TODAY’S WOMAN THE RECORD-REVIEW
J
MARCH 23, 2018
A BOLD NEW WORLD
bands break up the patterned prints to interject elements of modern composition and linear structure. They also give the eye a much-needed pause, like a rest in a musical score. You can either buy ready-to-wear patchwork garments or attempt to fashion your own. But please take note: DIY pattern play works well if contrasting patterns are balanced by some degree of neutral consistency, usually in terms of either background color, overall palette, scale or directional composition of each print.
Spring fashion not afraid to challenge tradition By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG
S
pring fashion has sprung, and — Wowee! — you’d better get ready. This is the season to go bold or go home. First glimpses may shock, but extreme looks actually signal a spirit of ballsy optimism, trendsetting confidence and diversity. There was no hesitation as designers took to the runways with a kaleidoscope of over-thetop styles intended to break boundaries. As looks of super-amplified color, shape, volume and detail were revealed, variety and individuality were celebrated. Be brave and revel the spectacle of the season. Such overt fun and open-mindedness do not come around very often, and, right now, we all need a little lightness of spirit and license to be ourselves.
Color me crazy Peacock is about to become a verb… as in, “Peacock it, girl. You’re fierce.” Bright, saturated colors invite confident ladies to strut their stuff this spring. Look for monochrome fantasies in head-to-toe Crayola marker hues like pink, orange, yellow and green. These are not subtle or modulated shades, but rather clear, screaming colors that cannot be missed. Don’t be afraid to go beyond what is typically tasteful and completely deck yourself out in one color, even down to matching shoes. You’ll be amazed at the results. Manifesting a color to the extreme actually neutralizes it and makes for a chic look. Another way to work with extreme color is to engage in a color game. Electrify a single, dominant hue with an unexpected flash of its contrast or complement. Imagine the drama of a red underskirt flashing beneath a Kelly green dress or the electricity of a cobalt blue pantsuit paired with a silky orange camisole. Another popular look this spring is the rainbow ensemble. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet come alive in dynamic stripes, harlequin prints or color-blocked textural creations using faux-fur, synthetic hides or fringe. Such parade-worthy looks certainly project confidence and optimism. With sunlight in your hair, a pair of mirrored shades and fierce shoes, you’ll rock the world. The only thing missing from your look of many colors is a unicorn,
which means you’ll have to make all the magic yourself.
Glitterati
Cotton candy For every action, there is a reaction. To answer the need for a calm counterpart to spring’s intense play of color, designers are offering a second fashion palette of dusty, sugary, muted tones. Soft and feminine pastels, whispered in every color, grace a range of silhouettes. This assortment of structured suits, fancy dresses, billowy skirts, cozy knitwear and palazzo pants is tonally reminiscent of a box of pale taffy or pretty French macaroons. While this clothing is beautiful enough to eat, don’t miss the artis-
Silhouettes have adopted their own “voices” that take identity in space — trousers flare; dresses swirl; sleeves billow; and skirts dip toward the floor. tic, tie-dye versions of spring’s favorite pastels. With subtle tonal variations and stormy ombre blends, these examples are gorgeously special, especially in soft and delicate silhouettes. One of the season’s most ubiquitous shades — lilac — comes from this toned-down palette of pastels. The perfect combination of pink and purple, lilac is a modern hue, fascinatingly elegant and mysterious in character. It is a mutable tone, and its character changes depending on which colors it pairs with. Lilac and silver, or lilac and gray, is sophisticated and understated. Lilac with white appears fresh and modern. Lilac with blue or mauve adopts a moody and romantic personality, while lilac with yellow appears bold, youthful and sharp. Unusual and indefinable, lilac is universally flattering on all.
Turn up the volume In a welcome departure from previous seasons of body-hugging garments, current silhouettes favor ample shape and generous size. Volume and decon-
COURTESY OF LESTER’S IN RYE
struction are the guiding principals behind this season’s favorite selection of tiered skirts, oversized coats, boxy jackets and palazzo pants. Lightweight, layered dresses, some with handkerchief hems, are forgiving, feminine and flattering. Modesty defines a new kind of sexuality, as designers creatively embrace the sensuality of movement and texture. Current clothing styles interact in conversation with the body, rather than just presenting its physical form. For this reason, silhouettes have adopted their own “voices” that take identity in space — trousers flare; dresses swirl; waistlines rise; jackets drape; sleeves billow; anoraks puff; and skirts dip toward
the floor. Layers conceal the body, and clever cuts and patterns allow for factors like undulation, ripple, billow, flow and drape to deconstruct form. The body is thus suggested, rather than displayed, in many voluminous examples of clothing this season.
