"Kentucky Fashion" is NOT and Oxymoron

The definition of oxymoron: [(ok-see- mawr -on)] "A rhetorical device in which two seemingly contradictory words are used together for effect: “She is just a poor little rich girl.”" When I chose the name "Kentucky Fashion" for my Facebook, Twitter, Polyvore and Blog name it never occurred to me that someone might think it was an oxymoron. I thought it described what I was attempting to do....bring a little fashion and style advice to my Friends in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Nearly a year later I realize that not everyone believes there are fashionable women in Kentucky but that's their perception not mine. I have received a lot of favorable feedback from people who read my pages and view my Sets on Polyvore so I will continue with my rewarding "hobby." As I have traveled around the country I have shopped in some very fine establishments. Quite often I am asked where I am from. No doubt my "Kentucky Twang" is revealed when I answer. Occasionally, I sense the sales person assumes I am a hick or a country bumpkin. I try to smile so she will see that I have all of my own teeth since that is often in question. Salespeople, who treat me with so little respect, will not enjoy the commission from a possible purchase. I am sure they are trained to weed out those who appear to be serious shoppers from those who are just curiousity seekers. I have studied the history of fashion, read many biographies of the most famous fashion designers, have a subscription to "Vogue" and "W" magazines and keep up with fashion trends on the Internet. I am always clean, well dressed with make up applied and my hair fixed when I go shopping. If I choose to visit a designer boutique it stems from a passion for the work of that designer, not just because I want to look at "bling." Below are some tips for people who would like to browse designer boutiques and retail shops that offer high end merchandise. Kentucky Women are not backward but we may be shy about entering an establishment only to be greeted by icy stares or someone who makes us feel as if we don't belong. When I visit a designer boutique or high end shop I am always very careful when I handle the fine fabrics used to make the clothing and scarves. Instead of grabbing and pulling on a hanging garment I use the back of my hand in a vertical position to gently go in-between the garments. I move the hook of the hanger by sliding it to the right or the left. If I handle the fabric I start at the inside of the hem. Not only does this protect the fabric if my hands have oil on them from lotion but it also demonstrates to the sales staff that I respect the fine fabric and construction of every garment I touch. I was fascinated by the tiny chains that were interwoven in a "Chanel" tweed fabric used for a long jacket. I carefully brought the jacket closer to me so I could see it better. I ask the sales staff a lot of questions so they will know that I am serious and not there to waste their time. I would never try on a pair of designer shoes unless I was planning to purchase them. If you do be sure to ask for a "footie" or whatever they offer to cover your bare foot. Never stick your bare foot into an expensive designer shoe, it is very rude and disrespectful. I always ask the sales person to open and close handbags or pull scarves out of the display case to spread out on the counter. I put my hands behind my back to show respect for their products. I ask them to bring only one jewelry item out of the case at a time. Again, this shows respect and creates trust. I think it is a good idea to take children and grandchildren into stores that sell high end goods. They need to learn how to behave when surrounded by items they don't normally see.

Nude Hosiery

Nude hose. They've gotten a bad name over the past few years as women opted for a bare leg look. That's fine if you have perfect looking legs. Tanning helps too but we don't always have the time. I like nude hose as long as they are a "body match." I learned about this while judging Junior Miss pageants years ago. If you can find hose and shoes that match your skin then your legs are going to look better. If you have varicose or spider veins the nude hose will smooth them out visually. Department stores always have samples of their hose near the displays. Put your hand inside the samples until you find your "body match." Always check the size chart on the back because all of them are different. If in doubt and if your budget allows buy a pair from at least two different manufacturers. If one fits save the packaging so you will know what to buy the next time. My Grandmother Ruby taught me to put on a pair of white nylon gloves before handling my hosiery. She said it keeps them from getting pulls and runs from rough fingernails and rings. They last longer too. The gloves are sold in Bridal departments and Bridal shops. I launder my hose in a lingerie bag in the washing machine and hang them up to dry. I don't like hose worn with open toe shoes or sandals. I have a pair of hose without toes in them but they tend to cut off my circulation. The gloves work well for handling opaque tights too. I'm still wearing some that I've had since 2005.

