THE CHECKERBOARD SET (c) By Polly Guerin

Fashion’s latest variations on black and white can be a challenge to fashionistas. It’s an easy formula—checkerboard squares, cross stitch graphics and a myriad of stripe variations are the ‘it’ look for spring.

BLACK and WHITE PERPLEXED Not everyone can appreciate the black and white fashion theme—how do we make a white blouse and black pants look new and fresh? The old standby, a stylish white blouse with black pants doesn’t seem all that exciting until you choose a really special designer blouse and spice up the outfit with black and white accessories or graphic shoes. However, too much black and white can make one feel drab. It should not be worn as a uniform but alternated with other color wardrobe choices or checkerboard patterns in yellow or orange.

CHECK IT OUT Not everyone can wear checkerboard squares. Choosing the right black and white checkerboard pattern depends on how you can carry off the look. Large squares may work for one woman but a petite woman would find the pattern overbearing and might opt for smaller squares. Marc Jacobs’ spring collection of black and white checkerboard squares were inspired by the columns of different heights in Paris’ Palais Royal, known as Les Deux Plateau. Get ready, window displays of the black and white theme for select Vuitton boutiques are timed for arrival of the ready-to-wear collection in March.

KEEP IT SIMPLE The black and white trend doesn’t require a lot of jewelry. A delicate gold necklace on a white blouse can add a bit of flair, but chunky pieces just don’t work with the trend. Loud black and white prints take a bit of bravado to carry them off. For novice fashionistas the look can be achieved with just one wardrobe piece, like a checkerboard printed skirt or a black and white animal print top. A word of caution---a head-to-toe black and white wardrobe can be overbearing and few women can carry the look off to satisfaction.

COLOR SYMBOLISM Just how and where the black and white trend emerged is questionable. However, the timing seems just right for the economic climate today. There is powerful symbolism in the look. White evokes simplicity and purity while black symbolizes power and elegance. The effect is never boring. Black and white stimulates and challenges our brain to wake up and move forward.

BLACK AND WHITE CAN ADD SPICE AND ACTION FOR WARDROBES THAT SPAN FROM DAY INTO EVENING WEAR. IT’S A CLEAN AND PRISTINE WAY OF DRESSING WITH MINIMALIST APPEAL.

CIVILITY IS FASHIONABLE (c) By Polly Guerin

Whatever happened to proper English coupled with politeness and tender conversation? People today seem to have cultivated an abbreviated version of English that is both perplexing and disappointing. I remember my voice teacher, Madame Danova, when she wanted to excuse herself she would say, “Pardonez moi,” or “Excuse me.” Today, instead of “Thank You,” I hear “No Problem.” Just what does that mean? I did not have a problem in the first place so a polite “Thank You” would be appreciated.

A NEW LANGUAGE Greetings in the new jargon need explanation. I was shocked not so long ago, when a college colleague at a university where I taught would greet me with “Yo,” instead of “Hello,” I guess she thought she was being ‘cool,’ or the students had infiltrated her vocabulary to the point that on one occasion she tried to get my attention by saying “Hey!” I did not respond because “Hey,” seemed like a foreign language and I could not fathom how a colleague could speak in such jargon. Instead she could have engaged my interest by saying, “Beg your pardon.” Perhaps I am asking too much from society. It seems to me that even the slightest event is “Awesome,” even if someone is referring to a deli lunch.

“UMM” IS NOT A WORD Judge Judy has it right all the time on her TV show. When an individual responds with “umm” she cuts right into their “umm” and adamantly says, “Umm is not a word!” and they quickly change to “Yes.” She even takes time to berate them about their appearance in court. “Where did you think you were going today? That is not the proper way to dress to come to court.” I wish those words reach some individuals who think nothing about appearing in public places improperly dressed or rather in a state of undress. Isn’t it time to return to civility in every walk of life?

DINING IN STYLE Even corporations are concerned about how their junior executives appear in public with their clients and some go so far as to hire etiquette experts to teach their employees how to dine using the proper utensils and proper conversation, no putting elbows on the table, No iPads, iPods, cells or beepers to interrupt the business luncheon. Weren’t proper table manners something you were supposed to learn at home? Will the loud voices in restaurants ever simmer down? It seems to me that most of the most offensive people who have been plugged into various electronics devices must be somewhat deaf so by necessity they talk so loud that if you are in the immediate adjacency you can hardly hold a conversation with your table guest.

