The 12 days of holiday do's and don'ts

This was in Sunday's SF Chronicle
dpn't wear red head to toe no matter how much you belive in
Santa...ditto for reindeer sweaters and jingle bell earrings
do try to pick up a color of your outfit in your jewelry, bag or shoes
don't pair a velvet jacket with velvet pants or a skirt...too Nutcracker
One piece of velvet per outfit is enough
do wear something expensive to balance the inexpensive pieces in your
outfit
don't wear a full, ankle length skirt...it's aging and not flattering;
try a mid–calf or just below the knee skirt instead, with boots, ballet
flats or textured hose
do try high boots with a cocktail dress just for fun
don't wear hose with strappy sandals
do wear good lingerie...a dag, droop or bulge will ruin your look and is
easily preventable with the right undergarments
don't wear your regular winter coat to a dressy party; brave the cold or
wear an all–purpose black pashmina
do leave your everyday handbag at home; small bags are best for dressy
occasions; a gold or silver makeup bag can sub for an evening bag
don't wear a size too small of anything. Remember a cocktail party
people will be looking at the back of you as well as at the front.
Do find the best fitting pair of unembellished dark wash jeans you can
and wear them with an off–the–shoulder–or low–cut sweater, a pair of
dangling earrings, a small evening bag and heels, if you're in a party
pinch
I think they are right on target with all of these.
Audrey

ahmward wrote:
I agree with all of these except:
"Don't wear your regular winter coat to a dressy party; brave the cold
or wear an all–purpose black pashmina"
Has the writer never been anywhere where there's snow and ice? Fashion
isn't worth freezing to death over. :)

I had the same reaction, then realized that the column was in a San
Francisco paper. Their definition of "cold" is a little different!
Perhaps for the same reason, I also objected to the advice not to wear
hose with strappy sandals. Not only is it too cold, but unless you're
young and with great legs, hose make a big difference in most women's
appearance. Just make sure they're sandal–foot.

If you need proof that this is good advice, just watch Ellen or Martha
Stewart this week. I think both are throwing some sort of crazy "wear
your most over–the–top holiday themed sweater" contest.
It is a sight to behold, I say!
NM
cofarb wrote:

"Korbin Dallas" <korbindal...@null.org> wrote in message
news:pan.2005.12.15.20.16.21.50...@null.org...
Just cold summers

"ahmward" wrote
<snip>
Excellent tips but I'd add:
Don't wear nude hose – spice it up with fishnets! ;–)
Blushun
––
Know first who you are then adorn yourself accordingly.
– Unknown

"ahmward" wrote
NO! =)
So long as it's not a mini–dress this look is appropriate for all ages!
Blushun
––
Know first who you are then adorn yourself accordingly.
– Unknown

ahmward wrote:
It's a classic look, suitable for anyone. Considering your "What are
you wearing today" posts, I'm surprised you don't do it already. I
could imagine you in a nice dress with Ralph Lauren boots.
Veronica
––
Makeup, it takes believing in. Like a magic carpet, it's belief that
makes it fly. Otherwise, it's just a rug.
If you believe in it, makeup has a magic all it's own.
Of course, makeup is only dime–store magic. But it works well enough,
when it's used properly.",
the makeup artist, from the book Sooner or Later, based on the 1978 TV
movie of the same name.

cofarb wrote:
My mother loves holiday themed sweatshirts/sweaters. She saw one with
a cute snowman on it in Bergners on Tuesday. I tried to tell her.
"It's a fashion don't" but it was a cute snowman. And she loves
snowmen and I was tempted to submit to the dark side of the force and
buy it for her. And I just know that in this fashion matter I will
turn into my mother in a couple of decades and find myself buying one
for me. "It's OK, AF doesn't have to know, it's only just for the
holidays and it's just one sweater. I can quit anytime I want."
Veronica
––
Makeup, it takes believing in. Like a magic carpet, it's belief that
makes it fly. Otherwise, it's just a rug.
If you believe in it, makeup has a magic all it's own.
Of course, makeup is only dime–store magic. But it works well enough,
when it's used properly.",
the makeup artist, from the book Sooner or Later, based on the 1978 TV
movie of the same name.

