LillaP T-Shirt

It’s been a long and rugged winter for most of us…cold, snowy, rainy ( even in “sunny” California where I live! Add a bit of an economic pinch.  But it’s a New Year…a new decade…a new Spring. So get ready to revivify, revitalize, start anew and celebrate a refreshed YOU…treat yourself to some of the great and totally flattering spring 2010 fashion looks that,  like the budding spring flowers, await your picking!

Nallie & Millie Asian Print Shirt

Get ready for a brand new fashion lingo…where words like utilitarian, practical, user-friendly, functional, clean, and sturdy have become the new CHIC!  We American women have asserted our fashion independence before. We chose what truly worked for our bodies and our lives.

Khaki Top & Skirt

The options for Spring 2010 are super and abundant!  Many are truly born in the U.S.A….the birthplace of the kind of sportswear and snappy separates we live in…workman-like stuff!

Start with that fashion invasion of MILITARY  looks… the color KHAKI (and a bit of olive drab)…jackets and dresses…trench-y jackets and trench dresses…cargo pants…clothes that are cross-influenced by all the SAFARI LOOKS.

Tribal Jacket & Capri Pants

Speaking of….JACKETS…don’t face Spring without one! There is an infinite variety…from the military/safari…to aviator…to anoraks…to tailored blazers. There are closer-to-the-body & belted numbers…fitted jackets with a hint of peplum…collarless cardigans (think Coco). All can be worn with matching skirts…contrasting skirts…with jeans…and newly…topping the fluffiest dressy evening outfits. You’ve heard the fashion motto “TOUGH & TENDER” before…never has it been more IN.  Gutsy combinations of a floaty chiffon top with jeans, a tulle  and lace evening number in palest pink topped with a tough khaki military jacket. Takes courage? You bet but…worth a shot!

Komarov Top & Jeans

No, the world of COLOR is not all khaki (which you can soften with white or any of the sorbet pastels from pink to lavender). Spring is also WHITE and more WHITE…pure or combined with black. Like grass sprouting in the spring…so does clean white!

Luna Luz Dress

For hot looks…there is RED  from  cerise to pimento. And last but not least….we’re singing the BLUES, fashion-wise only. All the BLUES, from palest to sky… to washed denim blue…to vibrant royal. And we also know you will never give up  having  a new LBD  in your wardrobe.

Flowers bloom in spring and summer…and so do PRINTS… a myriad of prints whether they stem from the florist or the zoo …from far-flung tribes or graphic artists. True florals , blurred florals….every species of spotted  cat, often slightly abstracted…African-inspired tribal and Ikat prints, looking almost tie-dyed. Graphics like stripes, checks, dots and inkblots. What’s really NEW is to combine unmatched prints in  one dress…in one outfit…combos of

Beluva Jacket

stripes & dots…two different floral motifs, or florals and stripes.  Imagine combining a striped jacket with a cat spotted skirt…a flower print blouse with a graphic print skirt…trendy ideas not meant for the fashion timid!

Apropos SKIRTS…the pencil is the established stable…in any variety of fabrics…prints…summer leather…straight and simple or slim and wrapped.

A spring must is the SHIRT… in refreshing white…in prints. Pure or embellished with softening details.

Planet Top & Pants

Beluva Pleated Shirt Jacket

There’s a word of MICRO-PLEATED fashions…blouses, tops, jackets…some draped, twisted, tied…all so chic and at the same time kind to all figures and so flatteringly feminine!  There is new respect for craftsmanship and this pleating. draping, whirling and “whoosing” is part of it!

Can-t live without a DRESS?  The BEST is yet to come. The new chemises /shifts are a bit looser, have more volume, are less clutching! Great shirt dresses sporting those military details….dresses softened with draping…often asymetric …or  with wrapping… and embellished with details like fluting  or soft ruffles … even apliquéd flowers ,braids  and embroideries.

Kamorov Dress

Live in PANTS?  The new trousers are a bit roomier and have pleat-fronts. New for Spring 2010…the SOFT PANT…fluid, easy, flattering…many with drawstring waistbands!  The kind of pant that’s perfect for late day as well! And then there are URBAN SHORTS…well-tailored and knee-length (YOU decide whether you are the right age…have the right body and courage to wear those in town).  The short short belongs to country weekend.

