Nancy Taylor Farel Fashion Brief
Spring/Summer 2010

What's Up ... There is a difference in Spring/Summer 2010 fashion! You can see it already in stores! Have you guessed what it is? Color, yes color, hooray for color! And, color breadth that has been missing for the past two years!!! Talk about excitement, enticement and fashion fun, what hue is best for you is there for the picking. So run, don’t walk, to have the greatest number of choices! Sure, there is still a lot of black as well as bold hues. But black, as recent fashion’s dominant fascination, is challenged, and possibly overcome, by lots of whites plus stones, khakis, sands, tans and caramels as neutrals! Even some pearl grays. This situation, all by itself, heralds a light, new, pick-me-up spring season. A reason to buy, a reason to find something new. This observation in no way means that Spring/Summer 2010 fashion is one typified by neutrals, that is but one option … wearing them head to toe. More typically neutrals become a foundation coupled with a wide and appealing spectrum of hues. Pales, sometimes called pastels, prevail after a way-too-long absence. Unexpectedly spice-tones from your kitchen cupboard, including corals, paprikas, cumins, herb greens, cinnamons and nutmegs, show up now rather than waiting for fall. Welcome are midtones, particularly in the purples and blues, including the turquoise and aqua families. Unlike a common spring palette, there are still beautiful deep, rich jewel tones. And powerful, pure, brights re-emerge as punch for all the neutrals. Red deserves special notice, from pales called blush (making the wearer appear nude) to cherry, fuchsia and fire engine (making the wearer highly visible.) No doubt about it, color is energizing. It lifts spirits … both the wearer’s and the observer’s. Be part of that action, spirit-lifting is definitely a welcome antidote for weathering these trying times.

If color range is the most visible change in the fashion market place, then pattern has to be second. Patterns play a big role in Spring/Summer 2010 fashion. And, it doesn’t apply only to clothing but also extends to accessories including handbags and shoes. Florals rank high on the pattern-theme list. Many are mini, with a decidedly feminine flare, others bloom to exaggeratedly large scale and knockout impact. Harper’s BAZAAR To say the spring’s new set of prints is vibrant and eye-catching is the understatement of the season; it’s more like florals, ikat, tie-dye, and tribal patterns on steroids. Marylou Luther in Fashion Group International Spring/Summer 2010 RTW Collections Trend Overview states Animal-cum-tribal prints are headed for the urban jungle. To the list, she adds stripes, painterlies, checks, ink blots, graphics, vintage scarf prints, placement prints. (By the way, authentic ikat is a style of weaving using a resist dyeing process, similar to tie-dyeing, on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design. The outcome tends to create a zig zaggy tribal-looking design.) Nice to know since ikat, or its knockoffs, will be abundant this season. Techno prints, likely computer designed, are not to be overlooked. Typically high-impact, even if gentle in coloration, and abstract-looking, they have a contemporary or futuristic implication. Not only are patterns a stand-alone element in an outfit, pattern mixing enters the season’s pattern fascination. At first glance, it seems to be anything goes. Making the mixing work is definitely tricky business. Hint for success, have a color relationship between what you choose to combine so you’ll still shine. Or let the designer do it for you.

Thinking about the rough-looking edges of primitive tribal designs, the ikat patterns, the softly blurred painterly prints, the mix of pattern with pattern, it becomes obvious texture also plays a role in Spring/Summer 2010 fashion. Texture can be physical … when touched the differing highs and lows of the weave can be felt. Or, texture can be illusion, the look of highs and lows created by design as well as value contrast (meaning distribution of lights and darks) that is smooth to the touch. Classic (smooth) texture is abundant and correct for anyone to wear. But when there is roughness, or the illusion of roughness, be sure it doesn’t overwhelm. This season there is a lot of created texture which Marylou Luther FGI Spring/Summer Trend Overview dubs ‘craftsmanship.’ She lists draping, ruffling, folding, ruching, shirring, whirling, whorling, wooshing, bunching, scrunching and pleating. Further she states, These forms of fabric manipulation are all part of the new interest in craftsmanship and they are changing the topography of the fashion landscape. If fact, lace and ruffles also add to the texture scene in more traditional ladylike ways as well as blatantly naughty-girl looks. Why not? On the flip side, and atypical as a warm-weather option, featherweight leathers are strong. Transparency, evident by its see-though nature, is also a big player, be it overlay upon another fabric, textured or flat, or simply peek-a-boo. There are no rules, or so it seems, in the fabric category. As with color, the choice range is seemingly unlimited. A perfect opportunity to try something new.

