| 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 |
Hi Amanda,
Is it appropriate to wear black stockings for daytime wear? I was told to only wear black after 5:.00 pm.
Kathleen Madigan Hauck
Dear Kathleen,
The rule on black nylons during the day has changed. Many years ago it was unacceptable to wear them before 5:00 pm, but now they are accepted. If your workplace has a structured dress code and you are required to wear suits and skirts, black nylons will be fine.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
Is it acceptable in the fashion world for the bride, the bridesmaids, and the female guest to wear evening sandals without stockings?
Dear Stockings,
Yes, it is acceptable. You should never wear sandals and pantyhose together! Wearing your open-toe shoes without stockings will be fine.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda,
Do I need to wear socks that match my pants or my shoes or my tops? HELP!!!
Thanks!! Deidre Bradley
Dear Deidre,
I tend to match my socks to my shoes and pants, not my tops. Your top is just too far away from your socks to match the two, but if your shoes and socks match your pants and your pants match your top, they should all go together.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I have always worn black hose with a black dress. Lately I have noticed that you don't see dark hose much anymore. What is the appropriate color of hose to wear with black?
Suzanne Arwood
Dear Suzanne,
I tend to wear black hose a lot more than any other color. They may be sheers, fishnets or tights, but they are almost always black. I say stick with your black hose!
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda,
I hope you can help me. I'm attending an awards banquet with my husband. He is in the Air Force and will be dressed in his dress uniform. He is receiving a state award and I want to dress appropriately. The banquet is in our state capital and we've never attended before so I have no one to ask for help. The invitation said women should wear dress wear. I believe the event will be somewhat formal?
The problem I have is two fold; I am buying what ever I need but not sure what. I am diabetic and have an insulin pump, I'm not comfortable in a dress because I have no place for my pump except strapped to my leg and this is awkward. I also have a broken foot and am in a cast-like black boot. Now what to buy - a skirt could be nice but how long and then a jacket that would hide my pump? But could I wear pants and then what kind of top and last what about shoes and hose? I can only wear one shoe.
I'm 5'7'' and weigh 130 pounds so I can pass off a lot of different styles. I do have a skin disorder - vitiligo - I'm loosing the color in my skin so I would like to wear 3/4 long sleeves to hide my blotchy white skin. Oh please suggest what you can, anything will help me decide. Thank You.
Tonya Shattuck
Dear Tonya,
I suggest you wear a black pantsuit. You can find so many different styles of pantsuits, but I would go with one which is a little more flowing rather than structured. It doesn't have to have beads or sequins on it to make it dressy. I think it will be appropriate, even if it is plain. You can wear some beautiful jewelry with it if you want to dress it up. Most pantsuits come in long sleeves, so that will not be a problem and you will have purchased something that you can wear for many occasions to come.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda
What would be a good polish color to go with a burnt orange sweater jacket?
Dear Nail Polish,
You have a lot of possibilities. You could wear an orangey-red, burgundy or a pink with orange undertones. Which ever one you choose, make sure that it has orange hues. For example, you do not want a "true red", which would be a blue red.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
What time of year can you wear white leather? I have a waist length white leather jacket and am not sure when it is right to wear. Thanks,
Cindy
Dear Cindy,
Go ahead and wear it now! As long as the white is not the colour of your pants and shoes, it will be fine. It once was unacceptable to wear white in the winter, but times are changing and as long as you do not wear something that looks summery, it will be ok.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda
Can you help me? Can you wear "open toed" dress sandals with Black Pantyhose? Thank you,
Irene DeGiosio
Dear Irene,
No, absolutely not. It just does not work together. This is the number one question that I receive, and that rule hasn't changed yet; it just shouldn't be done.
You see, it is a question of style. Open toed shoes or sandals expose your toes and feet - which, by the way, is very sexy. Hose - no matter how sheer - covers up your feet. The two clash, are opposed to each other, and just don't go together. And those ugly dark toe tips of hose, while great for strength and durability, are just totally wrong in open-toed sandals anyway.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I am a male and have a gender equality fashion question. I know that many women if not most women have several male items in their fashion wardrobe. Maybe it's a flannel shirt or boyfriend's big shorts or sports shirt. If not a strictly male garment it may be male inspired such as boxer shorts for women, boy shorts, tuxedo pants, oxfords or work boots for women.
