A Relaxed Oversized Fit For 2023

Photo: Esquire magazine

If you wonder what's in store for Spring/Summer 2023 ... designers, runways, and magazine covers are embracing a relaxed oversized fit in fashion, and to be honest I'm not on board with it from head to toe. Hey with this trend's yard of extra fabric, you'll only get one outfit in a suitcase.😁

Uniqlo Spring/Summer Collection

Frankly, I dislike wearing a lot of layers, bulk, or weight. Not only do I like fitted tops, bottoms, and outerwear but I'm also a matchy, matchy gal. Not a tight fit, loose is not the same as oversized.

Right - Refinery 29, , middle - Gucci, left - Editorial List

That said, there's usually a way to adopt aspects of a trend into your wardrobe if you wish. For me, it will not be with an oversized pair of trousers, but a relaxed oversized shirt paired with slender jeans or leggings is super stylish. Baggy pants just aren't me. If I oversized both the top and bottom halves, I'd feel swallowed up by my clothes. When passing, people might yell out, hey is anybody in there!?! Or do you need a rescue? A rope to climb out of the suit that captured and is holding you hostage?!😂

Thankfully in our modern day, everybody doesn't have to adhere to one, inflexible standard, and people can embrace their own style. 

Baggy, um slouchy is coming our way! Do you like oversized clothes?

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About The Clarity Of Colored Gemstones

The standard for determining the value of colored gemstones is not the same as for diamonds. A diamond is a single chemical element: carbon, and setting its value is strict and straightforward, namely defined by the 4 "c"s of cut, carat, clarity, and color.

However unlike diamonds, colored gemstones are not a single chemical element, but a combination of elements, as well as, falling into different families of stones. The most important characteristic in determining a colored gemstone's value is not clarity but color.

While clarity is a consideration in evaluating the value of colored gemstones, it is a less important factor than it is for diamonds. In other words, inclusions (or internal flaws) are expected and more accepted in colored gemstones, as opposed to, diamonds.

What's more certain families (a/k/a categories or types) of colored gemstones have more inclusions than others.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) doesn't rate colored gemstones like they do diamonds, nevertheless, they have created a system for classifying colored gemstones into 3 types based on clarity, i.e., their inclination or natural tendency to have internal flaws. Let's discuss them!

Type 1 are gemstones forming under the mildest geologic events and are found free of inclusions. They are eye clean and any inclusions they may have are so minor they are also loupe clean. It would take a powerful scope to detect any inclusions that exist. Type 1 gemstones include tanzanite, aquamarine, morganite, chrysoberyl, heliodor, blue zircon, blue topaz, and smoky quartz.

Type 2 gemstones form under more difficult geologic events and have more inclusions than type 1, but are still eye clean. Corundum (sapphire, ruby), quartz (amethyst, citrine), alexandrite, spinel, peridot, all zircon except blue, and garnet are examples of Type 2 gemstones. Inclusions may be seen with a loupe and are accepted as long as they don't take away from the beauty of the stones.

Type 3 gemstones have formed under the most violent of geologic events, thus they are more prone to cracks, bubbles, and impurities that are visible to the naked eye. Green and red emeralds (also called red beryl or bixbite), and paraiba tourmaline are examples of type 3 gemstones. Despite having more inclusions than sapphires, rubies, or diamonds, emeralds are among the most valuable gemstones on earth. Eye clean emeralds make up only 1% of the planet's supply and are extremely rare. An emerald's inclusions (called Jardins) are caused by trapped gas, liquid, and other minerals during the stone's formation. So common, Jardins are accepted as part of an emerald's identity and uniqueness.

Jewelers sometimes use the following terms to describe the clarity of colored gemstones, mostly when a specimen is heirloom quality and expensive:

Clarity Scale

IF – Internally Flawless
VVS – Very Very Slight Inclusions
VS – Very Slight Inclusions
SI – Slight Inclusions
I – Inclusions
TS – Translucent
O – Opaque 

As color is everything in colored gemstones, experts consider 1) hue - the actual color, 2) tone - lightness to darkness from 1 - 10, and 3) saturation - from brightness to dullness.

Aren't nature's beauties awesome!

(<--Right image from Jewelry Television)

Perfect is rare. Knowing color is the most important characteristic of colored gemstones helps you not miss out on some beautiful stones, and knowing which gemstones have more or fewer inclusions helps you either gravitate to the cleaner type 1 gemstones (above↑) ... or better yet, appreciate jewels in all their glory!

 

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Catherine Of Wales Suited In Alexander McQueen

Photo: Getty Images

Catherine of Wales looked stunning when she got off an airplane in Boston with Prince William to attend the Earthshop Prize ceremony.