Print profusion Stripes with chevron? Plaid with polka dot? Large chintz with floral prints? No problem at all. More is definitely more in the current moment of excess. In an effort to “one-up” established rules, designers are defying conventional taste and daring to be different. If we look back over the past few seasons, the progression is clear. First, print size ex-
TODAY’S WOMEN — NUSTART FITNESS
Flexing muscles to change lives with exercise
W
By MAJA TARATETA
hen molecular biologist Neetu Venkatraman started working out one-on-one with personal trainer Mary Smith, her whole life changed. “I saw my life take a turn,” she said. “It had a huge impact on my life. It changed the way we ate at home. I started to adopt a healthy lifestyle. And I became obsessed with it. Mary didn’t judge me. My fitness journey is still going on. But I realized how passionate I was about it. I wanted to help others find their way.” Smith, for her part, loved training people, but felt she needed more assistance on the business side of growing her service. So the two Goldens Bridge residents decided to become business partners and build a TRX, functional training, yoga and Zumba fitness program in Bedford Hills called NuStart Fitness. For her part, Smith is used to new starts. Originally from Colombia, where she worked as a paramedic and rescue diver, Smith came to the United States seven years ago and decided to move into fitness training. “I went to college, took ESL classes, got my GED again, renewed my certification in fitness, got a personal training certification,” she said. “I had to start all over again.” As she put it, “I dug deep.” She is an ACE certified personal trainer, a Certified Functional Strength Coach, and certified in the Parkinson regeneration program. She also fell in love with the TRX suspension training system and is proud to say she is the only “black rank” trainer — the highest you can achieve — in Westchester County. Their fitness studio is located inside the Marti Martial Arts Academy in Bedford Hills, and includes two other personal trainers/TRX instructors, a yoga and a Zumba teacher. They offer group classes and private training, mostly from about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the studio closed on Saturdays.
ploded — stripes and checks ballooned, and florals appeared high on Miracle Grow. Prints then expanded from beyond modest separates to include oversized, head-to-toe looks. Now, what has been trending for a while has become a full-on hyperbole. This season’s combinations of mismatched prints are exciting and unexpected… the more jarring the better. The look holds dynamic energy and seems to reverberate with a visual music created by juxtapositions of discord and harmony. Also borrowing from musical principles and abstract art, spring’s pattern-on-pattern trend makes use of interrupting, irregular bands, usually in black or white fabric. These
JIM MACLEAN PHOTO
“We want to create a program that helps people to explore different types of activities,” said Smith. To this end, they also created a Strong Teens program to keep kids moving and exercising, whether they play other sports or not. Incorporating yoga, Zumba and self-defense, with strength training, cardio conditioning, stress management and therapeutic breathing, the 60-minute classes guarantee “a positive, uplifting experience that supports and empowers girls and boys and their families.” The classes are separated by gender to give both boys and girls the opportunity to workout free from the pressures of the other. “When I grew up in Africa and Kenya, I played sports,” Venkatraman said. “Then I moved to Eng-
land. It was cold, and I lost touch with my sport. If I had continued, I felt I would have had more self-confidence. I lost some of my self-confidence on the way. … I want my daughter to brim with confidence for the rest of her life.” This is the basis for the Strong Teen program. “My daughter will be able to walk into any gym, even if she loses her sport, she won’t loser her confidence,” said Venkatraman. Many of the teens who come to the program play one sport or no sport at all. The sessions, offered twice a week, “are a way for them to move,” Venkatraman CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
Sleek and smooth Shine on, super girls! As a counterpart to spring’s love for glittery embellishment, rich textiles are also taking their place in the spotlight. Smooth satin and slick leather provide sleek lines and almost fluid surfaces. These textiles catch the light and seem to glow from within. As contemporary designers approach these textiles in gorgeous, new ways, they are deconstructing traditional associations. Leather no longer belongs exclusively to the motorcycle jackets and miniskirts of biker girls. Satin, likewise, has evolved beyond its role as a staple for party attire and bridesmaids’ frocks. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Feeling fit and fabulous at 40 (and beyond)
L
Left side from left: Mary Smith and Neetu Venkatraman. Right side from left: Cynthia Bishop and Mary Cassidy.