CJ Jeans by Cookie Johnson

Denim, of course, for the best-fitting jeans ever. Wear them with a striped chambray shirt (some of us are old enough to remember that fabric), or a gingham one for a clean, new look.

If you’re ready for some new T’s…the best are striped ones…as worn by gondoliers in Venice…be sailors everywhere..the “bateau” T that Coco Chanel first flaunted on the boardwalk of Deauville.

Late day…EVENING…big night out…lots  of the best looks are not floor sweepers, but are short, at-the-knee…or mid-calf…tea-length.  Yes, the one-shoulder is still COLD…lots of asymmetric necklines and one-shoulder draping…discreet cut-outs here and there, nothing overtly sexy.  Mostly evening/cocktail dresses are flowing in silks, charmeuses, chiffons, laces.  We don’t advocate transparency a la LADY GAGA…but rather transparent layers of chiffon, tulle, lace…lined or worn over camisoles or slips. And yes, we sparkle at night…with a dusting of sequins…or all-out glitzy glamour.

Carmen Marc Valvo

What’s up with accessories?  BELTS are back…waist-cinchers…and double-wrap belts in leather or canvass. BAGS dangle from long shoulder straps.  Or great pouch bags in leather, fabrics, prints. And bright clutches to liven up whites or neutrals.

Go BOLD with JEWELRY!  Go for the gold…or silver…rougher the better…mixed with chunky stones or pearls. Piled at the neckline…or over-sized arm candy…a stack of cuffs…mixed metals and mixed stones.

DodiRocks Necklace

Be BOLD this Spring!  It’s the start of a NEW DECADE!  Be HOPEFUL!  Have fun with fashion. Make yourself happy. You deserve it! Enjoy!

Edie Locke is the former Editor in Chief of Mademoiselle Magazine and current Chair of Fashion Group International Los Angeles Foundation. She lives in Los Angeles.

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The leaves have turned  and burst into those vibrant fall colors…so it’s time to kick the flip-flops into the back of the closet and….KICK-START FALL & WINTER!

And the clothes have never been more tempting…more exciting…flattering and at the same time more wearable. No fashion dictatorship …just great choices for every figure, every age, every attitude, every lifestyle..  T’is a season when drama meets preppy….luxury meets utility…sex meets demure….”girlish” grows up into “cool lady” and high wattage color meets low-key neutrals. So…..

KICK-START FALL & WINTER by adding COLOR to your wardrobe.  Yes, BLACK rules and is always IT…but mix it with one of the NEONS this season…the boldest turquoise, the richest purple, sizzle pint, or vibrant yellow!  For the world of great neutrals, think Starbucks: from cappucino foam white to latte, to rich espresso.

KICK START FALL & WINTER by adding PATTERNS to your closet: winter florals , exotic paisleys, abstract graphics, plaids and something “spotted” from that zoo-full of catty creatures. And play with mixing textures: tweeds with velvet or gutsy knits with satin.  And here and there….add a metallic shine…the glint of studs, paillettes or sequins.

KICK START FALL & WINTER….with the ALL IMPORTANT  JACKET… we keep robbing his closet for that “menswear moment”!  That jacket can be roomy and comfy as the oversized boyfriend jacket, or the bespoke tailored one of an impeccable gent. All jackets now have strong  , definitive shoulders….powerful yes, but not  “Dynasty” overkill!

And the must-have jacket also leads to the return of the monochromatic suit….with pencil skirt or trousers it’s back at work and back in town.

For less urban moments: chic utility jackets like a long belted parka or a pea-coat in non traditional colors!

KICK START FALL & WINTER… by adding more of  the one item no wardrobe can be without : a NEW WHITE SHIRT ( as Carolina Herrera said: You can never have enough white shirts!) That shirt may be the tailored classic, or a silk blouse with a  soft collar and poet sleeves. Actually… both the mannish  and the feminine  are perennial  MUSTS in your closet!  Wear it with a  slim skirt, straight trousers or ankle-skimming  narrow ones…or a flowing long skirt for evening. White shirts work 24/7 !

KICK-START  FALL & WINTER…with the wonderful world of UNSTRUCTURED clothes…the chicest clothes that are body-conscious without being body-clutching  (perfect and flattering for all figures/sizes).

Pleats from neck to hem…short sheath dresses, long tunics, cropped tops, rippling skirts and pants…loose cardigans and tie-front jackets…PLEATS rule!  And add to that the whole gamut of gutsy or cozy knits…fashion-savvy layers to top with the longest cardigans.