Her suit, gorgeous and elegant, also looked comfortable for flying. I had to know more about it and perhaps you'd like to know too.

First of all, although the suit looks black and dark purple in some shots, it's navy blue. On this trip in late November, she wore it with a turtle neck to keep warm. Catherine also has the suit in white and pink, and she wisely recycles her wardrobe wearing them on different occasions. 

left - Steven Locke images and right - pool images

The suit is a ready-to-wear Alexander McQueen, although I wouldn't be surprised if Kate has her clothes altered. So many high-profile people in the public eye do which is one reason they look impeccable in their clothes. The attire fits her perfectly! 

The Alexander McQueen Single-Breasted Classic Suit Jacket costs $2,190. I found it at Bergdorf-Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue here in the U.S. 

The pants are Alexander McQueen's High-Waist Long Cigarette Trousers costing $1,190. Although definitely not cheap, Catherine of Wales wears her off-the-rack garments beautifully and gets good value for the money! I love the pragmatic and realistic example she sets. 

The clothes in my closets that I like also get worn time and again to different events. And, why not? The wearer looks good repeatedly! 

And that's your Savvy Shopper #short for today (like a YouTube short, only with photos and copy:).

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The Heart Shaped Bags Are Back

Coach Crossover bag

For 2 years in a row, retailers are bringing out their heart-shaped bags in time to buy for Valentine's Day. Last year I featured Valentine's Day themes in luxury brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton (see that link below). You can now look for their inventory + several inspired labels at 2nd hand stores, outlets, and discount retailers this year.

Kate Spade New York

Customers should keep an eye out at T.J. Maxx for Kate Spade's heart-shaped bags and Karl Lagerfeld's bags have landed at Saks Off Fifth Avenue.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris

My favorite brand Coach has 2 styles in 2023, a top handle in crossgrain leather at the Coach Outlet plus this year's edition in glovetanned leather sans a top handle at Coach's flagship store, as well as, selling in major department stores -- catch the sale days, or you may have rewards dollars to spend for it.

BTW, you must see all the things Coach has launched with a Valentine's Day theme in 2023, as they are so darn cute!

Coach in glovetanned leather -- which I prefer when I can get it. It's a preference as all of Coach's leathers are beautiful and durable.

Although Forever 21 (in bankruptcy) cut down its store count to 450, the retailer is making a strong comeback by opening 100+ new stores together with its e-store, where you'll find a less expensive faux leather heart-shaped bag for under $25 because sometimes it's all you really need to pick up a novelty or trendy bag. A structured bag that looks to be a sensible size to hold essentials! I've missed popping into Forever 21 in New York City to browse inexpensive accessories.

Forever 21

Unsurprising to readers, I love the Coach Outlet bag and despite its $199 price tag, 2022's crossgrain leather is a bestseller for the retailer and nearly twice the cost of my ampler rectangle-shaped Coach bags. Charming isn't cheap!!

Paying the piper depends on how often you'll grab it. What is Valentine's Day cuteness worth to you?♥

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Bejeweled Athletic Shoes

Blue by Betsey Johnson

As a gal who loves the glitter of gemstones, bejeweled athletic shoes always catch my eye, yet I don't own a pair and am not tempted to buy them for myself. When it comes to footwear I always select function over fashion so never stray from Nike. It's likely because I live in New York City and walk miles on concrete. Also, I don't want to invest in more than one pair of athletic shoes at a time as the functional ones with guaranteed arch support and stable heels are expensive, and I desire more from my sneakers (or trainers as the British like to say) than to look good wearing them. Lately, when I buy shoes (or clothes), I don't forget their original purpose and want them to serve their intended purpose.

Kurt Geiger London Laney Crystal

That said embellished sneakers (a/k/a tennis shoes) are a trend, especially with a chunky midsole that will boost your height by an inch or so. Without a doubt, they're super cute and can elevate your style! An all-black or neutral outfit will benefit from a pop of shimmer.

Tretorn Nylite Plus Glitter 

You can find them for under $80 (if unlike me) you don't mind having multiple pairs of sneakers hanging out in your closet. They're not as washable as sneakers without jewels which may limit their use, but if you have a job or attend a lot of events where you can dress casually smart, you'll probably get your money's worth buying a pair. It all depends on your lifestyle.

Clarks Nova Spark Sneaker

While I've never bought bejeweled sneakers, I do own black bejeweled high heels and previously owned (1) black and (2) silver rhinestone ballet flats, which are fun to wear! Often other people compliment them, so the sparkly style seems to be a mood booster!💫

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Leather Biker Jackets: Let's Discuss Business Models

In last week's Dior blog I discussed how we can't always get what we want, but if you apply yourself you can often come close enough! So today let THE SAVVY SHOPPER take you shopping, and away we go ... 

