Last week I went to a fashion exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibit was Women Dressing Women.

The exhibit shows the creativity and artistry of women designers from the turn of the 20th century to present day. It covers how it was a male dominated industry until Parisian seamstresses led to the establishment of the first French guild of women dressmakers in 1675. The guild system was abolished by the start of the 19th century. The appeal of fashion was that it was one of the few trades available to women. Dressmaking was categorized as “women’s work”. The exhibit covers the ups and downs of dressmaking .

Midcentury innovators such as Clair McCardell and Bonnie Cashin in the US introduced ease and freedom in apparel and advocated for professional autonomy. This was the start of what became known as sportswear.

Women designers are featured from 1910 to the present. French houses represented are Jeanne Lavin, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Madeleine Vionnet. American makers Ann Lowe, Clair McCardell and Isabel Toledo along with contemporary designs by Iris van Herpen, Rei Kawakubo, Anifa Mvuemba and Simone Rocha. Among those featured are Betsy Johnson, Kate Mulleavy and Laura Mulleavy (Rodarte label), Sarah Burton (previously for Alexander McQueen), Muccia Prada, Jill Sander, Maria Grazia for House of Dior, Phoebe Philo for Celine, Gabrielle Chanel for House of Chanel, Donna Karan, Hanae Mori, Tory Burch, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Muir, (Adele) Henriette Nigrin for Fortuny.

Enjoy the incredible eye candy!

It has been a few years since Blazers were front and center in your closet. And it has taken several seasons (actually since 2020) to get it to the “It’s everywhere” point. So, just in case you are wondering if your choices would be good ones, I’ve checked various sources and here is a list for you. At the end of the blog there are several photos that I took in Bloomingdale’s to illustrate.

Blazers with:

Leather (or faux) pants and leggings- make sure the blazer is a longer length.

Leather (or faux) skirts-this is a good edgy look. Co-ordinate the leather color to the jacket to elongate the look.

Plaid pants-either match the jacket or go with a solid jacket.

High waisted pants.

Flare leg pants-looks best if the waist is fitted and then the leg flares out.

Wide leg pants-flow and movement make the legs look longer. Make sure you choose a shoe that works.

Denim shorts or Denim skirts-perfect combo for a laid-back look or a refined look making an ensemble.

Bermuda shorts-monochromatic is best.

Matching pants for a classic, polished look.

Cigarette pants.

Cropped pants-show off your shoes!

Animal print skirt-a confident look. Wear with matching color bag and statement accessories.

Pencil skirts-very classic.

Sequin skirt-this is a great look and can be totally dressy or put it with a hoodie and its casual.

Satin Cami- very feminine and elegant.

Satin dresses-blazer color should complement the dress, or you can do a matching satin blazer.

Satin pants-if paired with a satin blazer it gives a clean line and will look balanced.

Satin pleated skirt – a fabulous look is a pleated midi skirt with a fitted blazer. Pleated skirts in other fabrics also work well with blazers.

A white button-down shirt- this is a canvas for the blazer.

A white turtleneck is timeless.

Floral dresses-best to keep the blazer in a neutral color or ground color.

Lace skirts-the structure of a blazer looks great with lacey details.

I think that gives you lots to think about! Enjoy!! Here are photos I took at Bloomingdale’s.

I just love thinking and writing about Spring colors when the snow is falling!

The colors for Spring 2024 are really wearable. After these colors were selected, Peach Fuzz was added as the color for 2024. These colors are very familiar and easy to wear. Leatrice Eiseman , Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, says “Colors for NYFW Spring 2024 inspire feelings of release. Opening the imagination and amplifying and liberating our own unique artistic spirit, they enable us to express ourselves in more inventive ways. A harmonious mix of familiar shades infused with a contemporary edge, colors for NYFW Spring 2024 introduce a new interpretation of current times as memories of the past and a glimpse of the future bring hope for the present”. I’m always telling you about the power of COLOR!

Here are the colors you will be seeing. Enjoy adding these new colors to our closet.

On this day I always reflect on the year I’ve just gotten through and think about lies ahead. I also pick a word or share a thought for the new year.

This year one needs to throw in the once-in-a-century numerology. 123123 adds up to 12. The Almanac says there are 12 points of enlightenment. This is a day we might all experience epiphanies or “Aha moments”! The numbers say we are at a new beginning filled with limitless possibilities. They say we need to trust in the Universe’s plan and divine timing. Wow. It sure sounds magical to me! And add to this that it is a Leap Year. Bonus!! An extra day for “Aha’s”.