Designer Handbags

Designer handbags: A lot of women I know would never dream of spending $$$ or $$$$ on a handbag. Even though the quality and style could never be matched in a less expensive bag. A high quality handbag can be worn with everything but a cocktail dress or an evening gown. It will be your constant companion and is large enough to hold everything you need while at work or running the grandkids to ball games. It is an "investment" piece. It will raise your self-confidence by making you feel put together even if you aren't. A designer handbag in black or brown will go with just about everything in your closet. I know this because my husband bought me a beautiful black designer bag for my birthday two years ago. I've carried it every day since. Using "fashion math" I took the price of the bag and divided it by the number of days I've used it. It came out to a very insignificant amount per day. The bag is well designed and comfortable to carry. There are no rough edges and or too much embellishment. It looks sleek and is just the right size to carry everything I need. Christmas is right around the corner so do a little browsing on your favorite designer's website. Stop and look at the higher priced bags in local department stores. Let your family know you would like one and maybe everyone will pitch in and give mother/grandmother a beautiful designer handbag for Christmas or her next birthday. ♥

Some Tips From My Dressing Room

To make your manicure last longer or if you just like your nails to have some shine I recommend "Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat." If your coat hangers leave bumps on the shoulders of your tops, keep a travel size spray bottle of water handy. I spritz the area and smooth the bumps out and the fabric is dry and flat before I leave the house. I also carry one in my luggage to spritz my hair and to get wrinkles out of my clothes. If I don't have time to do my hair before leaving the hotel room I just dampen it with water in the spray bottle and use a wide tooth hair pick to rearrange my hair where I've slept on it. My sewing basket has needles pre-threaded with at least 10 different colors. It's easy to make quick repairs and replace buttons. I don't like panty lines and I refuse to wear thong underwear at my age so the compromise is "Bali Skimp Skamp" panties in black and nude. They are soft and slick so clothing glides over them and they are very light weight so you can't tell you are wearing anything. They are especially comfortable if you are long waisted like I am because they stretch to fit. The lady at Von Maur told me that a new panty called a "shaping shortie" is flying off the racks. The tag reads: "maximizes comfort while giving you a hug around the middle." www.yummielife.com

Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition

Normally I don't watch the show but something about Sally grabbed my attention. Maybe she reminded me of so many women I've known. Weighing in at over 300 pounds was shocking. I don't know why since we've all seen this type of show in the past. Maybe it was the sadness in her eyes as she spoke about her three year old son. She wanted to be alive to raise him with her husband. Her story was a bit different from most. She was not an overweight child. She gained weight after a terrible accident that broke her leg and ankle in several places. After being examined by her physician she was cleared to proceed with the personal trainer, the star of the show. I don't know about you but if I had come home from a trip away for extensive personal training I probably would be thinking about the comfort of my home and being surrounded by all the things that I love. While Sally was away the trainer's "team" renovated her living room and kitchen. They removed her sofa, TV and other items, painted the walls bright blue and moved exercise equipment into the space. They had cleaned out and organized her kitchen so there was nothing left that wasn't on her meal plan. I can't imagine how difficult this must have been for her husband and son. To top it off there was a camera mounted in the ceiling pointed at the exercise equipment so the trainer could log onto his computer and see what she was up to. Sally could never reach her weight loss goals so everyone was very disappointed in her. She had plenty of excuses...some of them legitimate. Eventually she was sent to see a counselor to get to the root of her food issues. In my opinion the counselor should have been the first stop not the last. Many people overeat to comfort themselves because they have not successfully dealt with emotional traumas and issues. Self-loathing is usually lurking underneath the surface from one diet failure after another. It took Sally a year to lose the weight through regular, daily exercise and eating fresh foods in proper proportions. She qualified to receive surgery to remove 6 square feet of loose skin. Recovering from that kind of surgery must be very painful. The show ended with her looking very beautiful and happy. I hope that her husband, who didn't look very supportive in the beginning, will help her keep the weight from coming back on. It's important for anyone living in the home of a morbidly obese person to do their part by not bringing fattening foods and beverages into the home. No one has that kind of willpower day in and day out and will eventually fall back into unhealthy behaviors. Here's the episode on ABC: http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-weight-loss-edition/episode-guide/207-sally

"Burgundy is the New Black"

Nina Garcia of "Marie Claire" magazine and the TV show "Project Runway" says "Burgundy is the new black."  I've noticed some very beautiful burgundy clothing and accessories in magazines and on the Internet recently.  There have always been burgundy lip and nail colors but I caution women over 50 to be careful when wearing them.  Dark lipsticks can bleed into the tiny lines and wrinkles around the mouth.   If you plan to wear them be sure to buy a lip pencil in the same color.  After lining and filling in your lips, dust with loose powder to set the liner in place.  This will keep you from having a dark line around your lips as your lipstick wears off.  After applying your lipstick blot the excess off with a tissue and add some clear gloss just to the center of your lips.  This will make them appear wider.  Dark lipstick on thin lips will make them look even thinner so if you don't want that look opt for a nude or pink lipstick to wear with your burgundy clothing.