Whether or not you respond to disco fever, you can’t ignore the shimmer of the season. Sparkle is being served in generous portions, adding glamor and fun to everyday life. Sequins, beaded fringe, metallic thread, grommets, studs and twinkling crystals are not just for eveningwear anymore. Bright, light-reflecting embellishments are turning up on jeans and leggings, jackets, jumpsuits, skirts, dresses and tees. In some collections, they appear as trim designs and accents. However, they are increasingly being used as all-over textile skins, especially through sequin-encrusted fabrics. While evoking the cool disco vibe of the 1970s and the cliché opulence of New Year’s Eve parties, today’s glittery trend actually has an ancient history. King Tut, who ruled Egypt from 13411323 B.C., was entombed with clothing stitched with shiny gold coins in order to display his material wealth and support prosperity in the afterlife. As fashion developed over time, real coins were replaced by semi-precious materials and, eventually, by common materials with shiny surfaces in cultures such as India and Peru. The opening of King Tut’s tomb in the 1920s invigorated worldwide interest in sparkling embellishment. Flapper-era and Art Deco fashion designers responded with glass beading, metallic embroidery and sequins. The trend was embraced as an optimistic escape from the banality and hardship of everyday life. A similar appeal remains in place even today.
By LAURIE SULLIVAN
egend has it that Juan Ponce de León landed in Florida in quest of the Fountain of Youth. Though only a myth, that hasn’t stopped women from wanting to find their own fountains of youth, especially once they turn 40. With a host of fitness options and noninvasive procedures, being fit and looking fabulous won’t necessarily turn back the clock, but it can slow it down. Years ago once a woman hit 40, many believed she should cut her hair and “dress her age.” No more. Women can still look young often having lighter, more natural hair color to cover grey, lighter natural makeup and fashionable clothes, without trying to look like a teenager, of course. And to make the most of their appearance, today’s women look to exercise to maximize how they look and feel. What looks good on the outside has to feel good on the inside. In study after study, doctors and exercise gurus agree: the true fountain of youth comes from regular exercise to keep you fit and looking fab at 40, and beyond. Exercise has proven to insulate you from heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, stroke and diabetes, according to a story in Prevention Magazine online, and exercise lowers blood pressure, reduces body fat, raises “good” cholesterol, lowers “bad” cholesterol and has many other health benefits. Health and fitness pros agree that the four cornerstones of age prevention
should include cardio, intense interval training, yoga and weight training. Even if you’re well beyond 40, it’s never too late to turn back the clock… for life. As we age, the skin starts to lose its elasticity and the loss of flexibility associated with aging can lead the development of aches and pains. And in the high paced world we live in we’re more likely to be stressed, which is no friend to your skin. The less stressed you are, the fewer lines and wrinkles you’re likely to develop. Yoga is one way to relax your mouth, brows and jaw to help keep your skin looking younger longer. It even can even help you sleep better since the rhythmic breathing of yoga can help you to go off CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
Page 18
The Record-Review — Today’s Woman
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
Today’s leather leggings and satin trousers bring luxurious, modern glamor to everyday looks. Look for these styles combined, respectively, with flowing, silky tops or soft and slouchy knitwear. Synthetic plastics, PVC, vinyl and neoprene (the fabric used for scuba wear) are bringing a street edge to current mainstream looks. These synthetic materials are absolutely slick, to the point of being glossy. Look for transparent plastic top layers in designer dresses and overcoats, as well as shorts and skirts in inky, wetlooking vinyl. Predictions suggest the passion for plastic will be a memorable, albeit passing, trend. So, grab some fun pieces now and make sure to keep your synthetics away from open flames. In the future, these styles may be collectible… or recyclable in the co-mingle bin?
