Attention Fashionistas and Fashion Victims: Clinton Kelly to the Rescue!
I have a confession to make: I’m an apathetic fashionista, at best. Make no mistake, I can spot a flagrant fashion violation at 50 paces; denim on denim is unacceptable, friends. There is just no excuse. And sweat pants in public…I can’t even talk about it. At least get some cute yoga pants or something, okay? I’ll sport my skinny jeans, trade out the pointy toed pumps for rounded when the season dictates, so I’m not a total fashion failure. But many mornings when forced to choose between blow-drying my hair (an obscenely labor intensive process) or sleeping an extra half an hour, 30 more minutes of beauty sleep wins every time and off to work I go with my hair pulled back in a haphazard twist- many people don’t even know I have long hair.
This is exactly the kind of rationale that would drive fashion expert Clinton Kelly (co-host of TLC’s What Not to Wear) crazy. Kelly was at the Castleton Macy’s store this past Saturday promoting his new book and clever fashion commentary. I was there (manning the book table) so I missed the fashion show and Fashion Director Challenge, but Helen and Nancy were there, and said Clinton didn’t pull any punches. While signing a book for one customer, Clinton told the woman she really should read the book before giving it to her daughter -she was wearing a sweatshirt AND platform flip-flops- all no-no’s (he is so fashion’s Simon Cowell, and you gotta know how much I love me some Simon Cowell). I think I was more worried about what I wore to work this event than I was about my senior prom dress. And despite all my efforts, I’m 99% sure I messed up and my blacks didn’t end up matching, but if it’s effort you want, Clinton, effort I put forth, so I hope that keeps me from receiving a failing grade, at least.
In honor of this event, and in an effort to make us all put forth just a little more, well, effort, we’re giving away a copy of Clinton Kelly’s newest book, “Oh No She Didn’t: The Top 100 Fashion Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them“ This book covers all manner of fashion sins, from socks with sandals to the less obvious flip-flops as casual footwear (this one kind of breaks my heart- I love my flippies!), Kelly details these and other crimes of fashion and how to avoid them. And it is hilarious! Great read for you and your girlfriends, or for a not-so-subtle gift for a less-than-knowledgeable friend or family member.
Now we want your fashion confession. Tell us your favorite faux pas, the most embarrassing trend you’ve indulged in I used to crimp my hair, so you’ll receive no judgment from me), or your biggest fashion pet peeve, in the comment section of the blog. The author of our favorite comment gets a copy of Clinton Kelly’s new book (you can pick it up at our office).
10 years ago I was in Louisville with my boss for a big meeting. We went in the night before and went out that evening for dinner and then to a bar to shoot pool. I was wearing jeans and a great “tightly crocheted” top my grandmother hand made. Underneath the top I was wearing a Victoria Secret bra, in nude, no way you could see it through my top, right? Half way through the game of pool I noticed several people staring at me including my boss and several male colleagues. “What the matter” I asked. He said “your bra is glowing under your shirt.” The florescent lights in the pool hall illuminated the fabric! I look down at my chest and simply said “my panties match.”
Haha! Love it! You can come pick up your copy of “Oh No She Didn’t” at the office anytime during normal business hours. Thanks for sharing, Marianne!
Not sure why, but http://www.helenwellsagency.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/25/attention-fashionistas-and-fashion-victims-clinton-kelly-to-the-rescue/ reminds me of that old joke – from which I will spare you. Might just be my warped sense