THE
TASTEMAKERS
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
T he
TAST E M A K E R S B R IA N R IGGS
W
ho are the Tastemakers? Names like Halston, Fendi, Prada, Gianni Versace, Tom Ford and Michael Kors may come to mind – The hot shots, the Dolce & Gabbana’s of the world – They design, they produce, they show and set trends. But the definition of a Tastemaker is “a person whose judgements about what is good, fashionable, etc., are accepted and followed by many other people.” So would that mean that the designers are the tastemakers, or could it be the bloggers, the writers or the editors in the fashion world? Publications like Elle, Vogue, InStyle and countless others persuade us to part with $7 to $15 an issue to impress their opinions on our minds. This has always created a quandary in my mind. What makes their opinion worthy of my time, and why should their opinion matter more than one’s own? Rather than taking away from the educated opinion of those immersed in the happenings of fashion on daily basis, I would submit that we are also Tastemakers in our own spheres of influence – what an empowering thought. There’s a power in all of us that we fail to realize and enjoy. Why is it that we are so readily prepared to share our point of view on religion, politics, food, wine or travel, while being so reticent to realize that we are Tastemakers of style in our own world? Two quotes have stuck with me from lectures by two different authorities on color, fashion and style. Last August, Ellen Campuzano said, “The entire fashion industry is driven by footwear comfort.” Ellen is the managing editor at FashionFactsFolio in New York. The prospect excited me firstly because our store majors on comfort. Secondly, it indicates a turning point in the perception of what constitutes “practical footwear.” In 2016, rather than resigning oneself to wearing practical footwear, people are elevating their look with practical footwear. Of course it is helpful that the equilibrium between practical/ comfortable/functional footwear and fashionable footwear has risen in value of visual appeal.
2
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
It wasn’t until I attended “The Color Evolution,” a talk presented by Laurie Pressman, Vice-President of the Pantone Color Institute, that Ellen’s quote made total sense. Laurie spoke on how current trends and color stories are being driven by none other than the baby boomers. After a few decades of wearing heels, shoes made cheaply in Asia, and running around on a planet covered in concrete, who doesn’t have pain or problems with their feet and or joints? New York Fashion Week February 2014 set the stage to change how the world now looks at aging. Seasoned Tastemakers descended on Lincoln Center dressed to impress and ready to see collections shown by all of the A-List designers. One noticeable difference in Tastemaker footwear selection could not be missed. Many women that would typically be seen in stilettos from Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and the like, were wearing white sneakers. In an effort to be more comfortable, these Tastemakers started the entire industry on a path that led to sport inspired ready-to-wear, fashion jogging pants, acceptance of leggings as clothing, and jeggings as a staple. For spring/summer 2016 there isn’t a shoe company that hasn’t put a white lug sole on a range of styles within their collection. Fashion sneakers are shown paired with everything from formalwear to casual wear for both men and women. Thankfully much of the “sport inspired” ready-to-wear is fading away, but that has left us with an over reaching theme, comfort. Comfort materials in clothing like denim blended with stretchy material like lycra or spandex, shoes with thick white soles, memory foam and sneakers that double as dress shoes seem to be here to stay, for the moment. I find it ironic that demographics from 13 year old girls to 30 year old women are rushing to the store to find fashion sneakers because it’s one of the “it” items for the season when the segment of the population setting that trend are in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The same generation that ushered in the sexual revolution of the 60’s is still setting the stage for where people spend their money.
3
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
While the impact of the baby boomer generation is undeniably paving the road to the retail hotspot, so many baby boomers as individuals find themselves doubting their style choices. It makes me sad each time someone comes back to return a shoe that they really loved because “their daughter (or granddaughter) thought they make me look old.” Evolution is about molding things into a reality that works for our current values. At what point do our feelings evolve into something unrecognizable? I recently watched a TED talk from Dan Gilbert called, “The psychology of your future self.” He reports on a study in which he interviewed thousands of people across all age groups about how much they thought they would change over the next 10 years and how much they had changed over the previous 10 years. Yes, the rate of change does slow over our lifespan. He uses the example of how your children seem to change by the minute but your parents appear to change by the year. The undeniable truth is that the only constant in life is change. Fashion, for example, is an entire industry built on the dependability of change, but from where does the change originate? While the shoe industry may fit under the umbrella of the fashion industry, it is but a small segment. I recently attended the Magic trade show in Las Vegas. Magic is not only a shoe show but the major destination for buyers of clothing. More than 80,000 buyers and exhibitors from around the globe descend on Sin City for four days of gambling. While many people may spend a little time at the craps table, most of the “gambling” happens while betting your gut on what product will sell best 8 months down the road. Designer Bouchra Jarrar once said, “high fashion must be reflective of the street.” When it comes to buying for our store I place my bets on the Tastemakers I’ve come to know day in and day out in our store. I rely on my Mom, as a baby boomer, to guide and refine our selections. There are many powers at work in the woman over 50. Celebrate in your time as the reigning Tastemakers in the fashion industry and reinvent yourself often, without trepidation.
