Style~ June Issue of Waterways

STYLE FILE

46 WATERWAYS | June 2019

Alta Alexander’s Altatudes boutique helps shoppers express their unique style, even when lounging poolside.

Get Your ‘tude on!

Altatudes’ Leading Lady Tackles Summer Style Dilemmas

Alta Alexander realized her childhood dream when she opened her Altatudes women’s boutique in historic East Austin in 2017. She knows how to stay true to her own style—her Tude, as she calls it—and is here to help Waterways readers stay chic this summer—and beyond.

I love hanging out lakeside or poolside with friends. How can I best accessorize so that I look stylish when sporting my swimsuit? Hats are back in a big way. Long gone are the floppy numbers you happen to find in the attic or at the bait shop. Fashionable hats with structure are all the rage and have made their way to the casual side of fashion. They’re a great way to top off our summer attire. And don’t snooze on scarves! They not only serve as a lovely bathing suit cover-up but can double as a head wrap after you get out of the water.

What are the current rules for wearing white? Am I only supposed to wear it between Memorial Day and Labor Day? In the last few years, the tradition of wearing white or a shade of it for only a certain part of the year has changed, so you now see it year-round. Some of us took a little while to get on board with this change, but the “rules” look like they’re not reverting back any time soon. You’ll continue seeing white apparel, shoes, handbags, hats and more—and they will be rocked all year long.

Party dress codes seem to be more confusing than ever, and I’m often left guessing when an invitation reads “Poolside Chic” or “Patio Wear.” Can you offer any insight and guidance? Ever since Casual Fridays and business casual attire took hold, we’ve been in a perpetual state of clothing confusion. These are some new dress code trends:

Beach Formal Think flowy dresses and billowy-legged jumpsuits in fashionable prints worn with minimal jewelry. Finish with wedges for events on a grass lawn or sandals for when the party’s right there on the sandy beach.

Smart Casual This one’s a step above dressy casual and with a stylist twist to keep it from being too boring. A pop of color and unique shoe should complete the look, keep you on trend and address the host’s dress code wishes.

Creative Black Tie A more contemporary, fashionable take on traditional black tie, this dress code offers plenty of opportunities to have fun! Think of it as a theatrical dress code, and get creative with the details, textures, unique combinations of elements—and don’t forget the embellishments.

I plan to wear a slinky cocktail dress to a midsummer gala. The air conditioning will surely be blasting for the entire event. What’s your advice for staying chic and warm in my skin-baring dress? Would a pashima scarf be déclassé? We’ve all likely been in a situation like this. A scarf or shawl can absolutely help you in a predicament, but I’d opt for a dinner jacket or tuxedo jacket. You can enter the event wearing it. If the venue isn’t an icebox, just drape it over your chair. If it’s cooler, you’re ready.

Altatudes is located at 1717 E 12th and online at altatudes.com.

STYLE GUIDE

SIZZLING SUMMER STYLES

These hot summer looks not only make you look cool but also help you stay cool when the heat is on.

Acler Wilsdon marigold dress, $682

Monies ebony spike necklace, $860

Allen Schwartz Eden lace dress, $490

Stine Goya Florence blazer, $540 Marcel tailored pant, $390

Noel Asmar Isola leather backpack, $380

Klub Nico bronze Tadeo heels, $350

Nita Suri PILO leather handbag, $888

Allen Schwartz Eliza striped smocked blouse, $265 wide-legged pants, $315

Monies multistrand leather bracelet, $465

Klub Nico Adelyn nubuck heels, $160

Viavai The Patsy two-piece dress, $395

Stine Goya Milo check t-shirt, $100

Rebecca Taylor textured stripped top, $275; Matching pants, $395

Intentionally Blank black Roll mules, $198

Monies dome ring, $120

Monies bone earrings, $270

Allen Schwartz Jaxton satin cami, $215; Jordan satin track pants, $320

STYLE FILE

50 WATERWAYS | June 2019

Hot Days, Cool Dressing

What to Wear to Survive Summer in Style

By Lisa Sikora

Summers in Austin are filled with sunshine and heat, so howshould you dress to stay cool? Here’s some guidance for thebest ways to dress fashionably and comfortably when theheat is on.

Get Loose Go for looser cuts and styles. Looser is definitely cooler in hot weather because loose-fitting clothing creates a layer of air between your skin and your clothing to release body heat. Based on that same principle, you should avoid skintight clothing that constrains your body and traps heat. Also, if you don’t have to, don’t tuck in your shirt! That extra fabric pushed against your skin only makes the heat feel more oppressive. Here are some apparel options that are sure to help release the heat:

• A-line dresses, with a loose fit for your arms, chest and waist

• Tops that do not hug your stomach or torso

• Shorts and skirts that fit loosely around your waist and legs

• Unlined blazers and jackets

• Cropped wide-leg pants If you find yourself in a situation when only jeans will do, select the lightest weight of denim you can.

Make Smart Fabric Choices As the temperature rises, selecting clothing made of breathable fabrics becomes even more important. You’ll be most comfortable in cotton, linen, rayon and blends of those three during the dog days of summer thanks to their ability to absorb moisture and let air in. Avoid seersucker, chambray, eyelet and jersey, which are warm-weather winners. Keep in mind too that light colors reflect light and heat, so push those black, navy and other dark-colored garments toward the back of the closet to make room for whites and pastels and the like because they’ll keep you cooler than darker colors in the good old summertime.

Layer Air-conditioning is our best friend and a lifesaver during an Austin summer. However, all the loose-fitting, lightweight, breathable clothes we wear to survive the heat don’t offer much insulation when the AC making an indoor space quite frigid. Layering is the key to staying comfortable when moving between home, office, shopping and dining out. Don’t leave home without a blazer, shawl or cardigan so that you’re prepared for the 30-degree temperature change between indoors and outdoors.

Accessorize Adroitly When the mercury is soaring, you don’t have to leave behind those little additions that can transform an outfit. When selecting jewelry and scarves, select lightweight and colorful accoutrements to dress up your ensemble without weighing >>

52 WATERWAYS | June 2019

you down in the heat. As for the bottom-most element of an outfit, your shoes, keep in mind that feet tend to swell in the heat. Keep your tootsies cool by wearing flats, sandals or even peep-toe or perforated shoes. Don’t overlook an opportunity to top off an outfit with a great hat. Brimmed hats are perfect for when you’re outside because they protect your face from the sun and save your head from the heat.

Pull It All TogetherNeed inspiration for putting this guidance into practice? Check outthese ensemble recommendations.

Sleeveless dress and blazer. A sleeveless dress is a perfectly versatile choice, and you can handily dress it up or down. It’s also easy to throw it on at the last minute if you’re rushing out the door. Have the blazer handy for when you’re at the office or at an appointment. Enjoying supper out? Throw on a light, colorful scarf to add glow to your face.

Cropped pants with short-sleeve blouse and cardigan. Triple-digit heat doesn’t rule out pants entirely from your summer wardrobe. Just skip the skinny-cut styles, and opt instead for a looser-fitting, slightly cropped silhouette. Wear a loose short-sleeve blouse, and bring along a cardigan to throw on when you get cold at work. Since the pants are a little slouchy, add a pair of heels to add length to your legs and dress up the whole outfit. A statement necklace pulls the entire look together.

Skirt, Camisole and Blazer. Pair a colorful flowing skirt with a blazer in a solid color and a matching camisole or a nice t-shirt. These pieces offer quite a bit of comfort and still look very polished. Add dramatic earrings for fun.

If you keep in mind these suggestions, you can beat the summer heat and stay chic.