NO SUBJECT IS TABOO Every topic imaginable is out there discussed on television. From the most intimate physical disorders to sexual functions and a myriad of diseases…it’s a wonder anyone feels healthy. Then the list of adverse side effects you could contract, that the ‘so and so medicine’ may have, is enough to make you vomit. When someone affronts you at a party and opens the conversation with some vulgarity, it’s supposed to be funny. You can’t blame the inebriated guy who got into trouble because he grabbed a woman’s boob that was hanging out of her dress. “She asked for it,” he said in defense.

CELEBRITY INFLUENCE. Celebrities cannot be trusted to give the proper message either. What with necklines down to their waist and slits up to their crotch no wonder women who can easily be influenced think that’s the way to dress. It baffles me why nudity is so prevalent. I wonder why they bother to wear the dress at all, but leave it to the paparazzi to expose their brevity as the hottest new thing. There is no better time than now when people need role models that show off their civility with style and good manners.

I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT WE GO BACK TO STRICT FORMALITIES, BUT LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE I JUST WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RETURN TO MANNERS, POLITENESS AND CONSIDERATION. IN SOME POCKETS OF SOCIETY IT DOES EXIST BUT THE MAIN STREAM POPULATION IS OVERLOADED WITH A LANGUAGE Of QUESTIONABLE INTERPRETATION.

FASHION''S DOWNTON ABBEY STYLE (c) By Polly Guerin

Lady Mary's 1920 Style 

There’s nothing dowdy about the Downton, Abbey!!! Just when World War I was recent history, English aristocrats, Mary, Sybil and Edith adapt 1920s style with the fashions they wear to embrace a new era. The costume look---the dress plus jacket or coat with matching trim goes back to Victorian times but it’s a refreshed version that only the Crawley women could carry off, particularly Mary who wears a going away ensemble that is serious yet quite chic. The good news; the Downton Abbey look is easily adaptable for today’s fashionista and the stores have responded to it with garments that have that special refined look and the dignity of performance for work or social occasions. Simplicity is the rule in Downton Abbey style and young women might take inspiration from it.
FASHIONISTA’S STYLE The 1920s look is not all about flamboyant flapper dresses, though there are many on the retail racks, it’s all about choosing accessories as well—like a clock hat which is a close fitting hat that allows peeks of curly hair to peek out at the sides. Other modest brim styles reflect the modest taste of the 20s look. Sheer lace tops add flair to dignify a black skirt for evening wear while a vintage clutch will carry through to any special occasion. Streamlined, sleeveless sheath dresses simplify daywear and bulky jewelry is replaced by demure jewelry or a simple strand of pearls. The Art Deco influence also comes up strong as an accessory theme, especially drop earrings in architectural motifs.
THE REAL-LIFE DOWNTON Just where is Downton Abbey? Good question. It’s actually, Highclere, the grand, 175-year old family home in West Berkshire, England, where the adult soap opera is filmed. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions and thanks to the TV drama it has become the popular location for real-life weddings, pricey I might add. It is also the home of Lady Fiona Carnarvon and her husband the Earl of Carnarvon, and legend has it that the family has lived there since 1679. Interesting to note, the home is exactly as it is on television and even the great drawing room where the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) holds court.

HERE’S TO THE RETURN TO ELEGANCE!!! TO THE MANOR BORN CAN BE WORN BY FASHIONISAS WHO DESIRE TO EMULATE DOWNTON ABBEY STYLE.  WITH THE RETURN OF REFINED TASTE, FROM HEAD TO TOE, THE COLORS ARE GENTLE BEIGE AND DELICATE PASTELS BY DAY AND BY NIGHT RICH MAROON MONACO BLUE, A DEEP MIGNIGHT NAVY SHADE, UPDATES THE SOCIAL WARDROBE.

HARTMAN, ROSE: INCOMPARABLE WOMEN OF STYLE (c) By Polly Guerin

Rose Hartman, the quintessential photographer is seen here, seen there, quite frankly she seems to be seen everywhere , and in the course of her journey as a photographer she gained exclusive entre into the world’s most fashionable happenings and access to celebrities and movie stars. One would not have suspected that this powerhouse of energy, determination and drive could have started out in life as a teacher, but she honed her skills and studied the art of photography and from then on she parlayed herself into the good graces of the all-powerful publicists and gained entry to cover the most exclusive clubs, parties and events. And therein is how over the years Rose Hartman was at the forefront of world’s fashionable events from New York to St. Petersburg and Mumbai and beyond. During her remarkable career she has accumulated a vast archive of memorable images and has authored a book, INCOMPARABLE WOMEN OF STYLE, recently published by the ACC Publishing Group.

A GORGEOUS VOLUME The gorgeous volume features more than 100 photographs, including rare vintage silver pints developed by Hartman in her home studio, as well as never-before-seen image of New York City’s underground style icons. She has captured the trend setters for three decades, and in so doing has helped to chronicle and define what we remember most about glamour and those who create Incomparable Women of Style includes both iconic and rarely seen pictures of Nan Kempner, Marisa Berenson, Jackie O, Brooke Astor, Anna Wintour, Paloma Picasso, Diane von Furstenberg and Daphne Guiness, just to mention a few. Her images are never set up, never staged, instead Harman says, “I wait until I see an expression that moves me and then I shoot-not before, not after. I want as much spontaneity as possible.” And that is what makes this book so special; the spontaneity of the images is both riveting and captures a moment in time.
PHOTOGRAPHER PAR EXCELLENCE With her photographs appearing in worldwide books and magazines, Hartman has distinguished herself as a photographer of keenest ye; even her candid works has the finish and insight of portraiture. What one fails to realize is that many of the photographs associated with style, an event, and an era, have belonged to Hartman, whether it is Bianca Jagger on a white horse as she enters Studio 54, or Isabella Rossellini at a private dinner in the Hamptons.

IN THE BEGINNING Rose Hartman is a true New Yorker. She was born in Manhattan’s East Village but started to patrol the night scene in 1975 as an arts and society columnist at the SoHo Weekly News. Her first big break was a photo shoot of Joan Hemingway’s wedding in Sun Valley, Idaho where she manage to induce Ernest Hemingway’s wife, Mary, to pose for her relaxing in a hammock. You may not have realized it but her photos have been published in Vogue, Glamour, Vanity Fair, Art & Auction, Harper’s Bazaar, Der Spiegel and many, many more magazines

INCOMPARABLE WOMEN OF STYLE, BY ROSE HARTMAN, WITH TEXTS BY ANTHONY HADEN-GUEST, ROSE HARTMAN, AND ALISTAIR O’NEILL. ACC EDITIONS, HARDCOVER, 165 PAGES, 132 COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS. Contact: accpublishinggroup.com

EMERALD, FASHION'S NEW GREEN (c) By Polly Guerin

Anyone who wanted to enter the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz was made to wear green-tinted eyeglasses, as an effort to protect their eyes from the “brightness and glory” of the city, but it really just made everything green. Now the emerald era dawns on us once again as fashion decrees “Emerald Green is the color the year 2013,” in fashion, accessories, furnishings, appliances, automobiles and even aviator sunglasses with green polarized lens. This lively, lush, radiant green, number 17-5641 in Pantone’s LLC’s numerical lexicon is the color of beauty, hope, healing and prosperity. Its greatest attribute is that of renewal, rejuvenation and new beginnings, a change for the better. Good reason to adapt emerald green next year.  
THE GREEN REVOLUTION Just when we thought that the 1980’s green was a thing of the past its recall encompasses a wide swath of products ranging from fashion on the runways like sporty pants suits, dresses and evening gowns. Le Creuset embraces the color and is already selling a full range of cookware in deep green, it calls ‘fennel,’ while Waterford glassware sparkles in green crystal and GMs Chevrolet Camaro concept car is a color they call ‘unripened green.’ Of course, emerald jewelry would make any woman glow with radiant charms. Sleeping in a bed of green JC Penney’s home department will be lush with green components; sheets, bath towels, rugs and bath accessories.
SYMBOLISM OF GREEN Emerald green is a refreshing change in the color spectrum. It conjures up lush foliage, the renewal of spring, the harbinger of hope and happiness and the preserver of unconditional love. It also represents abundance; after all it is the color of money, too. Green is a good omen for 2013 as it is the color of harmony, balance and peace. People who gravitate to green have personality traits that include understanding, compassion and generosity. They are nature loving and also have romantic inclinations. To let go of stress picture yourself in an open field of green grass and visualize calm washing over your body bringing with it healing, health benefits.

DIAMONDS MAY BE FOREVER, BUT AN EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RING BRINGS WITH IT UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. BORN IN MAY, EMERALD IS THE GEMSTONE OF CHOICE!!!

CAPE, A FASHIONISTA'S DILEMMA (c) By Polly Guerin

Fashion designers always digging into fashion’s historical past by re-introduce the 'Cape,' and I cannot help but wonder why? The cape as a fashion accessory for daytime wear seems like something out of the dim past with limited appeal. It may look great on models, celebrities and superstars on the red carpet, but remember they do not have to daily carry around a handbag or a tote full of a day’s activities. It may entice women who do not have this outerwear style in their wardrobe to purchase a cape, just for the fun of it. However, mere mortals, like most of my friends, may feel less confident about wearing a cape on the street.
OUT ON A LIMB Nonetheless, the cape fashion has swept down the runways and designers including Jason Wu, Gucci and L’Wren Scott showed daytime versions, even the capelet, a short version of the cape. Now remember this: the cape is a loose outer garment that falls from the shoulders and typically does not have sleeves. That means your arms are jutting out of slits at the side and are therefore exposed to draftiness and rain or shine. So some kind of cover up is needed for the exposed arms like long gloves, perhaps. Then there is the problem of carrying a purse, and where does one put a chic lady’s backpack?
THE FASHIONABLE PAST The cape may have been de rigueur in the days when clothes were somewhat frivolous but with the face-paced lifestyle the cape presents certain mobility issues for the modern woman. There’s no denying, however, that the cape was an important part of traditional dress in centuries past and played a functional role or could be signifiers of rank in societies. However, as an element of high style the cape still has its place.
THE SWEEPING FASHION The flowing cape, in silk or plush velvet, worn at an opera opening or the elegant cape dress, in lure brocade, worn by a super star has showstopper appeal, and lends photo opportunity allure when an entertainer tosses a cape over a sensuous satin evening dress. The cape worn by royalty commands respect and signifies dignity of office but for the working woman, it takes a certain bravado and confidence to carry off a cape on any occasion.

WEARING A CAPE CAN BE QUITE A CHALLENGE BUT FASHIONISTAS YOU WANT TO BE IN STEP WITH THE LATEST STYLE TREND WILL FIND CAPES AND CAPELETS IN STORES ALREADY.

MAROON, THE NEW BLACK (c) By Polly Guerin

Maroon, burgundy, claret, oxblood—call it what you will this deep, sultry color steps up to the fashion plate as the new black. Like a fine wine maroon ages well and with time becomes a staple color in the fashionista’s wardrobe. Why? Because it is a luscious, rich shade that is more lively and dramatic than dead end black. The word maroon comes from the French word marron which means “chestnut,” but the first recorded use of maroon as a color name in English was in 1789.
AUTUMN’S ELEGANT SHADE On the color scale maroon is a deep, dark red that is part red and deepened with black. It therefore combines the fire and drama of red with the sophistication of black. It is a notice-me color that looks dramatic in shiny satin, delicious in plush velvet, slick in patent leather and royal in bright fur.
FASHION EXPECTATIONS A cocktail dress in a sumptuous maroon print has more eye catching appeal, while a frilly Victorian-style blouse’s femininity has a royal bearing. Instead of traditional colors look for the sensuous hue in a trench coat or add a dazzling leather clutch to your nighttime ensemble. Ruby red or oxblood stones in costume jewelry are a rich way to convey your dignified persona.
DAYTIME DRAMA This fabulous color is not marooned in nighttime fashion. A business suit can add panache to the corporate scene, particularly if punctuated with a shiny satin matching blouse. A stylish deep ruby or maroon jacket for the office can be paired with a matching Pucci-like printed dress and the ensemble has haute couture appeal. Of course, this jacket always goes well with the little black dress, especially when you add a necklace fashioned with ruby beads entwined with seed pearls.

GET IN STEP WITH FASHION, STRIKE A ROYAL POSE AND DRESS UP WITH STYLE IN MAROON, RUBY, BURGUNDY, CLARET, YES, EVEN OXBLOOD HAS ITS PLACE IN A FASHIONISTA’S WARDROBE.