| 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,
Is it true that straw hats should not be worn after the beginning of fall? I wear straws in all colors; when should I put them away and move to wool?
Dear Hat Lover,
That is correct, straw hats are for us to enjoy in the spring, and especially the summer months. I receive a lot of questions like yours, such as, when not to wear straw hats, knee-high boots, linen, and so forth. It is very common for people to wonder, but the answer is very simple. Not only do we want to look good when we dress, but we also need clothing for protection from the sun, wind and cold. So, since it is now fall, there is really no need for a straw hat any longer, unless of course if you are visiting or live in a tropical climate where the temperature is hot all year round. So just keep in mind when you have questions about what not to wear at a specific time, is it the season for this?
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I have a burgundy (midcalf skirt ... straight and a matching jacket) knit fabric. What colour would look fantastic with it?
Dear Burgundy,
I think black and burgundy look beautiful together, and you could dress it up by accessorizing with black and silver estate pieces, such as a brooch or a lovely necklace. Brooches are the crème de la crème in accessories this season, but if you choose to wear a brooch and it is elaborate or very ornate, I would leave the necklace off.
If you wanted to go for a bit more of a casual look, I think that a chocolate brown would be beautiful if your burgundy suit has more of a brown undertone rather than a red.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I understand that shoulder pads are WAY out, but is that true even for suit coats, jackets, and button sweaters for the 50+ age group?
Dear Shoulder Pads,
Actually, shoulder pads are not way out this season, but they do need to follow the natural lines of your shoulder. They should not be big and boxy, but should have a very natural look to them.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
It is currently September 25th, however the weather is still pretty mild (high 60's - low 70's). I'm dying to get out my leather and suede knee length boots to wear with skirts, crop pants, etc ... Is there a correct temperature at which I should do this, or can I pull them out at anytime now that fall is "officially" here?
Dear Suede Boots,
In all actuality you can wear your suede boots now since fall is officially here, but if possible I would wait until the temperature drops a little more. To me you would just look uncomfortable in suede boots when it is seventy degrees outside, and you do not want that.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I have lived in Bloomfield Hills MI, and New York City my entire life. My husband recently took a job in the south. It is beautiful here and everyone is so friendly. The other day however, I was saying to one of my friends how I was excited for fall to pull out my Tod patent leather driving shoes. She told me that I was out of season and that patent leather was only for spring and summer. Have I been wrong all these years along with Neiman Marcus? Or do they have different rules in the south? Looking for an answer; if you can help at all I would greatly appreciate it!!!!!!
Dear Patent Leather,
In the south rules used to be strict on patent leather, and also on white shoes and purses. Things have eased up a bit, but if you wear your patent leather shoes, you may get a few funny looks, but you shouldn't worry about it. In my book Neiman Marcus is never wrong so go for it. You obviously have a great sense of style and know what you are doing. I wear patent leather all year long and do not see any problems with it.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I am a mother of two small boys who likes to look stylish. I need some shoes to wear with my jeans in the fall. I have some comfortable brown clogs but I fear that they are out of style. Can you tell me if I should go shopping for new fall shoes? And if so, what type? Thanks,
Sandi |
neiman marcus - fall 2004 |
Dear Sandi,
neiman marcus - fall 2004 |
You may have asked the wrong person, because I go shoe shopping every season without fail. There are some things you can buy that are classics such as driving shoes, loafers or black pumps, but if you want to continue to look stylish you have to continue to shop every season. I have added some pictures of different styles of shoes that are hot for fall and look great with jeans. |
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
My daughter is wearing a slinky brown roushed front halter dress for the homecoming dance. The dress comes with a darkish silver fabric rose pin that can be removed. We are wondering about shoes. Some of her friends think gold others think she should go with a bright color and accessories in that color. What do you think? She
is of medium height and has a skin tone with light red highlighted hair.
Dear Halter Dress,
The dress sounds beautiful and I think that the brown would look equally as beautiful with turquoise shoes and accessories. I am not sure I would go with gold. I think a bright colour would update the look. You will need to take the dress with you to find a colour that blends well, but I think pink, turquoise, or green would compliment the brown.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
What time of the year is appropriate to wear linen?? Thank You.
Dear Linen,
You can wear linen from the first day of spring to the last day of summer. However, it looks and feels best in the summer.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I am going to a late September wedding. In the summer I wore a cream colored short-sleeved dress and jacket with lavender flowers. With it I wore champagne colored shoes and purse. Would this outfit be acceptable or would it be considered too summery?
Dear September Wedding,
The outfit you have described to me sounds a bit summery for a fall wedding. I think that you should search your closet for something else, or make yourself feel extra-special and run out and buy a new fall dress.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I'm invited to a cosmopolitan formal luncheon. What is cosmopolitan formal wear? Thank you for any help you can send me.
Dear Cosmopolitan,
I have been invited to formal luncheons, but I am not sure that I have been invited to a cosmopolitan formal luncheon before, but since the luncheon is without a doubt formal, I would go with something that is formal, yet very stylish. Since they added the word cosmopolitan, I wouldn't even be afraid to dress a bit trendy. Let me know how it goes, and what they meant exactly once you've been! Have fun.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I am a 53 year old woman. I will be attending a wedding this weekend. I will be wearing a knee-length black chiffon skirt and a black top. My shoes are high - closed toe. Do I wear nylons or not? Is it appropriate if I do not wear them? Thank you in advance for your advice.
Dear Nylons,
Yes, it is fine if you choose not to wear nylons this weekend. I think that it is great that you aren't wearing them. The new patterned and textured hose are hot for fall and winter, if you decide later in the year that you would like to wear some, but I say.Go bare!!
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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Amanda Mandelli's fashion Q & A are copyright Amanda Mandelli
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