So, I'm a Style Snob. And!

Skivious Style
What You Wear is Who You Are!
By R. White

Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy all had “it. “ And “it” is Style. These women had the 3Gs: Glamour, Grace sprinkled with a little Glitz. They all possessed the kind of style you do not see today in Hollywood or anywhere else for that matter.

Here it comes, my snobby remark about Hollywood of today. What is the deal with some of the younger actresses? Where are they buying their clothes? Many of the actresses are dressing like bag ladies. That is not cool! The homeless, hobo, bum, Raggedy Ann look, is ridiculous, and makes no sense to look this way. If your sole purpose for getting out of bed with the intent to purposefully walk out the house in what looks like you're wearing shredded fabric, stay in the house or better yet, stay in the bed with all those sheets and go back to sleep.

When I watch the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Grammy’s or the Golden Globes, I expect to see some terrific fashions. Actually, in all honesty, I’m just looking for a reason to clown. But I do wait for the one actress or actor (can't leave them out) who just oozes Style. And like waiting for your boyfriend or husband to just do things for you without you having to gingerly mention or straight up ask him, it never happens.

Am I being too hard on the designers? Too harsh on our overly compensated, inflated salary driven thespian friends? Am I looking for something that is so like yesteryear that I need to check myself? Is glamour gone and never to be experienced again?

For me, the last time I witnessed anything close to representing the appearance of old Hollywood was at the 75th Annual Academy Awards in 2003 when Jennifer Lopez attempted to create that glamorous Hollywood image in a 1960’s inspired Neoclassical Silk Crepe Valentino gown.

She looked amazing and not much was mentioned about the dress. The story behind that dress is interesting, though. Apparently, Jennifer loved the dress from the archives and desperately wanted to purchase it, but was told she could not buy the dress because it had been made for Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s and it was not for sale. "Some people have a vision of themselves as less glamorous or more sexy," she said. "I just fell in love with this dress…” . So I said: "Lend it to me for the Oscars, I have to have it.”

I personally appreciate her effort to bring glamour back

When I think of fashion and Style, certain colors come to mind, like pearly white, mysterious black, metallic grey, soft pink and even brick red. Certain styles come to mind as well, like 3-inch Pumps, the straight skirt, headscarves, pearls, a pillbox hat and Coco Chanel.

And because these things (call me crazy) matter to me, will be a constant theme, one way or another, in my Skivious Style blogs.

So to begin my Skivious Style diatribe......

And of course, Skivious Style will breakdown each day’s blog with:

* A Skivious Style definition and/or word of the day that is fashion related.
* Some Skivious Style comment about a celebrity.
* Provide Skivious Style information about trends and/or news.
* My random Skivious Style thoughts and advice about, what else, Style.
* An a Skivious Style suggested purchase.

And always have a sense of Style and Grace about yourself!

Skivious Style Definition and/or Word of the Day:
Haute couture - is French for “high sewing” or “high dressmaking” and refers to the exclusivity of custom fitted fashions. Today, haute couture is a name that is protected, that is only allowed to be used by firms that meet certain standards that are clearly defined.

Haute couture is made to order for a specific client, and the garment(s) is/are usually made from high quality and expensive fabric and sewn (often by hand) with special attention to detail.
Just in case there is some confusion, the term haute couture is continually misused and therefore its meaning water downed by blurring it with prêt-à-porter the French term for ready-to-wear, in the public’s eye.

Every haute couture house markets a prêt-à-porter collection. For the record, most of the haute couture garments displayed at fashion shows from Milan to Paris to London to Tokyo to New York, are rarely sold. The designs are often derived from the wild imaginations of the designers and created to enhance the “prestige of the house” and to get the buzz about the designer at the fashion shows so that you and I will purchase the ready-to-wear fashions.

So remember, the next time you read a fashion magazine and comment on the silliness of the runway fashions during fashion week, just think to yourself, this is a show, hence fashion show, designed to get attention and make people talk about the ridiculousness of what you saw on the runway.

My personal favorite was this totally out of the hemisphere fashion piece at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy in July ‘07 as Valentino celebrated his 45 years as a couturier. In a word, “Wow!” It was this pink (great color by the way) three tier slinky (the toy) type coat number that reminded me of paper Mache. Actually, I think I like it, because I keep searching the internet for an image; to no avail.