When it comes to shapes, sometimes a predominant silhouette can be defined as typical marker for a fashion season. Great if that shape works for you, tough going if it does not. This certainly is not the way style is this season. Marylou Luther FGI Spring/Summer Trend Overview states While there were no major changes in fashion direction, there was a lot of yes-we-can positivity and a more commercial, clothes-are-meant-to-be-worn mindset. Who isn’t cheering about that? It’s about time. To be fair, Ms Luther summarizes the runway fashion which always gets tweaked and reinterpreted for ready-to-wear. Nevertheless it is refreshing to know that a lot of effort and direction has been focused upon real clothes for real people. Kudos to the fashion industry! And, the wide variety, rather than a single silhouette, from which to choose.

Femininity is apparent as well as prevalent, particularly in the dress category. Lots of ruffles and lace make the case. Elle Fashion News RUNWAY REPORT in a brutally analytical look at what that might be about, The strong woman that has dominated the runway the past few seasons was swept aside in a flurry of tulle, ribbon, and bows at the spring 2010 runway shows. It appears designers are abandoning a woman whose fortitude matches her survival instinct in favor of something more flou and flirtatious. Their reasons may have to do with cutting budgets – short, transparent chiffon dresses cost less than their longer, more structured counterparts. But while women will always want to look sexy and beautiful, that doesn’t mean they want to appear as if they couldn’t run the world if asked. Excellent points to consider. If practicality directs your fashion buying, good news … another strong trend this season is sportswear-inspired day and evening wear. Add to that what Harper’s BAZAAR calls Utilitarian Chic. Great looking clothes that fulfill the multi-dimensional lifestyle needs of today’s woman in realistic and attractive ways. When it comes to wearability, don’t overlook returning as well as new-again military and safari trends. Predictably there are the wildly creative crazies to contend with, but they are easily set aside and overlooked. Underwear bras substituting for blouses and shorts reminiscent of bygone 70’s hot pants surely won’t become first place, all-American girl picks even if Marylou Luther FGI Spring/Summer Trend Overview observes Shorts are the new minis.

Accessories make very big statements as is seasonally the case. Footwear continues its fantasy incarnation … sky-high heels, monstrous platforms, bejeweled, feathered, crazily shaped, ankle tied, open laced, strappy, cutout. Do not despair, among all the extremes, even Manolo Blahnik, best known for his extravagant stilettos, features pointed toe, kitten heel pumps and fabulous flats, both champions when it comes to comfortable wearing.

Handbags continue as personality pieces. In fact, a Spring/Summer 2010 colorful choice may be just the jolt your wardrobe could use. This season’s tweak in style is called long-strap which places the purse right on your hip. Obviously an unstuffable, flat style bag is better than a bulky one for keeping slim. Another cautionary note, if your hip measurement is greater than your bust, beware. There are multitudes of handbag styles that could better suit you such as a clutch which is very strong this season. Also be sure not to overlook tiny purses and the return of pouches. A wisely chosen bag can be the ‘it’ item of your outfit.

Belts in all widths and materials appear as traditionally expected to mark the waist. Or coupled in wild combination for a contemporary take, such as cocktail dress with ethnic cincher. Be creative!

