifesaver at times like these when you aren't sure what you should wear. Keep in mind that it is always better to be under dressed than overdressed.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I desperately need your fashion help!! I am soon to be 30 years old, 5'5", and weigh 120 lbs., even after having given birth 3 months ago, which I'm very thankful for! Here's my "challenge": years ago, and especially while I was in school, I wore short and mini-skirts and shorts without a second thought. Later, when I entered the work force, I became accustomed to wearing dress pants, which has become a personal 'must' as part of my wardrobe over the years. The "challenge" is I have agreed to show my hubby, and therefore the world, some skin courtesy of my legs thru the eyes of shorts and skirts again. I have a great shape, nice and curvy in all the right places, EXCEPT I have very, very small calves. What tips do you have and can show me that will help to accentuate the positive concerning my legs? - otherwise, I tend to hide behind capri's. Thanks for your help!
MINI
Dear Mini,
My advice to you is, wear the short skirts and shorts. Many women would give their right arm for thin calves! You see thin everywhere, from the runway to the big screen, and if I were you I wouldn't be afraid to show it. If you want your legs to look shapelier, high heels would help a great deal. They tend to bring out muscles that we didn't even know we had. The best kind of heel to wear for maximum effect is the stiletto. They will elongate your legs and give them a very nice look.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi there!
I am fair with a small face and about 5.5 feet tall and a very thin figure. So I am always wondering what clothes would suit me so that I look in a good shape. I really need help for this problem. Please try to solve it. Looking forward for your reply. Thanks and Regards,
Ashwini
Dear Ashwini,
Thin people look great in just about everything. That's why fashion designers select them season after season to wear and advertise their clothing, no matter what the style of the apparel. You are in a great position to be proud of your figure and wear the clothing that you like. You should stay away from anything with shoulder pads or clothing that is excessively baggy, but other than that, you have a great figure, so you shouldn't be afraid to show it off.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
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Dear Amanda:
I am 21 and I have a wedding to go to on September 10th. The bride is my current boyfriend's ex whom he is still friends with and the groom is a friend of his too and I haven't bother to get to terribly close to either of them. I was going to wear a black and pink pinstriped mini skirt (not too short) with a black camisole under a pink button up shirt which I'll probably leave open. I also bought the cutest black and pink pinstriped fedora. I'm not sure what type of shoes to wear with the outfit. We are not going to the wedding ceremony just the reception, but I'm also not sure if the outfit is appropriate either.
Dear
The outfit you have selected sounds fine. However, I would choose to leave off the fedora for the reception. As far as shoes go, I think that you have many options with black, from pointed toe pumps to knee-high boots.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
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Hi Amanda,
These days it seems like polos are so over worn, everyone is always wearing them and it's so boring. Although they are very versatile and they look good ... so I was pondering what could be worn with a polo to make it more unique, and not so bland. I was thinking perhaps some type of jacket to go over it? I would also like to know which polo you think I should buy ... I was thinking perhaps Ralph Lauren or penguin? I tried on a Lacoste polo and hated the fit ... plus I don't like to look overly preppy ... What do you think? Much appreciated,
Claire
Dear Claire,
As far as fashionable for this season, Lacoste is definitely the way to go, but if you hated the fit, I would go with Ralph Lauren. Just because you wear a polo, doesn't mean you have to look preppy. Put on a denim jacket over one and maybe an excessive amount of funky jewelry. Or wear a long sleeve tee under your new polo with some jeans and converse sneakers. You have plenty of options with polos without having to wear khaki pants, a v-neck sweater and penny loafers.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
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Dear Amanda,
I am a fairly fashionable person, or at least I shop in fashionable stores such as Diesel, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, etc ... But, my friend's think I don't dress in a feminine enough way, they think I dress like a fashionable guy. I like the way I dress, because I think I dress with taste, how should I look more feminine without switching my style? I don't look very "masculine"; I just wouldn't exactly be defined as having a feminine fashion sense... What type of things would make me appear less masculine? Thanks,
Jane
Dear Jane,
If you read my articles and other posts then you probably think that my answer for everything is high-heels, but I can't stress enough their feminine qualities. If you want to throw on jeans and a t-shirt, put on some great accessories and heels, you will look feminine without having to give up your identity. If you want to be fashionable for fall, feminine is the way to go. But if you don't feel comfortable wearing these things then you will not have the confidence to pull the look off. So, wear what is comfortable to you and dress it up with accessories.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I have two questions. The first, is it 'acceptable' to wear mules all year round? The second is what is the newest fashion boot height - midcalf or knee? Thanks Amanda!
