FashBlog.com

Browsing through another new fashion magazine has given me more information to share with you.

We’ll start with hemlines…I read several accounts that it’s best to stick with skirts that are a few inches above the knee, for various reasons-not looking frumpy or too retro were two that come to mind. That makes sense, as it seems to be the perfect length for females of any age. Too short always seems too risqué (and unforgiving of flaws), and too long can easily remove the lean line of the body for which most women strive. It appears that handkerchief hemlines are being shown, but with “cleaner” lines than previously. (Am I the only one who gets the image of a dog nipping at the bottom of one’s dress with this kind of hemline?)

Although I’m not done perusing this publication, I’ve come to the conclusion that they will be selling longer tops, and loose tunic dresses, often paired with belts. Many have very interesting prints. This is good; such a style is comfortable, and can look as form-fitting as a woman wishes. (One suggestion is to wear a long blouse with “slightly shrunken blazer” to rein in the volume, which rather defeats the purpose, but I guess it’s good for a change.)

Every pair of shoes I’ve viewed has flaunted high, high heels. I still wonder why women punish themselves in this manner. It’s one thing to wear them for a photo shoot for a few minutes or for an evening of sitting; it’s another to wear them for over 8 straight hours. Even models depicted on the sands of beaches have huge heels, and one ad in particular left me scratching my head: It was that of a young teen male, bare-chested, with jeans almost falling off his hips and his ears adorned with earrings, holding one yellow, high heeled specimen. Sure...I’ll take one of those!

In fact, from page one to page 86, there are exactly a dozen ads utilizing a pool or beach as a setting. Considering this magazine has 274 pages, the total of such ads would number close to 40, using the same ratio. Do you think this is just a bit excessive? I guess this is to get us in the summer mind-set, but as I gaze out onto the latest snowstorm, those ads are plainly irrelevant. Considering that only a relatively few people throughout the world are lucky enough to live on coastlines or spend winters at resorts, it’s seems somewhat presumptuous.

Some very interesting things that I would consider purchasing include accessories with Japanese cherry blossoms, and a handbag in navy suede with black patent leather trim. I’m also intrigued by a new line of nail polish colors developed by O.P.I., named the India Collection. I love their ad featuring a beautiful woman of Indian ethnicity, wearing traditional jewels, and holding a sandwich, with the wording, “Lunch at the Delhi”. It's cleaver and memorable. Plus, bangle bracelets-my favorite jewelry-seem to be on almost every model’s wrist, especially those by Lydell NYC. These are varied in color, and sport a glittery pattern of horizontal striping.

What fascinated me was a creation that any woman can put together-a top that appears to be made of 4 long, matching, rectangular scarves. This looks like it can be made by pairing up 2 sets of 2 scarves and stitching the shorter ends together, which will become the shoulder seams. They should then be laid flat, and the right and left longer sides of the bottom 2 scarves (closest to you) should be pulled together about 1/3 of the way down and stitched-this is the back seam, which offers a v-shaped back neckline. The scarves on top (farthest from you) then need to be flipped over and stitched the same way. The v-neckline may be made deeper by sewing slightly more than ½ of the longer sides together. The hemline will dip at the sides, and wide sleeves will hit around the elbows. Voila-you should be done! No other work should be needed, since the scarves’ edges are already finished. It seems easy enough...

If I try it, I’ll let you know how it turns out, and if you do, please let the rest of us know as well!