<
4
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
Color Report PA N TO N E CO LO R IN ST IT U TE
F
or more than 20 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season’s most important color trends. One of the most unique things about color this season is the blending of color between the sexes. For years there has been distinct blending of gender lines in Fashion. While the trend has been, in general, a masculinization of women’s wear, we are begining to see more feminization of men’s wear. As we know, men can be a little slow on the uptake. The blurring of these lines doesn’t mean men are running out and buying dresses. It does, however, mean you’ll see a lot of pink in men’s wear and masculine blues in women’s wear. Colors this season are pushing to give us a safe, peaceful place away from our crazy busy life. Having a stressful day? Dress yourself in Serenity or Rose Quartz, the first ever pair of colors for color of the year.
Rose Quartz
Peach Echo
Carolina Herrera
Michael Bastian
5
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
6
Serenity
Snorkel Blue
Buttercup
Limpet Shell
Top Shop Unique
Duro Olowu
Dolce & Gabbana
Escada
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
Lilac Gray
Fiesta
Iced Coffee
Green Flash
Marchesa Notte
Veronica Beard
Alice + Olivia
DSquared2
7
I DON’T GET MY INSPIRATION FROM BOOKS
OR PAINTING. I GET IT FROM THE
WOMEN I MEET. -CAROLINA HERRERA Designer at Carolina Herrera
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
2
1
1 Gabor Jute Wedge 2 Gabor Wedge Sandal - Dark Nude $189 $189
9
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
1
2
1 Gabor Pump - Cherry 2 Gabor Pump - Caruso Black $189 $189
4 3
3 Imma - Pastello 4 Imma - Cappucinno $324 $324
10
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
5
6
7
5 Gabor Pump - Canvas/Visone 6 Gabor Pump - Silver 7 Gabor Pump Buckle - Sand $189 $189 189
11
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
BLAZERS TA L KIN G P O IN T S
DSquared2
E
Trina Turk
njoying fashion is mostly about feeling that it is accessible. One of the easiest ways to take an outfit from passé to pizzazz is simply adding a jacket. This season I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful men’s blazers for women. There are lots of cute muscle t’s / graphic t’s for women. DSquared2 threw a little tuxedo jacket over a graphic t-shirt to complete the look. I hate to use more than one look from a designer for a talking point but Brunello Cucinelli had so many amazing blazers I could not narrow it down to less than two. The colors, materials and lines are so simple
12
Brunello Cucinelli
Comptoir Des Cotonniers
but transform jeans and a t-shirt to an outfit ready to been seen lunching at Claudette’s on 5th Ave in New York. Ralph Lauren shows blazers and sport coats in all of his collections this season. The blue leather sport coat really grounds the muted tan and periwinkle. In the Polo collection you can always count on an array of bright happy hughes. The Bright pink adds a pop of color to make the outfit.
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren
Comptoir Des Cotonniers
Brunello Cucinelli
13
SOMETIMES, DEEP DOWN IN
MY HEART,
- I SWEAR THERE ARE
RAINBOW SPRINKLES.
Alice + Olivia
-STACY BENDET Creative Director Alice + Olivia
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
WRAP IT UP TA L KIN G P O IN T S
DSquared2
Piazza Sempione
A
dd interest to your ensemble this season by simply wrapping yourself up. There’s a lot of talk about how much the 70’s influenced the collections of every designer. While the wrap dress first hit the runway in the 1930’s, it is Diane von Furstenberg who gets most of the credit for “inventing” the wrap dress in 1972 and making it a staple. Many of the 70’s trends this season, as pervasive as they may be, aren’t really so practical for ladies over 20. The wrap shirt and wrap dress are an
Tomas Maier
Vanessa Bruno
easy nod to the decade that can really work for you. An oversided dress shirt wrapped with a hot pink belt over a black turtleneck is the perfect transition outfit for resort season. DSquared2 completes the outfit with some leggings beneath - an easily implementable way to be fresh and current. Get a dress or shirt that will overlap and cinch it up with a belt. One of the signature elements of the wrap dress is the plundging v-neckline. If it feels a bit to racey, layer a contrasting color camisole underneath.
