My project begins with multiple, "Fashion Do" photos that have been handed
off to me by a fashion diva.
I ask myself. Do these even apply to the Pacific Northwest?
Are we on target? I think to myself. Do we let the grey
and cold dictate our fashion? I'm talking about the long oversized wooly
sweaters, fuzzy fleece pullovers, and the ill-fitted jeans that we so
love. Do we sell out to department store pressures, and a buyer who mixes
and matches our seasonal attire, whose bottom line on fashion is a profit
margin and the available parking in their three-car garage home? I
shudder. Such thoughts run random in my mind. I think some more. This
is how I see it. Northwest fashion is everything from high-fashion faux
fur, to Merrill slip-ons with white gym socks. You get the picture, you
know the look. If you don't, just look around and ask yourself, "What
is fashion?" And "Is anyone wearing it in my neighborhood?" The usual
disclaimers apply-all opinions are subjective and we could be, but will
not be, accountable to anyone else's opinion but our own.
This is the first edition of Kouture Korner - a fashion opinion
through les Egoistes. Brought to you by someone who cares, who gives a
damn, dedicated to
Seattle.
So here goes nothing.
Spring/Summer 2002
White - Memorial Day is May 27th. Should you? Or not? You decide. Who cares anyway? Strut your white hot stuff-be the first. Here's some ways it can work:
The shirt or the dress. Cotton, cotton/nylon, stretch cotton, linen, shantung silk and leather (my personal favorite). French cuffed, embroidered, striped voile, ruffles, tuxedo. Feminine, commands attention, gives off the confident vibe. Good for work.
Strappy white sandals that MUST have rattan or cork accents. Mmmm nice. Brown sandals with white accents. Flip flops and thong types that add an air of "I don't care," definitely attract attention. J.Crew and Old Navy affordable enough to buy a few colors to match all your moods.
Embroidered white shoes, if you can find them. Very hot. Handbags should be a cotton twill or straw, and if you are going to do leather, keep it real clean, simple and spendy. There is nothing more annoying than a cheap white bag. You know, the kind of bag material that begins to smell right before it starts to melt in the sun. Barf.
A white pant and/or suit are great if you have the guts. We know everyone did it at the Oscar's; Emmy's etc. a couple of years ago but it's still hot. Want a designer version with the designer tag, Carol McClellan's stretch white leather - designed to fit. (206.956.8484). If you just want to do a white pant with a white shirt, definitely go with a fresh macramé belt. Check out any fashion magazine from January through April and you will figure out the macramé thing. Think about your shoes when coordinating, but don't get too hung up on it with white-after all it's white. Best bet, go with a denim bag and throw a denim blazer over the white. Good luck.
Brown - A perfect compliment to white and denim. Mix it up completely. New and vintage.
Belts - A very important accessory. Belts-the bigger the belt, the closer to God. Brown shoes. Yes they are back and hot. Wedge, strappy, mules with stiletto heels, pointy, skinny squares, open toe, and kitten heels. The scoop on wearing brown is to go with the chocolate we all invested in three years ago with a bohemian or vintage twist. The ying of chocolate is camel. Camel bag, camel shoes, camel pants (yes, yes), cropped or wide-leg, camel skirts-but pay close attention to the details, camel has a way of getting boring. Think more ruffles, fringe, strings, sexy boots and lace-up barely there tanks that take a second look to see if they're really there. Oh yes, we can't forget a pair of big sunglasses absolutely required with this brown look. Give it the respect it deserves.
Bridal - We can't talk spring without mentioning bridal, since we have to do it, we want to talk about the bridal corset. Andrew Dyrdahl is the corset darling. Seattle's best kept secret is out. OUT I say. If you are going down the aisle or flying to Vegas, get one of these delicious beauties tailored to fit you body. Whether you want a traditional silk-jacquard corset or a sculpted leather piece, your corset will be hand-crafted in the old-world tradition with couture style. The best part - you determine how much or how little you want to be cinched up. Never thought you would look good in one? Just try it. Oh yeah, leave you favorite push up bra at home. (206.226.3739)
More Spring/Summer trends...
*
Anything western is sexy and modernized. Don't go Debra Winger/Urban
Cowboy. (Although she did look hot). Think low-riding denim bottoms with
a lacy vintage blouse paired and a pair of worn-in stiletto boots finished
off with a western-inspired belt. Check out Mikal Winn belts from LA.
Rumor has it that Jo Lo, and Britney did. Don't forget a big agate
necklace, Ellen Morrow style (206.652.2296). Hell yeah.
General note to low riding
wearing gals sitting on bar stools-go buy low riding thongs by Cosabella
or DKNY. NOW!
* Feeling playful. Let's unite and rip up our t-shirts together. This look is hot and a blast. Check out Kelly Osbourne's one-sleeve tee. Even better, go into your old boxes and find t-shirts from junior high. You're missing the fun boat if you don't. This trend is not going to last much longer before the mall rats catch on. But, we have yet to see it on an episode of Friends, so we may have this trend a little longer. I'm not giving them much credit, right? I doubt there are many who will disagree. And those that do, are probably not interested in what I have to say. Whatever. Onward.
