Trends

You actually thought we’d tell you if we had work done?  Well, unlike some celebs, we are okay with spilling the beans on any sudden new changes in our appearance.

Though we haven’t had work done yet, it is in our future. Today we just wanted to share that we are redesigning The Stylish City website.

Our goal is to make the site really easy to use and more well rounded, too. I know you already come here for the sample sales information, but we want you to come for those and then stay for the content. We go beyond the paid celebrity endorsements of a trend or brand to find out if it’s worth spending your money on it.

How can you help in our redesign launch? Be a good citizen and give us your input. If you are here, we know you’re an educated shopper, so do share your wisdom with our other readers.

The new format is scheduled to go live on February 2nd.  Don’t be a stranger.

Staying on top of all the latest and greatest trends is a must for every fashion forward femme. Still, there are some trends that — despite countless women participating in them — should just bow out with the sun and never rise again.

For example, the drop crotch pants trend (shudder) was super trendy for about a month or so until people finally realized that they made the wearer look like she had soiled an adult diaper. This was a trend that fizzled out and we hope it stays that way.

The following trends are still being plastered across billboards, magazine spreads and featured on countless fashion/beauty websites daily. However, we here at The Stylish City eagerly await their demise. If you agree or disagree with any of them, let us know in the comment section (or feel free to add your own despised trends).

Micky Filip: Low Rise Pants

Micky says that low rise pants trends are unflattering on roughly 99.99% of the population. They have the potential to create muffin top on even a size 00. Not to mention, nobody wants to see your butt crack — even if you have been working out.

Caitlin Colford: Neon/Sheer Tee’s in a Black Bra

A bra is an undergarment meant to be seen only by you and perhaps a lucky someone. The whole “Hey Guys! Look at my bra!” trend is not fashionable — it’s borderline trashy. What happened to the days when we chose bras with the ultimate goal of having them not show?

Wendy Rose Gould – Cultural Appropriation

Stealing from various cultures’ traditions and calling it fashion is a major no-no. It’s one thing to appreciate various cultures and another to take traditional knowledge and cultural expressions without permission. I’ve seen bindi beads and turbans, but, as of late, the fashion world has particularly crossed a line with Navajo and Native American fashion. It’s disrespectful and there are much cooler — more modern — things happening on the runway.

Mirela Gluck: Nail Art and Skyscraper Heels

While nail art has the potential to be undoubtedly impressive, site owner Mirela is so over seeing fancified manicures in every magazine or blog she looks at. She’s also over sky high — or skyscraper high, really — heels. Some are pretty to look at, but no lady looks good hobbling/teetering/falling down the sidewalk. Some of those babies are downright dangerous.

Ritu Bindra: The Bollywood Look

Ritu — the developer of The Stylish City website who currently lives in India — commented on how so many Indian women try to take the fashion they see in Bollywood films and replicate it on the streets. For example: many attempt to pair a sheer sari with a barely there brassiere. This tacky trend takes away from the beauty of a sari, which is already pretty sexy in and of itself.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Bonjour, ladies, and welcome to the second-to-last installation of The Stylish City’s, “Improve Your Style and Wardrobe,” series. Today we’re talking all-things shopping. Our mission? To make clothes shopping a better, faster and much more enjoyable experience with four easy tips.

	1. Make a List Just like you jot down a brief list of food before sauntering down the aisles of your local grocery store, you’ll want to create a “to buy” list before clothes and accessory shopping, too. You don’t have to be extremely specific, but do write down the items you don’t want to forget. Lists are especially handy if you’re on a budget and want to stay focused on the necessities. They’re also great if you have many things to buy.
	2. Bring a Tape Measurer For some, trying on clothes in the dressing room is a major mood killer. Pulling clothes off and on messes up your hair, makes you sweaty and some tight spaces may induce claustrophobia tendencies. (And while we’re dissing dressing rooms, let’s just admit that some dressing room mirrors are downright unflattering.) If a case of the dressing room blues deters you from clothes shopping, don’t sweat it. Simply bring a tape measurer and measure the garments you fancy before buying. If you’re unhappy with the purchases after trying them on, return the clothing. Do acquaint yourself with the store’s return policy.
	3. Dress for the Occasion Fair or not, women who dress well receive better customer service when shopping, says a study by Ohio State University. While you don’t have to wear a $5,000 gown and get a blowout before heading to the fashion mall, a slouchy pair of sweats and an unkempt mane isn’t ideal, either. Wear minimal layers (to shed time in the dressing room) and make sure you feel confident, poised and beautiful before stepping out.
	4. Bring a Friend Cappuccinos, clothes shopping and best friends go together like vanilla ice cream, drizzled chocolate and strawberries. Make an eventful day out of your shopping trip by bringing an honest friend along with you. The more fashion-forward she is, the better. If you can’t bring a friend, take photographs with your phone and send them to someone who’s willing to offer their opinion.

Stay tuned for the final installation of our “Improve Your Style” series.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Nothing’s more overwhelming than peering into a disorganized wardrobe where no garment has a home of its own. In fact, a chaotic closet makes planning your ensembles a nightmare and, as a result, may hinder your 2012 goal to “Improve Your Style and Wardrobe.”

If your closet looks like a fashion explosion, it’s time to do some major organizing. Not only will organizing your closet make it prettier to look at, but it’s a prime opportunity to evaluate what clothing you can donate. Bonus: You may even find a few gems you haven’t seen in ages.

1. Take Your Time

Organizing any part of your home requires time and patience. Dedicate a good three to five hours to the mission and ask that others let you have your space while you’re working. The key is to make organizing your closet an enjoyable experience. Hum along to your favorite music, pour a glass of your preferred adult beverage and take as much time as you need.

2. Sort Garments

Begin your organizational mission by sorting everything by garment type. Create tidy piles for t-shirts, sweaters and cardigans, jeans, heels, flats, gowns, etc. Once you have everything divided according to type, begin organizing the individual piles. You can do this multiple ways. For example, some prefer organizing by color, others by fabric.

P.S. As you sort, create a donation pile. If you haven’t worn the piece in over a year — and if it holds no sentimental value — it’s time to set it free.

3. Clean and Prepare

Think of your now barren closet as a white canvas. Examine your space and determine if you need more organizational bins, racks, baskets, shelves or hanging racks. The more compartmentalized your closet is, the easier it’ll be for you to stay organized. Some prefer an open-air organizational system that allows them to see everything on display. Others prefer keeping their garments in drawers or behind doors. Either is fine, so think about what works best for you and buy additional organizational pieces as necessary. Also, don’t forget to buy plenty of narrow, but quality hangers. They’ll give your hanging garments room to breath. Avoid wire hangers, as they leave indents on clothing and are prone to rusting.

4. Put Garments Back

Now that you’ve got a clean closet and enough space for all your garments, it’s time to put everything in its proper place. Start by choosing which piles work best on a hanger, on a shelf or in a box. For example, undergarments and socks work best in baskets or boxes. Jeans are displayed nicely on a shelf and gowns should always be hung to preserve their integrity.

By Wendy Rose Gould