Karen Bailey (Customer Relations Manager), L. Jackson
(Personal Stylist/ Certified Lingerie Fitter) and Arden Wilkinson (Salesperson),
all from Nordstrom’s, gave us the latest in women’s fall fashion and general fashion
tips. The fall trends for 2011 are:
- · Longer Lengths (skirts that hit in the mid calf area)
- · Retro 70’s Separates
- · Exotic Skins
- · Bold Color Mixes (colored jeans)
- · Leather Sportswear
- · Shift Dresses
- · Capes
- · Faux Fur
- · Anything Animal
- · Heritage Plaids
L. and Arden used three models, Michelle Smolowitz, Harriet
Gatter, and Leslie Lowery, to demonstrate a few of these looks.
To start, the Nordstrom ladies said that there are two
things women wear incorrectly: jeans and bras. Jeans should be tight, tighter
than you would expect as they will relax after you wear and wash them (if they
fit, try the next size down). Arden recommended doing lunges and squats while
wearing the jeans to get them to that perfect fit.
In general jeans have a
higher rise this season and “flares” are in. If you have awkward bulges coming
out of your jeans, chances are you are not wearing the right rise. L. showed
her Cookie Johnson jeans that were designed for a curvier shape.
If you have a
shorter stride, go with a low rise; a longer torso should wear a higher rise. As
for the jean’s wash, if you have larger thighs, go with a clean wash as
textured wash and/or “whiskers” (lines where the jeans crease) will accentuate
thighs.
Picking the right shoe is an important part of wearing jeans. If you
are wearing flares, go with a heel particularly if you are short. Boot cut and
Flare jeans generally need to be hemmed to fit you, so pick your shoe’s height
when you have it hemmed (the hem should skim the floor, and make sure the
tailor pays attention to any detailing in the hem). A straight or skinny jean
looks great cuffed and worn with a flat shoe, or you can tuck skinny jeans into
a rider (knee length) boot (don’t wear anything but a skinny with boots as it
will bulge awkwardly). As for washing jeans, use something similar to Drift- a
petroleum free detergent. Hang jeans to dry and wash them inside out.
As for tops, look for silky blouses with scarves, boxy tops
(something your husband might wear) with an added belt at the waist for a
feminine touch.
Belts are generally specific to whether they are worn on the
pants or around the waist on a shirt (this variety usually has elastic banding
and can be tailored); if you don’t know the difference, make sure to ask! Tan
belts are versatile and belts don’t necessarily need to match shoes. Belts can
make the difference between a tailored, feminine look and a pregnancy top.
Go
the extra mile with accessories, details like faux fur, jewelery, and scarves, and don’t
be afraid of a little color.
As for outer ware, capes are a lovely choice this season, just make sure they fit and they are the right color.
The Nordstrom ladies also highly recommended a bra fitting
session. Women often buy band sizes that are too big and cup sizes that are too
small. Bra fittings and sessions with personal stylists are free.
Contact information:
L. Jackson: 704-442-6000 ext 1451, lanaysha.b.jackson@nordstrom.com
Arden Wilkinson: 704-442-6000 ext 1320, arden.e.wilkinson@nordstrom.com
