Double Bags…

double bagSo let’s continue to examine the highlights of New York Fall Fashion Week 2019. This one I absolutely love…Double Bags…

Imagine you’re visiting your favorite specialty shop. You find a handbag you adore, yet the salesperson chimes in, “Actually, there is a second bag that coordinates with the one you are holding. That’s the way they’re carried this season…Two bags…”

Yes, the runway showed models carrying two coordinated handbags. I love the look, but frankly, I have enough trouble keeping up with one purse. Imagine, two…But it’s totally brilliant on the part of the designers. Why sell one satchel when you can sell them as a set?

I’m keeping my eyes open to see if this trend catches on…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

Karl Lagerfeld…

karl_lagerfeld-getty-h_2019_

Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic fashion designer and artistic director of Chanel, has died at the age of 85 from pancreatic cancer.

Lagerfeld’s career took off upon his move to Paris in 1954 after a hand-drawn wool coat earned him an apprenticeship with Pierre Balmain. He worked for Chloe in the mid-60s, and then it was on to Chanel. Lagerfeld also served as creative director for Fendi as well as designing for his own label.

I personally grew to appreciate Lagerfeld’s use of layering in his designs as well as the blending of bold colors with neutrals. He influenced the world of fashion for decades and will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace Karl Lagerfeld…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

Meanwhile, back on the runway…

0215_fall2019mary janes

Pictured: Batsheva, Vaquera, Opening Ceremony

So they’ve been in, and they’ve been out…Well, they’re back again! Mary Jane’s have shown up on the runways of New York Fall Fashion Week 2019. The current incarnation of this classic style is color, color, color…

The name Mary Jane comes from a character in the Buster Brown comic strip from the New York Herald. First appearing in 1902 and drawn by R F Outcault, Mary Janes were the shoes for which all little girls pined. In the 1950s, there were even versions for boys as well.

Over time, many alternative interpretations of the Mary Jane were created and even adults were intrigued. With variations of materials and colors, they have remained a staple in many wardrobes. Worn by the likes of child star Shirley Temple, sixties fashion model Twiggy, and nineties rocker Courtney Love, the popularity of this shoe was bound to return, as it now has.

For the fall 2019 season, you’ll see Mary Jane footwear in a wide variety of bold hues and heel types. Wear them with dresses, trousers, shorts…Dress them up or keep it casual. A single pair of this classic will add interest to any outfit. Stay with Mary Jane and…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

Barrettes are Back, Baby!

barrettesSo, it’s time to search your drawers for those much-loved Goody barrettes because they’re back, baby! Yes, the hair accent that you wore in your younger years is making a comeback. At New York Fashion Week, they have been declared the “it” accessory for the coming season.

Think snap clips, think jeweled clips…Barrettes can add some fun to any ensemble. They’ve been seen on the streets of New York and are worn on one side with your hair down. Adding this adornment is an easy and inexpensive way to step up your style.

So find those old favorites that you couldn’t quite part with back in the day or head to the nearest drugstore or mall. You’ll see barrettes everywhere, and you’re sure to find something that will make you a standout!

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

Iris Apfel…

Iris Apfel 2

So have you heard of Iris Apfel? I want to be just like her when I grow up. She’s a 97-year-old business woman, designer, and fashion icon who just signed with the IMG agency as a model. This is the same agency which represents Bella Hadid and Chrissy Teigen. Not bad for a nonagenarian.

Iris caught everyone’s eye in 2005 when an exhibition about her sense of style premiered at The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. From there an “Accidental Icon” was born. Iris has inspired women of all ages to take a chance with fashion. Bold colors, multiple layers, mixed accessories? The more, the better! In 2018, Iris even had a Barbie doll crafted in her image by Mattel.

Want to learn more? Check out my favorite influencer Iris Apfel on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/IrisApfelofficial/

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What were they thinking?

walkers

Photo credit: The Walking Dead

 

So early on during my viewing of the AMC series The Walking Dead, I had an ongoing thought. People who would eventually become zombies (on the show they are referred to as walkers) left their homes on any given day wearing the clothing that they would wear well, forever.