cofarb wrote:
I got mine from ATLoft last year. They didn't make my soles hurt; in
fact, we walked around quite a bit that night, no problem.
jen

"Emily" <egs...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1134666447.757355.231...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I agree, though if you live in a place where it routinely gets cold, you
should try to acquire a winter dress coat. They stay in style for
eons––just look at the vintage cashmere coats on ebay––and they are very
practical.
I love wearing tall boots with a dress. In fact, once it gets cold, I
rarely wear any non–boot footwear, unless I'm going someplace very dressy
where I will change into shoes at my destination.
I also think they should have included "Just say 'NO' to holiday themed
sweaters/sweatshirts if you are over the age of ten."
CoatFarb

On Thu, 15 Dec 2005 09:07:27 –0800, Emily wrote:
Well this is San Francisco where they don't get cold winters.
Chicago, Minneapolis, New England you could freeze to death for sure.
––
KD

"Korbin Dallas" <korbindal...@null.org> wrote in message
news:pan.2005.12.15.20.16.21.50...@null.org...
This Chicagoan has a long sweeping black wool coat with hood that she
dresses up with a velvet scarf and gloves for dressy occasions. The same
coat also works well in snowstorms and freezing winds since it comes down to
the ankle. Those in cold climes should have a "dressy" coat that they can
pull out year after year.
O.

ahmward wrote:
Sure, in SF. That dog don't hunt in Boston! I don't care if my regular
winter coat looks bad over a party dress. I figure frost–bitten limbs
are pretty darn ugly. Unless you amputate the permanently dead, bluish
black parts. ;–)
Seriously, just wear the parka or whatever and take it off once you get
to the party, before anyone sees you. Heck, go ahead, wear the Uggs to
the party, swapping them once you get into the door, if there's
knee–deep snow on the ground or it's icy and you need more traction
than stillettos afford.
jen

ahmward wrote:
No, of course not! And, how did the dress from BR work out?

Nadya wrote:
Never mind! Caught up and saw the painful story.

"Korbin Dallas" <korbindal...@null.org> wrote in message
news:pan.2005.12.15.20.16.21.50...@null.org...
Am I too old to wear boots with a dress, that is if I ever have a dress?
Audrey

ahmward wrote:
Heh...I often wear red head to toe even when it isn't holiday season.
Red is my black.
Have to say I've never owned a reindeer sweater (hate sweaters in the
first place) and jingle bell earrings would drive me nuts.
I'm usually monochrome though what color varies. Don't like mix and
match.
Disagree with this one so long as the pieces match (i.e. the same
velvet, not one piece silk velvet and one piece rayon velvet).
Well, if I had expensive pieces, maybe.
Disagree with this one, most all my holiday or cruise formal wear is
floor length. Since my legs are not flattering in the least, shorter IS
less flattering and more aging on ME.
Uh, don't think so. Sounds very Paris Hilton trashy.
How about don't wear strappy sandals at all....slutty look in my
opinion.
ok
I imagine SF is San Francisco. In places with real winter, not wearing
a coat just so your outfit is all perfect looks stupid. Frozen flesh
is not classy. I agree with Cofarb about the dressy winter coat, if you
live where there's real winter you'll get your money's worth over time.
But wear whatever coat you have, don't stand there looking silly
freezing.
Small bags are better MOST all the time. Ask yourself if you really
need to carry ALL that stuff everywhere you go, your neck and back will
thank you!
Too true!
Euuu. I must be old. Classic black trousers instead please. Jeans are
not partywear.
From reading your posts I think you are one classy lady, but I disagree
with a few of them myself :)
Happy Holidays
CV

