Weighing In: The Maxi Dress Trend

Diane von Furstenberg, Maui Patchwork Gown, $445 at saks.com

Despite what fashion editors say, this trend maximizes everything but you. And while I am not dismissing its value for regal galas, I am questioning the practicality of constantly dusting the floor every time you walk on the city streets or of drastically altering this item to suit the average woman (frankly, it's ridiculous to presume that we are all 5'11"). This particular dress, with its heinous print, makes this model look more like a circus performer on stilts (is it me, or does she look like a never ending statue?) than a casual bohemian vacationing in Hawaii. If you want casual, buy a mini; if you want respectable cocktail, buy a knee-length; if you want uber-dressy, buy a maxi. In my humble opinion, casual maxi is an oxymoron I'd rather do without.

Cheap Chic: Nine West

I haven't given Nine West a single thought for years (I find their shoes to be uncomfortable), but when I saw this dress in a recent advertisement in Lucky magazine, I went ga-ga over its perfect simplicity and neutral shade. Shirt dresses are a dime a dozen, but this one is more feminine with its cap sleeves and high waistline. I'd add a deep brown crocodile belt to add a luxe factor to this Burberry-esque dress. $134 at ninewest.com.

Variations on the White Blouse

Carolina Herrera swears by it. Fashion editors never tire of praising it. The white blouse is one must-have for every woman's wardrobe, but while the standard white-collared, crisp cotton white shirt gets the job done--and admirably so--, we women tire of the generic. Here are four versions that will spice up your wardrobe (the first three are available at eluxury.com; the last one is available at saks.com):

1. Fendi's Runway Origami Blouse: This beauty doubles as a jacket and cries out to be worn with a belt. It also touches upon a major spring trend without looking dated years later. $995.

2. Mayle's Rocio Silk Top: I adore the sailor-girl influence, but this beauty can be worn underneath a work-appropriate jacket or on its own on the weekend. The nipped-in waist and longer length are also flattering to many. $425.

3. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti's Printed Paillette Cami: Perfect for a night on the town or under a crisp black jacket. $365 for all the days of the year that you'll want to don this beauty.

4. Catherine Malandrino's Ruffle Poplin Blouse: A more feminine version of the classic we love, this top is perfect with a floral skirt. $245.

Chanel: Navy, Baby

Never underestimate the power of the navy pump. While navy is usually more subtle than its favored friend black, this Chanel sandal-pump is anything but: the gleaming liquid gold hardware and piping accentuate and compliment the navy canvas and elevate the sporty nautical look to a whole new level of chic. I've been craving a navy pump, and this one is on my must-have list for spring: perfect with all of my crisp white dresses. A worthy investment at Saks for $795.

Miu Miu: Empire State

If you can stand a 5 inch heel (there are some women who can--take my husband's co-worker, who is never in anything lower than 3 inches), this shoe is the Empire State building of shoes. The jewel-encrusted heel reminds me of the building's various neon-colored lights that glow, and the applique flowers are flirty, fun, and feminine. While these beauties will never grace my feet, I can admire them on other, more fearless women. $790 at net-a-porter.com.

Alice + Olivia: Spring Awakening

As spring break nears, I am reevaluating and exchanging the dreariness of my winter wear for the bright florals of spring. While we all cannot afford the numerous beauties from Dolce and Gabbana and Carolina Herrera, we can set our sights on Alice + Olivia, whose plethora of pretty frocks this season left me invigorated and encouraged. (Yes, even I experience fashion fatigue...usually in the midst of a long, seemingly unending cold winter season.) Most of their dresses are $500 and under, and this red and white silk floral applique dress is $370--a reasonable price for a unique design and quality craftsmanship. Wear this fearlessly with platforms for a fierce look or with flats for a more casual look. At Nordstrom.com.

You Are What You Wear

"Your clothes tell the world who you are," a wise stranger told me at my friend's 30th birthday party this past weekend. Another acquaintance said, "Your clothes reflect your stage in life." (A graduate student, she proceeded to lament the popularity of skinny jeans on college students at Penn.) As I get older, I realize that my solidifying fashion sense has reflected my growing comfort with myself as a woman and with myself as an individual.

