What You Wear is Who You Are!

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


I should first begin by saying, seriously, what you wear is who you are! And yes, I know, fashion changes, but Style doesn't. You either have it or you don't. It's strictly up to you to decide if you want Style or not. I recommend you do, though.

I watch what people wear, how they wear it and most importantly, I try to determine why they wear it. All too often, my eyes hurt when I walk down the street in a downtown area, witness the all too often travesties exhibited by co-workers, even at the mall or a trendy shopping center, I see individuals committing the most horrendous senses of Style.

Call me a Style snob, that’s okay. At least you will never be able to say, my handbag doesn’t match my boots or shoes! Never! And this is what I truly do not understand. When you commit this Style error, it is a fashion faux pas. And you are probably saying, “who cares?” My eye’s care. And if you want to have a sense of style, stop doing this, please!


According to the editor’s of In Style magazine, “…the notion that to be in style is to express yourself, to live with imagination, ease and confidence. And nowhere is that more true-and sometimes more difficult-than in the choices you make in dressing yourself.”

My goal is to provide you with a Skivious Style education and to assist you, everyday, plan a wardrobe that first, flatters your figure with clothes that fit your body type and fulfill your desire to look and feel good.


Skivious Style Blogger 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.
* And a Skivious Style suggested purchase.


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

Skivious Style Definition:
Trend - the process of getting others to follow or copy of their own free will your actions and/or style.


This action, I believe, is the most flattering compliment one can receive. Obviously, if someone copies your sense of Style, they’re telling you that, not only do, they think you have Style but that they want to look like you.

Remember when you were a kid and someone had the nerve to utter the word, “copy cat?”
To me, again, this is a flattering comment especially when it comes to emulating someone else’s sense of Style.


Right now, here is a trend for you, in a word, Quilt. This fall, designers are creating some fabulous fashions with quilt. The fashion classic quilted item the Chanel handbag with the gold chain evokes a sense of allure and sophistication. When you walk into some trendy restaurants, you might find black benches made of leather with a quilt pattern.

This is designed to give you that sense of comfort and charm. Me, it invokes the imagery of a luxury cruise liner. And if you’re aware of what was on the runway this season, you noticed our puffy little friendly style.

I’m so feeling the Hunting Season’s leather handbag and Alexander McQueen’s Dries Van Noten’s nylon skirt. Does that come in a size 2?

Skivious Style Comment on a Celebrity:
Yeah, Britney Spears Sequined bikini ensemble at the VMAs. I am fighting the urge to discuss this. Therefore, I will resist. By the way who designed the bikini? But enough has been said about the outfit that was highly recommended she not wear. So, I will leave that alone and discuss Angelina Jolie’s ST. JOHN editorials found in almost every major fashion magazine.


My personal favorite fashion bible, if you will, is W. And there is a pictorial of Ms. Jolie that truly defines class. Angelina is so versatile not only as an actress but in her sense of Style. She pulls just about anything off. My belief is that Angelina wears the clothes not the clothes wear Angelina. ST. JOHN, the luxury apparel label, made a marvelous choice, during a marketing strategy session, when the creative team decided that Angelina Jolie would most perfectly represent their vision in their ads.

Angelina has the perfect face and angles for these ads and she brings a sense of mystery which the photographer Mario Testino captures so beautifully in every garment worn bt Ms Jolie in the ads. The next time you see a ST. JOHN ad with Angelina Jolie, tell me what you see.

Oh, I just have to comment on the Emmy Awards. Typically, I would limit my Skivious Style celebrity comment to just one celebrity at a time, but, OMG. Valentino, you did it again baby; especially with Christina Aguilera.

The white satin Empire waist gown with a black velvet bow was absolutely breath taking. Christina Aguilera reminds of me of 1950s Hollywood when the actresses were the epitome of sophistication, grace and style and wore the fashions with such ease.

Effortless is the way I describe the way Christina Aguilera looked in all the gowns she wore that evening. From her Steppin' Out With My Baby duet performed with Tony Bennett wearing a gorgeous magenta gown to her backstage Emerald gown, Christina Aguilera is Style.


Skivious Style Trends and/or News:
Designer Todd Oldham starts his new job Monday, October 1, 2007 as the new and badly needed creative director for Old Navy. Gap, Inc., did the right thing this time.

President of the Old Navy division, Dawn Robertson "‘called the pairing,’" “a huge win for both of us.” Yes, let’s hope so for Todd Oldham’s sake.


The 45 year old, Texas born Oldham has had a very successful career as a celebrity designer. Todd an innovative thinker with his offbeat fashion sense yet ability to appear to a broad audience, should bring more customers to Old Navy. Not sure, though, if I’ll be one of them. I have yet to ever make a purchase at Old Navy.

This is partly due to the fact that I often compare them to their parent division, The Gap. I’ve shopped at the Gap for years. Well, let me back track. I stopped about 5 years ago, when suddenly I could not find a decent pair of size 2, ankle length, Khakis. And the jeans. All I want is a pair of Gap, Slim Fit Boot Cut, size 2, jeans. The last pair I purchased was like I mentioned, five years ago. I still have them, I just can’t wear them in public anymore. So, I’m hopeful that Mr. Oldham’s creative flare will spill over into the Gap.

My random Skivious Style thoughts:
Actually, this isn’t random because as I was commenting on Todd Oldham’s new gig at Old Navy and the rambling of how the Gap used to be, I started thinking about jeans and pants in general.

As we all know (if you don’t, you should) - jeans epitomize American Style. The reason is because jeans represent the personality of the wearer. When you put on your jeans, you’re saying something about yourself. That’s why you should wear jeans that best show off your figure.