Blushun wrote:
Hee hee...
My impression is that Americans think fishnets are tacky (except if
worn in the privacy of one's own bedroom). I bought my first pair last
year, but after posting here, I chickened out of wearing them, and felt
all but ashamed for even contemplating incorporating a pair into my
wardrobe. :–(
So call me gutless, but they sat unopened until this fall, when I
traveled abroad. I wore them with a black wool skirt (tasteful length,
but YES, above the knee... just a little... I have nice knees!) and
black flats. I think I looked adorable and nobody there batted an eye.
Lots of tasteful, well–dressed women were wearing them about town....
even during the day ... and even on a Sunday!
jen

ahmward wrote:
Oops... meant to comment on this one.
I have a friend who is stunningly gorgeous. She's around my age
(40–ish) and due to being a marathoner is quite physically fit and has
held up really well overall. She could be a model for anti–aging
make–up, creams, lotions, etc. ;–)
Except for one thing: she's got a bit of a saggy gut, from having four
children. It's her only single "flaw" on an otherwise perfect figure.
Yet, whenever she dresses for a party, she doesn't bother with the
"right" undergarments, which would mean some kind of a girdle–ish thing
or granny panties with strong lycra to hold in the sag. She could
certainly do this very easily... but she chooses not to.
Nope, she proudly lets the sag, sag. And it's weird, but it works on
her. You get the impression of someone who is comfortable in her body,
and proud that her body has had four kids including her first who just
got married, and her last one that got born under the wire of her 40th
bday. She knows full well her tummy sticks out, but the gut is her
badge of honor, so she chooses to let it.
So not *every* bulge or droop necessarily needs to be sucked in or
"prevented." It's all about attitude, IMO.
('course my friend is not quite yet ready to let her grey hair show...
saggy gut, okay... but not quite ready with the hair!)
jen

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1134775013.739101.265...@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
When I help ladies at the thrift store select dresses that are fitted, I
always suggest body shapers.

"Veronica Moonlit" <veronicaMoon...@mchsi.com> wrote in message
news:a2oof.631504$_o.123...@attbi_s71...
ITA! I know some would say to forget the concept of age–appropriateness, but
even if you factor that in there are certainly dress and boot combos that
would be very flattering.

On 16 Dec 2005 15:06:25 –0800, "shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com>
wrote:
I have a pair of knee–high black fishnets that I wear with black pants
and flat black shoes (or black loafers). It gives me a kick to be
conservative from head to toe except for that little bit of black
fishnet!
Lauri in WA

Perhaps they're thinkin' of the old style fishnets which were bulky and
baggy? The new ones are quite sleek and fit the leg better thanks to new
fibers in Nylon and Lycra.
http://www.wolfordboutiquelondon.com/item.asp?pid=210
Well now's the time to do it girl! Ease into it with a pair of nude
fishnets. =)
Sounds great and I see no reason why you couldn't wear that same combo were
you live...you may stand out a bit (depending on your geography), but then
hey, isn't that what style is all about?
Blushun
––
Know first who you are then adorn yourself accordingly.
– Unknown

"Veronica Moonlit" <veronicaMoon...@mchsi.com> wrote in message
news:_aoof.407754$084.97...@attbi_s22...
Oh, sure, Veronica...It always starts out that way. "...I can quit
anytime..." Before you can say "Oscar de la Yenta", you'll be sporting
socks with jinglebells that tinkle with your every step, then maybe a pair
of ornament earrings that light up...
Just say "Ho ho NO!"
cofarb

"Blushun" <blus...@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:1Tmof.4798$PQ3.690...@news20.bellglobal.com...
Audrey is not vertically challenged like I am, so she can easily wear a
dress or skirt with boots. I do it all the time but I confess that my
skirts are on the short side. If at least a bit of my tighted legs doesn't
show above the boots, I look like a kid in mom's too big clothes. (The Big
Valley look does not work on shrimps like me.)
cofarb

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1134774385.704879.319...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I find fishnets to be godawfully uncomfortable. I wear them once in awhile
but not if I have to be on my feet for any length of time. They make my
soles hurt.
cofarb