Black tie denim Known in some circles as a Canadian tuxedo, head-to-toe denim walked many runways this season. Apparently, what comes around goes around; and designers were not afraid to break rules — even when they wrote those rules just a few seasons ago. Remember when it was considered overkill to wear a denim jacket with jeans or a chambray shirt with a Levi’s skirt? That’s the kind of rule we’re talking about… and the one that’s not to be followed anymore. After all, as everything this season seems to be going over the top, we probably should have expected blue jeans would not be spared. Look for denim combinations in shirts and jeans, jackets and skirts — ranging from prairie to A-line to mini — suits and snap-up jumpsuits. Most surprising on the runways was the preponderance of denim in black-tie eveningwear, with or without bedazzled embellishment. Carolina Herrera paraded out luxurious denim ball gowns, and Citizens for Humanity models looked chic and sharp in denim cocktail dresses. Corporate employers and country club managers take note: it may be time to rewrite the dress codes.
Show some leg This is the year for great legs, as spring looks highlight toned ankles, calves, knees and thighs. Above-the-knee biker shorts, as well as super-short shorts and hot pants, are being used in innovative combinations. The trend gained energy last summer when Kim Kardashian West was photographed — at every opportu-
nity — sporting black, Spandex biker shorts. She styled them with designer jackets on the red carpet, thin t-shirts at a Los Angeles studio, curve-hugging bodysuits on New York City streets and billowy blouses during photo shoots. Biking shorts were a trend in the 1990s, mostly layered beneath short skirts and dresses, giant t-shirts, wide basketball shorts and denim cut-offs. Today’s biker shorts, however, look sleeker, sexier and more dressed up. Paired with flat shoes, such as sneakers, and a dressy top, the look captures chic, athletic leisure. Paired with high boots or high heels and a tailored long jacket or tuxedo dress, biker shorts are the cool girl’s new cocktail attire. Because short shorts create an alluring silhouette, designers may never abandon them. This season, designers such as Chloe showcased tailored short shorts with structured suit jackets and high boots for sophisticated, confident looks.
Bedroom eyes Diversify your playlist for your own definition of sexy. Contemporary spring fashion supports a wide range of feminine charms with its penchant for slip dresses, bustiers and strappy bodysuits. These lingerie looks range from romantic to bold. Slip dresses, in silk or satin, avoid showing a lot skin; however, they nevertheless feel private and intimate. Slip dresses also conjure the idea of touch through their fabrics’ sensual textures. Bustiers, on the other hand, work to define the body’s curves through
Friday, March 23, 2018
A BOLD NEW WORLD
SPRING FASHION
Top left: Complete ensembles are available at Catherine H in Katonah and New Canaan. Middle left: The lady in red will never go out of style at Wild Orchid in Katonah. Main photo above: She’s got the look with a perfect pair of timeless jeans and a bold blouse at Lester’s in Rye Brook. Second image: Plain, simple and tattered also does the trick at I Am More Scarsdale. Right: Floral prints will never get the boot at Neiman Marcus in White Plains.
This Janska spring rain jacket is stylish, flattering and reversible at Ally Bally Bee in Ridgefield and New Canaan.
cinched waistlines. Originally designed as garments intended to raise the bust, lengthen the waist and emphasize the hips, the first known bustiers were worn by ancient Greek and Roman women. In Europe, bustiers — called corsets — were worn as early as the sixth century and continued to gain popularity as a shaping garment throughout the next centuries. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, fashion relied on corsets to provide structure for clothing and to shape bodies into attractively curvy silhouettes. Modern bustiers are comfortable and less restrictive, as they work to create shape through construction design instead of binding force. This season, look for bustier tops worn with skirts and pants, bustier bras paired with high-waist trousers and outerwear bustiers used to add structure to loose, flowing dresses. Bodysuits, particularly designed with cutouts and straps, are another current style borrowed from lingerie. Unlike bustiers, which amplify the curvy proportions between bust, waist and hips, bodysuits invoke a more natural, body-conscious definition of sexiness based on fitness and athletic tone.
Your finances in balance, Your life in harmony. Your finances in balance, Your life in harmony.
