Polly Talk New York
June 23, 2008
SEISMIC SHIFTS IN FASHION SPENDING
By Polly Guerin
What do ladies talk about when ladies leave the room? The talk of course, is more refined and
fashion isn't left behind. The hose and hat and scarf and sleeve, the price of silk and sable---this
type of thing engrosses Eve, but if you please, more than that today they dish and spat, the price
of this and that, no doubt. But still the seismic shifts in spending is their undoing, for now the rising
cost of things, politics, trade and education, Do You Believe, is all that they can talk about. So read
on my fashionistas, it's not a laughing matter.
With rising costs for necessary commodities, gas for your car, prices inching higher each day,
traditional products reduced to smaller size boxes, with obvious less content; it's enough for
anyone to rethink their spending. So how is any savvy fashionistas going to survive the crunch?
Well, we're setting priorities when it comes to fashion spending. There's even an anti fashion mood
roaming though the country and as households tighten their budgets, some consumers even reject
fashion and go shopping at Good Will or Salvation Army for inexpensive finds. These are drastic
measures but when money is tight fashion is the first thing to go, at least for us average
consumers who must make do with what we have in our closets. Ah, yes that's true, I will concede,
the wealthy set doesn't seem to fret a bit about it at all, and keeps on fueling the luxury market
without even a minor stall.
So according to David Wolfe, creative director, The Doneger Group, the leading source of global
market trends and merchandising strategies "Finessing Fashion Foreclosure," there's "Seismic
Shifts in Style." This company's 60+ heritage is the arbiter of fashion and its findings on the
merchandise and retail scene are sacrosanct. Here's the scoop mixed in with some of my own
fashion savvy.
Supreme simplicity is the rule and to those fashion lions who have been totally trendy of late
"Classics are New," and a sure bet to take you from season to season. Accessories come to the
rescue to give the pared down look a touch of fashion update. My own take on the subject is
simple. "I believe in a good quality leather handbag and shoes. No killer heels please. Smart
accessories convey the image that you're a classy lady. So is the serious no nonsense "Interview
Suit," now the number one choice for that job search. Navy blue conveys the message that you're
someone the company can rely on to get the job accomplished with polished professionalism.
Longer hemlines, knee length, is "New" replacing short skirts, and of course, mini ass-baring skirts
are definitely out of the office venue. One might even look at the TV sitcom MAD, a l960ish take on
office politics to get a clue on what they wore to the office. Boring? Okay, but this new trend to
conservatism is the "New" trend permeating the office culture today.
Coco Chanel's "Little Black Dress" is forever being reinvented and is a timeless classic that's in
retail stores in day and evening styling. However, the little "White Dress" is giving black a serious
challenge. White says you're pure, serene and elegant. My dear you couldn't be more stunning.
Simplicity is "in" and while you may not afford more than two dresses per year, remember that you
can dress up the Little Black Dress, forgive my pun, or the Little White Dress, with accessories.
Inexpensive and attractive accessories are the key to updating to fashion's newest look. What's
more they are a feel-good shopping experience and prices are easier on your pocketbook. But
that only applies if you don't go tripping into the luxury market. Buy wisely and don't go cheap on
anything especially on jewelry. Whether it is costume or the real thing invest in quality. Become a
modern princess and take on the Grace Kelly look and wear a strand of "real" or real-looking
pearls. Next best thing, wear a vintage pin that you borrowed from your grandmother's jewelry box
or found at a thrift store or flea market. Indulge in color and buy a fabulous silk scarf. It doesn't
have to be a designer name scarf but the design should convey that chic image that French gals
seem to have instinctively. So how do you acquire Chic? Good Question. No, you don't have to go
to Paris, just browse through the French fashion magazines and don't bypass but study the
advertisements as well. It'll tell you a thing or two about how to look "Oh, La La Francaise."
Now a word about cosmetics. The more natural you can look the better so sheer makeup and
just a hint of cheek color is "on trend." As for lips, red, red-hot is out. The painted look is a turn off,
and watch out for shine, high glossy lips look unnatural and unreal. Yes, the "Real You" needs to
be projected to impress your business and social audience. Object to anything that suggests
"Fake" and for goodness sake, from fashion to home furnishings go "Green" whenever
you make a purchase.
If all else fails, look to the historic past of Yves Saint Laurent the greatest designer of the last
half of the 20th century, whose true genius advocated simple, wearable clothes. Well, my dears,
don't you think that it is time for change? Ta Ta, check in with the fashion guru at
www.pollytalk.com and read about Polly's fashion books, The Stylist and Creative Fashion
Presentations.
