I FELL THROUGH THE RABBIT HOLE!

And I can’t even tell you what I was wearing! Blasphemy for a Fashionista not to be able to report on a fashion trend…but here is what happened…first of all, my sincere apologies for not writing consistently these past few weeks. Ever since I began to write, almost 2 years ago, consistency has been extremely important to me.  But as you might know from a previous post, I have embarked on a medical treatment, and to be honest, I feel as if I am Alice in the world of Wonderland.

The reason I am overwhelmed by this treatment is that, in fact, I am doing myself what historically has been done in the hospital by nurses and professionals.  Suddenly, with little instruction, I am dealing with syringes, antibiotics and sterile equipment, and it is overwhelming.  I keep expecting to awaken, and be told that, in fact, this was all my very fertile imagination, and instead of doing another infusion, I am going to a tea party!

But alas, I think that not to be the case, and for the next 2 months, I will be infusing, sterilizing and keeping dry and safe my picc line, while living my life the best I possibly can.  Fortunately, I can be home, not have to be hospitalized to deal with a micro-organism (not contagious!!!) that has moved into my lungs with reckless abandon, creating abscesses to protect itself, while putting me in a position of fighting to rid myself of its existence.

Do not worry, however, because while all of this is happening, I am still reading fashion magazines, hitting the malls and making regular visits to T.J. Maxx…so life is good! Just wanted to let you know what is happening, why I am, at times, unable to write because the exhaustion is overwhelming, but that we live in good times for medical treatment, even if we are the ones who are doing our own infusions! My thanks to my Infectious Disease, Dr. Greenman, as well as the Infusion team who visit regularly, and I wish you a great Sunday evening!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com.

TRENDY TUESDAY…DO YOU MUU-MUU?

They are back and everywhere! Young women, meaning those who never wore muu muus before, are wearing them, and they look adorable.  Of course, some would say that those who are wearing them are not the ones who “should,” but in fashion, as we well know, there are no “shoulds!”

If you want to try the shape, it needn’t be full-on full, it can be modified so that it is almost what we used to call a “shift” which sort of just shifted around on the body…loosely, and comfortably.  Comfort isn’t something that is over-rated, we all like to feel that our clothes don’t pull or hug or tug.

If you are thinking a muu-muu or shift, wear with boots that are high enough to give a polished look to the leg…no booties or shoeties, since you will look a little pegged. Instead go for knee length or over the knee, or a great pump.  Feel free to add tights for a finished appearance.

And if all else fails, meaning you love the look, but find the fullness isn’t working for you, add that accessory of all accessories…a fab belt! Take the width down a bit by manipulating the excess fabric, and add a great scarf to bring the attention to the neck and your beautiful face! Use your STYLE to work this “new” FASHION!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com. 

“ONCE A FASHIONISTA…”

“Always!” And so I am sharing a little story with you…dealing with a medical issue these days, requiring home intervention, which brings with it a great deal of medical supplies.  Said supplies arrived, in a box so large I could have slept in it. The box arrived late at night after I had spent the day in the hospital, and was exhausted, having lost a lot of positive energy.  Early the next day, a home care nurse arrived to assist and educate me on the use of the supplies, and we waded through the mess. To say I was overwhelmed was, honestly, an understatement!

So here is where “Once a Fashionista!” comes in.  I knew that I had to attack and organize that box, because otherwise, every time I looked for something, it would be chaos…sort of like the way I feel when living out of a suitcase…yuck!

First step on my mission was to decide where I would store these supplies, because that would determine the color of the containers.  My laundry room, off of the kitchen, was the logical place, and it is black and white.  Next was a trip to my wonderful HOME GOODS where I found, ready, black and silver boxes that are beautiful! Bought 5 of them in various sizes, and I was ready for the next step…attacking that box and removing everything!

Laid out all of the supplies on my dining room table…used my P-touch to make labels…put together the “puzzle” of which fit best in each box, and put the labels where they belonged.  Stacked the boxes in the room and stood back to admire my handiwork. Looking good…a unique sculpture!

So here is the point of this journey on which I took you…fashion, style, decor, it is all the outside picture, and some might consider it frivolous and meaningless, but it has helped me embrace something that isn’t fun, is a challenge. I am no longer frightened of that box of supplies, since they are dressed in black and silver, and I hope that will be half the battle. Because as Calvin Klein is known to say…“Looking Good is the Best Revenge!”

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com.

IT CERTAINLY FEELS LIKE FALL!

What a glorious feeling it is today in the northeast! Crisp, cool breezy (okay, windy!!!) and just plain a harbinger of the autumn temperatures to come. Like it or not, it really is time to accept the changing season, embrace it and enjoy it!