Sustainable Approach. At Pell Wealth Partners, we believe in the power of impact investing Sustainable Approach.
and the profound effect it can have on the world and your life. As At Pell Wealth Partners, we believe in the power of impact investing leaders in the industry, our team is committed to offering tailored and the profound effect it can have on the world and your life. As investment solutions with an eye towards environmental, social, and leaders in the industry, our team is committed to offering tailored corporate governance opportunities. We believe these are important investment solutions with an eye towards environmental, social, and parts of meaningful investment research and helping you create a corporate governance opportunities. We believe these are important broadly diversified portfolio. Let us help you invest with your head parts of meaningful investment research and helping you create a and your heart to help ensure no is left unturned. broadly diversified portfolio. Letstone us help you invest with your head
Talk meheart one�on�one more this unique and to your to help for ensure noinformation stone is left about unturned. investment opportunity. Call 914.269.6726 or visit Talk to me one�on�one for more information about this unique pellwealthpartners.com investment opportunity. Call 914.269.6726 or visit pellwealthpartners.com Pell Wealth Partners also offers:
Pell Wealth Partners alsoplanning offers: Comprehensive financial
GREAT STUFF 27 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, NY 914.723.0504
1 South Greeley Ave. Chappaqua, NY 914.238.0057
54 Purchase Street, Rye, NY 914.967.1377
68 Main St. Westport, CT 203.226.1271
321 Greenwich Ave. Greenwich, CT 203.861.6872
approach Comprehensive financial planning Retirement approach income strategies Divorce financial planning Retirement income strategies Domestic partner planning planning Divorce financial Domestic partner planning
Katherine McGinn, CFA KatherineFinancial McGinn,Advisor CFA Pell Wealth Partners Financial Advisor Pell Wealth Partners
Executive compensation & benefit strategies Estate planning strategies Executive compensation & benefit strategies Sustainably responsible Estate planning strategiesinvesting Women’s financial strategies Sustainably responsible investing Wealth management Women’s financial strategies Wealth management
Pell Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Pell Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. The Churchill 800 Westchester Avenue, Suite 300 The Churchill 300 East 40th Street, Suite 28R 800 Westchester Avenue, Suite 300 Rye Brook, NY 10573 300 East 40th Street, Suite 28R Rye914.253.8800 Brook, NY 10573 New York, NY 10016 914.253.8800
New York, NY 10016
Investors could experience increased risk when limiting investment choices to a specific industry sector that may or may not perform as well as other industry sectors. Investmentincreased products,risk including shares of mutual funds, aretonot federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations or Investors could experience when limiting investment choices a specific industry sector that may or may not perform as wellof, as other guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including loss principal and in value. industry sectors. Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are notpossible federally or of FDIC-insured, arefluctuation not deposits or obligations of, or Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do and not offer taxinvestment or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor in orvalue. attorney regarding their specific guaranteed by any financial institution, involve risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation situation. Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific Investment situation. advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. ©Investment 2017 Ameriprise Financial, rights reserved. advisory services Inc. andAll products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. © 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 23, 2018
FEELING FIT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
to dreamland faster and stay there longer, without counting sheep. If you’re a smoker quit now. Aside from the obvious health risks, smokers also develop fine lines around the mouth causing lipstick to run and wrinkles that from nose to the chin, commonly called “parentheses” lines. There’s no doubt about the importance of exercise and the effects it has on aging. The famous Framingham Heart Study of more than 5,000 women and men showed that active people live an average of four years longer. The Rx? Exercise five days a week, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at a time. Start with 10 minutes a day and increase it by increments each week or do 10 minutes a day three times a day. Keep your mind fit by exercising your noggin. A sharp mind keeps you young and intense interval exercise is the key. It increases blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain (in the hippocampus, where memory resides). Bursts of one-to-two minute higher intensity activity balanced with moderately paced cardio exercise boosts blood flow and oxygen levels. Cardio exercise is not only good for your body, it literally makes you feel good by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain! Exercise not only burns calories, it can help regulate the production of leptin, the fat hormone that controls appetite. And if lifting weights gives you visions of body builders with bulging muscles, think again. The key to a healthy heart starts with lifting light weights to build bones and muscles. Start with 1- to 3-pound weights and gradually build up to somewhat heavier ones. The main thing is to turn off the television and head to the gym or exercise studio. No matter what exercise modality you choose, just do it.