Burgundy nail polish will be high maintenance. If you don't use a lot of top coat on the edges it will chip off very easily.  As your nails grow out the area next to your cuticle will show.  You will have to touch up that area by applying another coat of polish to your entire nail.  The negative side of dark nail polish is that it will accentuate age spots on the back of your hands. If you don't like the appearance of your hands then opt for a nude nail polish.  Nude will make your fingers and nails appear longer and will not draw attention to age spots, veins and freckles.  Always apply sunscreen to the back of your hands so you won't get additional spots.

I'm sure there will be burgundy hosiery for sale this season.  I think it will be hard to coordinate that color with anything other than black.  If you choose burgundy opaque tights for instance, don't wear a burgundy dress or skirt.  It would be better to wear black and add a touch of burgundy close to your face with a scarf or jewelry.  Garnets are a beautiful stone to wear next to the face and are not very expensive.

When I was growing up we wore Bass Weejuns that were called "Oxblood." This is very close to Burgundy, maybe not as dark.  If you like to shop in vintage and resale shops look for Oxblood loafers.  They look great with everything from jeans to wool plaid skirts.  They are comfortable for wearing to work especially if given a fresh coat of polish.  Loafers can usually be re-soled at a shoe repair shop.  If you find old ones take them directly to a shoe shop to have them reconditioned. If you cannot find loafers in the women's shoe department check the men's shoe department.  Men have always worn loafers and you might be surprised by their comfort and style.

Burgundy dresses of every length are elegant and beautiful.  They look just as good as an LBD (little black dress) for special events.  The nude and metallic shoes you wore all summer will look beautiful with burgundy.  Unless the colors are identical don't try to match a burgundy dress, skirt or slacks with burgundy shoes.  It will make you look very "dated" and old fashioned.  Black shoes would be better if you don't own nude.  Look for nude shoes every time you shop.  You never know when you will find the perfect pair that comes close to your skin color with the perfect heel and style.  A nude pump is a good investment because it can be worn all year and with just about everything in your wardrobe.  I believe if you have black and nude shoes in your closet you don't necessarily need other colors.  Nude shoes make your feet almost disappear in photos unlike white shoes that almost always make your feet look larger, especially in photos.

A little burgundy can go a long way.  Only wear one piece at a time.  It's a nice color to add to your accessories if you don't want to invest in clothing or shoes.  Check out the collection of scarves in consignment and resale shops.  It was popular in the early 1970's so I'm sure there are scarves still in circulation from that time and made of very nice fabrics like silk and wool.

Have We Become Desensitized?

I love watching old movies and by "old" I mean from the 1930's, 40's, 50's and 60's.  I like them because they usually depict old standards of morals, values, modesty and respect.  The good guy or gal wins because they have taken the right path even if it was full of challenges.  They win because they are supported emotionally or physically by family and friends.  They are given support because they are doing their best to right a wrong, make order out of chaos, clean up what has been soiled, heal the sick, tend to the wounded in body, mind or spirit and save the good people from the evil ones.  If a character is an evil person it is shown at the end of the movie how that person didn't win because the good guys and gals stuck to their morals and values and things turned out right.

Movies are usually works of fiction not documentaries.  In the past the only movies with guns were depicting cowboys or wars stories.  Hollywood excelled in movie making during the Great Depression and World War II that helped people get through the hardships of their daily lives.  The movies made after the attack of Pearl Harbor were meant promote patriotic feelings. Americans were busy supporting  the war effort through rationing and needed an emotional boost from time to time.

