courtesy Jerry Charlotte Miller - www.flickr.com/photos/blackbutterfly/

Helena, this is a great myth! My thoughts on this revolve around your comment “probably”. Because it would seem to me that some women probably can get away with it! Where I am a little uncertain in my response is the issue of vintage clothing. It seems to me that it is a lot of fun going into vintage stores and finding things that you understand from earlier times and if the piece really fits you well, having the fun of re-interpreting the trend in a more modern way (with other accessories).

Its funny you shared this myth because in our store we sell the “magazine bags” that were so popular in the 70s and women remembering them, enjoy buying them again. Of course this is an accessory and not a piece of clothing but I think its about how you reinterpret the trend rather than just duplicate the trend.

I am curious of your thoughts on this matter and I look forward to our other readers chiming in with their opinions.

Coco Chanel: Petite Women Can Wear Big! (Man Ray Trust)

The secret is to understand how proportion and the total effect come together. That proportion is from your head to your toes! In this way, a larger necklace is seen not from the neck up but in proportion to the total effect. Also, if one is wearing a large necklace then one probably wants to keep the outfit relatively simple. This way the necklace is not fighting the rest of the ensemble for attention. It is also the case that when wearing a dramatic necklace and one is petite, it helps to wear one color for top over bottom. This creates a longer visual effect. When wearing different color top and bottoms, it has the effect of breaking the line and therefore shortening the proportion – one sees the necklace now in proportion from head to waist.

It is interesting that wearing a scarf or a big collar can cover the same volume of space as a larger necklace. Yet somehow we feel very different about this. In the end, it really is about ornament, creating wonderful effects that reflect our individuality.

In “Size Matters” we also need to be conscious of how the necklace lies between the neck and top of the breast. This is the canvas upon which the effect is created. Each woman is different and again we are looking to get the proportion right. For some, one can “fit” longer designs for others broader. Looking in the mirror one will see the “right fit”.

In considering earrings, “size matters” works slightly different. Generally speaking if wearing larger earrings, one would either go with no necklace or probably a modest size one. Getting the right earring size, again has to do with proportion. This time the proportion of earring to ear, proportion of ear to neck. Also notice how the “dangling” earring follows the jaw line. That is how the earring fits into that area. One should also observe how one’s hair falls in proportion to the ear. Large hair tends to “soften” large earrings by partially covering the earrings. Hair up on the other hand focuses the eye on the earring.

For this blog, our focus has been on size and proportion. In a future blog we will reflect on the myths associated with color – its ability to create excitement, warmth and elegant effects. Thank you for reading and we hope you join us in this playful conversation on “Fashion Myths”

How did the neck become such a sensitive topic? After all since when has anyone heard a man who was eyeing someone say ”Get a look at that neck on that woman!” As far as I know, all my single friends seem to notice everything else. Of course this myth should not exist purely because men rarely check out a neck. I am attempting to dispel this myth because the sensitivity women have about their necks seem to prevent them from really finding the accessory they deserve to wear.

Generally speaking, when we look at each other, we see faces, eyes, and the body as a whole. The neck is just one aspect of the whole part of us. As individuals, when looking at each other, we rarely zoom in on one aspect of the body while blocking out the rest. That is why when one tries too hard to cover up the neck, it usually just lands up being too obvious and constricting. What we should be doing is wearing necklaces or earrings that work with the whole of us.

As I wrote before, select the necklace that fits well and remember that the neck needs room to breathe. The exception of course is the choker – which can create a wonderful evening effect. But again this is about the occasion rather than the neck. For earrings, I think what matters is when one wears long earrings, they do not bump onto your shoulders. So the size is dependent on the distance between the ear and shoulder. However, even this point is dependent on one’s personality. When a woman lets her beautiful personality show, it carries whatever she is wearing with her. When we allow our personalities to shine through, the jewelry becomes a great compliment to that personality. When we walk around moody, the jewelry will do nothing for us. Therefore, it really is about the personality, the occasion, and the proportion. When women come in my store and say they need a necklace or earring, the first thing I ask is “Well, what is the occasion? Is this event going to be outdoors? Will it be a day or evening, fun or serious event?” Only then does the color and length come into play.

This subject has so many aspects that I would really love to hear your take on this myth!

(Photo Courtesy of Sophie89 -flickr)

One of the great myths out there is “wear age appropriate!” But what does this really mean? Can a younger woman wear a sophisticated look? A maturer woman a hipper look? Why is it wrong for an older person to wear a trendy youthful look if she can pull it off?

I believe that it really is all about what works for you! It is about finding the right effect, which means picking that which flatters you! It is about avoiding looks that are messy. So if you have to squeeze into something that doesnt fit, this is not going to be a good look – regardless of the brand or perceived appropriateness!

We all age differently, figures evolve over time, our faces capture the beauty of experience and life. If one keeps fit and are lucky enough to have the right genes, their youthful looks will work! If one is young and enjoys sophisticated looks, what could be wrong? As always it is also about good judgement – meaning what you see in the mirror!

I also believe that whats appropriate is heavily influenced by “place and occasion.” This meaning the office, home, events or parties and so on. So a formal event requires a more formal look. It really is more about the place and occasion and a lot less about the age!

So for us the question is not about being ”age appropriate.” Rather it is about what works for you, what flatters you, which look is appropriate for which occasion – this is what really counts!

As usual, I hand over the conversation to you! Would love to hear your thoughts!

Women often come into my store and for no apparent reason will say “I won’t/can’t wear gold!” or “I won’t/can’t wear silver!”. So I usually ask them, what do they mean by that? Because, obviously if they put on a gold earring, it won’t fall off – so physically they can wear gold. Which is why I am usually so surprised by the rigidity of feelings that surface when the topic is gold or silver. Often times, women in my store just won’t put them on! Even if it will look fabulous on them! What really is being meant is “I like gold/silver and I am not open to trying the other.” While everyone is entitled to their own looks (and after all it is their money), I believe that the room to play with the two metals is much larger than most believe it to be.

What is so wonderful about gold is that gold comes in shades. The question should not be “gold or silver?” but rather “which shade of gold and which shade of silver?” Gold has many different shades beginning with bright yellow going all the way down to white gold. So, although generally I would not put a bright yellow gold against white hair, a whiter or more subtle form of yellow gold would look great! Silver also comes in many different shades ranging from a high polished silver to an almost antique black effect.

There really is so many options. Recently, what I have noticed is that gold has a warming tone which looks great on women with darker skin tones. But silver with its cooler reflective tons can also look fabulous. Personally, I think what is more important is the design and does it compliment you and the whole effect. Both silver and gold translate well in modern vintage designs, and can really create fabulous looks.

Hair color does seem to be important, so silver can be very complimentary to women with white or grey hair color. But, surely these same women can wear yellow gold bracelets, rings, brooches and so on – which all can create a wonderful effect.

So there you have it – I look forward to your take on this old fashioned myth!