Wichita Eagle: Fashion

How to keep winter garments, shoes looking good for years to come

Cristina Bolling — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:05 CST

Winter fashions can mean big investments. Slick leather jackets, cozy cashmere scarves and sleek tall boots aren’t like the bikini you bunch up and toss in the drawer at the end of the summer.

So why not take a little time — and in some cases, a little money — to treat those investments right? After all, if properly cared for, some of those favorites could last a decade or more.

We asked experts for their best tips in caring for wool, leather, fur and more.

Spotlight shines on local media personalities for Starbird fashion show

Bonnie Bing — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:20 CST

It is possible to talk people on television and radio and those who write or shoot photos for the newspaper to step out of their comfort zone. In this case it was to be a fashion model.

When asked, most laughed until they heard that they could model with their children, their spouse or both. That had some appeal.

Organizers of the Starbird-Devlin Rod and Customs Charities Car Show asked if there could be a fashion show as part of the event Jan. 20-22. Thanks to Dillard’s and a group of volunteers, the car show was a hit, but so was the fashion show on the 21st with fashions from Dillard’s modeled by local media personalities

Beauty products we can’t live without

Bonnie Bing — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:22 CST

We all have at least one. That one product you tout, saying, “I can’t live without it.”

You probably could live without it, but you sure don’t want to. We’ve been doing favorite product surveys (using the term loosely) for years, and it never fails: People, especially women, are passionate about products they favor. Those cosmetics or skin-care lotions and potions that have been used with positive results are made available from the beauty gods. And some come at a hefty price.

Here are some of the product suggestions from readers who want to share their good fortune in finding just the right product.

Q&A with Diane von Furstenberg: Still passionate about fashion

Jennifer Barger — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:35 CST

American women probably all owe designer Diane von Furstenberg a thank-you note. After all, she liberated them from boxy suits in the 1970s with her iconic wrap dress, makes it possible for them to wear prints without looking like sofas, and helps vault young designers into the public eye as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

But at 64, she’s not slowing her invariably high-heeled pace. Last year, she launched a DVF home collection bearing her trademark prints, and this fall, she debuted a new fragrance, Diane.

Q: What does Diane the perfume smell like?

Bridal and Event Expo showcases new trends, old favorites

Annie Calovich — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:03 CST

Hannah Hunsinger is getting married in — you guessed it — June. She has a lot of the details already ironed out, including her preference for the presence of peacock feathers. Plans are to put them in her bridesmaids’ hair and in their bouquets.

She’s not so sure she’d like a print of them in the bustle of her wedding dress, however.

But she could if she wanted to. That’s one thing brides-to-be are finding out this weekend at the Bridal and Event Expo at Century II.

Shift into neutral

Bonnie Bing — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:19 CST

After the sparkle and bright colors of the holidays, it’s refreshing to shift into neutral. A wide range of white and beige shades offer an elegant look regardless of the garment.

An entire outfit of neutrals is eye-catching and gives emphasis to details, whether it’s subtle beading, fur trim, textured fabrics or feminine ruffles. Part of the appeal is the element of surprise. Winter brings dark, rich colors — and, of course, a lot of black — making an outfit of light, neutral shades a definite standout.

Author Leatrice Eiseman, in her book “More Alive With Color,” writes that there is no end to the versatility of balanced or “ideal neutrals.” These are variations of taupe and beige, the colors of sand and stone. Eiseman explains that gray is another ideal neutral.

Wardrobe updates not just for women

Bonnie Bing — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:48 CST

All right, you guys.

It’s a new year and the perfect time to get your fashion act together. If that sounds too sissy, let’s say, “it’s new and improved wardrobe time.”

While a lot of resolutions are aimed at weight loss or more exercise, not many involve giving your closet a good cleaning out and replacing things that don’t fit (that sport coat that is 4 inches from being able to button) or items so out of style, you shouldn’t be caught wearing them (that big-shouldered, leather coat that “Shaft” made so popular).

