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 About Style
By Ann Turner
Why Fashion Matters
In our own way, each of us contends with fashion on a daily basis. Whether we love fashion and follow it blindly, or abhor it as the banner of conformity and social elitism it has become, fashion affects us all. It has been said that women in the United States enthusiastically follow the latest fashion trends; yet it is evident that “we all” neither follow the same trends nor view any particular fad from the same perspective. Despite our diversity, when a new season is upon us, we all look forward to its changes with anticipation. We WANT change. We long for new beginnings as simple as a great shoe, or a cute top. We delight in taking a step on the road to the look that is at once transformative and transcendent.
How might we achieve that level of fashionable bliss? May a credit card become our passport to temporal nirvana? Not i n my purview… Each new season, we hear shoppers whine and complain about new fashion. In the mall, on the phone, and even by e-mail, they voice their discontent with the season’s offerings. “The clothes are horrible” “There’s nothing to buy” “The shoes make my feet look too big” “what is wrong with these designers? Don’t they know what we want?” The designers know what their customers want. As mall shoppers and specialty store habitués, most of us are not their direct customers. We are, for the most part, stepchildren of the truly fashionable; victims of trickle-down consumerism. A year after the major fashion houses strut their newest stuff in the catwalk shows, our fashion venues offer us re-hashed and diluted versions of what was most popular or wearable from previous couture lines. So, if there is nothing to buy that will transform, it is obvious that it is we who must take it upon ourselves to break the bonds of convention.
Its always fun to look for new lines and try out unfamiliar labels. Why not surprise yourself with something interesting and offbeat? Buy a piece that would look beautiful with those beads you’ve been hoarding for the last year or two, waiting for a stroke of divine inspiration. Why not make one small change in your predictable pattern this season? Take a step toward a look you have seen and admired. Whether it be a change in style as an overnight thing, such as cutting one’s hair like a well-groomed celebrity, choosing an exceptional accessory like a designer purse, or selecting clothing that matches the newest "color of the season”, we can make our own opportunities to personalize fashion. Remember that ACTION is more powerful than wishes.
A FewWords On Upcoming Fashion Trends
This fall, trends are all over the place, but a few new directions stand out. As always, follow the ones you love, and avoid the ones you don’t. The world is watching.
Fall Hair
 
This season, the focus is firmly on hair. Major trends for fall suggest that stylists have been looking at lots of ‘60s movies. The runways abound with hair any ‘60s chick would have envied. Long lanky locks held back with a bias headband, deep fringe, wide headbands, peasant braids, and long, sleek tresses abound. Though the runway hair is mostly long, the gamine look as popularized by Twiggy, is represented in the mix, as well as some radical full hair that I admire very much. Though I would not cut my own tresses to achieve it, the look is very fresh for now. And then, there is the short bob. Stylists are keeping that classic shape modern with choppy layers and a lash-skimming fringe.
Remember that if you are thinking about trying something new, it is always a good idea to take pictures to show your hairdresser; especially if you are a first time client. This gives the hair professional a chance to see what you have on your mind. If you have the hair for the look, you can personalize it to suit your texture, face shape and body.
 Here are a few links to websites about hair that are really informative.:
- Clairol.com: This site is a lot of fun because you can upload your own photo, then see how you would look with a new cut, color or style in the "Try It On Studio".
- Glamour.com/beauty: Has how-to-videos, plus (this month), they have hair pros on call to answer your hair questions and advise you about your most challenging hair issues.
- Makeupalley.com: Browse here for newest trends in hair accessories, hairstyle galleries reviews of shampoos, conditioners, styling products and advice on how to get your hair to do what you want. You can subscribe to their newsletter, too!
- Hairboutique.com: Visitors can trade tips in the forums., and the hairstyle gallery features many different styles in a variety of searchable formats.
- Naturallycurly.com: Find advice for women with curly and textured hair. Also, readers recommend curl-friendly salons.
Handbags that work
  One of the hottest accessories for this fall will be the fold-over clutch,. This bag was all over the runways for F/W 2007. I remember this look from Junior High school, in the very early ‘60s. Its cute and young. I have been expecting this trend to make its way into the retail stores along with what my grandmother used to call “swollen hair” (think Supremes). Right now, Many forward-looking fashionistas are in love with oversized clutches and the wonderful fold-over clutches that can also double a small tote. The large bags that have dominated the market for most of this year aren’t going away in the near future. Another handbag trend that is sure to remain popular is a more angular look which complements the new sleekly tailored clothes.
Jeans
The celebrity uniform for street-wear and incognito forays into society…
This fall’s jean trends are diverse. There are many looks to choose from. For instance, Grey is “the” color: yet, brightly colored jeans will be in shops everywhere this autumn. Options abound, and range from high waisted, low waisted, skinny, wide, straight, and boot-cut: just about anything goes. Wider Leg, or Trouser Cut jeans will be a staple this fall as a more “dressed up” look, and one will notice resurgence in ankle zip jeans. These are great because they are simple to get on and off as well as easy to dress up or down. Allow your preference to lead you. You cannot go wrong in jeans that fit, this fall.
 Fabric is showing some distinctive shifts in emphasis, which can be seen in the flatter, tighter, thinner weight wovens usually reserved for Men’s wear and classic tailored garments.
Plaid remains on the hot trend list this fall. I am gritting my teeth here. Its not that I do not like plaid, mind you: its more the ways plaid has been used in the industry that sets them on edge. The geometrics of plaid structure work very well within certain bounds; kilts, for instance, or Balenciaga’s cute little grey suit shown here. Garments with a boxy structure that harmonizes with the gauge are attractive. However, when we are confronted with unmatched seams, grains, and inset details, I start to lose my composure. Great swinging swaths of fabric, such as a ruana or cape are worthy of the plaid. As to the unfortunate applications plaids have recently been put to in the name of fashion, I offer two words: Bermuda shorts. Enough said?
Knits are smoother and are cut to reveal the lines of the garment. Knit Dresses are a top look this fall, and are a natural for the season. They can be worn with pumps or with boots over tights, skinny pants, or soft knit trousers with a bit of ease in the fit. Wear them with jeans or over a longer knit skirt.
Jewelry Trends
Beads are cheap and cheerful. They always seem to have a surge in popularity when the economy reflects uncertainty. Natural stone beads are big again this season. Turquoise, Peridot, Coral, Carnelian and Jade top the list of colored stones that will be in the stores this fall. Large beads in singular strand, and/or smaller bead necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets, will be featured in multi-strand compositions.
Fall Colors 2007
 Traditionally, the fall palette has been characterized as neutral. As far as I can see, this idea has no basis in fact. This season’s neutrals are punctuated with color in a mix of influences such as Irish, Gypsy, and country, offer creative opportunities for interesting and unexpected random color combinations. Subtle and distinctive hues with evocative names like Carafe, Burnt Ochre, Chili Pepper, Stargazer, Shale Green, Dusk, Green Moss, Lemon Curry, Cashmere Rose, and Purple Wine, are offered in color groupings ranging from rich, ornamental tones and Romantic shades, to a blonde collection of neutrals with a surprising red accent.
 Women of any hair or skin tone will find some great colors to work with this fall and winter.
The message for fall is change. Some people seem to resist changing the way they dress and present themselves, as if they fear change. Not changing is It can be subtle, like a new hair tone to complement an interesting new color, or a pretty scarf over a simple knit dress to draw attention to your great hair and eyes.
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