15
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
THE DRESS SHIRT TA L KIN G P O IN T S
Lutz Huelle
16
Isa Arfen
Kate Spade New York
Frame Denim
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
T
o say that the men’s dress shirt for the modern woman is “trending” would be the understatement of the decade. If you were to only buy one article of clothing this season, let it be a man tailored dress shirt. This one piece will be useful dressing for any occasion. While many of the examples shown here are crisp white, you’ll find many variations on this item in the marketplace. Ralph Lauren breaks the mold with the nehru collar striped shirt in his Polo collection. This outfit is one of my favorite looks for the whole season. The suspenders, cropped jeans and fedora knock my socks off – So much sass. In contrast to the Polo look, Frame Denim and Isa Arfen use lines so stunningly feminine it’s almost hard to call it man tailored. One of the most glamorous Tastemakers of the last 50 years, Carolina Herrera, designer of her brand of the same name, uses the white dress shirt as a part of her own signature look. The 77 year old fashion icon says this about about style, “Style is hard to define – It’s not only what a woman is wearing, it is the way she wears it. Style is your stamp, put it on whatever you do.” I couldn’t agree more.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Organic by John Patrick
17
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
1
2
1 Think! Dumia - Bianco 2 Think! Mizzi - Bianco $195 $180
4
3
3 Think! Julia - Shell 4 Think! Dumia - Shell $180 $180
18
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
6
5
5 Naot Papaki - Teal/Brown 6 Naot Intact - Sea Green/Latte $170 $165
8 7
7 Gabor Comfort Sandal - Silk 8 Gabor Comfort Sandal - Black $189 $189
19
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
2
1
1 Naot Fate - Silver Pebble 2 Naot Emma - Silver Pebble $160 $145
4
3
3 Finn Comfort Sansibar - Sand 4 Finn Comfort Gomera - Sand $215 $255
20
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
6
5
5 Gabor Dress Sandal - Grey 6 Gabor Dressy Sandal - Black $189 $189
21
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
2 1
1 Naot Unicorn - Black 2 Naot Jennifer - Silver Threads $150 $156
4
3
3 Naot Brenda - Orange/Gold 4 Naot Sheryl - White Snake $125 $145
22
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
6 5
5 Think! Dumia - Lagune 6 Naot Brenda - Turq/Green/Gold $180 $125
8
7
7 Aetrex Arielle - Stone 8 Aetrex Arielle - Latte $129 $129
23
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
2
1
1 Think! Julia - Black 2 Wolky Do - Black $200 $145
24
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
LOV E T H E SHOES
T H AT LOV E YO U B R IA N R IGGS
P
eople always ask about caring for their nice new expensive shoes. We pride ourselves on carrying shoes made of some of the finest leathers available. Here are some quick guidelines for loving your shoes. Smooth leathers: Most smooth leathers are best cared for by keeping them clean and hydrated. If they get real dirty, wipe them with a damp cloth. If its a really big mess a touch of Lexal leather cleaner will help. Let them dry and apply a light mist of the Collonil Protect and Care. It is a 90% organic, olive oil based protectant that will keep the leather hydrated and aid in water resistance. Nubuck & Suede: People are often hesitant about nubuck and or suede. Not only do people consider them a seasonal material, they worry that they are going to spot. Remember, leather comes off an animal that stands in the rain. Most hiking boots are made from nubuck because of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resiliance. The spotting that most people are familiar with is often less expensive pig suede, super soft and supple, often used in clothing. Calf suede is much more durable. If you get spots or mud on suede or nubuck, let it fully dry. Remember, it can take up to 72 hours for shoes to fully dry out. Once dry give them a good brushing. For suede, it is often best to use a brass brissle brush. With nubuck, a nylon brissle brush is better. After a good brushing, if there are still any stubborn spots, rub vigorusly with a good nubuck stone. It crumbles apart like an eraser and really helps to remove dirt and rough up the nap. Apply a light mist of Collonil Protect and Care. Hold the bottle 6 to 8 inches away and start with light even coverage. Allow to dry. While wet it will look quite a bit darker. It will dry closer to its original color. On lighter colors it is possible for it to turn a tiny bit darker. Over time as the olive oil totally settles in, it typicall gets totally back to the original color.