Lace provides elegant details

Bonnie Bing — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:26 CST

In the spring of 1939, Coco Chanel said this about lace: “I consider lace to be one of the prettiest imitations ever made of the fantasy of nature; lace always evokes for me those incomparable designs which the branches and leaves of trees embroider across the sky, and I do not think that any invention of the human spirit could have a more graceful or precise origin.”

Lace was around a long time before the famous designer and always has had a very special place in fashion. Whether it’s as delicate as a spider web or made to look more durable and dramatic, lace adds interest, romance and femininity to any garment.

The little black dress is a wardrobe staple, but it’s importance is heightened if it has a lace trim, lace overlay or inlay or if it is completely made of lace. Today, lace is mass-produced, but in the past decade, it’s been made more durable and more affordable. And now a huge variety of stretch lace is available.

Frugal fashion for New Year’s

BONNIE BING — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:47 CST

When the call went out for readers who consider themselves bargain shoppers to come up with a great outfit for New Year’s Eve, the catch was this: You couldn’t spend more than $20.12 for the outfit you’ll wear to ring in 2012.

The entries started arriving, mostly by e-mail. The outfits ranged from evening gowns to bright mini skirts. It was sure fun, and you can see all of the entries in a photo gallery at Kansas.com.

The judges had such a tough time deciding on only one winner in each category, resale and retail, that they decided on a tie in each one. Here are the winners!

Time to shine

Bonnie Bing — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:59 CST

Getting ready for New Year’s Eve is no time to hold back. We’ve all been sweating the economy, but let’s be optimistic and believe that 2012 is bound to bring good things.

That means regardless of how much money you have to spend, get dressed up, really dressed up, for New Year’s Eve. Just for fun, break away from the little black dress. When the opportunity arises, go for the all-out glam of a beautiful evening gown in a striking color. Not a black-tie event? Look for short, sexy dresses of silk or satin colorful prints.

If you refuse to stray from wearing black, make sure you add some razzle dazzle with sparkling jewelry or a luxurious wrap. Even if the party is casual, dress up more than usual. You’re ringing in a new year, after all. If nothing else, wear red or sparkly shoes.

Time to sparkle with accessories

Bonnie Bing — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:56 CST

Ready or not, you’re in the season when you’re supposed to razzle dazzle fellow partygoers who are taking part in the holiday social whirl. If you’ve put off wearing the sparkle, the wait is over. Even the simple little black dress is a knockout when you add some well-chosen festive accessories.

Tights and patterned hosiery add texture and a lot of interest to holiday outfits. And don’t overlook gloves and scarves. But when it comes to shoes for the holidays, put your plain pumps aside and think red. Red shoes are a fun unexpected jolt of color when you add it to a head-to-toe black outfit. With tights being worn with everything this season and boots being so important in the footwear category this year, it’s not surprising to see boots for after-five.

You can glam up from the toes of your glitter pumps to the top of your feathered and beaded headband. But if it’s a really quick fashion fix you’re after, remember the easiest way to dress up your look is jewelry, especially earrings. Just make sure they’re big and bold, shiny, shimmery or colorful, or a combination of all of these.

Hairdo tops off perfect holiday look

BONNIE BING — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:39 CST

The most wonderful time of the year is no time for a bad hair day or, more important, a bad hair night. No, ho ho.

You might have the best little evening outfit this side of the North Pole, but if you don’t do a little something special with your hair, the total look is knocked down a notch or two.

Curls are loose and sexy for this holiday season, according to the stylists from the Eric Fisher Salons and the Eric Fisher Academy. "Even braids are pulled apart for a softer look," Fisher said. "Styles this year aren’t perfectly coiffed, they’re a little bit messy and very romantic."

Metal mania: Holidays a time to shine with metallic clothing, accessories

BONNIE BING — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:48 CST

We’ve all seen the photos of what we’ll supposedly be wearing in the distant future.

In most futuristic movies, humans usually are wearing a silver metallic unitard. Thankfully, there is a hold on that particular uniform. But the shimmer of metallic fabric right now is bigger than ever. Those who shy away from shimmer and shine most of the year should reach for a metallic dress, jacket or at least an accessory for the holidays.