Blushun wrote:
I am thinking about it!
I live in Boston, which is highly conservative to begin with. But, we
do the arts scene a lot, so I do think I can get away with it in that
sort of environment. Definetly going to wear them for the next annual
drag show (not that I'd be *in* the drag show... hee hee... we like to
go *watch* the drag show! It's a lot of fun... one of the best tickets
in town).
jen

"cofarb" wrote
doesn't
Big
I hear ya girl...I too am vertically challenged. =)
Blushun
––
Know first who you are then adorn yourself accordingly.
– Unknown

In article <HIGdnSp4C5yEUDzeRVn–...@adelphia.com>, do...@cofarb.com
says...
Now, wait just a minute. I'm 53, and *no way* am I giving up my Lisa
International red–boiled–wool–with–black–fake–fur–collar jingle poodles
vest! (Always worn, I might add, with my pretty enamel Jewish–dog–
holding–a–menorah pin).
––
Debbie the Dogged das at spamcop dot net
"Poodles are space aliens who think they've disguised
themselves as dogs." – Paghat the Ratgirl

In article <W8KdncSKfv4GQTzenZ2dnUVZ_tmdn...@giganews.com>,
nospam.ahmw...@yahoo.com says...
No one is ever too old to wear boots with a dress (but then, I wear a
red jingle–poodle vest this time of year, so what do I know?).
––
Debbie the Dogged das at spamcop dot net
"Poodles are space aliens who think they've disguised
themselves as dogs." – Paghat the Ratgirl

On Sat, 17 Dec 2005 12:34:03 –0800, Debbie the Dogged
<seesigforrealaddr...@mouse–potato.com> wrote:
Please photograph that pin one day and post it on the Web, I would
love to see it! I would wear it with pride, too!
I have a navy cardigan that is embroidered with reindeer heads
"peeking" out from behind the buttons. I wear it once or twice during
the holidays and every time people say "oh how CUUUUUUUUUTE!" at it.
I'm not exactly known for being sedate in my dressing so I don't mind
being lumped in with ten year olds once a year. :)
Leigh
––
Consequences, shmonsequences, as long as I'm rich. – D. Duck

In article <56u8q1tusqk0helg5nhdtlv2q73ced6...@4ax.com>, le...@nbi.com
says...
I can do better than that:
http://www.jdvjewelry.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1809
I bought mine from http://www.ihelppets.com/ but they don't seem to be
carrying it this year. They do have some other great stuff, though.
––
Debbie the Dogged das at spamcop dot net
"Poodles are space aliens who think they've disguised
themselves as dogs." – Paghat the Ratgirl

cofarb wrote:
I think there is definitely a place for holiday themed shirts, though. A
red sweat shirt with a poofy bear holding a bunch of gifts is a little
scary as are the sweaters with jingle balls and sequins, but I've seen
some nicer winter shirts.
For instance, my personality and dress style tend to be "earthy" and I
have two lodge style mock necks that I love. They are both natural beige
long sleeved shirts with flecks of brown. They have simple felt winter
scenes embroidered on them, one is a snowy cabin and the other a moose
with little red cardinals. They aren't exactly high fashion for going to
a ritzy party, but they are very pleasant and homey on Christmas Day by
the campfire.
mjoann

In article <MPG.1e0e1e7d8d3518989...@news.newsguy.com>,
seesigforrealaddr...@mouse–potato.com says...
And a resounding D'oh! from me:
jdvjewlery.com may indeed be where I bought my pin, via ihelpets and
HUA: they all seem to be associated. Profits go to help homeless pets.
––
Debbie the Dogged das at spamcop dot net
"Poodles are space aliens who think they've disguised
themselves as dogs." – Paghat the Ratgirl