So my question is: What were they thinking?

Seriously, have you observed the unacceptable fashion choices of said walkers? Yes, the attire is dirty and torn due to the inherently messy life of a zombie, but overall they would be an assault on my vision even before they started their wandering state.

Take the photo above. The outfits are not fit for anyone to wear, whether walker or not. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be caught dead in those outfits (pun intended). If I knew I would meander about the countryside in only one ensemble, I’d give more careful consideration to my options.

Now, I’m not suggesting they should wear tuxedos or cocktail dresses, but a little color wouldn’t hurt. And how about some accessories?

So take a good look in the mirror the next time you leave the house just in case a zombie apocalypse hits. Or just in case you run into me…

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

 

 

Start with the shoes…

photo of woman touching right heeled shoe beside wall
Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery on Pexels.com

So when you start your day, how do you go about coordinating your wardrobe? Do you have a shirt in mind that drives the entire ensemble or perhaps some accessories lined up? Well, I usually start with the shoes…

The shoes are a critical fashion element as they are a focal point. Everybody notes awesome shoes.

So am I feeling fun or sexy? I’ll start with the heels. What’s the weather? If it’s cold, then those heels take the form of boots. If I’m leaning more toward sensual, I may wear boots that travel over the knee. What if the weather’s hot? High strappy sandals win.

If I’m feeling casual, what type of casual is this? Am I going to be walking far? Then a cute pair of sneakers will do the trick. A standard out and about day might dictate ballet flats or sandals. Combat boots are great for winter.

And don’t get me started on the importance of color. Or heel shape…Do I want a narrow heel, block heel, or wedge?

Once I have the shoes, I build the ensemble from there. Wait a minute…Which handbag?

 

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

Where’d my 20/20 go?

woman holding book
Photo by Dzenina Lukac on Pexels.com

A funny thing happens when you turn 40…Your vision begins to gradually tank. Imagine how bad it gets in your 50s…

And the older I get, the more pairs of readers I need. First of all, my visual acuity depends on what I’m doing. Am I reading? That requires one pair of glasses. Am I working on my computer? A different magnification may be required. If I actually wish to see my food when we dine, yes, I grab another pair.

And don’t get me started on the fashion component. You see, I like different looks, so that requires many alternatives.

I also continually lose my readers. I leave them in restaurants, in the grocery store, at friends’ homes…They are scattered throughout the house.

So what is the answer to this vision conundrum? Dollar Tree!!! My husband turned me on to this ideal location for purchasing my spectacles as I need so many. I was skeptical until he came home one day with a pair.  I was surprised that they were of such decent quality. If they do break, who cares? And if I lose them, it is no cause for alarm. Plus, I can own dozens…

So fulfill your love for eyewear without breaking the bank. Stop by your local Dollar Tree.

And, no, they are not paying me for this plug.

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

 

 

Lovin’ me some Versace…

versace plaids for blog What comes around, goes around. That phrase is particularly relevant when it comes to fashion. I was peeking at my Instagram account this morning, and I stumbled upon pictures posted by one of the many amazing designers I follow, Versace. I was spellbound by the most eye catching plaids that I’ve seen in years.

Now plaids have been popular during many a fashion season, but this particular 2018 collection is reminiscent of attire worn by the character Cher Horowitz in the classic 1995 movie Clueless. The 1990’s had a very distinctive style, much like every decade. The trick is for the designer to add a fresh twist to an old favorite to make something we’ve seen before look totally new and unique. Versace very successfully achieved this goal. The contrasting colors that work so well together, along with the pattern mix, create a magical and memorable look.

I recall back in the mid 1980’s my late Uncle David had an awesome pair of paisley swim trunks. Paisley was quite “in” at that time, and I was impressed that he was so on point fashion-wise. When I asked him where he acquired them, Uncle David responded, “I have no idea. I got them 20 years ago.”

So hold on to your favorite fashion people…If you wait long enough, it will come back in style.

Photo Reference: (https://fashionista.com/2018/02/fashion-week-fall-2018-trend-clueless-plaid)

Stay groovy…

–Susie