I was wondering if there are any female garments us fashion conscious guys can add to our wardrobe that don't make us look like cross-dressers but to just give us more fashion choices. I'm thinking low-rise jeans, leggings, ballet or skimmer flats. Thanks for any help.
Charlie
Dear Charlie,
Yes there are some things that were originally designed for women which have moved into the male world. You can find men's low-rise jeans at almost any high-quality men's casual wear store. They also make cropped pants for men, or as you suggested, ballet flats, but without the bow. Sometimes these things do not stay around long, because obviously most men are afraid to experiment with fashion and do not like change. But if you look really hard there are definitely some things that you will discover.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
When should a woman put creases in her trousers and jeans? I've noticed that most jeans are sold without creases, as are some dress pants. Everyone I ask gives me a different answer. PLEASE HELP! Thanks,
Liz
Dear Liz,
I for one, never put creases in anything. I am not a very structured dresser, therefore, I just do not like the way it looks on me. But honestly, there is no specific time that it is more appropriate in dress pants. My personal opinion is that you shouldn't put creases in your jeans because jeans are 'casual' and do not qualify as structured, whereas creases are formal and structured.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I'm going to a Desert community where it is warm during the day and cool in the high 50's at night. I am meeting a gentleman for dinner and I'd like to wear a skirt. I am 50, 5'6 and 155 pounds. I would prefer a shorter skirt, but any help you can give me is appreciated. Thank you.
Kate
Dear Kate,
I think you should wear a knee-length flowing skirt and a lightweight sweater. You will be comfortable in it and since this sounds like a special evening, you will also look very feminine. I would suggest something in a light colour that is just beautiful. By beautiful I mean, floral, flowing and feminine. You may select a sweater that can be worn open, so that you will not have to wear it during the day, or as I suggested before, a light-weight pull-over. And if you'd like to be a bit more adventurous, a light stole or large Kashmiri shawl over a light blouse would be cool during the day, and quite cozy and appropriate for a Desert community later on. |
Kashmiri shawl - eShakti.com |
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Mandi
I am attending an afternoon-into-early evening professional function in December. The dress is "Sunday best", with men wearing suits. I was planning on wearing a black velvet sheath dress, just above the knee, with long sleeves. I love this dress but it has a bit of padding at the shoulders to square them off, plus a bit of a high sleeve. Not totally Imelda Marcos-like, but I'm wondering if this is outdated.
Thanks for your help!
Dear Sunday Best,
Your black velvet sheath should be fine. If you love the dress, but are concerned about it being slightly outdated, wear some trendy, but beautiful shoes or a great pair of linear earrings to freshen your look up a bit. After you have tried the dress on with some hotter items and still feel that it is an outdated look, I would opt for a new outfit, but I think that your selection will be fine.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
How about Shoulder pads? Are they still in style ......... or did they go out with the 80's?
Dear Shoulder Pads,
They have made a slight comeback, but you need to make sure that they are not totally obvious. They should slope slightly downward and flow with the natural curve of your body. Make sure they are not big and bulky!
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I am a seventeen year old high-school student, and I am mildly fashionable, however I feel that I need to increase the size of my wardrobe, because I tend to end up wearing the same shirt or pair of pants many times a week. However, I would like your opinion of what are the basics of a fashionable wardrobe? Also, I wear a lot of jeans, but I find it difficult to find jeans that I like the fit of; I have tried buying jeans from Diesel, express,
Abercrombie... where should I buy jeans from?
Thanks.
Dear Mildly Fashionable,
The basics of my personal wardrobe are, jeans (which we will get to in a minute), black pants, white cotton button-up shirts, and for fall and winter, turtle necks. In my opinion a great pair of jeans and a turtleneck looks great together, if they both fit well. I love for my jeans to fit well also, but finding jeans that fit is not an easy thing to accomplish. I like for my turtlenecks to be form fitting as well, make sure they have a slender cut. Every woman needs a great pair of basic black pants, no matter what age. They are great for so many occasions. The things that I have suggested will allow you to build your wardrobe; they can all be used in so many different ways and can never be considered "trendy". So you will not have to worry about replacing them for a few seasons.