Kari
Dear Kari,
Yes, it is acceptable to wear mules all year round. They look great with trousers and jeans. As for your second question, both heights of boots are ok for this season, but round-toe and flat boots are the newest look for fall fashion.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
Help! I will be attending my nephew's wedding in the middle of November in San Diego, Calif. It will be held at a restaurant in a Japanese Garden in the afternoon. I am 51, 5'5", 130 lbs. I haven't worn a dress since I quit working 10 years ago. And, does anyone wear nylons anymore?? I desperately need help. Thank you.
Cindy Beck
Dear Cindy,
If your nephew's wedding is before 6:00pm, then a tea length or shorter dress will be appropriate. If the wedding is after 6:00pm, you should wear an ankle length dress or a knee-length cocktail dress. As for your second question, yes, we still wear nylons, especially in November. Just remember not to wear them with open-toed shoes.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda:
I will be attending my high school reunion at the end of September, and I was wondering if it is appropriate to wear 3" strappy black or silver sandals (of course without stockings), that late in September? The reunion is an evening affair, but because it will already be fall, I'm not sure what the protocol is visa vie bare feet in strappy sandals in the cooler months. Thank you for your advice.
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Your strappy sandals will be appropriate in late September, especially since it is an evening affair. I am glad you remembered - no nylons! I hope you have a great time!
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
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Dear Amanda,
I'm heading to a semi formal wedding in Maine next week-end. I have a purple (eggplant) silk, spaghetti strap, knee length dress and strappy shoes.
Questions:
1. Is a knee length dress considered less formal than a longer dress (I am 5' 4 and have a terrible time finding longer dresses that look well tailored)?
2. Is it inappropriate not to wear nylons? Further, if this were a winter wedding in a cold climate do you suggest open toed nylons?
3. If I were heading to a formal Christmas or New Years Eve party would the outfit described be considered inappropriate?
Dear Questions,
Yes, a knee-length is considered less formal than a long dress, but if the purple dress you have already chosen is spaghetti strap, and you put on the right shoes and accessories, it will be fine for a semi-formal wedding.
Yes, it is appropriate not to wear nylons, especially if this is an evening affair. If this were a winter wedding in a colder climate, I would not suggest the dress you have described. So, if you had a dress with sleeves, you would have no use for the strappy shoes or the open-toes nylons.
If you were headed to a formal Christmas or New Year's Eve party, yes the outfit you have described would be inappropriate. However, the key word here is "formal". If your wedding is semi-formal, it will be fine, but if the wedding or the party is formal you will need to regroup.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I have a brown wool pant and I would like to know if I can wear a black top and a black jacket with it? And also a red shoe and red bag? Thank you.
Your reader
Dear Reader,
The black shell and jacket will look great with the brown wool pant and the red shoe and bag could look very fashionable with the outfit as long as your red and brown do not clash with one another.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
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Dear Amanda:
I am attending a wedding this September in Paris. The ceremony begins at 4 pm at a Catholic church and the reception is afterwards at the Four Seasons George V. I have no idea what Parisians wear to this kind of wedding and would not want to be dressed inappropriately. Thanks for the help.
A. Johnson
Dear A. Johnson,
Remember when selecting your wardrobe for Paris, that everything is dressier there. They have not yet adapted to all of the "comfortable clothing" that Americans love to wear. They love to look great and they do! However, if the ceremony begins at 4:00pm, you should not wear a formal gown. You should go with a tea-length semi-formal dress, and heels.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Allright - here's your chance to have
your fashion questions answered by a cosmopolitan, dyed in the wool fashion expert - so ask away :)
amanda@salescene.com
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