| fashion questions |
| and answers |
|---|
|
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 Sirs:
Please help me ASAP. I need to know if velour is a seasonal material. I have to serve at a reception tomorrow and the only coordinating pants suit I own is in maroon velour. This is a last minute deal and I do not have time to purchase anything else. Thank you,
Beverly Liles
Dear Beverly,
Velour is a seasonal fabric, but you are in luck because this is the season to wear it! You will be fine in your pant suit at the reception.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I am 50 and quite over weight, I am the groom's mother. My dress is a shift with a long jacket. The color is periwinkle. My question is what color of shoes do I buy? It is a fall wedding but I am not sure of color of shoes for the dress.
Thank you, Mary
Dear Mary,
I would suggest that you have shoes dyed to match, or wear a pewter colour. When selecting a pewter colour I would suggest that you buy a matte colour instead of shiny. For a wedding, you do not want your shoes to be the first thing people notice.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE HELP ME! CAN I WEAR A PAIR OF BLACK PANTS AND A BLACK TOP FOR A SEMI BIRTHDAY PARTY? I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY. PLEASE HELP. I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO WEAR PANT. THANK YOU.
Dear Black Pant,
Black pants and a black top will be fine for you to wear to the birthday party. I would wear some pretty jewelry and carry a cute handbag, and you will look great!
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
When wearing a black dress or skirt in the evening with closed toe shoes, do you wear sheer black hose or nude hose? I see both and wonder how you know when to wear which?
Thanks, Julie
Dear Julie,
I usually tend to wear sheer black hose in the evening. They are a bit dressier and just look better all around to me.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
I bought a great Ralph Lauren Tuxedo shirt but I am not sure what to wear with it for a dressy occasion. I am thinking a shortish burgundy velvet skirt -- any other suggestions?
Thanks for the help!
Dear Tuxedo Shirt,
I think you are right on point with your thinking. The burgundy velvet skirt will look exceptionally well with it. Velvet skirts and pants are key in fashion this season, and anything along these lines would look great.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I've seen lots of cute sling back shoes; however, I've noticed when I try them on with nylons it seems to make a "squeaky" type sound. If I walk in them without nylons they don't make any sound at all. My question is: Now that winter is upon us, is it appropriate to wear sling backs with or with/out nylons when wearing a skirt or dress slacks for that matter?
Dear Sling backs,
It will be fine if you wear sling backs without hose during the winter. It once was a major fashion faux pas, but in the past couple of years it has become accepted, even mainstream. So, if you are more comfortable without nylons, you will look fine.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I am 5'2" tall, weigh 110 pounds, and am 43 years old. I'm wondering what the best length coat for me to wear would be. (I've been watching the show "What not to Wear" and have gotten some ideas from them, but skirt length and coat length have not been mentioned). I recently bought a leather coat which is knee length, but I don't know whether that is the best length for me. Please respond ASAP because I don't have long before I must return the coat! Thank you so much.
Wendy Koehler
Dear Wendy,
The knee-length leather coat will look fine, but with your small frame, I would suggest you wearing high-heels with a coat that length. The short jackets that are in for fall would suit you better. They will make you look taller.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I will be attending an event at the end of November. It is a reunion concert of a well known 1970's rock and roll band. I'll also be meeting the band members and attending an after concert function, so I want to make an impression! I'm 45 years old, so I don't want to make the mistake of dressing "too young" either. I want to wear something that screams fun, class and rock and roll .... Please help!!
Marlene
Dear Marlene,
I think the perfect outfit for your reunion concert would be a very stylish pair of jeans and a close fitting black turtleneck. Make sure that your jeans have an edge to them. They should look well - worn and chic. |
neiman marcus - fall 2004 |
neiman marcus - fall 2004 |
I would find some shoes that scream fashionable, and they would look best if you go with a green or possibly red, but keep in mind that green is HOT for fall. As far as jewelry is concerned I think you should go with an off-beat colour that is totally different from the shoes you select.
I have selected some pictures so that you can see the things I am describing. I think that an outfit like this will give you an edge and yet you will not look like you are trying to dress too young.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli |
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I am hoping you can answer my question about shoes. I have a cocktail party to go to at the end of October that will take place at a fancy hotel in Boston. It is getting pretty cold here lately, and I was wondering if it is ok for me to wear open-toed shoes with no hose. I am kind of over the whole panty hose thing ... they make me itch! Anyway, we won't be outside at all, because we are staying at the hotel where the party is. Is it tacky for me to show up in black open-toed shoes with no hose? I am going dress shopping next weekend and will probably get something that will go with these black shoes that I already have.
Thanks, Jamie
Dear Jamie,
It is fine for you to wear open-toed shoes to your cocktail party. You should not go out in the daytime with open-toed shoes, and panty-hose and open-toed shoes are not even an option. So, show up with no pantyhose, I promise it will not be tacky.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
Wanted to know - can you wear black shoes with brown pants? Regards,
Denise
Dear Denise,
Yes, you can wear black shoes with brown pants, but you do need to have on a black top or a top with black in it. Also, if you are planning on wearing a belt it needs to be black also.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I hate the look of short, ankle boots with a short skirt or dress, especially on the really skinny legs of a woman in her late 60's. What's your opinion?