25
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
2
1
1 Waldlaufer Simone - Light Gold 2 Finn Comfort Alanya - Pony Fango $155 $250
4 3
3 Finn Comfort Gomera - River 4 Finn Comfort Sausalito - Espresso Corten $255 $285
26
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
6
5
5 Naot Pixi - Silver Pebble 6 Naot Intact - Khaki Beige $150 $165
27
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
Sneakers TA L KIN G P O IN T S
Norma Kamali
T
28
Moncler Gamme Rouge
hroughout this issue I have made a big deal about the “fashion sneaker.” It wouldn’t be right not to back it up with a few images detailing the vastness of the trend. Surveying ten’s of thousands of images from the collections of designers from around the world, I can not tell you how many looks included some version of a little lace up or in some cases slip on sneaker. I could have filled all 52 pages of this book with different examples. Rather than just show countless images of sneakers with typical casual outfits and other “no brainer” uses, I picked just a couple of unexpected uses. We all know that it’s acceptable
Mira Mikati
Electric Feathers
to wear cute little laceups with jeans, but would you have believed me if I described these to you? Norma Kamali showed a variety of laceups in her collection ranging from a tailored 3 piece suit to this long day dress. Moncler Gamme Rouge, a line full of delecate fantasy, pairs a laceup with a short dressier dress, lace and a touch of a very blue red. Electric Feathers paired a version of this canvas lace up (or slip on) with jute bottom in all 32 looks for Spring 2016. Play with style, color and silhouette and enjoy your comfort with more than just jeans.
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
Crop Pants TA L KIN G P O IN T S
TSE
Anthony Thomas Melillo
C
apris or crop pants, call them what you like, just have some. Show some skin this season. While this concept may not be earth shattering, you probably have cropped pants hanging in your closet. The reason for the call out is the complete pervasiveness of them across all kinds of collections. This season, I’ve tried to really filter down to some of the most meaningful and easily implementable ways to feel current. From tapered dress slacks shown by Anthony Thomas Melillo to ultra loungy drawstring pants from TSE and Comtonniers, your ankles will be in good company.
Comptoir des Cotonniers
Madewell
As a slight aside, Anthony Thomas Melillo was one of those collections this season that I just could not stop looking at. Part of it may be that the model was pretty and not overly “runwayed” out, but the repetition of a simple cotton t-shirt and stunningly gorgeous and simple slacks and jackets took my breath away. From another category, the same can be said for the Madewell collection, just image after image of totally wearable, brilliantly put together outfits. There are a number of Madewell stores in the metro area. If you’ve never shopped them, it’s a good season to start.
29
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
3
2
1
1 Gabor Driving Moc - White 2 Gabor White Sneaker 3 Naot Arataki - Cinnamon $155 $165 $175
30
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
4 5
4 Waldlaufer Alia - Taupe 5 Waldlaufer Alia - Black $170 $170
6
7
6 Waldlaufer Brook - British Tan 7 Waldlaufer Brook - Black $155 $155
31
FASHION IS MADE BY FASHIONABLE
PEOPLE.
Halston Heritage
-Roy Halston Frowick
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
Surgery or Ugly Shoes?
I Don’t Think! So H O L LY M ID D L E TO N
H
ow did he know I was a ballerina? That was the question running through my mind while the orthopedic surgeon was holding my hurting feet. He said he knew because of my crazy bunions, neuromas, and severe plantar fasciitis. My toes were crossing and walking was becoming a chore. He told me that I could get surgery, but that it would not help. He asked me to wear “practical shoes” and stretch, but that it would probably get to the point where running shoes would be my best friends. I left the office quickly so I did not get sick in his office. I COULD NOT and I WOULD NOT wear tennis shoes for the rest of my life. A horrible flash of memory came to me about the Christmas when my sister-in-law showed up in size 11 (men’s) tennis shoes because her feet hurt so badly and she needed space for her bunions. She had on a velvet dress and what looked like clown shoes. I was not going to end up like this. I am a professional who loves color and style and I need to dress appropriately. I need to look tasteful. How could I do that with the ugly shoes I was being told would be my best friends? About a week later, fate stepped in on my way to get my daughter’s uniform at the Buckhead Uniform store. Foot Solutions was right next door and the shoes looked…well…cute! I did not hesitate and was welcomed by Marsha and Brian who took great care of me and showed me my first pair of Think! shoes. It was love at first sight. The toe box was wide for my size 10 1/2 foot (plus bunion). I bought two pairs the first day and it was not long before my pain went away. Here I am four years later with twenty and counting pairs of shoes from Foot Solutions, ranging from many pairs of Think! to Gabor, Finn Comfort, Brooks, and Oofos. I admit that I had sticker shock from that first pair, but my husband pointed out that it was cheaper than surgery that would not work, and worth the active lifestyle I lead.