Jewelry runs the gamut, primarily making a shouting rather than whispering statement. Gold tones are particularly strong. For the most part, scale is dramatically large. Is your stash of goodies too small? Double or triple up pieces to add mass, strength and size. Chunky, heavy, exaggerated or refined, bracelets, necklaces … studded, bejeweled, lady-like, ethnic-inspired, woven, heavy metal rocker chick … wow! Make investment purchases or capture the look by searching out look-alikes at a fraction of the price.

When it comes to the mens fashion world, certain trends are in step with the womens world. The Shirt Broker at the Tabor Center is an excellent barometer of wearably appropriate clothes be they custom or off the rack. Menswear color trends have swung to the light side in shirts and sportswear. Think pink, lavenders, platinum, pale steel gray. Lots of pattern is evident such as paisley, jacquard, broad windowpane. For the first time, The Shirt Broker inventory will feature active wear knits and pullover tops. Evident, as in womenswear, that sport is influencing daily fashion. When it comes to slacks, flat fronts are more fashion forward and colors have lightened up with more tendency to the caramels. Ironically, suit-buying is on an upsurge, now with more contemporary styling favored … natural shoulders, higher gorge on a slightly narrower lapel. Because of the traditional relationship of tie width to lapel width, ties can be slightly narrower. In the high fashion world of the runway, a 2½” tie in a solid color with a four-in-hand knot is hot. So some parallel trends to womenswear can be spotted, but tradition and conservative uniformity is a stronger influence in mens fashion.

There is a precocious 13 year old fashionista named Tavi Gevinson whose blog is Style Rookie. At the invitation of Harper’s BAZAAR Tavi came to New York to see firsthand what Spring/Summer 2010 fashion is all about. Her take, … the message is to be an individual. Don’t get caught up in what other people think. The idea of looking ‘effortless’ is always in style, but designers reinvent the idea each season. So now they’re having fun mixing prints, textures, and accessories, going all out and not thinking twice about it. Uncannily profound from the mouth of a babe. What a perfect time it is to shop, to find your fancy tickled. Integrate what you already have with something fresh and new. Retailers have made shopping easier with inventories of more reasonable size, unique pieces at customer friendly price points and frequent incentives that encourage shoppers to buy. Jump on the bandwagon, let your spirit be lifted by Spring/Summer fashion fun!

Did you know ...

Be certain to check out the Nancy Taylor Farel website at www.nancytaylorfarel.com for just-popping information and tips as well as event updates. You can email Nancy at nancytaylorfarel@comcast.net.

NTF on-the-road Color Consultations + Make It Work seminars Contact Nancy if you, or someone you know, are out-of-range to work easily with Nancy Taylor Farel. Have colors, will travel at your request.

Utter catastrophe! Estee Lauder, the owner of multiple cosmetics entities which included Prescriptives, has decided to close the line. Always the innovation star in the Lauder galaxy, it makes no sense to the myriad of loyal customers who are downright grieving and stockpiling whatever remains on shelves. Noted for its unique and innovative products, it seems totally unreasonable that they are simply to disappear. Since Lauder owns the product patents, the hope is that those special stellar fountain-of-youth potions and makeup will reappear elsewhere among the many Lauder lines. Stay tuned for future info. In the meantime, Nancy Taylor Farel will continue her Makeup Magic events, trying out other excellent makeup lines to find what best suits the largest number of her clients.
Check in the Registration Necessary section of this newsletter for details.

Springtime is a great time to clean out and reorganize your closet! Make each item you have earn its space so all that remains is truly what fits your body as well as your lifestyle. What to do with what you cull that is still current? If there are traditional businesswear pieces and/or accessories, consider donating to Dress for Success whose marvelous motto is Suits to Self-Sufficiency. Your generosity can literally launch a career for a woman who doesn’t have the clothes necessary to land a job. If you do not live in Colorado, a call will confirm if there is a Dress for Success center near you. Call 303.832.1889 for info.
If you cannot transport your donation, contact Nancy Taylor Farel for help.

