The Classic Woman

The Grace Kelly Effect

Sharon — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:29:08 +0000

Just as 2013 will be known as the year of The Great Gatsby influence on fashion, I believe 2014 will experience the Grace Kelly effect. Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of the American princess in the Kelly biopic Grace will hit the big screen next year and already there is buzz about the fashions and jewels in the movie. In fact, it is easy to see why. Grace Kelly was and continues to be a classic fashion icon. She consistently chose simple, classic lines. Granted, the clothes were beautiful, but one never fails to see the beauty of the woman wearing them.

Michael Kors in his Pre-Fall 2013 Collection gives a nod to old Hollywood and to its fashion icons with a heavy influence of “Grace”.

source: tvtropes.org

source: vogue.com

source: dreamdogsart.typepad.com

source: vogue.com

source: clothesonfilm.com

source: vogue.com

source: celebrityredcarpet.co.uk

source: vogue.com

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Polka Dot Dress

Sharon — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:54:58 +0000

The chances that a woman can look great on the red carpet seem to be pretty much guaranteed, if you ask me. Of course, having never been on the red carpet, I am speaking only as an observer who knows nothing of the hours and hours spent trying to pick out the perfect outfit. However, I somehow imagine that if I had a designer gown, some fabulous jewels and a few stylists fussing with my hair and makeup, it would not be too hard to look stunning. While I “ooh and ah” with the best of them when watching the stars walk the red carpet, what really impresses me is the way some women can put together a paparazzi-worthy outfit with normal “people” clothes. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is one of those women.

Kate wearing a Topshop dress with a Ralph Lauren jacket from, don’t you just love it, several years ago. (I am so glad I am not the only one with old clothes hanging in my closet.)

What makes this outfit work? If the woman wearing it was not the Duchess of Cambridge, would it still warrant a ” that looks really nice” thought? (For the fun of it, scroll the page down just enough to hide her face and I’m guessing you are still going to like the look.)

What makes this outfit noteworthy is its simplicity and its cohesiveness. Coco Chanel advised women to remove one accessory before leaving the house because it is so easy to overdo the add-ons. Unfortunately, too much is as detrimental to an outfit as not enough. Finding the correct balance, however, turns a simple classic fashion look into a memorable one. Kate understands balance. The focal point of the ensemble is the polka dot dress. The jacket, purse and shoes act as spotlights on the dress by drawing our attention to the color of the polka dots. The result is a look that is effortless, timeless and noteworthy.

SIMPLICITY RULES

The Inspiration: Kate’s Ensemble

Polka Dot Dress
Polka Dot Skater Dress (same dress in navy)
Ralph Lauren Black jacket
Episode “Angel” pumps
UFO Suede Clutch (similar clutches at emmyshoes.co.uk)
Annoushka Pearl Drop Earrings

Look Number One

Look Number Two

Ralph Lauren Resort 2014

Sharon — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:22:28 +0000

While working on the post “Ballet-Inspired Fashions”, totally unbeknownst to me, Ralph Lauren posted pictures of his Resort 2014 Collection on his Facebook page. Imagine my great surprise and delight when I saw all the beautiful ballet-inspired fashions! Not only is Lauren one of my all-time favorite designers, but apparently we are kindred spirits when it comes to “fashions of the dance”

Highlights from Ralph Lauren’s Resort 2014 Collection

“For Resort, I was inspired by a modern femininity, a dancer’s grace and sense of movement defined by a sculptural purity.”
-Ralph Lauren

photos from Ralph Lauren

Ballet-Inspired Fashions

Sharon — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:27:17 +0000

photo credit: Pat McDonald via photopin cc

I still remember the day I begged my mother for ballet lessons. I was all of five years old, but I was quite sure that this was what I wanted to do more than anything else in the whole wide world. That is, until my mother explained to me the hours and hours and hours that I would have to practice. Now, being a five-year-old who loved to play as much as she loved to dance, this practicing stuff sounded like way too much work. So, the dream faded, but not the love for the ballet. To this day, I sometimes toy with the idea of taking an adult ballet class …. ummm, maybe someday. Yet, even if that someday never comes, thank goodness there is a wonderful array of ballet-inspired fashions that delight my inner-ballerina and, fortunately, do not require long hours of practice.

BALLET for WORK

BALLET for EVERYDAY

BALLET for A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Summer Dressing: The Hot and Cold of It

Sharon — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:14:19 +0000

Living in the Midwest I am constantly reminded that even during the hot summer months a jacket should never be too far out of reach. The trick during the warmer weather is, however, to create a layered look that avoids looking too heavy or out of place. The perfect fashion solution keeps you warm when there is a bit of coolness in the air, but conveys a light, airy, summery look.

A LOOKBOOK OF LAYERING FROM ZARA USA

LOOK ONE

Floral Print Blazer

Faded Vest Top

Loose Fit Trousers

Mid-Heel Sandals with Ankle Strap

LOOK TWO

Patch Pocket Blazer

Acid Wash Tank Top

Denim Pencil Skirt

Leather Sandal

LOOK THREE