This all brings me to what I want to do in 2024. I wish for this to be a year when people listen to each other and bring light into the lives of others. Personally, I want to make peace with the life I now have without my husband. I miss him so much. I have to get over thinking about the life I was supposed to be having and say “yes” to the life that is in front of me. There is so much to be grateful for each year. I have a tremendous family and my grandchildren are the most beautiful little humans and they fill my heart with joy. And, I have my faith which has gotten me through a lot over the last couple of years. In addition, I have very good genes in my family and I still have a bunch of time ahead so I better make them good ones!!

It is time to shift into high gear for traveling. I am planning on a couple of “big” trips this year in addition to taking trips to visit with friends. In 2023 I lost 3 close high school friends. Always a shock even as we get older. This puts your life into perspective. This also gave me my New Year’s Resolution: DIN… Do It Now.

For 2024 I hope to be able to contribute something to this world. I will make a point of “listening” so that I don’t miss any messages being given to me.

As I always wish for you, may you have some wonderful surprises in 2024. Make sure you are open to receive them.

And I will continue to take the advice of Tinker Bell…All we need is a little Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust.

Happy New Year!

We made it through 2023

And now we are at the door of 2024

Do more.

Go and explore!

Go to the Shore.

Change your decor.

Don’t put your feelings in a drawer!

Do things you adore!

Then wait and see what’s in store beyond the door.

She is a Peach…POSITIVE!

Everything is Peachy…POSITIVE!

Her skin is as soft as a Peach…POSITVE!

Her complexion is Peaches and cream…POSITIVE!

All associations with Peach are positive. I think this is why the color was selected by Pantone.

They say Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It is a velvety peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body and soul. Leatrice Eisenman, Executive Director, Pantone Color institute goes on to say “In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.” With so much turmoil in the world, I think that this is just what we need.

Funny, The Allman Brothers named an album in 1972 Eat A Peach. The title came from a quote by Duane Allman “You can’t help the revolution because there’s evolution…Every time I’m in Georgia, I eat a peach for peace”. And Pantone wanted to “turn to a color that could focus on the importance of community and coming together with others”. Looks like Duane Allman was ahead of his time for picking a fruit/color!!

I am sure that you are all totally immersed in the insanity of gift buying for the holidays. So, I thought I’d throw a few things out to you that might help in making your selections (don’t look to me for suggestions for the kids. I get my direction from my daughter-in-law, and I go from there!!).

I have to say I was most impressed with Bloomindale’s for their overall presentation of holiday goodies.

There are some great suggestions for everyone. Games are always a fun gift. Coffee table books on dreamed about or favorite places are also fun.

Bloomingdale’s also had a lot of “bow and go” items. everything from Tea to Soap to Slip Sloane gift sets (pillow case and scrunchies-silk pieces are great for anti aging, anti sleep creases and anti bed head)

Fragrance “bow and go” are also BIG items for the holidays,

At Nordstrom

Let’s not forget the guys. Loved these sets- a Kiehl’s set for keeping his skin in good shape, as well as products from buttah by Dorion Renaud (I think the founder of the company must be a New Yorker who wants to keep your man’s face soft as “buttah”!) Socks and hats are always good. And always throw in something sweet. A suggestion in this category is available on QVC-Mrs. Prindables caramel/chocolate apples. I give these apples every year to every family member.

Of course there are gifts of fashion. There is a lot of glitz, sequins and feathers out this year.

Bloomingdale’s

First photo is Nordstrom, next two are Zara

Lux items are well received for gifts!

these three photos are Bloomingdale’s.

lux fabrications at Bloomingdale’s-

Accessories are great gifts. Bucket hats were everywhere as well as baseball style caps.

Nordstrom

above is the window at Portofino Living

Accessories at Bloomingdale’s. There are some very glamourous sequin and beaded bags.

Other gifts that are always appreciated are sleepwear and loungewear (great selections at QVC). Candles, either real or faux flames are very poplar. Look at Slatkin & Co on QVC-fabulous scents. And if you want flameless candles look at Luminara on QVC and on HSN look at August & Leo Velvet and Crystal candles with a remote (photo below)

And just remember Love is the best gift you could possibly give or receive.