With all the fashion color that spring is bringing, it might be interesting to know a little bit about a hue’s psychological aspect. Thanks to Doncaster Wardrobe Consultant Becky Costantino’s Diary of Style newsletter, the following color suggestions are intended to keep us happy, light, calm and thoughtful. Pink is the color of tranquility … it balances energies and promotes inner peace. Green is very soothing relieves anxiety, lifts the spirit. Shades of purple promote wisdom and are a clear fashion favorite. Blue is calming and promotes healing. Classic white cleanses the mind and purifies the spirit.
To learn more about Doncaster clothes and where to see them, contact Becky at 307.358.1967 or bmcost@wyoming.com.

Mark your calendar …

Make It Work seminars provide the information and illustration necessary to use your Personal Color Portfolio to its fullest. Full seminars last 4.5 hours. Or, there is a 2-part option. The first half seminar will be offered one month, the second half of the full seminar, will be scheduled the following month. All color clients are welcome to attend any session as often as he/she chooses. Refresh your fashion acuity, become re-energized! All it takes is an e-mail or phone call to book your place.

Please arrive by 12:45 pm and remember to bring your colors!
Boulder 2010 Spring/Summer seminar dates are Sundays
January 24 – full seminar
February 21 - 1st half        March 14 - 2nd half
May 16 - 1st half        June 27 - 2nd half
July 25th - full seminar
Register by calling 303.499.0956 or by emailing nancytaylorfarel@comcast.net

Registration necessary …

See the best of fashion at Nordstrom Studio 121 Cruise into Spring on Saturday, February 20 at FlatIron Crossing. Making the most out of the best, Nancy Taylor Farel illustrates how to look like Spring 2010 with unique and interesting outfits accessorized for the season. Look, learn and discover how to put it all together with spirit-lifting freshness. A reservation will be necessary. Call Studio 121 today to request a place on the invitation list …. Studio 121 303.443.8110, ext 1550.

Colorado Gold Rush, an annual conference presented by the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, will be held from February 25 – 28 at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver. Nancy Taylor Farel will be conducting two workshops. For further information, contact www.gicofcolo.org. Spring’s fresh fashion deserves new makeup! Nancy Taylor Farel joins Erin Wheeler of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for a special makeup event. (Many of you will remember Erin as an earlier manager of Prescriptives.) Event dates are March 5/6 (Friday/Saturday). Schedule early by calling Nancy at 303.499.0956 to book your one-on-one appointment with Nancy and Erin.. Cost: $25, prepaid before event.

Studio Bernina is the destination, Who Wears What Colors and Why is the program to be presented by Nancy Taylor Farel on Friday evening, March 12 at 7 pm. Learn about yourself! Questions will be welcomed. Enjoy the place where true couture tailors learn to be so. Call 303.447.0852 to attend at Susan Igou’s invitation.

What a mistake if you missed our first event together, Nancy Taylor Farel at Barbara & Company at 1505 Pearl in Boulder! But that mistake can be remedied on Saturday, March 27 from 10 am – 7 pm. Explore extraordinary, wearable, lifestyle pieces with distinctive panache and style. Have fun with us putting new outfits together or adding to what you already have. Come learn how addictive shopping at Barbara and Company’s unique boutique is! Call 303.443.2565 for further information.

Who doesn’t need help choosing frames? Experience Flattering Frames Guaranteed on April 16/17 (Friday/Saturday) with Nancy Taylor Farel advice and fashion expertise plus the stellar Aspen Eyewear vision team. Consistently chosen Boulder’s best for good reason! Enjoy a 20% total purchase discount exclusive to NTF appointments on these 2 special days! Call Nancy at 303.499.0956 for an appointment slot. Event cost is $40. Eye exams by Michael Bollenbacher OD cannot be beat, 303.444.1405.

Studio Bernina is the venue, What’s Your Shape plus Keys to Creative Camouflage is the program by Nancy Taylor Farel on Friday evening, April 23 at 7 pm.
Call 303.447.0852 to attend at Susan Igou’s invitation.

Check www.nancytaylorfarel.com for details. Nancy and Chico’s partner at the Annual Fashion Show at the Tea House in May. A definite don’t miss!