Collars

Collars really make an impact on your entire look. The demure "peter pan" collar coveys an innocence that can belie the true nature of the person underneath. A dainty lace collar will make you think of a few decades back and imagine that you smell dusting powder and not even think of saying the word damn in front of that person.

 The exagerated pointed or rounded collar immediately takes you to the 60's and 70's reminding you of London or Funk. I often see coats with the shawl collar and fur surrounding the shoulders and right away think of a lovely grandmother lady or a cool hipster over in Williamsburg shopping at vintage clothing stores and making the most of a decade gone by.

In Roman Holiday, the fun black and white movie from 1953, Audrey Hepburn wears a little white blouse with a small collar throughout most of the film.  The brilliant Edith Head designed the blouse to be worn in a variety of ways; open collar, buttoned up, open collar with a small silk scarf tied around Audrey's neck, buttoned up with the scarf tied on top with the collar up; such a simple variation but to marvelous effect.

How do you get dressed?

Every day you have to do it - get dressed and put yourself out there. So how do you decide what to put on your body? I've been asking around and there are a number of ways to go about this.

Beth - She plans the night before, choosing very carefully exactly what she is going to put on in the morning according to what she has scheduled for herself the next day. Beth is not a morning person so trying to make an impact outfit would be too challenging for her in the a.m. Starting with the upper body, deciding which jacket or blouse will work, she then proceeds to figure out the skirt/slacks with shoes coming in last.

Chrissy - Picks one item out that she wants to wear that day and everything else becomes based around that one piece. She usually thinks about her choice while she takes a shower that way as soon as she's out she is ready to gather all the items. Jewelry is usually the last item chosen.

Gechi - Is rather like Chrissy; the night before she decides on the main items to be worn the next day and then makes layers in order to stay warm.

Christina - I find myself deciding a short while before I am to leave the house what I want to wear. I usually have a mantra running through my head saying, "Go, Go, Go." I find that this procedure does not always pan out too well. I often have to just say forget it and fall back on something easy and familiar. This is not to say that I look like I am half-baked, just not as adventurous as I might actually want to be. Many times I will decide that I want to project a particular image such as; rock and roll, casual sophistate, or euro-chic. When I take that route I definitely need more time to think it all out.

Patti - Always looks pulled together. She finds that putting items on the bed and carefully laying them out with their entirety is the way to go. She will change out different boots, purses, or necklaces until she has found the "perfect" ensemble. She will decide whether she will be on her feet all day or not, so shoes come first into her mind. Next, a jacket or top followed by slacks, then jewelry. The choice of a purse always is the last decision.

Kelly and Kendra - both are last minute dressers. Kelly thinks about the top first and Kendra thinks shoes first. Kelly plans out in the mind, thinking "does this go with that." Kendra is throwing on items at the last minute. Now Kendra often purchases items that are in the same color scheme and style therefore all her pieces mix and match and complement each other.

Everyone agrees that there are a few universal decisions that must be made -

* How long will I be standing or walking?

* What is the weather doing?

* Whom will I be meeting with?

We would love to hear from you if you have any input about your dressing style.

A Fashion Moment with Charles Nolan

What would you wear when you decide to take a stroll through the Gardens of the Versailles Palace? Why this wildly romantic Charles Nolan coat, of course.

Charles Nolan is a New York based designer, his own store is in Manhattan's trendy meatpacking district. Nolan is reputed for rejuvenating designer brands into successful fashion labels.

This coat is a two-piece set with a skirt, made with the same material. New To You styled an outfit with a pair of dark denim slacks and a satin cream blouse. This look goes from casual to a fashionable evening out.

A Fashion Moment with Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa is a Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer. Celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Sandra Bullock, and Heidi Klum adorn themselves with Alaïa's body-clinging garments. Michelle Obama, also loves to dress in Alaïa's designs- She's been photographed wearing an Alaïa dress to the Ballet in New York, and an Alaïa black knit dress to the NATO dinner with President Obama.

Alaïa was voted "Best Designer of the Year" and "Best collection of the Year at the Oscars de la Mode" by the French Ministry of Culture in 1984 in a memorable event where Grace Jones carried him in her arms on stage!

"It's Fashion that gets in the way of making a classic" ---Azzedine Alaïa (Harper's Bazaar 2010)

(Photo)- Grace Jones at a fitting with Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa Pink Croco Ballet Flats at New To You!

Enhancing your Wardrobe this Season!

So, did I hear it right, the recession is over? Great, let's go shopping! Well, how about this, let's shop right, and do it to enhance our wardrobe. As women, we have probably all accumulated lots and lots of garments and fabulous pieces in our closets, now we can work with what we have and accessorize it. So, make a statement with what you are wearing...its easier than you think, I promise.

Key Trends in Accessories this Season:

Statement Earrings! - Scour the house and your mother's stored-away jewelry...or come to New to You! Don't frown upon the clip-ons, there are some fabulous ones out there and can glam up any outfit. You don't have to be walking down the red carpet to pull off these head-turners, just throw them on with jeans and a simple top, and walk out the door. They make the outfit effortlessly!

Belts, Belts, and more Belts! - You are a woman, so accentuate that figure! There are millions out there, and a million ways to wear them...over a jacket, dress, collared shirt, or slung on your hips. Don't be shy, just test it out, or come in here, and we'll show you how to wear it!

A Good Bag isn't Hard to Find! - We have tons of great handbags in at New to You! World-class designers that are right on trend. If you are going to splurge this is the item to do it on. A great bag will last you for years and years if you take care of it. We have some stunning one's in here from Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balenciaga, and so many more!