At the top of the blog, we have a gorgeous and classic leather Dior Biker Jacket. The leather is goat skin which is durable leather, usually not as buttery soft as lambskin, but tough, enduring, and Dior-quality smooth. Cost: $5,700, a gasp-worthy sum for an average person. 

Let's say you don't want to part with 6 Grover Clevelands and you don't want to do without as you pine for a leather biker jacket! First, examine Dior's Baker Jacket to know what details you like about it so you can find something comparable for less moola.

All Saints $529 (left) and Bernaldo $269 right.

Now let's find several stellar brands that are more affordable than Dior. Some are still pricey (although not nearly so!) and those a Savvy Shopper keeps an eye on. Do frequent google searches, as well as, wait for sales!! 

Look at the online pre-loved markets also where you might even find your first love, the Dior leather jacket. If it's still too expensive, move on to your 2nd and 3rd choices. Decide if there are any bells and whistles you don't need that might lower the price (for examples (1) some of the biker jackets have belts and others don't; (2) some are more insulated for warmth than others). When the price is right, be ready to move the wish list jacket into your shopping cart.

Lauren Ralph Lauren $440 (left) and Rag and Bone $695.50 (right)

Karl Lagerfeld Paris $329 (left) and Angel - Ninfa $189

Sam Edelman $250 (left) and Rebecca Minkoff $498

Set leather jacket $455 (new) and preloved $212 here and $various here.

Know that the price of garments doesn't always reflect quality but instead follows a company's business model. For example, the apparel company Set has a lower price point as its business model than Dior, and yet both jackets are well-made. Retailers whose business model is to give customers good and fair value for the money are your friends. Figure out who they are by doing your research. Another example: Coach stands toe to toe with Dior and Chanel in quality and craftsmanship, yet doesn't market its leather goods as luxury. Buy from your friends to save those Grover Clevelands for your retirement!

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Dior Rose Des Vents Double Sided Coat

Dior's Rose Des Vents Double-Sided Coat is super cute. Hooded and belted, it's 99% wool and 1% silk. Although I'm reluctant to pay $4,500 for the Dior designer name, I love Dior's style and this coat. Luckily I have 2 fashionable alpaca wool coats also made in Italy I bought years ago for a whole lot less and don't need another coat. But a gal can always get into fashion!

If you pine for the Dior wrap coat look, fortunately, there are a few budget-friendly options from other well-known brands that seem to be copying the Dior coat, or perhaps Dior copied them? So you don't have to pay the piper to get the vibe.

Sam Edelman (left) and Karl Lagerfeld Paris (right)

Know that the rose des vents pattern is unique and a signature of Dior. The inspired belted coats lack the pattern and hood and aren't reversible. They are also a wool blend, but still super stylish and a fair tradeoff for a much lower price tag. As Mick Jagger famously sang, "You can't always get what you want." But if you apply yourself, you can sometimes come close enough!😛

Ted Baker

How do you feel about belted coats? I lean towards a cleaner look. I prefer buttons and snaps to a knotted belt closure. When people must fiddle with a belt, often they leave it untied. It's better to tie it in the back for neatness instead of letting it hang loose to possibly get lost.

Dior is always a fun browse for inspiration and quality!

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Vivienne Westwood Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker

The Vivienne Westword Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker which first appeared in 1990 has made a HUGE comeback. Inspired by royalty and selling for $610 on the designer's website, it's what every fashionista wanted for Christmas this year ... unless she already had one!

For sure, it's a beautiful piece of costume jewelry with silver-tone or gold-tone plating over brass with 3 rows of hand-knotted Swarovski synthetic pearls that come together at a beaded clasp in the back.

As longtime readers know well, I don't think costume jewelry is where you want to spend $610, but if you apply yourself, you'll find the coveted necklace for much less by searching the internet. Due to buyer regret, I see the real thing listed for $66, $129, and $143 on various resale websites ... and a quality Esty dupe for $45 here. I'm not linking the pre-loved offerings since by the time you read this blog the necklaces will likely be gone. Just do a Google search to see what's currently available

This is a lovely chocker selling for too much money. You can get fine jewelry with real 14k gold and freshwater pearls for the price of this costume piece. But a 2nd-hand, dupe, or inspired chocker is easy to find for much less! IMHO $45 + tax isn't cheap either for costume jewelry -- but it is less money. Yep, sometimes designer costume jewelry makes no logical sense, and many of us have been there fancying a look.

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