My “ensemble’ today is a pair of cotton coulottes from FREE PEOPLE in an ethnic print of gold, brown, burgundy and tan.  I have paired it with a black cross chest wrap top in black (what else?) and placed a narrow leopard belt trimmed in gold with a black multi-dimensional bow.  Adding a pair of great golden tan scrunchy flat boots from BP department in NORDSTROM, I am totally together when I add my leopard handbag, which I found while surfing in my closet.

So here is the deal…I seem to have missed the season for this “ensemble” because as “right” as are the colors, the accessories, the feel of the outfit, I was actually cold as I did my Saturday errands.  Not cold in my upper body, because I had a cute black jacket to keep me comfy.  I was, in truth, cold in my legs, because said coulottes are just, well, they are just a summer weight, despite the colors.

Either I need to add some tights…not the best look with coulottes, or I put them away for those few weeks when the summer is ending and the fall is on the horizon.  Yes, that was just last month, and alas, I should have worn said outfit more often than I did…oh, well, not the first time I have missed the boat, fashionably speaking!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com.

IN SEARCH OF THE LIPSTICK OF MY DREAMS…PLEASE PUT ME BACK TO SLEEP!

It has been my quest since my earliest experimenting with makeup…find the perfect lip color! Naturally pale lips, paler yet skin, dark hair and hazel green eyes, oy, I need color…but how much is too much, how much is too little, how much is just right?

In the 60′s, when I was a teen and my beautiful mother wore her hot pink lipstick, I wanted to do the same…wrong! Then, I embraced the “cover your lips with Max Factor Corrector” which made lips virtually disappear. Of course, I now realize that women were struggling with their voice at that point, and until Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan and Bella Abzug created the WOMEN’S MOVEMENT, none of us emphasized our lips.

As a young woman, I wore RED day and night, (despite the movement to BROWN…never a good look for someone with my coloring,) until wearing red just aged me.  Now that I am in my 60′s…What to do, what to do?

I cannot wear red, I cannot wear pale, I cannot wear brown…berry has to be the right depth of color…too dark and I am a ghoul, and too light, I look as washed out as can be? I know I am not alone, but I have to say, if you tell me what color works well for you…my LIPS are sealed!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com.

SUMMER HAS RETURNED, BUT WHERE HAVE ALL MY COOLER CLOTHES GONE?

Actually, if the truth be known, they are in my “out of season” closet, safely put away for the next (several) months.  But I will be raiding the closet, no doubt, over the next few days. This sunshine, promising warmer temperatures, is delightful, if not unusual!

The thing is, however, that unlike the first breath of warmer weather in the spring, when you can’t wait to pull out your sandals and flip-flops, this is the time of year when you really want to wear your oxfords and boots.  The tug-of-war between lights and darks has given way to jewel tones like ruby, amethyst, lapis and emerald, rather than peridot and  pink and yellow diamonds. But then again, there is always onyx and pearl…appropriate any season!

I suppose as a fashionista the look I will seek is one of lighter weight, rather than lighter color, denim jacket rather that white shrug, closed shoe rather than sandals, and the knowledge that by next week…this will all be a memory! Enjoy!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com. 

InStyle, THE HOLY GRAIL FOR FASHION!

Believe me, I am not disrespectful to the Holy Bible, but the fashion magazine, InStyle, is the bible of choice for all who are or consider themselves to be, FASHIONISTAS! I was thinking this last night while reading my October, 2011 issue, as my husband, Bruce, was watching the New York Yankees end their season with a heartbreaking loss...FASHION is never about loss, it is always about “REINVENTING!” Last year’s mini gives way to this year’s maxi, while this year’s shorts will lead to a movement for next year’s gaucho pants! Remember my mantra: Fashion is about change, while STYLE is about YOU!

Back to the magazine…every page, even the myriad of advertisements, is a travelogue into the imagination of someone who adores fashion. You simply cannot create such beauty if you do not adore the subject, at least in my opinion. Advertisers, of course, want to sell you their product, but they do it in a manner which fills the pages with images we all want to own, purchase, be or simply admire!

The articles include a monthly homage to the red carpet style of a starlet, and this month, it is the stately Kate Winslet.  The 2-page spread features 9 pictures of Kate attending various openings or award ceremonies wearing amazingly gorgeous ensembles, with credit to the designers.  It ranks from #10, the least admired of the most admired to #2, and then there is a larger picture of her in the Most of the most admired! In truth, she looked amazing and wonderful in all, but then again, like so many we adore, I don’t think I have ever seen her look anything but amazing and wonderful!