Please, if your thighs happen to rub together, make sure your jeans do not pucker at the inseam. If they do, wear a long blouse to cover the pucker.

My figure, often, does not allow me to just walk into a Gap, Banana Republic, an Ann Taylor, Nordstrom or H&M and be able to find the perfect fitting jeans.


So for someone like me, curvy below, I look for jeans that fit my hips and derriere but often have to have them tailored at the waist. This assures a great fit for me. And because I’m only 5‘0“ tall and I refuse to allow the jeans to overwhelm my small frame. The jeans I purchase are often long and worn with boots or heels. This elongates my frame.

And if you are the same measurements as me, please for goodness sake, stay away from wide-leg or flared jeans - they make you look shorter than you already are.


Another thing, I want to share with you. If you haven’t done this or this doesn’t apply to you for some strange reason, make sure at some point in your life time that you’ll have put forth the effort to make sure you have all the basic must have’s of a wardrobe in your closet.

Below are 5 of the basics to start with:


1. Knee High Boots - with a mid-size heel (especially a brown pair) to wear with your fabulously fitted jeans or any length skirt or dress. But you can start with a great black pair like Via Spiga’s Fall 2007 Collection - an architecturally, sleek and sexy boot. Pure Italian inspired and I can’t wait to buy my pair at: http://www.viaspiga.com/.

2. A Basic, Crisp, Long-Sleeved, White Shirt - this simple item is a staple in building a basic wardrobe must have, especially for the fall. Any variety of a long sleeve white shirt will do. From varied collars and cuffs, to those with a one chest pocket or two, fitted or stretch, all work well with any pair of wide-leg trousers, any length skirt, under a sweater or jacket.


3. A Turtleneck Sweater - a true classic item to have in your wardrobe. Like a true show piece, the turtleneck brings attention to the wearers face. And if you’re like me and can’t stand to have something scratchy on my neck, find a fabric that is soft, like cashmere.

Cashmere is made from the Kashmir goat. And contributing to the expensive nature of cashmere is the tedious and difficult task of separating the soft fibers from the long, coarse hair. The soft hair is woven or knitted into fine garments and can also be blended with silk, cotton, or wool.


If you totally can’t stand turtlenecks, than substitute the turtleneck with a mock neck. Mock necks are just as classy as turtlenecks and sometimes, depending on the trousers or skirt, can make a powerful statement about your sense of style.

The black turtleneck is the absolute classic because it creates that canvass like palette to display beautiful necklaces like pearls.


4. Speaking of pearls - pearls connote a femininity like no other piece of jewelry and they never go out of style. I wear pearl earrings everyday with everything. They have never failed me and I'm a firm believer that pearls give the wearer a sense of simplicity while looking elegant no matter what you’re wearing. Whether you’re wearing that basic long sleeved white shirt, a black turtleneck, a simple black sheath dress or a business suit, pearls look great with anything.

5. A Fitted Jacket - a tailored jacket creates waistlines, provides angles and shows off feminine curves. A great jacket is the anchor of a woman’s wardrobe. This fact alone dictates that when shopping for a fabulous jacket, take time and spend special attention to the cut, fabric and details. For me, due to my small frame, I stay away from long, double-breasted jackets with excessive detail.


I will cover more of the must have basics in your wardrobe in the next blog.

Skivious Style Suggest Purchase:
My first suggestion before you step out the door to do any shopping, decide exactly what you want to purchase or at the very least, have an idea of what you want to buy. Then decide how much money you want to spend and remember why you’re out there shopping in the first place; you’re looking for something that will make you look great. So, take time when looking for that perfect item. Oh, another important note, shop alone. This is the only way you can truly focus on you.


Like I mentioned earlier, I am so feeling the quilted look in fashion in addition to Via Spiga’s black stacked heel, pointy toe, tall shaft knee high Ampio boots, priced at $295.00 http://www.viaspiga.com/. Click here for image: http://www.viaspiga.com/product_detail.asp?name=Ampio&id=Ampio-16441001-black&c=boots

And if you so happen to be looking for a great handbag and sling backs, I recommend Salvatore Ferragamo’s:

* "Vernice Grace" Patent tote in black or iceberg patent calfskin.
* Silver-toned hardware & woven handles with an open top.
* Perforated Gancini logo on front an side tie detail w/Gancini-embossed ends.
* Canvas lining.
* Inside: zip, cell phone and slide pockets
* Includes a certificate of authenticity
* 11”H x 193/4”W x 5”D.
* "Vernice Grace" is made in Italy.
* Price - $1,250.00 (it’s worth is because it’s Salvatore Ferragamo)
Click here for image: http://ferragamo.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod4340008&parentId=cat2402&masterId=cat105&cmCat=cat000000cat101cat105cat2402&index=0&tid=C9

* "Spagna" Satin Slingback Shoes
* Crisscross Upper
* Halter strap
* Leather insole
* 4” covered heel
*"Spagna” made in Italy
* Price - $370.00
Click here for image: http://ferragamo.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod3730001&parentId=cat7501&masterId=cat104&cmCat=cat000000cat101cat104cat7501&index=3&tid=C9
http://ferragamo.neimanmarcus.com/.

I highly recommend a visit to:
http://www.viaspiga.com/
http://www.salvatoreferragamo.com/
http://www.calvinklein.com/
http://www.donnakaran.com/
http://www.escada.com/
http://www.prada.com/
http://www.wmagazine.com/
http://www.carlosshoes.com/
http://www.katespade.com/

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