33
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
After a few pairs with carefully placed arches and pads, I decided it was time for custom inserts. That has been a game changer because Think! and Gabor have room for my inserts and now every pair fits perfectly. I am so used to comfortable, fashionable shoes that I do not even look at shoes in other stores. If I do, it is only to see the style so I can show Brian. He can always find a Holly friendly version that is comparable in look but more comfortable. The shoes I buy at Foot Solutions are better made and more tasteful than any shoe I see anywhere else. One day I started wondering if all my shoes looked the same since many of them were the same brand (Think!). Marsha suggested I pull them all out and look at them. Were they the same? Absolutely not!! I have merlot booties, green flats, cognac tall boots, and deep red dress shoes. I have shared my love of Foot Solutions with my husband (he lovesThink! and WolkyMen) and my daughters. Good shoes now mean good feet for them later. Marsha and Brian are friends now. My daughter and I drop in often just to say hello on our way to get smoothies or more socks for school. As a psychologist, I see children, teenagers, and adults all day long. So many of my child clients say, “Dr. Holly, you have the coolest shoes.” That is my clue that I have stepped into good taste. There is no turning back.
< 34
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
3
2
1
1 Think! Chilli - Kastanie 2 Naot Rongo - Latte 3 Think! Jomai - Kastanie $260 $175 $225
35
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
2
1
1 Waldlaufer Bailey - Red 2 Think! Wunda - Rosso $155 $275
4
3
3 Waldlaufer Jasmine - Sand Metallic 4 Waldlaufer Janna - Sand Metallic $160 $155
36
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
6 5
5 Think! Wunda - Multi 6 Think! Wunda - Taupe $289 $275
8
7
7 Think! Ebbs - Sand 8 Think! Ebbs - Caramel $289 $289
37
I N SP I RE â&#x20AC;˘ T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
2
1
1 Finn Comfort Alanya - Cappuccino 2 Finn Comfort Alanya - Black Points 3 Finn Comfort Orense $255 $255 $245
38
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
3
39
I PROBABLY
DO HAVE AN
OBSESSIVE PERSONALITY,
BUT STRIVING FOR PERFECTION HAS SERVED ME WELL.
-Tom Ford
Tom Ford
Designer at Tom Ford
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6 1
3
2
1 Think! Chilli - Black Laser 2 Finn Comfort Sarnia - Black 3 Finn Comfort Ceylon - Black $275 $375 $385
41
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
Shirt Dress TA L KIN G P O IN T S
Madewell
ICB
M
y mom is always looking for tops that are long enough. To begin with, she’s tall. Some tops and blouses that would be the right length on many women just aren’t long enough to cover everything she’d like covered on herself. You’ve probably had a similar moment at the mall, “Is this a shirt or a dress?”
42
The truth is, it can be either. The gorgeous black and white gingham shirt from Madewell would look even better with some capries or leggings. ICB takes the shirt dress quite literally and it is, in my opinion, a dress styled after a shirt. Banana
Banana Republic
Brock Collection
Republic shows a traditional “shirt dress,” long enough and modest enough to be worn as a dress. The Brock Collection on the right is quite literally a dress worn over blue jeans. Looks great! There is so much oportunity to mix and match. It’s also an easy and acceptable way to keep from skipping some of the things that you love. If you haven’t yet given leggings a try, here’s an easy way to make it more accessible.