Skivious Style Comment on a Celebrity:
Since I somewhat already hinted on raggedy looking clothes worn by celebrities, I think I’ll stay on this subject just a little bit longer.

OMG! Mary-Kate! We all need a sense of individuality and a desire for independence. But, for real, girl. Why do you insist on hanging sheets of fabric around your petite frame? We can’t see you! I understand that you find this cute and want to separate yourself from sis. Do you even remember when little girls looked up to you and your sister? You used to wear the cutest outfits. Albeit it was during the mid 1990s (terrible fashion) time, but at least you were adorable.

In the October 2007 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Mary-Kate is featured in an editorial where the photos are absolutely smashing. Her hair, first, looks great and the eye make-up is bold and beautiful, bringing out the true essence of her bright eyes.

In the Harper’s Bazaar interview with Mary-Kate, she states, “…I just dress the way I feel instead of looking for what’s the new handbag.” This is precisely the problem. Why do you feel like Raggedy Ann? Mary-Kate also mentions, “I run around my house naked with heels all the time. It’s so funny. All of my friends will tell you I love running around in kimonos and jewelry or naked with jewelry. “ REALLY?! I mean I see the kimono urge, but naked with heels? Hum!

I’m just saying, for those of you who have this propensity, like Mary-Kate and sometimes Nicole Richie, to dress like you always shop at thrift stores when you have millions of dollars, if you don’t want to allocate some of your discretionary income for nice clothes, please send me a check every month so I can go to Barneys New York - http://www.barneys.com/.

Skivious Style Trends and/or News:
There’s something about fabric that had designers, Yves St. Laurent, Prada, Carolina Herrera, John Galliano, Giles, Givenchy, Nina Ricci, Rodarte and Proenza Schouler this fall season creating pieces that folded like the bellows of an accordion on pleats, gathered Chiffon reminiscent of Art Deco (a popular and opulent design movement from 1920 until the late 1930s), origami like inspired fashions, and bows and ribbons, according to Style.com editor Laird Borrilli-Persson.

It looks like layers of fabric is the trend and you can find these trendy origami inspired fashions by Rebecca Taylor’s Chiffon top for $244.00 at: http://www.rebeccataylor.com/. And for the pleat lovin' individual, a Grey pleated trousers by Oscar de la Renta are featured at: http://www.instyle.com/.

My Random Skivious Style Thoughts:
Yep. Gotta go here too. That ever present nagging and irritaing issue about how to dress for your body type. This is a very important element to having Style. I recommend you pay close attention to this portion of the blog, because this is where it all begins, with Style.

Knowing your body and knowing it well will dictate what you buy, where you buy it, how much you spend and how you will look in it.

The focus here will be on the dress and skirt. Quick snobby note first. If your dress or skirt hangs lower in the front than the back, re-evaluate that garment. I mean it! This is not a flattering visual.

For big thighs and hips - the best way to balance a bottom heavy figure is to make sure you choose the dress and skirt that ever so slightly skims over the lower half of your body. Go with Empire waist styles that are form fitting around the bust and has a slight flare. Avoid dresses/skirts that that gather or cinch at the waistline or any detail that is near the waist, hips or derriere.

An example of the type of dress you should wear is a Vince Stretch Satin Pleated Chemise or a Vince Tie Dress found at: http://www.bloomingdales.com/.

Click here for image: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?b=0&ID=97218&CategoryID=5433&PseudoCat=b.comSearch&PageID=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch%2Ebloomingdales%2Ecom%2Fexec%2F%3Fu1%3Dq%26pdp%5Fnav%3D1%26q%3DVince%2BDresses%26n%3D2

Plus Size - I recommend a Donna Ricco Halter Dress (Plus) for $168.00 found at http://shop.nordstrom.com/. or Click here for an image: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2925783?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=donna+ricco+halter+dress+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults

Or an an Abby Z New Jersey Dress that is sexy and forgiving for $48.00 visit http://www.alight.com/. or Click her for an image: http://www.alight.com/11990207.html

Unattractive Legs - if you only wear pants because you dislike your legs, try wearing long dresses or skirts (mid-calf or longer) - a very sexy Donna Ricco Print Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress in Mandarin/Champagne for $178.00 found at: http://shop.nordstrom.com/
Click here for image:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2927123?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=donna+rico+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults. This dress will make you look so very good, especially if you get invited to a party where they're serving, Veuve Cliequot Ponsardin Champagne (sparkling wine) and fancy little sandwiches with cheese and give away party favors like a box of Voluspa Basic Black Votive Scented Assorted Candles and little tubes of Clinique moisturizer.