There are articles on makeup, hair, accessories, clothing, and of course, the excesses of life are all captured in one sleek and exciting magazine.  Every morning when I awaken, I am reminded of the dark, seedy side of life, so allow me (and yourself) the joy of sleek and exciting…we all deserve some dream moments!I had mine last night…until the Yankees lost! Enjoy yours!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com. 

 

LOVE THE BURGUNDY/RED COMBINATION…WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?

It used to be that if you saw a woman wearing burgundy and red, you assumed she was a little “color blind” since they truly clash, clash, clash!  And here is why…burgundy is a mixture of red, brown and blue, and depending upon how much of each is in the mix, is its own unique color.  More blue, and it looks purple/burgundy.  More brown, and it looks maroon. Red is a very strong primary color, and as such, stands alone.

So imagine my surprise when I wandered into BCBG in the MALL AT SHORT HILLS because their window screamed this color combination, and all things burgundy and red worn together…and it looked AMAZING! In addition to red and burgundy dresses, belts and tops and bottoms, they offered red tops and burgundy tops to pair with everything. It was fresh, it was stylish, it clashed, but it worked!

I started thinking that the entire point of fashion is putting together what you like, what works for you, and regardless of how it is perceived by others, if you feel wonderful, then you look wonderful.  Another lesson for all of us to know in life…it is all about who we are, how we see things, how we present ourselves, and how we feel.

And as I write those words, I think of the passing of Steve Jobs, and my deepest sympathy to his family. He was a man who knew that as long as you were true to yourself, your vision of the world could become a reality! We can all change the reality of some, but few can change the reality of the world! Rest in peace for a job well done!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com.

 

 

WINNING THE GOLDEN GLOVES AWARD…YOU…WITH HELP FROM TODAY’S CHOICES!

It used to be there were black gloves, and brown gloves, and perhaps a pair of shearling gloves that appealed to women.  Strictly utilitarian, gloves were meant to keep our hands, including all of our fingers, warm and protected from the elements.

Today, the offerings are quite amazing…with the most gorgeous works of art available for our humble little hands.  Just cruise through the Accessories Department of any major retailer and you will see a myriad of choices in fabrication, such as leather, suede, knit, wool flannel.  Then consider colors: gemstone colors like ruby, amethyst, emerald and lapis; traditionals such as black, brown and tan; animal prints such as leopard, zebra and mink-trimmed; patterns in herringbone, color blocks and color trims. Then the question: fingers covered or fingerless? There is no end to the options this year.

From T.J. Maxx to Neiman Marcus, the price differential is incredible.  I recently saw gorgeous yellow gloves for $24.99 at T.J. Maxx, and from the ridiculous to the sublime, I noticed in the Neiman Marcus catalogue, an incredible pair worth discussing.  They are by Marc Jacobs,  one of my fave designers, who used to be affordable, but has joined the ranks of, well, those who used to be affordable! In any event, he designed “camel/black patent leather gloves with embroidered wool polka dots and cashmere lining”…price tag: $450.00.  By the way, you can also purchase the matching cashmere and silk scarf, priced, also at $450!

Here is the honest truth…even if I could rationalize purchasing those magnificent gloves, I would need to hire a “keeper” for them, because, unfortunately, my gloves always have a tendency to disappear midway through the season…so T.J., here I come!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com.

AFRAID OF SNAKES? REPTILE PRINTS WILL DASH ALL YOUR FEARS!

According to THE SUNDAY STAR-LEDGER (New Jersey) Fashion and Style section, reptile prints are THE thing this fall...SNAKE is in! Look for reptile print or the real thing to appear “in every possible accessory, from bags to gloves, to key chains and sunglasses.” “There are snake prints on dresses, underwear, bangles, hosiery and scarves.”

Whether you shop Target and Kohls or the luxe houses of Prada and Valentino, reptile can be purchased everywhere.  Fabulous faux reptile can be found in leather and pleather, and even a sophisticated eye can not always tell the difference between a $350 belt, and one that costs $35.

The difference between the profusion of leopard, for example, and snake is that the shading of all reptile is much more subtle than that of animal prints.  But that doesn’t suggest an all out outfit of reptile. A little goes a long way…no need to match a handbag to shoes and belt, or conversely.  Reptile always pops against black, but it works very well with all basics and neutrals, anchoring with a solid garment is the key.

Slither your way into the season, and you may just need an animal tamer to protect you! Snake is very, very sexy!

THE WARDROBE WIZARD/ELLYN MANTELL. LET ME HELP YOU MAKE MAGIC IN YOUR LIFE! write me: ellynmantell@aol.com.