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
L i fe
H AC K M A R SH A R IGGS
L
ife hacking refers to any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life. Actually, a lot of what we do here could be called that. Sometimes the smallest item from our â&#x20AC;&#x153;magic drawerâ&#x20AC;? can be life changing and we get so excited about that. Sharing valuable information is something that comes naturally when you are excited about it. For the last five years, I have been working to help others be comfortable with their exercise or walking routines. I am completely sold on how beneficial this is for everyone, especially those of us on the back side of 50, but I have frustratingly been unable to come up with an exercise schedule that fits the rest of my life. I hate going to a gym because of the time involved in getting there and back and the showering and dressing, etc. I love to walk but it is just never a good time. I almost despaired of finding something that I could really stick with until just recently. One fact becomes increasingly clear with every day. Our lifestyle and the movements we make repeatedly can either help or hinder our well being, comfort and mobility. Some of the conditions that are prevalent in our culture continues to increase and we begin to wonder why it should be so. In the same way that tennis elbow and repetitive motion injuries result from our lifestyle, there are other problems that arise from our lifestyle although they may be less easy to recognize. When I watch my grandsons move and play, I imagine how impossible it would be for me to mimic their movements and be able to even try to keep up with them. This is because there are so many muscle groups we rarely use. Two separate authors have really opened my eyes to this over the last few years. Both of them were mentioned to me by customers who, themselves, were working to take better care of their health. The first was Katy Bowman who has a blog and has written several books about incorporating healthy movement into our every day lives. Her exercises helped my back a lot when it was bothering me and when I referred another customer to her who was experiencing unresolved pain after surgery, she found it to be very helpful.
43
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
The other author is Miranda Esmonde-White who also has books and DVD’s on healthy stretching exercises to help us age more gently. Who can resist a book titled “Aging Backwards”? I remember the customer who told me about her saying, “I feel better and stronger than I have in years.” The best part of this routine is that it is 30 minutes of stretching! Even I have been able to do that. I encourage you to investigate these resources as a great solution for the constant nagging disappointment that results from knowing that you should be doing something to keep yourself strong when you really don’t want to get up and go to the gym or get outside on a cold day. Additionally, I want to share with you some of the suggestions I make to people who are having foot, balance or other types of difficulties that are really great for everyone to use. First, is to STRETCH YOUR TOES. Everyone benefits from this. Our toes are very important body parts that help our balance and propel us forward when we walk. As a result of the shoes where they have resided all our lives, the toes become misaligned and can be the precursor to many foot and lower extremity problems. One of the most important things you can do is to work at spreading them apart. They need no help curling up but rather need to be lifted and separated whenever possible. The widest part of the foot should be at the toes - not the ball of the foot. Strengthening your toes and the muscles that connect to them helps prevent problems and aide your balance. Secondly, STRETCH YOUR CALVES AND HAMSTRINGS. The most important thing to remember here is not to overstretch other areas of the foot and ankle while stretching your legs. Over-stretching the achilles or other tendons in the feet can cause more problems than they solve. There are many ways to do these stretches. I recommend the ones found in the books I referenced earlier. These exercises will help your feet and your back as well. Lastly, WORK ON YOUR BALANCE. Poor balance is obviously a cause of many more problems. Keeping good balance or improving your balance requires practice and work. As you strengthen leg and foot muscles, you can hold balance much more easily. One very good exercise is to stand on one foot and write the alphabet with the other. Don’t worry if you are not very good at it. Wobbling makes the nerves and muscles fire which will help strengthen them. Just be sure you have something to grab if you wobble too much. I encourage you to look into these two authors and their work. Also, keep letting me know what you find that is working for you!
< 44
FABULOUS: IT’S A LOT LIKE PERFECT,
BUT MORE FUN
Bouchra Jarrar
AND LESS BORING.
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
Also Note TA L KIN G P O IN T S
P
lease, please, please buy a hat this season. Rachael Zoe says “I see bold accessories as a woman’s armor.” I couldn’t agree more. Hats, scarves, bright colored belts. What a wonderful world of color we live in. One of the people I met riding the monorail in Las Vegas owned a hat shop. He said that his business has been booming over the last year, an easy way to add some snap to an otherwise basic outfit. Correctly accessorized, basic isn’t really a bad word. You may consider graphic tees to be something you buy your grandchildren. This season, the graphic tee for ladies is a big call out. The Pam & Gela look shown here probably isn’t the tee you would choose, however it illustrates just how abstract you can go and get away with it – the t-shirt is basic, the layered accessories makes it ballistic. As I have mentioned before, the 70’s theme touches practically all collections this season. So much of this is just not practical; off the sholder tops, jumpsuits and crocheted halter tops. However, there are a few things that you can probably fit into your lifestyle that nods to the decade – firstly, rust. The color rust and the orangy yellows are trending in a big way. Think summer sunset inspired. Earthy browns, green, green grass and the golden buttercup sky. I see these colors continuing to be a part of the color story for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. As a matter of information, browns in general are dominating. From the review of Fall 2016 it is especially apparent in menswear. There is practically no black! Fringe is another easy to impliment part of this trend cycle. Lastly, this is all supposed to be fun! The Dolce & Gabbana Daisy collection kept me captivated for quite a while. I just couldn’t stop smiling. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Life’s too short. Never lose your childish enthusiasm – its the most important thing.