When buying jeans, it comes down to a matter of preference. Jeans can fit so differently on different people, and you just have to keep trying on until you find the ones that fit you best. Some of my favorite brands are Silver, Citizens and Seven. Jeans are not something you can buy from a catalog or online, you have to go in the store and try them on. There are thousands of different cuts, lengths, makes and brands to choose from.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda,
OK, so I've been a tom-boy all my life. I'm a biologist, so I spend a lot of time in the field or in the lab. I like to dress up, but I hardly ever get the chance, and when I do I stress over it because I have no fashion sense. The guy I started dating is an executive type and he invited me to a client's cocktail party at a really nice place in Birmingham MI.
Here's my Q... The party is from 5 - 8; is that too early to wear open toed shoes and a cocktail dress? I have a cute black dress to wear but I can't picture wearing it with shoes other than strappy open toed type. Also, it's in
Michigan on Decebmer 7? What if it is snowing? What is the etiquette on crappy weather dressing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers, Holly
Dear Holly,
No, a party starting at 5pm is not too early to wear open toed shoes. Just make sure you do not wear nylons! I am sure your black dress will look great, and the shoes will be great also. The weather etiquette on parties and snow is - grin and bear it. It is so hard to find a great dress to wear for holiday parties that will also keep you warm. So many of the beautiful dresses are a light-weight material or sleeveless and most of them scream for open toed shoes, so there is really nothing to do except, be cold. As long as your party is after 5pm, you will not be a fashion faux pas in strappys!
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
I am going to a Christmas party next week and am planning to wear a straight long black skirt with open slit on the left leg going up above the knee, I haven't picked out a top yet but was wondering if it is all right to wear open-toed black high-heel sandals with sheer black hose? (BTW, I am 5' tall and 95 pounds.if that helps). Thanks for your help.
Shaney
Dear Shaney,
No, you cannot wear hose with open-toed shoes. If you are planning on wearing the sandals, you should go bare. If you think that it will be too cold, you should wear a closed-toed heel.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I am going to a Bar Mitzvah, followed by a luncheon. It will be held on a Saturday morning. I have a light blue tweed jacket which I plan to wear with a black tweed skirt. What top would I wear with this combination?
Thanks so much for your help.
Dear Tweed Jacket,
You could wear a white button-up shirt under your tweed jacket, if you would like to have the look of a suit. If you are going for something a little more laid back, you could go with a light blue shell ( the same colour of your jacket) or a black shell. Then you could wear some beautiful jewelry to dress the outfit up a bit.
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Amanda,
I have a November black tie wedding. I am wearing a short gold dress. I have matching gold open toe sandals. While this was perfect without stockings in July, I am questioning if it is acceptable in November. I do not think stockings look good with sandals, but I would rather not buy a pair of pumps. If you say it's the only way, I will start shopping today! What do you recommend?
Thank you, Undecided.
Dear Undecided,
It is totally acceptable to wear open-toed shoes without nylons in November, as long as the wedding is after 5pm. So, don't go out and buy those pumps, wear the sandals and go bare!
Until next time,
Amanda Mandelli
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Amanda,
Do you think that metallic leathers (golds/pewters) for handbags will be in style for another season or 2? I have my eye on a fabulous metallic tote but want to make sure that before I spend the cash that it won't end up in my closet come next fall! Thanks in advance for your input
Gennifer (a curious 1st grade teacher with a passion for fashion!)
Dear Gennifer,
I am not sure what will be on the forecast is as far as metallics go. Right now they are hotter than ever, but my advice to you would be, not to spend the money, if it's something you are not 100% sure about. It is dangerous (in fashion) to spend money extravagantly on something that has already been hot for a couple of seasons, because chances are it's on the way out. Consumers want fresh, new trends which are exactly what designers are going to give them and by next fall, metallics will not be fresh and new.
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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