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The
Clothing Chronicles
April 1, 2004 #134
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In This Issue:
Message
From Diana
Feature
Article: The Best Buys For Spring 2004
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>
MESSAGE FROM DIANA
Yes, it HAS
been two weeks since my last newsletter. The
respiratory
infection I was fighting earlier in March turned
right back
around and paid me another visit. Yuck! I hate
when that
happens! Especially since my little ones have been
coughing and
hacking right along with me. No fun.
But enough
about that. We're finally on the mend and looking
forward to the
warm weather, just like many of you.
So do you have
any big plans on tap for the upcoming months?
Are you
wondering how you should stock your closet? You're
in luck!
Today's issue looks at some of your best fashion bets
for Spring 2004.
Enjoy!
Diana
diana@fashionforrealwomen.com
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>>
FEATURED ARTICLE:
The
Best Buys of The Season
If you've been
to the mall or looked around online recently here in the Northern
Hemisphere, you know that stores are already overflowing with clothes
for spring. While the morning talk shows and glossy magazines will be
telling you the season's "must haves" over the next few
weeks, eye them with caution: many of the trends you'll see will be
over before you get your credit card bill.
So what SHOULD
you really look at?
Styles that
not only look great but also withstand the test of time. If you're
going to spend your hard-earned money on clothes, you want them to be
fashionable for more than a blink of an eye, right?
That said,
here are your best bets for Spring 2004. These are the styles that
will look fresh for several warm weather seasons, so you can wear
them with confidence for a couple of years, then part company when
they're worn out and you're ready to try something else:
1. Light
Weight Pea Coat
The pea coat
continues to be a favorite this year, moving into warm weather with
lighter fabrics and colorful choices. Pair it with your work clothes
for a casual look, or glam up your casual clothes with this fresh
twist on a classic favorite.
|
Gap.com |
Macys.com |
2. Denim
Will our love
affair with denim ever end? Not anytime soon. Stock up on your
favorite styles to see you through the season, and try them in
versatile but unexpected colors, like black, beige, pink, or whatever
strikes your fancy.
|
Newport-News.com |
ClassicCloseouts.com |
3. Trench Coat
First designed
by Burberry for use in the trenches by World War I British soldiers,
the classic trench has been popular with civilians ever since. This
season offers a new spin on an old favorite in lengths, colors, and
fabrics that both flatter and delight.
|
LaRedoute.com |
Anne Klein
Macys.com |
4. Preppy
The classic
preppy look returns with a fresh look for a new generation. The Polo
shirts, cardigans, Capri pants, cotton tees, shift dresses, and
pleated skirts that have been staples in Ivy League wardrobes for
years make a return engagement for everyone else this season. Stock
up on your favorites - this trend's going to be around for at least a
couple of years.
|
Chadwicks.com |
Inc
International Concepts
Macys.com |
5. Travel Chic
If you like to
travel or just wish you could, here's a fun trend that is as
refreshing as it is timeless: travel chic. From safari looks and
symbols of the orient to bolero jackets and cityscape prints, you can
play to your wanderlust without leaving your home. Have souvenir
items from past trips sitting in a drawer somewhere? Pull 'em out and
put 'em to use!
|
Sterling
Silver "Chinese Signs" Forzieri.com |
NormThompson.com |
6. Bright Colors
Need something
bright and cheerful to make you feel bright and cheerful?
You're in luck! This season's electrifying colors will sweep the dark
cold days of winter from your mind with their bold, sassy tones. Want
to be particularly au courant? Then be sure to grab something
in pink, the season's "it" color.
|
ColdwaterCreek.com |
Elisabeth.com |
7. Floral Dresses
There's
nothing like a pretty bunch of flowers to herald the arrival of
spring - or a pretty floral dress to wear on the hottest days of the
season. If you want to look fresh, cool, and very spring-like,
indulge in one of these not-so-garden-variety frocks.
|
Roamans.com
|
Rampage.com |
8.
Eye-Catching Tops
Want a little
something to spice up your warm-weather solids? Try one of these
head-turning tops for a little "fun in the sun". Pair them
with pants, skirts, Capris, or shorts for a variety of spring and
summer looks.
|
CrossingPointe.com |
Catherines.com |
9. Cropped Pants
Another
long-time favorite that's enjoying a multi-season run, cropped pants
are a great way to enjoy the warm weather without having to bare your
legs in shorts. If you're self-conscious about your gams, whether
you're eighteen or eighty, add some cropped pants to your wardrobe.
But do exercise a bit of caution, however. These tend to visually
shorten the leg, so opt for tapered styles instead of flared if
you're petite, and pair them with neutral-colored shoes.
|
LaRedoute.com |
Spiegel.com |
10. Black
and White
There's
nothing quite so simple yet elegant as combining black and white in
warm weather. It's a timeless arrangement that looks good at any age
because it packs a dramatic punch. Pair your year 'round blacks with
some basic whites and see what kind of comments you generate.
|
ColdwaterCreek.com |
Inc
International Concepts
Macys.com |
It's easy to
incorporate trends into your wardrobe so long as you do so
judiciously. Look for styles that work with your existing pieces and
splurge on those time-honored looks that look great year after year.
It's the best way to make the most of your clothing budget.
What?
Looking for
something a bit more "of the moment," and don't care
whether it can work beyond this season? Then take a look at some of
the hottest
trends of the year (only if you subscribe to Fashion
Savvy).
**************
Until next time,
Diana Pemberton-Sikes
diana@fashionforrealwomen.com
http://www.FashionForRealWomen.com
http://www.FashionSavvy.com
http://www.WardrobeMagic.com
http://www.FashionJobReview.com
------------------------
Published by:
Top Drawer
Publications, LLC
256 S. College Ave.
Newark, DE
19711 USA
Copyright
© 2004 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes All rights reserved.
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