This process was a long time in the making: I grew up wearing uniforms for school--an external branding of my identity as a prep school student. For years, I wore baggy clothes (usually plaid), imitated my mother's hairstyle (a bob, no bangs), and wore penny loafers (always brown) for lack of creativity. It wasn't until my study abroad trip to London that I learned to wear clothes that actual fit me; after all, I was a stranger in a strange land, but it forced me to examine myself without the traditional comforts of an imposed identity (daughter of ---, friend of ----, student of -----).

Today, I embrace the woman that I am and comfortable wearing clothes that others may perceive as too dressy/girly/etc. (I've been told that I look like I'm going to a wedding everyday; I've also been told that it's surprising that I "haven't let [myself] go" since I got married.) While determining one's identity is a lifelong challenge, the essential thing is to listen to the self that you are now; and while one doesn't need to look ready for the runway every day, it is also important not to allow yourself to mistake sloppiness for selflessness, or fashion for an undeserved reward. Ultimately, it's not what's on your back so much as your reason for wearing it that is what people see and what defines you.

Straight Jackets For Fashion Sanity

A well-chosen jacket can accompany you through the various stresses of life: job interviews, overworked work days, parties, weddings, bar hopping...the list goes on and on. It's a go-to piece for adding a slightly masculine edge to a feminine dress, a conservative accompaniment to a work /creative suit, or a sharp element to an otherwise casual jean outfit. Here are my top choices:

1. FOR A CREATIVE SUIT / JEAN OUTFIT / EVENING LOOK: Thomas Wylde's Valley of the Kings Silk Jacket, $935 at eluxury.com: The oversized snaps decorate the collar of this chic black jacket and make it a stand out piece. I adore the slightly puffed sleeves, which offsets the hard masculine quality of this expertly tailored jacket.

2. FOR JEANS / A PRETTY FEMININE DRESS / A CREATIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT: Loeffler Randall, Metallic Bib Jacket, $385 at eluxury.com: The subtle metallic sheen adds interest to a delicate and sweet piece.

3. FOR WORK / JOB INTERVIEW: Roland Mouret Pyxis Jacket, $1795 at net-a-porter.com: Look sharp for the board room with this pleated jacket.

Reinstein Ross: Emerald City

Recently, I've come to love the vivid and often neglected emerald: its perfect shade of green reminds us that spring is near, and its softer stone reminds us that its delicate nature is only a reflection of its value (which is why it is unusual to find emerald rings: they are more fragile than their blue sister, the sapphire). These Taj emeralds in 22k yellow gold from Reinstein Ross are hefty, yet delicate; elegant, yet everyday; exotic, yet modern. No wonder Dorothy's sights were on Emerald City. $5,800 at twistonline.com.

Dolce and Gabbana: Mixed Match

The fusion of Japanese artistry and Western brushstrokes on this stunning Dolce and Gabbana dress is just one example of fashion's postmodern need to mix influences. While I generally avoid Asian-inspired looks (as an Asian, I look too costumey) and have generally ridiculed the painterly trend this spring, I find myself strangely attracted to this dress: I am suddenly transported into a serene, Zen-like garden where only luxury exists. And at $6,460, you'll need a luxurious bank account, too. At Bergdorf Goodman.

Christian Louboutin: Vintage Glory

I absolutely adore these vintage-inspired Lola Flores canvas pumps with crinkled gold flowers from Christian Louboutin, the shoe genius. While I gravitate towards vintage items, I don't relish the idea of inserting my clean toes into an old pair of pumps that some stranger has worn (handbags, belts, etc. are a different story). These pumps allow you the pleasure of vintage inspired without the vintage dirt. $620 at saks.com.

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti: Spring Fling

The eternally chic combination of pink and gray looks fabulous in this silk chiffon dress by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, the younger sister line of Alberta Ferretti. I adore the sheerness of this dress, which is tasteful due to the gorgeous layering of fabrics and shades and incorporates one of spring's hottest trends. This Sunday's daylight savings reminds us that spring is only a few weeks away, and it's another reminder that fashionistas everywhere need to get geared up for colorful feminine day dresses. $695 at eluxury.com.