On 12/17/05 7:30 AM, in article
78idncabqd1ljznenZ2dnUVZ_t2dn...@adelphia.com, "cofarb" <do...@cofarb.com>
wrote:
Almost all my winter skirt + boot pairings involve knee–length skirts with
heeled boots. For example, yesterday I wore:
– Ann Taylor fitted chunky magenta turtleneck sweater. The color isn't what
I'd normally choose, but when I saw an otherwise great cashmere sweater for
$30, I couldn't refuse. I'm glad that I didn't b/c it's fabulously warm.
– ABS black velvet mermaid skirt with asymmetrical fishtail to one side.
The shortest side is a little above mid calf, and the longest side hovers
above the ground when I'm in heels. I love how the hem swishes when I walk.
– Jcrew smooth black leather riding–style boots with 3" chunky heel.
IMO, the body consciousness of the silhouette compensated for the long
length of the skirt. I can also get away with floor length skirts since I
don't live in a wet climate (no soaked hems here).
FWIW, I'm also vertically challenged, and I've embraced it (i.e. Yeah, I'm
short. What's your point?). I think that as long as you wear fitted
clothes, you can get away with almost any length of hem; however, I've yet
to see some hems (e.g. Straight across 3/4 of the way below your knee) done
well at any height.
Obviously, to each her own, so regardless of the length of your skirt, wear
your boots in good health!
ami

"Debbie the Dogged" <seesigforrealaddr...@mouse–potato.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1e0e1618882f9b09989...@news.newsguy.com...
I love the festive themed shirts/sweaters that people wear this time of
year. It's just a bit of whimsy that
really makes me smile.
Jeanne

On Sat, 17 Dec 2005 13:10:49 –0800, Debbie the Dogged
<seesigforrealaddr...@mouse–potato.com> wrote:
That is adorable!
Uh oh, they have cat jewelry at ihelppets.com I'm doomed.
Leigh
––
Consequences, shmonsequences, as long as I'm rich. – D. Duck

cofarb wrote:
Funniest post of the day by far. "Oscar de la Yenta" "ho ho no". Good
times, good times.
The holiday themed clothing I have seen would warp the very mind, if
not the fabric of reality itself. The horror, the horror. Hmmm,
wait...a Debbie the dogged's jingle poodle vest sounds kind
of....cute. :–)
Veronica
––
Makeup, it takes believing in. Like a magic carpet, it's belief that
makes it fly. Otherwise, it's just a rug.
If you believe in it, makeup has a magic all it's own.
Of course, makeup is only dime–store magic. But it works well enough,
when it's used properly.",
the makeup artist, from the book Sooner or Later, based on the 1978 TV
movie of the same name.

ahmward wrote:
Well, there goes my favorite outfit of the season – my red sweatshirt
with penguins, my snowman pin and my full, ankle length chorus skirt –

cofarb wrote:
The finer weave ones tend to be more confortable. I had a pair once
that had a solid black sole, they were great. They were either from
Victoria's Secret (I don't think they sell them any more though) or
from JC Penney, I can't remember which.
Veronica
––
Makeup, it takes believing in. Like a magic carpet, it's belief that
makes it fly. Otherwise, it's just a rug.
If you believe in it, makeup has a magic all it's own.
Of course, makeup is only dime–store magic. But it works well enough,
when it's used properly.",
the makeup artist, from the book Sooner or Later, based on the 1978 TV
movie of the same name.

In article <UW5pf.411241$084.236...@attbi_s22>,
veronicaMoon...@mchsi.com says...
I *knew* if I looked hard enough I could find a picture of it, and sure
enough:
http://www.bunique.com/image–files/swbunredpoodlevestfront.jpg
http://www.bunique.com/image–files/swbunredpoodlevestback.jpg
It's not actually a strictly "Christmas" item, but the color makes it
fit in that category.
Page it's on: http://www.bunique.com/michael–simon.html
Interestingly enough, I think I paid about $50 for it at Nordstrom 3
years ago, and now these folks are asking $75! Inflation, I guess.
––
Debbie the Dogged das at spamcop dot net
"Poodles are space aliens who think they've disguised
themselves as dogs." – Paghat the Ratgirl

Veronica Moonlit wrote:
Ummmm .... ahhhhhhh ..... these days, *snowman* shirts often refer to
cocaine. Especially the Young Jeezy one.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?J6592655C
Barbara

