Archive for November 2006
Nov 22 2006
Sweater Set
Mint Main - 4 years ago - Kathryn Lovell
Sweater, n: garment worn by a child when its mother feels chilly.
Ambrose Bierce, 1842 – 1914
| I think Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of sweater season. Whether you cozy up in cashmere, are merry in merino or bundle up in a blend, chances are you’ll don a sweater this holiday weekend. And, while we take sweaters for granted, they are relatively new to the textile world. Here are some ways to be stylishly snuggly and a brief history of knitting.
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Earl of Cardigan  The oldest truly knitted item is a pair of socks found in Egypt dating back to about 1100 AD. Small items and undergarments were the only knits until sweaters appeared in the 16th century. Cardigans showed up during the Crimean War (1853 – 1856), courtesy of the Earl of Cardigan, but had their heyday 100 years later. Take a cue from the 1950s and look for an embellished cardigan that is subtly festive.
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Chanel vs. Schiaperelli  The Industrial Revolution brought new technology to knitting. In 1927 Elsa Schiaparelli mass produced her bow-knot sweater, shocking the fashion world and securing a place for sweaters in sportswear. Coco Chanel responded with an open cardigan with a contrasting edge. A longer ‘topper’ style blends exoticism with comfort, letting you be a dramatic and casual host or guest.
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Cable Knit ID  Fishing communities off the coast of Britain are credited with the knit patterns of Guernseys, which we know as cable knit sweaters. Some designs were family specific, so lost seamen could be identified from shipwrecked remains. Stay fashionable, and afloat, in the sea of shoppers with a modern version of this hard working style. |
Nov 8 2006
To Boot
Mint Main - 4 years ago - Kathryn Lovell
“A woman is only as young as her knees.”
Mary Quant
| Boots are hard to wear well- it’s easy to misstep on the road to boot aplomb. But don’t worry- here are the two boot rules that will help you step out in style, regardless of shaft height.
1. There should never be a gap between your leg and the top of the boot. Make sure the boot shaft (the part on your leg) is comfortable, but snug. (Galoshes are the only boots that should gap. And if you’re tempted to ask about Uggs, don’t- there is a reason their name sounds like UGHH.) 2. Wear tights!!! If it’s cold enough to wear boots with a skirt, it’s cold enough for tights. Tights help blend the boot into the rest of your outfit so people notice you and not just your shoes.
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Short  The fine line between ‘School Marm’ and ‘Sexy Librarian’ is your waist. If you wear short boots with a skirt or dress, make sure you’ve defined your waist with a belt or fitted jacket. Or, channel Bonnie Parker and rock them with wide legged trousers and the confidence of an outlaw.
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Mid Calf  Mid-calf is the most flattering and versatile height. It’s easy to wear with pants and great with skirts. You’ll have enough leg showing above the boot to be able to wear a skirt at any length.
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Knee High  Here’s the painful truth: Tall boots make most women (even leggy women) look stumpy. And they direct everyone’s attention to your knees. If you wear them, make sure your skirt hem falls at least three inches below the top of the boot. |
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I'm Kathryn Lovell, aka "Kathryn the Stylist". I've designed, sewn, repaired and restored. I've been a buyer, merchandiser, sales associate and retail consultant. I've coordinated fashion shows and costumes for theater productions. I've been a key note speaker, emcee and a corporate presenter. And I've been a stylist for almost a decade. Whew!
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