KICK-START FALL & WINTER…and your EVENINGS with that irreplaceable LBD ( little black dress)…but for fall-winter 09  think of adding  one with the added touch  of hardware…a bit of  restrained tough chic like studs, grommets, metallics.

And one shoulder is still fashionably cold….endless variations of one-bare-shoulder evening numbers…or one-sleeved!  Lots of late-day or big-night choices that stop short just below the knee….or above (depending on body-tone and age)….before you opt for the all-out ballgown.

KICK-START FALL & WINTER…with drop dead fabulous accessories :  STATEMENT JEWELRY…load on bold necklaces , layers of chains & beads… cuff bracelets from  wrist to elbow…more is more here.

Wrap up in a super shawl … a super-long muffler.

Carry a structured bag ( leave the totes tote your big stuff in) and maybe one that’s gleaming with metallic studs. With a short skirt….sheath your legs in black…in color…in a wild pattern if you dare….or  lace, fishnet, point d’esprit.

REMEMBER STYLE IS NOT DICTATORIAL…it’s a PERSONAL expression…an affirmation of who you are…what suits you and your lifestyle.

SO…KICK-START FAL AND WINTER… by enjoying shopping just for yourself once more!

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No one knows this better than the ladies here at Merrick’s. We’ve not only been M.O.B’s and M.O.G’s ourselves, we’ve been dressing you all for more than 23 years! There’s little we haven’t done – whether a formal ceremony in a candle-lit castle, a Hollywood wedding on the beach, or a fun-filled event in front of the monkey cages at the Bronx Zoo. But while wedding styles and venues come and go, what doesn’t change is how to put it all together and how to make sure that you look and feel your most relaxed and beautiful.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a few tips on how to approach the whole blessed event without ever losing your cool.

• Rule #1: Gather the Basics

Once the engagement has been announced, it’s pretty easy to get bitten by the “wedding bug” and head pell-mell to your nearest store to begin perusing the goods. That’s OK, as long as you recognize that you’re no where near ready to begin serious shopping and you run the risk of wearing yourself out before the real work begins. What you need before you can seriously shop are the “who, what, when, where and why” – in other words, you need to talk to the bride.

Good communications between the bride, the MOB and the MOG right from the get-go will eliminate a host of headaches down the road. If geography isn’t an issue, this is the perfect time to plan a casual lunch or get-together. Understanding the bride’s vision in paramount. What is she envisioning herself wearing? What about the bridal party? Does she have specific guidelines for you? Discussing this with her now is critical (especially if what’s in her mind’s eye may not work on your body!). If what she’s envisioning makes you uncomfortable now’s the time to establish your “range”. If head-to toe-fuchsia isn’t your thing, discuss choosing an ensemble with fuchsia highlights. If you’re a plus size woman and she’s seeing strapless, discuss the practicalities. Some brides are very specific some are not, but now’s the time to find out.

Consider yourself ready to start if you can answer the following questions:

• • When is the wedding? What month, what time of day.
  • How formal is the wedding? Is the bride in a long gown, is the groom in a tux or will the men be wearing suits or blazers and slacks?
  • Where is the wedding to be held? A country club, a tent, on the beach? Is it indoors or outdoors? Will it be air conditioned?
  • Are there religious or cultural traditions to consider?
  • Where will the reception be held? Will you be dancing, and if so – to what kind of music?
  • What is the wedding party wearing? Is there a color theme? How closely does the bride want you to tie into that theme? Does she have other specific requests for your attire?
  • If you are the MOG, what is the MOB wearing? How closely coordinated the MOB and MOG must be in their attire is really up to the bride, but even if the bride doesn’t care, remember that you will be appearing in photographs together, so you don’t want to clash or look like you’re attending two different weddings. Traditionally the mother of the bride takes the “lead” and sets the tone for what the two mothers will wear (e.g. if she’s wearing a tailored St. John suit, you probably don’t want to be in a fluffy chiffon gown). If you are the MOB, remember your role and that the MOG is waiting to hear from you. If possible, the mother-of-the-bride should provide the mother-of-the-groom with color swatches and pictures as soon as she’s made her own choice. And remember, she’s under the same time constraints you are, so the earlier you can inform her, the better.”