Hopefully, these flattering style dresses will bring you to buy more dresses that will bring out the sexy in you. Embrace your femininity!

As I promised, here are some more basic must haves in your closet:

1. That Little Black Dress - has been a staple in womens closets dating back to the 1920's when Coco Chanel who is credited for having created the first one. The black dress can be worn with Stilettos, 2 inch high slingbacks or flats. You can accessorize with pearls, a scarf or nothing at all. The little black dress stands alone and if it fits well, you almost don’t have to add a thing to it.

2. Basic Black Trousers - like a relationship you’re way too comfortable with, we often take black pants for granted. You can wear them on any occasion. A well-fitted pair will accentuate your nice curves and always hide unattractive legs ( as mentioned above when it comes to dresses). Pants that are tailored will rest on your hips, thighs and derriere very nicely.
Here’s an idea for those of you who really do not know how to match your shoes with your pants:

Straight leg pants -please wear high heels or stilettos for the right balance. This allows your legs to look long and lean.

Wide leg pants - avoid heels that are too high. A medium heel will suffice. Please make sure your pants don’t fall over the shoe and hit the floor. Tacky, tacky, tacky!

Cropped pants - no high heels or ankle strapped shoes, okay! Ballet style slipper shoes or a mule style shoe work wonderfully with mid-calf or ankle length cropped pants.

I personally have a pair of Gap mid-calf Khaki cropped pants (purchased five years ago, like my dog on Gap boot cut jeans), that I only wear with my Arturo Chiang beige Tulip mules.

3. A Leather Tote Bag - During the fall and winter seasons, bags get bigger because there is typically more to carry (i.e., umbrellas, gloves, hats, etc.). My personal favorite big leather tote is of the patent leather variety.

This bag looks great with my black patent leather Nine West Pumps and goes with almost everything hanging in my lovely walk in closet. If you want to totally look like the lady you are, a rectangular shape is the most flattering. However, like trying on a pair of shoes, try your handbag on, as well. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and make sure it is proportioned to our body. You do not want to walk around with this big o’ handbag that dwarfs you and you don’t want to carry this itty-bitty handbag where your body overwhelms and dwarfs the handbag.

Plus, there is no reason what so ever to carry a small handbag if you’re like me and have my cell phone, make up bag, magazines, often an extra pair of shoes, napkins, sometimes a coffee mug and odds and ends like, glue, Tide stain sticks, a small sewing kit, disinfectant wipes and hair clips. Leather totes are trend resistant and will never fail you season to season. Make sure you purchase a quality leather tote. After all, this is the sidekick that is ole faithful, is attached to your side and allows you to bring it along with you when necessary.

And finally….

A Skivious Style Suggested Purchase:
Since I started talking about glamour, grace, old Hollywood and the mention of the classic little black dress in addition to what I believe allows you to ooze class yet showcase a tiny bit of sex appeal, I want to bring the topic of dresses back up and make a suggested purchase. I almost don’t want to recommend this dress because I’m probably going to buy it myself, but if I want to be true and real and suggest something I believe is gorgeous.

It’s the Donna Ricco Silk Blouson Sleeve Charmeuse Wrap Dress for $158.00 and found at http://shop.nordstrom.com/. Click here for image: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2961055?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=donna+ricco+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults

This dress is absolutely one of the nicest dresses I seen for me in a long time. And I have the perfect slingbacks to wear with it. Yeah, I so like this. When's payday?

What does Elizabeth Taylor (one of my favorite actresses) and Lingerie have in common? Skivious Style’s next blog will reveal.

Until the next Skivious Style blog.
What You Wear is Who You Are!