Kansas.com: Fashion

Not as quiet, please

cyndee fontana — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:37 CST

More and more, university libraries are ditching their quiet-please personas to embrace the art of noise. It's not a complete transformation — libraries still stake out quiet study areas — but a clear nod to a generation that loves caffeine, cell phones, laptops and Facebook.

Today, libraries have invited in cafes, installed comfy chairs and sofas, relaxed the ban on food and chatter and even hung flat-screen video monitors. Competition from more-casual bookstores has driven some moves.

Experts say physical and atmospheric changes dovetail with social trends and technological advances. For example, some libraries have moved little-used book collections to devote more prime real estate for purposes such as computer workstations and collaborative study areas.

Plenty of good salesclerks out there in stores

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:06 CST

Many of those experienced in the art of shopping called after reading last week's column dealing with getting help finding or buying merchandise.

"Right on, girlfriend!" Faith James said in a voicemail. "A huge, hearty Amen!" said Eleanor Franz, who called very early in the a.m. because she couldn't sleep.

Frances Kozicki made it clear in her e-mail that she hates to shop and the dislike is worse when she goes in a super-size store and can't find what she wants. "I usually just leave," she said.

Neck time

BONNIE BING — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:04 CST

Want to punch up a fall outfit that seems drab? Or add something to your wardrobe that will not only provide color, but will also start a conversation? Go for the neck. Necklaces this season are big and bold, colorful, rich in texture, and made with a wide variety of materials.

This isn't a season to go with one dainty chain. It's the season to go big or with multiple necklaces.

"Layers are hot, whether it's pearls, chains, beads — layers are the way to go," said Brooke Greene at The Pink Saloon.

Beyond beauty: Models need more than just beauty, scouts agree

BONNIE BING — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:18 CDT

Modeling scouts from around the country told aspiring models in Wichita that if they want to hit the big time they'll need more than just beauty to take them there.

The scouts came to Wichita last week at the invitation of Models and Images to look at models ranging in age from 5 to 45, both male and female.

Just as trends in fashion change, so do expectations for the qualities models should have to succeed, several of the agents said.

Fashion show provides wows at ArtAID event

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:06 CDT

ArtAID. You have to see it to believe it. Every year I go to many local events, but some of them are standouts. ArtAID, a benefit for Positive Directions, tops the "wow" category. This year it was Oct. 10 at the Cotillion.

The event included a live auction that raised $55,000. While that was exciting, for many of the 1,400 attending, the highlight again this year was the fashion show.

The ArtAID show is not just any fashion show, but instead a production that sends the audience into near sensory overload. The music is loud, the lighting is stupendous, the models range from outrageously beautiful to simply outrageous. Add dancers to the mix — and this year a stage with a trampoline — and you get an experience not soon forgotten.

Bounty of boots and bags

BONNIE BING — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29 CDT

Two items you'll want to consider having this winter as part of a fashionable wardrobe: a great handbag and a pair of boots.

With such a large selection under $100, boots are more affordable than ever. If you can swing it, get more than one pair to add extra versatility to your wardrobe.

More good news is you can get the heel height you want. Sky-high heels and even platform boots are available, but so are styles that have a mid or low heel.