There was a change in the way Hollywood made movies in the following decades.  At a time when women were struggling with equality, the movie producers began to depict them in less than flattering ways.  Instead of women's costumes being modest they began to show more and more skin.  Some female movie stars refused these costumes and insisted on modest clothing.  They knew they were role models for women and didn't want to depict a woman who had loose morals.  A woman's body should be sacred and not be used to entertain others.  How will young men learn to respect their female peers if all they see are scantily clad women and how they are used and abused by the male characters?

We have become so desensitized that we no longer notice when girls and women are depicted in the media as "things" rather than human beings.  I'm paying more attention now and when I feel uncomfortable watching the way a woman's character is being played I pay attention to the advertisers that sponsor the show.  I vow not to purchase whatever they are selling.  My husband and I have walked out of movies due to the violent content and refuse to see movies that are full of gratuitous violence, especially violence against women.  We will not support movies and TV shows that try to desensitize us into accepting whatever is put on a screen.

I've noticed a lot of low cut women's clothing on the racks.  I've seen women in the workplace wearing these garments.  They have to adjust their tops frequently to cover their cleavage which is never appropriate in the work place.  It's difficult to dress appropriately when the clothing is of such poor design.  The fabrics are too thin and cling to the body in an unflattering way.  Women, especially plus size women, are frustrated by the lack of good quality, conservative clothing for the workplace.  We need to stop buying inferior garments so the stores will have a surplus at the end of a season.  Maybe then their buyers will get the message.

Handmade Jewelry from Arizona

This is a beautiful handmade necklace.  It's sterling silver with black glass beads.  To see all of Annelle's jewelry please visit her website:  www.byannelle.com

Modern Day Classic Dressing

The "Set" shown below, "Modern Day Coco Chanel," is an illustration of a classic outfit that will never go out of style.  The LBD, Little Black Dress, can also be a black shell and skirt if separates fit better.  If slacks are available in the same fabric and color buy them too if the budget permits.  I own five black dresses in various styles and lengths.  If Navy blue is more flattering on your skin tone then always look for Navy dresses when shopping on-line or in the stores.

A cream sweater is a good investment because it can be worn three seasons of the year, at least in Kentucky.  Buy the best quality you can afford.  The sweater shown in the Set below is a cashmere blend so that means it is extra soft and beautiful.

A woman should have a signature scent.  Always test perfume on your own skin. It takes a little while for the fragrance to blend with your own body oils so wait about 30 minutes before making a purchase. Department stores usually have sticks of paper near the sample perfumes so you can spray some on the paper and take it home.  Take several different brands home so you have a good choice.  Jot down the name of each sample so you'll know which one to buy.

A "Kitten" heel shoe is more comfortable than a higher heel for women who have foot problems and pain.  It's a classic heel and can make an outfit look a bit dressier than a wedge or a flat shoe.  The shoes illustrated in the Set below are called "cap toe." Coco Chanel believed that the black cap on a cream shoe made a woman's foot look smaller.  Many shoe manufacturers make flats and heels with a cap toe.  This is a classic style that has stood the test of time.

A black leather purse with a chain strap is also very classic.  A navy blue one is a good idea if your "Palette" is navy rather than black. Chains reflects light, that's why Coco Chanel used them on her handbags, and it can make a purse look a bit more dressed up.  If you can find a quilted bag all the better.  The added texture of the quilting adds interest.  It can also be worn with casual outfits too.

If you cannot afford genuine pearls then opt for faux (fake) ones.  A simple strand of pearls is very classic and can be worn with everything from an evening gown to blue jeans.  If genuine pearls are not in your budget opt for faux pearls.  Buy necklaces and bracelets with good quality clasps if you are buying faux items.  Vintage stores, antique malls and flea markets are good places to buy pearl jewelry. Look for strands that have tiny knots in between each pearl.  That adds strength and durability.  Be sure to soak them in water every once in a while to keep them clean and the string hydrated.  Look for pearl stud earrings made of sterling silver, surgical steel or 14 karat gold.

Black undergarments are another basic that I consider a good investment.  A good fitting black bra, shape wear, panties and half slip will keep you looking sleek under your LBD.  If the bra strap happens to slip out from under your black dress it's not as noticeable as a white or colored bra strap.  I've never liked the look of bra straps showing under any circumstance.  If you wear a bra under a garment with spaghetti straps then choose a bra that closely matches the garment color or opt for a strapless bra.