Speaking of clean, pedicures are a must with all the sandals. Don't ignore the toes just 'cause you have to wear boots all the time. Spring is here and so are the sandals. Try soft come-suck-my-toes colors or confident darks. Definitely indulge in the clean look of a French pedicure on you toes. I will tell you though, pedicures have caught on in the Northwest-call and make appointments, and keep them. It is hard to get in the last minute. Imagine the horror of having your delicate little toe sucked and watching your date fish the chips out of his mouth. Nasty.
Keep your hair as natural as you can. Don't fight your hair. If you just can't deal, then go to a great stylist, splurge, save up. Do what it takes to get a good clean cut that works well for your face shape AND lifestyle, if you can afford it, try some chunky color and highlights. Again, I can't emphasize how important it is to pay for a good stylist. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A GOOD HAIR DAY. It's worth it. There is maintenance involved, so figure out your budget and make the most of it.
Hit Market Place Salon (206.441.5511) or Killer Looks by Vivian (206.448.5599). Fella's. We have hair tips for you too. Make an appointment with our favorite hair diva, Lara. She really does have what it take to transform (206.713.CAKE). Lara changed my roommates luck with the ladies. I swear.
Hair trends
are full and soft. Think a modern Jacklyn Smith. We want you to look
like you've just been rollin' around. Here's what our favorite hair experts
say about this trend:
Texture
is the emerging trend when it comes to new looks for hair. Don't think
old permanent wave nightmares, in fact many of the new looks don't involve
rollers at all, but are just subtle ways to transform texture and give
straight hair interest. Key products are the new gentler chemicals such
as AVEDA Wind Down, a non-sodium hydroxide
relaxer. In the styling department, check out AVEDA
Be Curly which contains wheat protein that contracts as it dries,
enhancing your sweet curls and waves. Products like Phomollient contain
organic marshmallow root to create smooth hold and shine without the weight.
Hang Straight and Be
Curly are $16 each and Phomollient
is $12.
Available at Market Place Salon (206.441.5511). Mention
you heard about them through this and they will treat you extra nice.
Spring equals skin,skin,and skin. Did I mention skin? Hit the sun bed if you have to, but be kind to the skin. No fake and bake looks. Enough said. Just go for the exfoliating products you can buy at the body stores. Shine and Glow. Pick a new spring fragrance and smell goooood. Let your scent drift around you wherever you may wander. But please, easy does it on the application. It sucks to be stinky. Our favorite place to play with fragrance is Essenza (206.457.4895), in Fremont, or hit your neighborhood incense place and test essential oils.
Keep your face clean and glowing. It works with the PNW backdrop. Our secret that is no secret. Drink water! Dewy natural or colored lips. Eyelids that illuminate color from a natural palette. Pinched cheek colors. And easy does it on the foundation. Try a moisturizing one (Bobbi Brown or Stilla). Invest in makeup sponges. Soft. Check out Burnt Sugar's hot and hip makeup counter, in Fremont (206.545.0699). Start a Fremont routine. Lunch and coffee at Ladro, Essenza and Burnt Sugar.
Say Fellas. Fashion or fashionless. Leave your insecurities at home. Nothing is worse than a whiny-ass date, worrying about how he looks and blah blah blah. Most of the time women have you beat in this arena. Breath deep, ask her what she thinks, and wear a smile. Nothing beats confidence. You're doing pretty good if she takes you along to a party or goes out with you. Try asking for advice from a woman you trust, and take it. For those of you who are wondering, go small, fitted and tight if you can. It makes the heart race. It's making my heart race now. Clean, up-to-date hair, a simple scent and you're good to go. Extra brownie points if you treat her like the only woman in the world when you're out, her response will be a good one. (Special note: make sure she digs you before trying this first.)
Fashion
should make you feel good, and never be intimidating. Whether you have
a big budget or a small budget it's suppose to be fun.
--Elle s.
Playing
Field - Sapphire Kitchen & Bar (1625
Queen Anne N)...love this place, always an option anytime.
Check out the sweet back patio.
Typhoon (old Wild Ginger-1400 Western)...Happy
Hour (4-6) Yummy appies. Low Key.
For the moment....places
to end up:
1.
Mecca (I'm not tired yet.)- LOWER Queen Anne & we're
stickin' to that name for the neighborhood.
2. Rendezvous (Check out the new remodel.)- Belltown
3. Cha Cha Lounge (Bimbo's next store)- Capital Hill
4. Bad Ju Ju (What happened to metal night?)- North Capital Hill
5. Tin Hat (Neighborhood bar)- Ballard
6. Sitting Room (A place to sit)- Lower Queen Anne
7. Sunset Tavern (Crazy Wednesday nights; Rockaroke)- Ballard
8. Lava Lounge (Dark and good music)- Belltown
Next Issue - Kouture
Korner - a fashion opinion.
- Road Trip Report.
- Fall 2002? I haven't even worn my Spring/Summer yet.
- Music & DJ's we love.
- More for Men.
- More Playing Field.