Dear Short Boots,
I have the same opinion you do on ankle-boots, regardless of age. I have just never cared for them at all. Regardless of whether or not they are in style now, they are just not to my taste and I will not be wearing them, and I suggest the same for you. Just because something is in style doesn't mean we have to like it.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
My friend and I disagree on the color white and when it can be worn. I have a white jean jacket that I love and I feel that I can wear it anytime. She insists that it should not be worn after Labor Day. Please tell me who is correct. Thanks;
Chris
Dear Chris,
I hate to tell you that your friend is probably right; you shouldn't wear the white jean jacket after Labor Day. Some people can look fashionable and get away with wearing white after Labor Day, but if you are not 100% positive that you are that person, I would suggest you hang it up until next year.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Amanda,
I am going to be attending an auction shortly and the dress is formal. I just purchased a floor-length gown that is a dark chocolate brown with broad alternating satin and velvet stripes. It is a beautiful dress but I am in a dilemma with what type of shoes to wear. I found a pair of gold strappy sandals that have rhinestones on the straps in the toe area. Would you recommend wearing this type of shoe with the gown? I am not sure if the gold is too bold for the formal dress.
I also have a question regarding the length of the dress. The dress is designed to flow onto the ground in the back. Does this seem appropriate? Thank you so much for your fashion advice.
Regards, Cheryl
Dear Cheryl,
I have a feeling that if you wear the gold shoes, the first thing people are going to notice are your feet. If the colour of gold in the shoe blends well, then I think they will be fine.But if not, I would search for something more subdued, preferably the same colour as your dress. And if the dress is designed to flow and you are to dress formal, then the length will be fine.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hello,
it is apparent that winter white is in thing for this winter, because it is everywhere I go ... but, what color shoes/boots do you wear with winter white pants? Thank you,
Caroline
Dear Caroline,
When wearing winter white, you can also wear a winter white shoe, or you can go with any other colour that you think looks good, black, brown, red, etc.The possibilities are endless.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi, Amanda!
I am so-o-o confused about what shoes to wear to the office in the fall. I wear a lot of skirts ... some above the knee and some long. I know we're not supposed to wear hose with an open toe but so many of the shoes seem to have the open toe so what do we wear in the winter???? HELP! What are the shoe/hose summer/winter rules? Thank you so much!!!
Sue Decoretz, San Antonio, TX
Dear Sue,
If you buy a pair of open-toed shoes, you should not wear hose with them. If you feel like you will be cold and need to wear hose, then you are going to have to go with a shoe that is closed-toed. It has become acceptable to go with bare legs, but you cannot wear open-toed shoes with hose.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda,
Winter is coming and I was seriously thinking about purchasing a pair of Uggs. I was wondering if I am catching the Ugg wearing days on the later end of it. Is it not a good idea to invest in them now? Am I too late?
Rae-
Dear Rae,
I would not suggest that you buy a pair of Uggs if you are doing it for the sake of fashion. If you are purchasing them strictly to keep your feet warm, then go ahead, but do not buy them for trendy reasons, they are over. You may see your favorite stars wearing them this year, but if I were you I would move on to something else.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I'm sure you have had this question before ... is it appropriate to wear sling backs, closed toe of course, and tights? I'm thinking not opaque tights, but want to wear sling backs with a tweed skirt and think that tweed
requires the leg be covered. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance,
Jen Marco
Dear Jen,
Yes, you can wear sling backs with tights. Any colour of tights (opaque or not) will be fine.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I have a question about cropped pants. I have two pair of cropped pants that I got at Gap. They are low rise cut. One is chocolate brown and the other tan. I just bought them and assumed they were for fall. If so what shoes (I bought a loafer with no back) should I wear with them and most of all what type of shirt should I wear with them? I have no fashion sense, please help. Thanks,
Topless = )
Dear Topless,
You can wear the loafers with the cropped pants if you think it looks ok, but I would suggest wearing knee boots. That is a great look for fall. As far as shirts go, you have so many possibilities. You can wear a basic white button up; you can wear any colour tee with a denim jacket. With the tan, black would look great to dress it up a little, and with the chocolate, a pretty teal colour would look good. There are a lot of different things you can do.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Amanda,
Are pashminas completely out of style now? I have three gorgeous pashminas but I have been told that they are way out of style. What is you advice? Thanks.
Antoinette
Dear Antoinette,
My answer is - yes you can wear them, because I love them so much! Honestly, I don't think they ever really go out of style. Especially in colours like black and winter white. I say go ahead and wear them.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
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Dear Amanda,
Growing up I was told that white pants and white shoes were not to be worn after Labor Day. Now people are saying white is okay any time of the year. What's your take on this? My sister-in-law and I are anxious for your opinion.
Donna Joplin-Seaberry; Dana Seaberry-Mason
Dear Donna and Dana,
As my first reaction always is to this question, no you should not wear white pants and shoes after Labor Day. However, there are some people with the confidence to pull off white at any time of year, but these are people so sure of their fashion sense that they are fashion icons. Meanwhile, those of us who are not should stick to wearing white only during the spring and summer months.
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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