Tamary's Fine Apparel

The New Shirtdress

2008-02-22T09:37:47-05:00

Do you ever stand in your closet and stare at your clothes thinking, “I really do not have the time to think about how to look good or I’m just too tired to care how I look today”? Maybe it is not a matter of time or energy, maybe it is a laundry issue – you have clean trousers, but no clean blouses, or vice versa.

Dresses are always a simple, one-piece outfit solution that doesn’t require you to think too hard or exert a whole lot of energy trying to mix and match your separates. Those rare moments that you feel uninspired can go completely undetected by all when you incorporate the shirt dress into your wardrobe. The shirtdress is one of America’s contributions to women’s fashion. The shirtdress has been around since the 1930s, and is pretty self-explanatory: Typically the style is loose fitting, buttons down the front and has a collar and sleeves. Sounds like a big shirt to me and I’m sure it does to you too, but it’s designed and fitted as a dress. It’s too simple to believe I know, but we Americans are known for doing a lot with a little and this is a great example of that. Also, most shirtdresses have a self-belt, which is a belt made from the same material as the dress, which helps to define the waistline. There is absolutely not one body type that the shirtdress does not flatter, and the versatility of it adds to the genius of this American classic.

A shirtdress can be worn to work, a luncheon, a casual dinner, even a quick something to slip on before you pick up the kids. Dress it up with heels and tights, or dress it down with ballet flats paired with denim or leggings. Although it’s basically a shirt that has been fashioned into a dress, it has been modified to fit a keener eye through fabrications and construction. What “goes around comes around” in fashion and the shirt dress could vary well be your favorite “go-to” outfit for the season. The evolution of the shirtdress continually changes, however it is hard to say that the classic shirtdress will ever go out of style.

Yellow: Spring Trend in January?

2008-01-21T16:08:39-05:00

Most don’t consider January to be a month of fashion forward designs. A lot of women will try to be happy with the gifts they received for Christmas and endure, with patience, until spring designs grab their attention. The little known secret about January is that it is the month that fashion begins a transition from fall to spring looks. If you want to know what spring has in store, look at what January has to offer. Metallics move from jackets and pants into shorts and blouses. Since chocolate brown has become a base color look for colors that go well with it like gold, bronze and creams in capri and cargo pants, as well as, light weight pullovers.

The pop color to look for this spring is yellow. That’s right, yellow. The introduction of a new color during a particular season seems to always surprise us. By the time we realize that it really is a great color, our size is sold out and we have to wait for more hoping that the next delivery of fashion suits our style. Take steps to be the leader that you know you are and follow the fashion direction that starts in January

Season Change

2007-12-14T10:00:37-05:00

Planning what to wear for the holiday season should involve clothing that will last longer than the season itself. It’s easy to get seduced by the season, with it’s songs of snow and sleigh rides. Bored with warm weather we dream of a little “nip” in the air and the chance to show off our furs and fuzzy sweaters. We often purchase fashion for the season and seek comfort by cranking the air condition down to near freezing. In the excitement we over step our budget for the season by failing to plan for the year.

When shopping in the season you should keep in mind that a little “pop” of color will last through spring and most of summer. Black and white will last … well … forever. Find a few special black bottoms that can go with virtually anything and wear them everywhere that requires seasonal attire (balls, banquets, country club party). A great white shirt with a belt, sash, or tie will make an outfit that looks great with items that will last through the year not just the end of the party. By keeping “pop” pieces in a light fabric and layering with shawls and other basics you stay warm while your wardrobe gets a jumpstart on spring.

Enjoy the season; soon you’ll be freezing in the middle of winter wearing your cute little shorts dreaming of spring.

Back to the Future

2007-11-26T10:43:13-05:00

During the past couple of decades our lives have been bombarded and practically consumed by the “latest and greatest” technological advances. Why shimmery and shinny are associated with a hopeful future still escapes me, but there is no doubt that shine, shimmer, glitz and glam are seeping through our hand held technology and onto our clothing, accessories and jewelry. Now, shine, sequence and glitter is not a new concept - remember the 70’s – yet this new futuristic trend is more about being glamorous than it is about being trendy. Think “Space Odyssey”, this – for some of us this may be a bit far fetched to fully execute and for others it may feel just plain astronaut-ish. Fashion isn’t known for making sense; it’s just suppose to make us look good. The idea of dressing in metallic infused material sounds out of this world, but when Hollywood does it somehow we reconsider our wardrobe.

Michael Stars is known for their tees and shine was introduced by them over a year ago. Their fit is perfect (on-size fits most) and their style is tested. They have also introduced dresses for the fall season for those of us who need a great little dress. Cambio Jeans has a metallic jean for those who think jeans would suit the occasion more than a great little dress.

If you love this metallic trend you should gravitate toward Luisa Cerano’s platinum pants, One Girl Who’s tie-front jacket or Lynn Richie’s silver and gold mix turtle neck.

It’s up to you how far you want to take the space idea, but there is no doubt that the stars are wearing a little bling bling.

Laura Mercier Holiday Gifts

2007-11-20T09:59:00-05:00

Enjoying the Holiday's can be stressful when you are trying to make sure that everyone else is enjoying the Holiday's. When you are ready to celebrate for yourself I've got a few things from Laura Mercier that can help. Laura Mercier has made a name for herself in cosmetics that draws a loyal following and the bath and body products continue the tradition of excellence.

If there is any truth in the saying "You must feel good to look good" you have to start with feeling good first. Making a time during the holiday season to slow down and relax is something you have to make yourself do, but once the time is set Laura Mercier provides the bath and body products that allow you to indulge. The newest fragrances are Chocolate Truffle and French Vanilla. Chocolate Truffle gives a cozy feeling of hot cocoa and dark rum. Sweet maple, vanilla, and honey soften the edges bringing a sense of sophistication. French Vanilla is a delicate blend of fig and Tahitian vanilla. Like a good wine this fragrance has notes of sandalwood and amber that leave you feeling enchanted. These are two fragrances offered among many that can be purchased in Honey Baths, Creme Body Washes, Souffle Body Cremes and Candles. Gifts sets are only seasonal so make your mind up to feel good now so that you can look your best year round.

What's New in Our Windows - October 30, 2007

2007-10-30T18:30:25-04:00

This is the time to shop for “your” Christmas present! I mean if you really want something special start dropping hints about what you really want today. Good things take time and to wait just days before Christmas to begin giving suggestions can leave you pondering over things left on the shelf. These items were obviously left there by those who have already purchased the really “special” items. Jewelry designers like those who create Slane & Slane and Jude Frances have classic items that they maintain all the time. These are time tested and can be the base of any collection. However, they also design theme driven collections that will not be consistently produced. These themes can be centered on particular types of stones or on a designer’s inspiration, such as architectural, natural, cultural symbolisms and much more. Although they are not one of a kind you can be assured that your neighbor will probably not arrive at your Christmas party wearing them. Make this a Christmas to be remembered by shopping now for something special that is uniquely you … let everyone else ponder on the things you passed by.