46
Halston Heritage
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
Bally
Frame Denim
Pam & Gela
Dolce & Gabbana - Daisy
47
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
Men’s Corner TA L KIN G P O IN T S
Tomas Maier
Tods
G
entlemen, start your creative engines. So if there’s one thing that can be said of most men, they love change – Just kidding. So let’s not call it change. Let’s call it evolution. Evolve or die, right?
48
A couple of things for you to try this season. As I mentioned early in this book, the color lines between genders have narrowed to the point of blur. It’s time to embrace pink. Did you know that in the early 1900’s pink was the generally accepted baby boy color? It wasn’t until the 1940’s that pink became a girl color. Yes, there was a smattering of
Polo Ralph Lauren
Bally
pink after Don Johnson made it his staple in Miami Vice. There are many variations of the shade, so don’t pass up this opportunity to try a little something new. You’ll look dapper. White jeans and denim of all shades continue to trend in both casual and formal wear. Start looking to increase your brown shoe selection. The brown trend holds true for men as well as women this year. Fall 2016 has not altered this trend, in fact it is even more prevalent. Pants, jeans and slacks of all kind are cropped above or at the ankle for men as well. Lose the socks or put on some fun ones.
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
1
2
1 Neil M Malta - Walnut 2 Neil M Salerno - Taupe Suede $230 $240
49
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
Ecru And You TA L KIN G P O IN T S
Belstaff
I
f white isn’t for you, let me introduce you to Ecru. Most of you probably have worn khaki pants as a staple for many moons. This season khaki gets an across the board update with a hint of yellow. Ecru often refers to silk or linen in their unbleached state. In the 1930’s ecru was considered the same color as beige. In the 1950’s ecru and beige separated and became two colors. One of the reasons that I love ecru, and it makes such a nice addition to your color palette, is its ability to bring out richness in so many other col-
50
Gieves & Hawkes
Michael Kors
ors. The Belstaff collection used, almost exclusively, ecru as a base for their neutral tans and browns color story. Jason Basmajian, the current driving force behind the titan Gieves & Hawkes brand, used ecru in more than half of his looks. It has been said that Gieves & Hawkes invented the blazer. The company is 244 years old and has quite the reputation. I feel it is important to note that a company with this kind of heritage did not show a single suit and tie. Get ready for that to rock your apple cart. One day down the road we may have formal friday rather than the other way around.
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
2
1
1 Think! Kenidi - Cappucino 2 Think! Kenidi - Rosso $329 $294
3 4
3 Neil M Senator - Black 4 Think! Guru - Espresso $235 $369
51
I N SP I RE • T HE TA ST E M A K E R S
3
1
2
1 Vionic Men’s Tide - Black 2 Vionic Men’s Tide - Brown 3 Vionic Boyes - Taupe $69.95 $69.95 $119.95
4
4 Finn Comfort Toro - Black 5 Finn Comfort Huelva - Metro/Nero $265 $375
52
5
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
7
6
6 Finn Comfort Prezzo - Thyme 7 Finn Comfort Bradford - Wood $380 $335
53
What I like is denim that feels like it’s been worn, and it’s really just a base, and then you wear what you wear on top. Your shoes really change the look. Shoes make it look great on that person, and different on another person.
Stella Ishii
-6397 Designer Stella Ishii
“
“
SP R I N G / SUMMER 201 6
Make a note of it...
55
Designed by Brian Riggs Product Photography By Michael Riggs Fashion Images Courtesy of Style.com & Respective Designers.
FIT. FUNCTION. FASHION. 404.252.8001 6307 Roswell Rd Sandy Springs, GA 30328
SandySprings@FootSolutions.com