• Rule #2 Give Yourself Enough Lead Time to Get What You Want

Generally you have three choices of where to look for your gown: department stores, bridal shops and private boutiques. Regardless of where you look, remember that no store has the money or the space to carry all the styles of any designer. In addition to what you see hanging on the racks, most stores will have catalogs and sketches to show you what else may be available in your size, color and/or desired style.

In some instances, you should be ready for the fact that you may not be able to try on the actual gown you are going to wear until after you’ve bought it. It may need to be ordered for you. Frequently we are able to show you a gown in a size close to your own that will give you a substantial idea of how that particular cut and style will look on you. If you’re a size 12, you can approximate with a size 10 or 14. We can also show you color swatches, trims, sketches, etc. Our seamstress takes you measurements, we confer with the designer and we place an order. It’s not custom, in that the designer is not making a pattern for you, we are ordering the size that matches you measurements and then we handle the final fitting and necessary alterations in-house. We’ve done this for thousands of women and it works. Never the less, the idea of ordering from fabric swatches and samples, while quite common in menswear, makes some women squeamish, and understandably so. The true issue, is one of expertise and confidence. You must find a store you can trust. Their guidance in ordering a dress that you cannot actually try on is invaluable and should remove the risk of disappointment later on. Many of these stores have been around for generations and their reputation is based on you looking your absolute best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Finding out how much of their business is “by order” will help bolster your confidence. Also, be sure that they have a seamstress on premises ready to handle whatever alterations you may need. A good store will “take ownership” of the sale from start to finish – and this means right down to the final pressing.

The issue of when to start looking varies. If the store is a bridal shop that carries “mother of the bride/groom” clothing, you may begin the minute the engagement is announced and you have the “basic” information, because they carry the same basic dresses year in and year out. The only caveat would be the lead time for ordering the gown you want in the size/color you need, as this can be several months.

If you are looking in a specialty boutique such as Merrick’s, or in department stores, 6-8 weeks will get you whatever you want in the season you need it. Then add another 2-3 weeks for alterations. Nearly every gown needs at least a hem (a service Merrick’s provides at no additional charge), and often there is a nip or tuck required elsewhere for the perfect fit.

If you’re reading this in February and worried that you haven’t started looking for your March/April wedding don’t completely panic. You’re late, to be sure, but that doesn’t mean you absolutely can’t order a gown. Many designers will work faster if they have a good relationship with the shop and it’s humanly possible to get the work done in the time remaining. Of course there is a rush charge, but it’s usually a moderate amount and well worth it under the circumstances.

• Rule #3 Beware the Shopping Posse

As tempting as it might be, and no matter how much they beg, try not to bring hordes of people with you when you shop. If your daughter or future daughter-in-law has very strong opinions,by all means bring her. If you need your husband’s opinion, bring him. But too many opinions invariably cause confusion, headache and all too often, bruised feelings. Keep it simple! Also consider bringing a digital or disposable camera to take pictures of the designs you like to email to a distant bride-to-be, or to show your husband. Be sure to ask the store sales person if this is permissible though. While most stores are happy to take a picture or two of a dress you are serious about, photographing their inventory is a “no-no”.

• Rule #4 Avoid Fashion Traps and to Thine Own Self be True
  

While everyone wants to look fashionable, this is not the occasion to change your basic style. If you’re a tailored person, this is not the time to break out and go all ruffles, lace or beads. But keep an open mind as well, she admonishes. Too many women pass over terrific dresses that don’t have much hanger appeal. Or they lock themselves in the “it’s just not me” room. This is a good time to test your fashion range, just don’t go overboard. And here’s where a great sales person really helps. If you’ve armed your sales person with all of the “basic” information, it’s time for you to size her up. Did she listen? Does she “get” you? Does she know her merchandise? Is she involved and interested in your quest? If the answers are “yes” then relax a bit and let her show you a range of gowns or dresses – including one or two that you might not have chosen for yourself. We have customers who come in convinced that they want a fitted jacket and skirt and leave looking glorious in bias-cut silk. Once again, it all comes down to communication and trust.

But what if you’re not a perfect size 6? What if you’re a plus sized mom? Must you be relegated to the frumpy, matronly racks? “Never!” Regardless of your size, shape or figure type, you can and should look beautiful. This is no time to beat yourself up about your body. You’re stressed out enough as it is.”

When shopping, the bottom line is, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Again, no store can carry every color, size or style so there are probably many more options available to you than what you’re seeing.