Skin Care 101

The harsh winter has wreaked havoc on our skin, and unless you're gifted with naturally flawless skin, chances are you've seen the damage. Instead of getting lost in the labyrinth of the cosmetics world, listen to this brief list of must-have items for skin saving:

1. A STRONG SPF. I cannot stress enough that every woman, regardless of skin color or type, must wear SPF (with both UVA and UVB protection) every single day, regardless of weather. Unfortunately, most women don't know that in terms of preventative care, a decent SPF is the single most important part of their daily routine. Wrinkles, sun spots, sagging skin, dry skin...all of these problems can be prevented by the use of a rigorous SPF.

Recommendations:

A. Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 70: You may scoff, but this works. Plus it has a light, non-greasy feel. $11.29 at drugstores.

B. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion, SPF 55: I use this stuff. It's light, pleasant-smelling, silky, and powerful. $37 at sephora.com.

2. A HIGHLY-HYDRATING MOISTURIZER: Between the harsh winter cold and the harsh indoor heat, a woman's skin rapidly looses much-needed moisture. Choose one rich in ingredients that suit your individual skin needs.

Recommendations:

A. Annick Goutal's Creme Splendide Genereuse Creme: Contains active rose sap, this Holy Grail moisturizer heals skin, deeply moisturizes, and nourishes the skin with vitamins. If you love roses, this smells divine and is my favorite moisturizer by far--nothing else heals my skin like this stuff. Worth the $140 price tag at saks.com.

2. Oil of Olay Complete All-Day Moisture Cream with SPF 15: An inexpensive, reliable option that many women swear by. $6.99 at drugstore.com.

3. AN EXFOLIATING AND NON-EXFOLIATING CLEANSER: Women need to vary their cleansing routine. Use an exfoliating cleanser at night to increase moisture absorption and use a gentle, non-stripping cream cleanser in the morning.

Recommendations:

A. Exfoliating Cleanser: If you have acne from time to time, this gentle scrub with salicylic acid sheds both dead skin cells and zits. $6.69 at drugstore.com.

B. Non-Exfoliating Cleanser: Shiseido Benefiance Creamy Cleansing Foam: Gently dissolves makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of much-needed moisture. $33 at sephora.com.

Fendi: Crop of Gold

Here's another winner from the House of Fendi: a cropped leather jacket with looped ruffles that almost appear bamboo-like in texture. While black leather jackets may be eternally chic for some, I much prefer lighter shades that incorporate feminine detailing rather than masculine bravado. Combine this with anything peachy, yellow, pink, dove gray, or white. $4,650 at net-a-porter.com.

Spring Must-Haves

Each season, I narrow down my list of must-haves. Here's what got top picks:

1. Something Floral: Burberry's Rosette Embroidered Dress is a textural option to traditional floral prints.


2. Something Red: It was hot on the Red Carpet, and it'll be hot elsewhere. Zac Posen's Tomado gown is smokin' ($5,400 at net-a-porter.com).

3. Something Whimsical: Miu Miu's brocade coat is a mixture of harlequin romance, French maid, and schoolgirl innocence. Choose an item that combines various elements and is slightly off-kilter.

4. Something Yellow: It's hard to resist such a cheery color, and especially when Lela Rose puts her stamp of genius on it.

5. Something Belted: Choose a stand-out belt to cinch your looks. Burberry Prorsum's, Bottega Veneta's, and Fendi's belts are all fantastic.

Marc Jacobs: Animal Kingdom?

There's a reason I despise Marc Jacobs. From a distance, this dress looks half-way decent: the cute shape, the flirty details...and then you look closer. For reasons unbeknownst to me, iridescent mice and swans run amok in an oil spill that makes Exxon Valdez look like kids' play. A true New Yorker, I abhor rodents of any kind (I could barely watch Ratatouille, and those were cartoon rats) and don't need to see them on my clothes. And the swans. Do they bear any relationship to their neighbors the mice? Or are they there to remind us that beauty is still capable of being found in something so ugly? Because if that's it, then I'm not buying into it...and that's literally and figuratively. $2,400 for this rag at eluxury.com.