Women’s movement Manager and personal trainer Kathy Margiasso of Apogee Fitness in Bedford Hills caters strictly to women. Her advice to women turning 40 is to stay fit and healthy and includes doing strength training twice a week and doing cardio twice a week. “Find something you really enjoy doing and make it part of your life to be the best you can be, especially as you get older,” Margiasso said. “Try new things to make it interesting. I do believe strength training — really do some lifting — is the fountain of youth. You want to be strong, fit and functional. You want to work from within.” Margiasso feels nutrition is also key and fitness, which isn’t just physical, but mental and spiritual, too, “satisfies your soul.” Forty is a turning point for women and a time when you start to see your body change and exercise in general will give you the general feeling of well being, Margiasso said. In business nine years, Agogee is a full service gym with a fully equipped Pilates studio, a cycle studio and a group exercise studio offering barre classes, Zumba, row classes and yoga, a place strictly for women to enhance their comfort level while exercising. “I find that women should be crosstraining, not stick to one modality,” Margiasso said. Margiasso advises women turning 40 to change the exercise they’ve been doing to stay younger looking. She explained that as we age we lose muscle mass. Exercise can help maintain muscle mass. Whatever exercise you do, Margiasso said to leave ample time for what she calls “recovery” by taking a yin yoga class, which consists of a series of longheld, passive floor poses that mainly works the lower part of the body (the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine). Another class Margiasso recommends for recovery is a MELT class — myofascial energetic length technique — which is based on using a foam roller that works the fascia or connective tissue. “It hydrates the joints and tissues and works on lengthening fascia,” she said. Margiasso noted everyone’s fitness level is going to be different and stresses that sleep is “huge” for women. It’s also important to know what your goal is. In addition to being a life coach to members at Apogee, Margiasso also sees clients on her own. Her advice to women who want to feel good about themselves includes doing something they enjoy every day of the week, anything from having a manicure to having lunch with friends to doing yoga on another day. “Every goal is achievable and is a winning game,” Margiasso said. Margiasso believes 40 is a special age. “You’re not a kid anymore, but you’re also in a good place,” she said. “Women should enjoy themselves.” In addition, goof posture and a great hairstyle will also go a long way. “It’s really important to have confidence,” Margiasso said. “That’s sexy. It will attract the people in your life.”
The Record-Review — Today’s Woman
Page 19
ACCESSORIES
Expanding the penchant for individuality
B
By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG
y now, we know spring fashion is a game-changer this year. Rules are being rewritten. Expectations are being broken. Definitions of what is considered beautiful, appropriate, sexy and feminine are being challenged and redefined. It’s an exciting season for fashion, driven by an energy of diversity and a hopefulness toward change. Clothing styles are big and bold, loud and proud, so it’s no wonder that accessories are following suit. Here’s what to look for to craft an individual voice that will be heard above the crowd.
FINE JEWELRY
Transparent shoes and bags Clear plastic is not just for umbrellas anymore. Transparent shoes, booties and tote bags continue modern designers’ embrace of PVC and plastic this spring. Of course, putting everything on display requires perfectly manicured toes, for your new revealing shoes, as well as expertly edited contents inside your see-through handbag. Better start looking for a stylish checkbook cover, a chic keychain and other fun accessories… like the rhinestone encrusted wallet and bright resin compact that have been patiently waiting inside your dresser for the last two years. Finally, you have a place to show them off.
sydneyevan
Top Left: Beads and textures can be worn from head to toe at Catherine H in Katonah and New Canaan. Bottom left: The message is clear with this jewelry from at I Am More Scarsdale. Right: Bags are bold and stylish at I Am More Scarsdale.
Micro and macro sunnies Teeny, tiny sunglasses pair well with the contemporary taste for oversized looks. A trend started by Bella Hadid and quickly copied by Instagram followers, microsunglasses barely cover the eyes and thus do not obscure the rest of the face. Perfect for all those selfies! To maximize the impact of barely-there sunglasses, look for frames embellished with neon outlines or speckled with glittery detail. Seek out sleek, sharp, winged edges and all black frames for a cool Matrix-inspired look. If size matters to you, don’t fret. Oversized lenses and cat-eye frames continue their popularity, as well. What’s new this season is decadent embellishment. Look for glittery and sparkly detail, jewelry-like arms, large metal hardware and colorful plastics.