In article <g0g9q1tehd7datk6j8n0kmasvqkcfc2...@4ax.com>, le...@nbi.com
says...
[evil snicker]
––
Debbie the Dogged das at spamcop dot net
"Poodles are space aliens who think they've disguised
themselves as dogs." – Paghat the Ratgirl

<<< My impression is that Americans think fishnets are tacky (except if
worn in the privacy of one's own bedroom). >>>
I didn't ever think I'd have experimented with fishnets, but I did last
year and LOVED the look. I only wear them 3–4x in the winter season,
but my most favorite outfit consists of a chocolate brown cashmere
turtleneck sweater, camel wool–blend pencil skirt, camel fishnet
tights, and camel leather slingbacks with chocolate brown piping & bow
trim. I also like the look of a black skirt, black tights with a
subtle diamond–shaped geometric print, and black tall boots. It's a
fun look and a nice change from the usual winter attire.
One of my co–workers last year even convinced me to pair my plum,
lilac, and pink plaid wool short–ish skirt with purple fishnets and
black tall boots last December. I thought the look would be too
"showy" IYKWIM, but it worked out surprisingly well. I paired it with
a pink turtleneck sweater to tone it down a bit and a plum hobo bag
with gold hardware details to continue with the creative tone of the
outfit.
––Laura

<Mo...@poetic.com> wrote
Sounds extremely elegant!
Combining fishnets with pieces such as you've described is a wonderful way
to incorporate them into a great day time look. Well done! =)
Blushun
––
Know first who you are then adorn yourself accordingly.
– Unknown

On Sun, 18 Dec 2005 09:52:41 –0800, Debbie the Dogged
<seesigforrealaddr...@mouse–potato.com> choked out these words:
<Snip>
That is adorable!
Uh oh, they have cat jewelry at ihelppets.com I'm doomed.
i just bought one of those cat towers (or 'trees'), whatever you
call them. it's four stories high (about five and a half feet
tall), and can be usually found at Petco for around $300. got it
at Costco the other day for $74.99. i wasn't the only one
buying, either. and when i went back later that night with my
housemate's van to pick it up, others were buying them, too. so
uh, if you're a cat person, and you have a Costco card, you might
want to check to see if they have them.
david
––
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amoephoto/

In article <Uc6dnSY5J9vnjjneRVn–...@adelphia.com>, cofarb says...
HUE hosiery has some faux fishnets – they're a micro mesh and are truly comfy.
Pam K
––
Pam K
my2p...@yahoo.com

I was gone for the weekend and am glad to see my post created some
alt.fashion excitement. I was with the family in San Francisco and it
was cold. It was also pouring rain all day Saturday. It rained Sunday
until the early afternoon. On Saturday I wore my Burberry raincoat with
boots and had gloves and an umbrella. We couldn't catch a cab at the
theater and walked in the pouring rain till we finally hailed one on
Columbus near City Lights.
I was soaked thoroughly.
Rain poured down my sleeve every time I lifted my arm for a cab.
I wished I had my warm wool coat and tights under my boots.
I wished my feet were dryer.
Emergen–C and Dayquil saved me the next day so...
forget that don't about wearing the wool coat even if you are in San
Francisco.
Audrey

cannir <can...@gmail.com> wrote:
I agree with all of these except:
Anyone remember last year's thread with the objections
to bare legs at the academic department party?

In article <BFC9E73C.6D3EB%...@cant–take–anymore–spam.com>,
...@cant–take–anymore–spam.com says...
OK, what's a "mermaid skirt"? What Google popped tended towards either
Halloween or soft porn ...
(Is there a good fashion definitions site for this kind of question?)
––
Visit my Iron Age Pages for technical and fun stuff (holiday specials, too)!
http://pages.prodigy.net/feaudrey

Emily wrote:
I agree. Once in NYC, it was 17 degrees. 17 with a wind chill factor
making it, –20.
I put on my black, down coat that I got from Land's End. And wore
boots instead of
strappy heels. Some things I will never bow down to in the name of
fashion.
Uncomfortable shoes and being cold.