Ok, so I’ve been checking out what’s trendy this spring and summer in the fashion department, and folks, we have some good news and some bad. On the good news front, pastels are in. I’m partial to pastels. They’re soft and feminine, and in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with them. In fact, when Charlie and I got married, back when dinosaurs ruled the earth, my bridesmaids were all in different color pastels. That, my friends, was a beautiful sight!
Bright colors are in, too. So if pastels don’t float your boat, just ramp up the color. And I gotta say, a bright red or sky blue can really lift your spirits.
They’re also showing a lot of bold prints, but this can go either way. I know it’s trendy to wear more than one print, but honestly, that should not be attempted by the faint of heart. It’s a fashion faux pas just waiting to happen. Bold prints are good for an accent, though.
And white, white, white. This can look kind of stark on most people, so make sure you amp it up the makeup department. That way you won’t look so washed out. Oh, and buy some bleach ‘cause you’re gonna need it!
More good news: this season, shiny fabrics are hot. Hallelujah! Usually, we have to wait ‘til the holidays to let it shine, but this year, we get two chance to sparkle! You know, without looking tacky. Gotta love it!
So spring/summer, the colors are pretty good. The styles, on the other hand, leave a little something to be desired. I mean, crop tops? Sure, maybe if I were forty years younger and twenty pounds thinner. Ditto for the slip dress, cut outs, sheer panels and overalls. A big thumbs down on all those from the 'Women Who Run With the Moose'.
And they’re still pushing the moto jacket. Come on! Must be ‘cause they have so many of them leftover from the last three seasons. Hello! People in charge: regular folks aren’t buying these jackets, so give it up!
Here’s some good news if you’re pear shaped: wide-legged pants and tea length skirts are in. Trouble is, I’m an apple, so I’m plumb outta luck. These options bulk up the fabric where I’m thinnest, then taper to the waist which might be good if I had a waist, but I don’t. So basically these styles, along with the big sweaters and boxy shirts they’re also pushing, make me look a good ten to twenty pounds heavier than I really am. Honey, I don’t need any help in that department. The Peanut Buster Parfait down at the DQ is on it!
Now, I don’t really follow the hair trends too much, because I’m good with mine. After years of experimenting, my hairdresser Patsy and me have found something that works and I’m in a holding pattern. Besides, as you get older, you can’t get too kooky with your hair, you know, or you start looking like a clown. Me and the girls call it going Bozo. And baby, there is major Bozo potential this season: big bows, side braids, extreme side parts. Then there’s this messy look. You’ve seen it: choppy bobs, messy braids, the “slept in look.” Double yuk! Warning: don’t even think of wearing any of these to a job interview!
And what is up with this ombre hair? Have you seen this? Dark on top graduating down to light. It looks just like you’re trying to grow out a bad dye job, but folks I doing this on purpose. Really! Even some of them beautiful celebrities can’t pull this off, which means a definite pass for us mere mortals.
You know how I’m always telling you, “Trying new things keeps you young”? Well, maybe not with fashion. I say, know what works for you and stick with that. Maybe experiment a little with fun shoes or a kicky summer bag or something. Embrace the colors you like, throw in some shiny fabric and you’re good to go. Oh, and don’t forget your lipstick. Orange is big this season, which they’re saying looks good on everyone, but I’m not so sure. I’ll be sticking with my soft peach ‘cause that’s the kind of gal I am!
That’s if for now. Catch you on the flip side!
IDA's PODCAST: What's Hot & What's Not
Upcoming Shows & Book Events: Summer
July 1 Reading, Brooksville Free Library, 6:30 p.m., Brookville, ME
July 8, Reading, Belgrade Public Library, 6:00 p.m., Belgrade, ME
July 14 Reading, Freeport Community Library, 7:00 p.m., Freeport, ME
August 9 A Visit With Ida, Storytelling by the Sea, 7:15 p.m., Castine, ME
August 14 Ida’s Havin’ a Yard Sale, ACT ONE Festival 2014, 8:00 p.m., Portsmouth, NH
August 15 Ida’s Havin’ a Yard Sale, ACT ONE Festival 2014, 2:00 p.m., Portsmouth, NH
August 19 Reading, Southwest Harbor Public Library, 5:30 p.m., Southwest Harbor, ME
September 4 Ida’s Havin’ a Yard Sale, ACT ONE Festival 2014, 8:00 p.m. Portsmouth, NH
September 5 Ida’s Havin’ a Yard Sale, ACT ONE Festival 2014, 2:00 p.m. Portsmouth, NH
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