Geometric handbags Handbags come in all varieties, and that’s their appeal. There’s a size and shape to satisfy every need and mood. This season is rich on structured geometric bags, such as cubes, spheres, rectangles, pentagons and diamonds. Use them to add a structure to fluid, deconstructed outfits. You will be surprised by the focus they inspire. In a variation of this trend, some designers presented collections of shaped handbags attached to belts. This style is practical for travel, sightseeing or dancing because it keeps hands and shoulders free. While reminiscent of the fanny packs from the 1980s, the fashion world is careful to call this year’s version by an updated name: “belt bag.” A more wearable, yet similar, manifestation of the bag and strap combo is this season’s mini cross-body bag. Look for these handbags to sit on short straps, hugging the side of the ribcage just below the bust.
Chunky booties, slim pumps Practical and comfortable, low-heeled booties mean business. Simple and sexy, pumps are a classic. This spring, you need both. You can walk endless blocks in well-heeled booties, without wearing down soles or tiring your feet. Likewise, when the time comes for dressing up, pumps will never let you down. Closed or open at the toes, you’ll fall in love with this season’s crop of pointy and shiny styles. Lively varieties include booties and pumps adorned with buckles, zippers and metal hardware, as well as beauties manifested in bright satins, brocade prints and oil-slick patent leathers. The season’s interest in rich detail — including sequins, feathers, bows and fringe — spills over into the most coveted footwear. Flared trousers, palazzo pants, flowing skirts and biker shorts all draw attention to the feet; so make sure to invest in fashionable pumps and booties that will complete these looks.
Ironic carryalls We all seem to schlep around so many details of life’s minutia on a daily basis. Therefore, a generous carry bag is a necessity, not a luxury. For work and play, these workhorses take a tough beating. Now, it’s time to have some fun. Carryalls, totes and satchels are throwing attitude with ironic slogans, logos graffiti-style tags and memes. They are also playing make-believe games of dressup, by approximating the look of paper sacks, convenience store carry bags and eco-friendly produce bags. Some illusions are so convincing that you have to get really close before realizing the curious “plastic bag” carried by your friend is actually a chic handbag. Look for these cheeky doppelgangers in traditional and non-traditional materials, including leather, vinyl, PVC and sequined fabric.
Red boots Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” possessed magical ruby red shoes. Now it’s your turn to experience the power of candy-apple footwear. Thigh-high red boots — in soft suede, sporty microfiber, expensive leather, raucous faux-fur and head-turning vinyl — are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. This iconic look is surprisingly wearable, so you should not be afraid to play with it. That said, you should still be prepared to turn heads, as you pair these show-stoppers with jeans, leggings, skirts and shorts. Combined with black, red boots hold the dramatic impact of poppy-colored lipstick. With pink or orange, red boots create rich tonal variations. Mixed among other colors, red boots play their role within the rainbow. However, for best impact, match these beauties to a totally red outfit. You will instantly turn up the heat. If thigh-high boots are not your thing, wear a modified version of the style, such as red calf boots or booties, instead. Capturing an intensity of unexpected color is what defines this look.
Hats Get your head in gear with a statement hat. Immensely oversized floppies, for sun and shade, continue spring’s flirtation with everything over the top. Turbans and artful headscarves conjure diva-esque drama and nod to multicultural influence. Compact and close to the head, newsboy caps, baker boy hats and cloches look chic and insouciant. Black berets signify another significant trend. Long associated with poetic representations of French fashion savoir-faire, the black beret retains its appealing femininity and timeless mystique. While it never truly goes out of style, it is experiencing a moment again this spring.
Gloves… and bracelets and rings Arm candy is back in the form of gloves. In stretch satin, shiny vinyl, buttery leather and soft knit cotton, gloves are adding elegance to fingers, hands and elbows. Current taste prefers cheeky, colorful varieties, as well as luxurious showpieces in anything-but-basic black and white. Wrist-length and opera-length are options that accommodate a variety of sleeve lengths. They are like the arm versions of ankle booties and thigh-high boots. In addition to gloves, chunky bracelets continue this season’s attraction to the arms. In hammered metal, carved wood, and molded resin, these bangles and cuffs cannot be missed. Curate a diverse collection for an unmistakable play of color, texture and material. Explore different combinations and stack up interesting selections for maximum impact. Multiple matching rings on adjacent fingers continue the attitude of “more is more.” Look for sculptural forms rather than precious jewels, and show the world that high fashion can find influence anywhere — even in an unlikely pair of brass knuckles.