Most dresses have numerous color options and even a few style variations, so if that bateau neckline is less preferable than a v-neck, don’t be afraid to ask for a change. With some designers, “what you see is what you get”, but don’t make that assumption. Ask.

When choosing a color, focus on what shade or hue looks best on you. Even within a color theme, there are many variations and one may be better for you than another. Here again it’s good to see if someone in your store has color expertise (Merrick’s owner, Barbara Racich is a trained colorist).

Consider the wedding photographs. You’ll be looking at these for many years to come and any fashion or color faux pas will be recorded there for all posterity. If everyone else will be wearing pastels, you don’t want to be in burgundy….or a riot of zebra stripes. And remember the details – hands, feet, etc. Here at Merrick’s we have apet peeve regarding bare toes. Shoes should have closed toes at least for the ceremony and photographs. Most people do not have beautiful feet, and the eye is drawn to bare toes when they’re peeking out from under gown. If you must show your feet off, wear a sexy closed sling back for the wedding and don your Manolos for the reception. The only exception is when you are wearing a cocktail-length gown, where a lot of leg is showing.

Arms are another huge issue for most women. We know of very few women over the age of 40 who don’t hate their arms, and while our obsession with arms might be a bit overdone, our general rule of thumb is this: if they’re toned show them off (e.g. strapless), if they’re “reasonable” be flexible (e.g. wear a stole during the ceremony, but don’t be afraid to remove it at the reception), and if they’re over the hill cover them up. Covering them up doesn’t mean you need a long sleeve gown, she notes. Many gowns include a substantial stole or shawl that can be done up beautifully, others can be ordered with a matching jacket – sheer or otherwise. Again, the key is to ask.

While most women are too tough on their own bodies, today’s baby boomer moms are physically if not chronologically younger than MOBs of past decades. Today’s MOB or MOB (regardless of her size) wants a younger, less traditional, not-your- mama’s (or grand mama’s) dress. It’s important that you seek out those designers who “get” this”.

Above all, the whole look should flow. If you look in the mirror and all you see is DRESS, forget it! And it goes without saying that you don’t want to upstage the bride. No! No! No!

Make sure you’re comfortable in the gown or dress you wear, you don’t want to be tugging or pulling or unable to breathe. (And forget losing the last five pounds; it’s a pressure you don’t need at this time.) -Your mantra: I am the picture, the dress is the frame.

• Rule #5 Get the best you can afford, and don’t be afraid to get a bargin

Keeping within your budget is always important, but be aware that this is not the time to buy a cookie-cutter dress. What could be worse than having a guest show up in the dress you’re wearing?” This is where small boutiques can really help. There are many designers who do not sell to department stores who make unique, beautiful gowns and dresses. At Merrick’s prices range from $400 for a washable micro fiber “silk” to $3000 for a couture design. We also carry Amsale and Nicole Miller bridesmaids’ gowns. It’s important to be open with your sales person about your budget range and don’t be afraid to ask about the availability of discounted “samples” regardless of your size. Occasionally the store may have a sampled style that has been discontinued by the designer/manufacturer, is out of season, or is a little shop worn. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

No more rules, but a few heart-felt tips from those who have been there and done it….

• If your pocketbook can handle it, give yourself a facial and a massage ten days before.

• If you don’t have a wedding planner, ask a good friend to be the “trouble shooter” on the wedding day – because we guarantee it, last minute problems do arise and you shouldn’t have to handle them.
• Consider taking most of the family photos ahead of time. We can’t begin to tell you how this will free you up to have a great time at the reception (p.s. no bad luck at all!)
• Make sure you have non greasy snacks and water for the wedding party while they are getting ready – they never remember to eat on the wedding day and then they are nervous, faint and jittery. Just what you don’t need!
• Limit the bar at the rehearsal dinner, otherwise everyone might look “dog-eared” on the big day
• And most importantly, let it all go and have a fabulous time….it will go by in one blink of an eye.

Merrick’s carries one of Central New Jersey’s most extensive line of Special Occasion clothing. For a preview of some of our lines, click here: Amsale, Ania Zofia, Badgley Mischka, Carmen Marc Valvo, Carol Peretz, Chetta B, Frascara, Lafayette 148, Mack and Mack, Mark Heister Nicole Miller,Paule Vasseur, Sue Blankinship, Teri Jon and more.

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