Banana Republic: Cheap Chic

This is a no-brainer from Banana Republic: a chic, feminine, cap-sleeved silk shift dress in the hottest shade of the season: saffron yellow. It has taken me some time to cozy up to yellow, but now I recognize that its powerful burst of sun cheers the soul. I find the dark accessories gloomy paired with yellow and would replace them with silver or white bags/shoes and a statement necklace that would individualize your purchase. An easy $150 online or at stores nationwide.

Miu Miu: Star Trek Gets Jockey

Speaking of uniforms...Miuccia Prada's Miu Miu line was nothing short of bizarre. From the jockey looks with the models' initials monogrammed on the right side in typical prep-school mode (please, don't bring back monograms!) to sequins, Miu Miu's Fall 2008 line was as odd as its older sister's. Her sporty looks were more futuristic than retro, which gave her clothes as costumey, rather than modern, feel. Unfortunately, I won't be purchasing many of these items come fall.

Additional Looks:

1. Where could you possibly wear this?

2. Is it me, or does this look like a soccer net?

3. The only look I like (minus the swimming cap and leggings):

ReWear: A Crime of Fashion?

Today, I was accosted by a single accusation: "ReWear!" While I am, from time to time, reminded that slang does not come as naturally as it used to, I was amazed by the inscrutable nature of this word; it was not a verb, but an adjective. I soon realized that I was accused of wearing the same outfit twice. While I understand that this alleged "crime of fashion" does not compare to other offenses previously mentioned (scrunchies, overalls, etc.), I began to mull this one over. Celebrities now are given a special column in some rags for "really loving" some item (apparently, three times of use equates to "really loving" an item when you're a celebrity), but what about the common (wo)man?

In this eco-friendly age where "recycling" is the new "it" term, do clothes also apply for the fashionista of today? I've always laughed at the absurdity of wearing an item only once (the "wedding dress" is my one exception) because it implies waste, frivolity, and vanity. On the other hand, I raise my eyebrows at the uniform-wearing non-uniformed-employed clone who exemplifies zero creativity on a daily basis. (I once had a psychology professor who wore a white polo, khakis, and white sneakers every single day.) Surely, a middle ground can be reached.

I also acknowledge a) most people don't care; b) most people's closets are rather limiting in NYC; and c) true fashionistas at heart may be limited by financial resources. However, I propose (or humbly recommend) the following to consider:

1. Reimagine different ways to wear an item. A dress can be worn as a skirt if a top is over it. Layered items appear differently. A bold necklace can alter the appearance of a plain dress. Dress down a fancy item (e.g. wear a cocktail dress with a plain cardigan and tall boots), and dress up a plain item (e.g. wear fancy jewelry with jeans). Even though I generally repeat items, most people don't notice because I switch things up.

2. Rotate items. Place worn items on one side of your closet, and continue to do so to keep track of what you've worn. (Exception: Basic items, such as jeans, cardigans, white shirts, and black pants, are rarely noticed. Those you can repeat often.)

3. Avoid repeating items that are photographed. Unfortunately, that goes for weddings and major parties--unless you are going to events with different crowds. Some women wear the same dress for every wedding that they attend--not realizing that that same dress is being remembered and photographed every time.

4. Do a periodic sweep of your closet. By doing so, you will discover items that have been forgotten. Donating your unwanted items can also free up your closet for things that you can really see and enjoy.

Rue du Mail: Structural Shapes

Natural and man-made shapes dominated the dresses and coats of Martine Sitbon's Rue du Mail Fall 2008 collection, and for the most part, she succeeded. From arches to beetles, the line incorporated the inspiration of strong, structural shapes without taking that inspiration too literally. The darkness and toughness of most of her looks (there was an abundance of waxed leather jackets) mixed nicely with a soft, feminine aesthetic.

Additional Looks:

1. A cocoon-like look that adds mystery and depth to a beautiful frock:

2. I am reminded of skyscrapers in this one:


3. The beetle-like appliques are whimsical, not creepy: