H.R.H. Catherine Middleton can do no wrong. Clearly, she would do well in life with or without a royal title. Chalk it up to having a level head on her shoulders, as well as, a grounded family. So far, there's only been mild scandal: Her mother, Carole, whose ideas and mettle lead to the creation of Party Pieces, a muti-million-dollar family business, was seen chewing gum in public, and it made the English tabloids. Shall we gasp together? Oh, wait! I chew gum in public too. Recall.
Her classic style catches my eye because for a few years now I've had trouble finding the details I like in a dress. Why do all dresses today lack sleeves and have plunging necklines? Am I the only woman left who doesn't want to show cleavage when not at the beach? Kate and I haven't meet, but she seems to agree with me. As it turns out, I mostly cling to my dresses of yesteryear, still hanging in my closets. So designers, listen up.
2) Sleeves – Who decided to remove the sleeves on every dress in every store from Elie Tahari to H&M?!? Have you noticed? But! Sleeves are fashionable and practical. I can comfortably wear a dress in air conditioning as long as I have cap sleeves. Otherwise, I need a sweater.
3) Princess neckline – A princess, or rounded neck is a classic. The cut is pretty, feminine and versatile, allowing you to go from the office to a night out. A square neck is a nice change, but with a plunging neck, you often need a camisole or t-shirt to layer it. Why can't we keep it simple? I'd like to buy a dress and let that be enough and complete. No extra pieces to cover up.
4) Natural fibers – I look for cotton, silk and linen for the summer and wools for the winter. Natural fibers breathe and last.
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Oh my goodness, I completely agree! It's so hard to find good dresses that I've started just making my own! During the Joanne's summer sale, they were selling off Simplicity patterns (normally around $15) for a rock bottom $1.99 a piece! I got several, along with a wide variety of fabrics (also on sale), and have been having a great time working on my own creations...just the way I want them!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and useful talent, Kathryn!
ReplyDeleteDebra, you put it very well about Catherine. She has just the right touch with her clothes, and wears what I want, too! Like Kathryn, I am turning to the sewing machine once again, having given it up in recent times. Fingers crossed. Your blog is very interesting and I like the Savvy shopping.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see Kate middleton on the cover of the magazine, I'm always curious what fashionable clothing she be wearing standing next to her hotass husband :)
ReplyDelete@Patricia & @Kathryn, if you end up posting images of the dresses you make, let us know. How cool to be your own dressmakers!
ReplyDeleteI can't comment on the dress-making and hem lines- but I think that Kate shows that clothing can very elegant while being simple.
ReplyDeleteH.R.H. Catherine Middleton?
ReplyDeleteI believe it's HRH Duchess of Cambridge.
@Anonymous: Oh, I don't mean any harm, just having a little fun. "Duchess" sounds so darn old. But admittedly, I don't make the rules. :)
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, thanks, Anonymous, for setting me straight. Since I put it out there, we should know what's right and proper.
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