“Shimmering surfaces, glazed, embossed, metallics are now year-round, and not necessarily for evening,” said David Wolfe, trends analyst for the Doneger Group.

Red is festive color for all

Bonnie Bing — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:21 CST

Red. It’s the color that some people don’t wear except during the holidays. If you’re among them, now is the time!

In a sea of black dresses, red is festive. Wearing red says it’s time to celebrate and lets everyone know you’re in the spirit of the season. Colors come and go but red, in shades of cranberry to holly berry, never fails to be part of holiday wardrobes.

For those who say, “I don’t look good in red,” think again. Color experts say everyone can wear every color, you just have to find the right shade.

Relive the ’80s with nostaglic fashions, fads and films

Merrie Leininger — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:42 CST

Remember the ’80s? It was sometimes totally grody to the max, but we also were doing the truffle shuffle, were getting physical and just wanted to have fun.

Luckily, we have an entertainment industry that is lousy with nostalgia, bringing back things we didn’t ask for, such as ripped-up nylons and the cartoon “ThunderCats,” along with fan favorites, such as “The Muppets,” which will be back on the big screen Nov. 23.

There are many other chances for you to experience that warm comforting feeling of watching “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and “The Smurfs” on Saturday mornings. Here, we round up all those old things that are new again.

Ready for spring

Bonnie Bing — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:36 CST

Just after we’ve turned our clocks back, we’re finding out what will be arriving in stores next spring. Buyers and fashion writers were at the Dallas Market Center the end of October checking out the trends by visiting showrooms, watching fashion shows and attending seminars.

Gregor Simmons, owner of Gregor Simmons Ltd., a New York buying company, says she is seeing a new category in fashion and is calling it “diffusion.” “There is a new core of very talented, branded, press conscious and well-priced designers that sit at bridge price points,” she said. That means these designers are pricing their clothes at a price point that’s less expensive than designer but more expensive than contemporary lines. “This category is a delicate balance between missy and edgy,” Simmons said.

“Women in their 40s don’t want to wear their daughters’ clothes, but they don’t want to look old. Now you can take the trends and work them the way you want to because now we dictate fashion, it doesn’t dictate us,” she said.

Steampunk expo mixes sci-fi, Victoriana

RON SYLVESTER — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:44 CST

Nathanial Timm met his girlfriend at Anime Festival Wichita. She also liked Victorian-era clothing. That meant Steampunk.

Instead of dressing as a character out of a Japanese animation movie, Timm was back in Wichita this weekend in a top hat with goggles, red shirt, brocade black vest, skull rings and a cane doubling as a gun.

"My girlfriend loves the clothes, but I'm more into the accessories," said Timm, 26, who was at the Emerald City Steampunk Expo at the Hyatt Regency.

A new twist on wardrobe classics

WENDY DONAHUE — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:53 CDT

Any woman remotely interested in fashion could rattle off a laundry list of wardrobe classics: the LBD, the crisp white cotton shirt, the trench coat.

But even the classics need to be replaced now and then, and not with a carbon copy of what came before. Carbon copies, after all, are obsolete. And boring.

“Classics aren’t ever about blending in,” said Janie Bryant, costume designer for “Mad Men” and collaborator on Banana Republic’s “Mad Men”-inspired collection. “With clothing, it’s not so much about keeping the same exact pieces but maybe buying them again with a modern fit and a modern cut.”

It’s sweater season

BONNIE BING — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:18 CDT

If you like sweaters, this is going to be a great fall and winter. Your choices range from body-skimming tunic-lengths to styles so voluminous they resemble ponchos.

If you’re puzzled by what to put on during this transition season, reach for a sweater. Your choices aren’t limited to basic styles in basic colors. Go for the details.

Fur trims abound on collars and cuffs, giving sweaters a retro feel. Some are belted, others are swing style.

Plus-size ladies have wish lists for shopping

Ellen Warren — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:08 CDT

What do women want? That's a question for the ages. Let a roomful of psychologists figure it out.

But I do know what plus-size women want. Because I asked them.

They want the variety and quality of clothes that are available to "normal-size" (their words) women.