Natural fibers Feel like you’re on vacation, every day. Straw handbags are not just for the beach anymore. This season’s infatuation with texture includes not only the sleek and smooth, but also the coarse and nubby. Look for natural straw bags in a variety of shapes and sizes. Use these bags every day to take you from the office to theater to school pickup to your favorite weekend coffeehouse. As spin-offs of this textural trend, raffia, sailors’ knots, rope weaves and fringed cording are showing up in belts, loose necklaces and earrings. Such accessories stand gorgeously alone; but they also play well with straw bags to capture a carefree island vibe.
give something special Jewel Corner, Inc. Established 1914
FamilyBusiness Businessfor for 33 Generations Generations A AFamily Arcade Building, Route 22, Bedford • 234-0668 Arcade Building, Route 22, Bedford
234-0668 • jewelcorner@verizon.net
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” — St. Augustine
Roberta Long-Kelleher is passionate about exploring the world, experiencing new cultures, going on exciting adventures, and sharing this wealth of information with her clients. She loves inspiring her clients to venture into new areas of the world and to realize their dream destinations. • 25 years in the Travel Industry • Honeymoon Specialist • Certified Voyager Club Cruise Host • Wellness Specialist • Adventure Specialist • Certified New Zealand Specialist • 22-Year Katonah Resident • Member, Katonah Chamber of Commerce
Roberta Long-Kelleher Luxury Travel Consultant 914-232-1380 Roberta.LongKelleher@protravelinc.com
515 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10022 212-755-4550, ext. 9388
Sneakers and socks Gone are they days of simple sneakers and gym socks. Tricked-out kicks represent the intersection of fashion and comfort. Dare to be different in sneaks adorned with elfish curls, hardline spikes, shiny studs, soft three-dimensional florals, transparent mesh or plucky knee-high laces. Ankle socks, too, have benefitted from a similar rush of creativity. When matching socks with sneakers, intentional choices curate the kind of sock/shoe combinations that are more than just practical. Fishnet, mesh and ruffled socks are game-changers, and they can even be worn with pumps and sandals, for a bootie-like aesthetic.
NUSTART FITNESS Flexing muscles to change lives
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
said. But it is also a way for them to destress, to learn about how to deal better with anxiety, to spend their energy and to lay the foundation for living healthy lives. The same is true for the adults who come to NuStart. “The biggest fear for people when they walk into a gym is how will people judge me? This is a very different place,” Venkatraman said. “Moms, younger girls, people just starting their fitness journey, every one is very supported. At a big gym, you don’t get the same tips, for example in nutrition, that we will give you. You will get the one-on-one care you need.” It all begins with an assessment session, where new clients can articulate their goals and get individual attention to learn the techniques required for TRX equip-
ment. “We want to make sure everyone knows how to do it,” Smith said. “We have at least two private classes, and then I give the green light.” She added, “We don’t discourage anyone from joining a group session but recommend a one-on-one trainer for your first sessions if you have no experience.” Once a client is ready to join a group class, because the groups are small, personalized modifications are easy to make. “I make modifications for injuries, or if we have some very strong ladies in the class, I will give them something else they can do,” Smith said. “People enjoy the group setting a lot. There is a lot of motivation and encouragement and it is fun. But we don’t push clients into one or the other.” To that end, they don’t push clients into anything, really, except exploring a healthy lifestyle. There are no fees to join
their fitness program. There are no contracts. Participants can choose between an unlimited monthly pass or a 10-class pass, whichever best fits their time and their budget. “We are both moms,” Venkatraman said. “Most of our clients are either stayat-home moms or working moms. We’ve all been there. We want people to feel that they get value for what they pay for. We are flexible. We try to make it work for everyone.” The important thing for Venkatraman and Smith is improving people’s health through fitness, no matter where they may be on their journey. This is what makes the two women very happy. “You can really make an impact on people and change their lives,” said Venkatraman. Take it from one who knows.
Upscale ~ Bohemian ~ Chic 2101 Boston Post Road Larchmont 630-2002 •