Having these classic items in your closet means that you will be ready for almost any event even with short notice.  Get in the habit of sending your LBD's to the cleaners to keep the deodorant and perfume from damaging the fabric and to keep them ready to go at a moment's notice.

I like clear anti-perspirants because they don't leave white residue on dark clothes.  I'm allergic to some of the ingredients in clear products so I have to use the regular formulas.  I place a clean tissue under each  arm after applying deodorant so the excess will be absorbed and not rub off on my sleeveless LBD's. Applying it after getting dressed is the safest way to keep you from getting residue on other areas of the garment too.

I suggest you get ready in this order: dress, anti-perspirant, hair spray, perfume (I spray it in the air and walk under it, keeps it from being too strong) and pearls.  You never want to get hair spray or perfume on genuine pearl jewelry.  If this happens remove and wash them immediately.

Being "Ready to go" at a moment's notice will allow you to say "YES!" instead of "no" to invitations and special events.  Create an outfit that will always be waiting for the next invitation or special evening.  Being prepared will give you confidence which is one of the most attractive attributes of a woman.  When you LOOK good you FEEL good!

Short Hairstyles and Make Up Tips

I've created a Pinterest board just for photos of short hair styles and make up tips. http://pinterest.com/KentuckyFashion/kentucky-fashion-hair-beauty/

Adventures in Shape Wear

Shape wear has been around for a very long time.  Boned and wired corsets come to mind when I think back to a time when women's bodies were tortured into eye pleasing silhouettes. I'm sure if I were to delve into history I would find that the creators of these "cages" were men.  I don't know why a woman would fantasize about going back in time and living like that.  I think high heels were designed by a man, possibly a king, who wanted a shoe that would disable a woman when she tried to run away from his advances.  I've seen photos of Asian women whose feet are completely misshapen from "binding."

Now it's 2012 and we have "shape wear." Most people have heard of the brand "Spanx" by now.  Other companies sell similar products like Victoria Secret and Vanity Fair. I am old enough to remember wearing a long leg girdle to high school.  It had garters sewn inside the legs to hold up our stockings.  I was too thin to wear a girdle for the obvious reasons.  I wore one to have a smoother line on my backside since an elastic garter belt cut across my bottom in a very unflattering way.  Pantyhose were invented when I was around 16 or 17 but they were a far cry from the pantyhose of today.

A lot of women I know haven't owned a pair of pantyhose in over a decade. It was always a hassle to find the right size and fit and then if you got a runner in one leg you had to throw the whole garment away, unlike stockings.  Most women just wore slacks and Knee Hi's if needed for foot comfort.

I'm not sure when it started but perhaps we can blame the "no stocking legs with high heels" on shows like "Sex in the City." It IS true that your foot does not slip and slide as much when heels are worn without slick hose.  Unfortunately not all women's legs look good bare.  Many women over  certain age have varicose and spider veins.  Hosiery improves the look of legs that are less than youthful.  Many women opt for laser removal of the veins and enjoy the benefits especially when self tanner is applied frequently.

Control Top Pantyhose used to take the place of a pantie girdle.  When women quit wearing them it meant that their clothing was not going to be as attractive from the waist down.  Some women wear thong underwear which sometimes makes their backside look worse.  Thong underwear is for younger women who have zero cellulite and almost no loose skin or "jiggle." I've seen plenty of older women get up from a chair and have their dress, pants or skirt actually stuck in their "nether regions." I don't know a graceful way for a woman to pull out that fabric in public without embarrassing herself.  Thongs may work for some with pantyhose and sturdy jeans.  New underwear fabrics can make a panty line almost invisible.

The next time you go shopping in a store or on-line check out the new shape wear garments.  Buying a size larger than you think you will need will enable you to get used to wearing shape wear. After you are used to the fit and feel you can order a size smaller for times when you really want to look slimmer under a nice dress for a special event.  These garments can raise the self-esteem by making a woman feel thinner and more put together.  As with all undergarments you really only need to buy Nude and Black.  Nude looks best under whites and pastels and black looks best under dark and black clothing. I have a black one made by "Miraclesuit," the bathing suit company.  It is black and goes from the bottom of my bra to my lower thigh.  I love the way it makes me feel under my black and dark dresses and skirts.  Try one.......you'll never know until you do!

Look below at my "Shape Wear" Set for some examples of new ways to look and feel your best.