June 23, 2008
SEISMIC SHIFTS IN FASHION SPENDING
By Polly Guerin
What do ladies talk about when ladies leave the room? The talk of course, is more refined and
fashion isn't left behind. The hose and hat and scarf and sleeve, the price of silk and sable---this
type of thing engrosses Eve, but if you please, more than that today they dish and spat, the price
of this and that, no doubt. But still the seismic shifts in spending is their undoing, for now the rising
cost of things, politics, trade and education, Do You Believe, is all that they can talk about. So read
on my fashionistas, it's not a laughing matter.
With rising costs for necessary commodities, gas for your car, prices inching higher each day,
traditional products reduced to smaller size boxes, with obvious less content; it's enough for
anyone to rethink their spending. So how is any savvy fashionistas going to survive the crunch?
Well, we're setting priorities when it comes to fashion spending. There's even an anti fashion mood
roaming though the country and as households tighten their budgets, some consumers even reject
fashion and go shopping at Good Will or Salvation Army for inexpensive finds. These are drastic
measures but when money is tight fashion is the first thing to go, at least for us average
consumers who must make do with what we have in our closets. Ah, yes that's true, I will concede,
the wealthy set doesn't seem to fret a bit about it at all, and keeps on fueling the luxury market
without even a minor stall.
So according to David Wolfe, creative director, The Doneger Group, the leading source of global
market trends and merchandising strategies "Finessing Fashion Foreclosure," there's "Seismic
Shifts in Style." This company's 60+ heritage is the arbiter of fashion and its findings on the
merchandise and retail scene are sacrosanct. Here's the scoop mixed in with some of my own
fashion savvy.
Supreme simplicity is the rule and to those fashion lions who have been totally trendy of late
"Classics are New," and a sure bet to take you from season to season. Accessories come to the
rescue to give the pared down look a touch of fashion update. My own take on the subject is
simple. "I believe in a good quality leather handbag and shoes. No killer heels please. Smart
accessories convey the image that you're a classy lady. So is the serious no nonsense "Interview
Suit," now the number one choice for that job search. Navy blue conveys the message that you're
someone the company can rely on to get the job accomplished with polished professionalism.
Longer hemlines, knee length, is "New" replacing short skirts, and of course, mini ass-baring skirts
are definitely out of the office venue. One might even look at the TV sitcom MAD, a l960ish take on
office politics to get a clue on what they wore to the office. Boring? Okay, but this new trend to
conservatism is the "New" trend permeating the office culture today.
Coco Chanel's "Little Black Dress" is forever being reinvented and is a timeless classic that's in
retail stores in day and evening styling. However, the little "White Dress" is giving black a serious
challenge. White says you're pure, serene and elegant. My dear you couldn't be more stunning.
Simplicity is "in" and while you may not afford more than two dresses per year, remember that you
can dress up the Little Black Dress, forgive my pun, or the Little White Dress, with accessories.
Inexpensive and attractive accessories are the key to updating to fashion's newest look. What's
more they are a feel-good shopping experience and prices are easier on your pocketbook. But
that only applies if you don't go tripping into the luxury market. Buy wisely and don't go cheap on
anything especially on jewelry. Whether it is costume or the real thing invest in quality. Become a
modern princess and take on the Grace Kelly look and wear a strand of "real" or real-looking
pearls. Next best thing, wear a vintage pin that you borrowed from your grandmother's jewelry box
or found at a thrift store or flea market. Indulge in color and buy a fabulous silk scarf. It doesn't
have to be a designer name scarf but the design should convey that chic image that French gals
seem to have instinctively. So how do you acquire Chic? Good Question. No, you don't have to go
to Paris, just browse through the French fashion magazines and don't bypass but study the
advertisements as well. It'll tell you a thing or two about how to look "Oh, La La Francaise."
Now a word about cosmetics. The more natural you can look the better so sheer makeup and
just a hint of cheek color is "on trend." As for lips, red, red-hot is out. The painted look is a turn off,
and watch out for shine, high glossy lips look unnatural and unreal. Yes, the "Real You" needs to
be projected to impress your business and social audience. Object to anything that suggests
"Fake" and for goodness sake, from fashion to home furnishings go "Green" whenever
you make a purchase.
If all else fails, look to the historic past of Yves Saint Laurent the greatest designer of the last
half of the 20th century, whose true genius advocated simple, wearable clothes. Well, my dears,
don't you think that it is time for change? Ta Ta, check in with the fashion guru at
www.pollytalk.com and read about Polly's fashion books, The Stylist and Creative Fashion
Presentations.
| Big Apple News Featured Article |
Brought to you by:
| Affiliates |
| Features |
| Gallery |