Had to get out to see what additional merchandise had landed in the stores since my “BACK-TO-SCHOOL” blog for early fall. In my opinion the stores must be relying on their on-line business because they are lacking in some of the trends being talked about. Maybe there will be a big push coming in for Holiday selling.

The conversations have been knit dresses, cardigan sweaters and dusters. Coats have also been a highly discussed category-ankle grazing overcoats, scarf coats (some have the scarf as detachable), leather and faux leather long coats (some are oversized). Toggle embellishment is trending. Puffer coats in a variety of lengths are strong. Shearling and boucle fabrications (AKA Teddy Bear fabrications) are also available.

Wide leg pants are trending. The barrel leg fit is the BUZZ right now. I think the barrel leg cut makes one look a little bow-legged! Denim is embellished with studs and stones and sequins.

Sequins have surfaced in every category! Everything is glittering and metallic accessories are the “It” trend. I think we can attribute this to the phenomenal success of Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour. It’s fabulous and fun and gives you something to smile about. If you can’t find what you want in the stores go to QVC and HSN and just search sequin apparel. There are some fabulous items! Look at G by Giuliana Black Label Sequin Blazer dress (846-796). Skirts, tees, tanks, joggers etc., etc. This will add a lot of sparkle and fun to your closet, and you will be party-ready!

I hope that you find some fashion to make you smile this season. We all do need something to smile about. Enjoy.

First Fall Bloomingdale’s

Second Fall Bloomingdale’s

Highlights At Nordstrom

You may be saying, really? Yes, today I went to see the movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The funniest thing was saying “three seniors for Taylor Swift” when we were buying tickets. Why were we here? Always remember that it is important to stay current! I have enjoyed her music over the years, but I would not be able to list titles. I figured it was time to check out what everyone has been raving about.

It was a phenomenal performance. There is so much to be said about the costumes. It was a fashion masterpiece. Designers showcased are Roberto Cavelli, Donatella Versace, Alberta Ferretti. Each creation is more beautiful than the one before and each one is classy and in good taste. Surely, they will influence the way people will be dressing.

Sequins are everywhere. My favorite are the sequin blazers (we already know that 2023 is a blazer year). Sequins and paillettes are on everything from tee shirts to unitards to shorts to dresses. And let’s not forget an array of glittering boots. Dresses are cloudlike creations in mesh and chiffon and have tiers and pleats and entwined embroidery and sequins. The colors are metallic gold and silver as well as royal blue, emerald green and ruby pinks. Dresses were ivory, an ethereal lilac-gray, ruby and amber. And lots of red to cover her Red Era. And, of course, Pink.

One other thing which will probably continue to be trending is her multi-color manicure!!

Everything about the movie was classy. The dancers and musicians and singers were all inclusive-male, female, size, color. And you could sense they were all having a great time performing with Taylor.

The entire performance was so entertaining. I also came away with a feeling of respect for Taylor Swift. I love how she feels about all of her fans and people who have helped make her the star that she has become.

Go see the movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. You will not be disappointed.

All of the shows for Fall 2023 are now over and there are a few additions to add to the mix of colors for you to look for and enjoy this season. The colors I am sharing with you today are in addition to the colors I shared with you on 7/5 in my Pick Your Color bog. I got this color information through PureWow.

Here are the new colors that have been added:

Fiery Red is a bold, cherry inspired color that is expected to be very big for fall. Since this is an intense color, it pairs well with all neutrals especially brown or beige or white.

Lacecap Hydrangea is an icy blue which is perfect for those preferring more muted tones. This blends well with deeper gem tones, caramel brown, mustard and fiery red.

Spectra Yellow is a color that actually works on many skin tones. Wear this color solo or with neutrals white, beige, washed denim. Or if you are adventurous bring on pinks, oranges, or purples.

Sparkling Grape is in between violet and deep plum. This is good with gray as well as other shades of purple.

The last addition is Olive Oil. This shade is between beige and green. You can either play up brighter shades of green or any blue. Or you can go with the golden green undertones, browns, red, pink or yellow.

Pantone has named the following as the color trends for Fall: (Other than the 5 I have just told you about, the other colors are in my 7/5 blog)

1. Fiery Red
2. Kohlrabi (vibrant green)
3. Lacecap Hydrangea
4. Tender Peach
5. Burnt Sienna
6. Spectra Yellow
7. Sparkling Grape
8. Olive Oil
9. Red Orange

Enjoy the season.