Fall '05 - 7 Fashion Rules To Break This Season

How time has flown since I took over Jet-Lag in July. What a transition it has been. Serving an exclusively female market has been validating and enlightening. The best plan I’ve found is to listen, ask questions and learn. I’d like to extend special thanks to Devine for her wondrous mentoring and for accompanying my daughter Tess and I to the Las Vegas gift shows. Besides being inspirational and educational, we had a great time.

It has truly been pleasurable meeting and getting to know our customers. The wonderful women I work with make it even more fun. In case you don’t already know them, they are Pat, Noreen, Ludi, Bev and in the summer, Audrey. Thank you ladies, you have been a godsend.

In October, I attended a Women’s Retreat along with 20 others from my church family. Although not my first, I have decided that a women’s retreat is really a treat with the ‘re’ having many connotations, mainly suggesting it should be repeated often. How refreshing to remove daily chores and replace them with companionship and camaraderie. Walks, conversation, dining out, crafts, sing-alongs and spiritual sharing helped renew and rejuvenate us. Women can really be awesome company.

Pilates Classes!

Speaking of us. One of the most frequent complaints that we women have, are out of shape tummies, and arms we don’t want anyone to see. Therefore, I thought, why not design a fitness class to address both those concerns - and voilá – the concept of Fashion Pilates was born!

So, while camouflage is still our specialty, helping you feel good about yourself is also a priority. Sunday morning Pilates classes commence January 15, 8:45 am to 10 am. Drop in, with space allowing. At age 49 I’ve done Pilates for 3 years and found it ideally tailored to a women’s physique. Pilates creates long lean muscles that give your shape desirable feminine definition and provides support where it is most needed for women.

The classes are at the store (it’s amazing how much floor space there is when we wheel the fixtures to the back) with yoga mats available for purchase (or bring your own). Classes are an hour and a quarter long with a 15-minute yoga stretch at the end. 10 sessions are $120. Our instructor Debbie Piro is well known and liked, having taught Pilates and Yoga for the Richmond Community Centers for several years. I’ve been a student of Debbie’s so I can vouch for her fun spirit. By the way, we now sell hemp/spandex yoga sets.

Vicki Visits the Orient

While contemplating my future back in April this year, I visited the Orient. These are some of my more interesting observations:

- In Singapore at 8:30 p.m., playgrounds are still full with children, at play in the dark under the supervision of their parents. The sun sets early and evening temperatures are more conducive to outdoor play.

- In Bangkok, Thailand, cars are routinely driven 4 abreast on 3 lane highways as shoulders are traveled like through lanes; here it’s also usual to pass on the crest of a hill, everyone knows to anticipate head-on traffic before reaching the crest.

- In Phuket, whole families will pile on a motor scooter together. Dad drives, the toddler is in front holding onto the handlebars, a youngster is squeezed between dad and mom and mom may piggyback another. Helmets are rarely used, except in some instances by the driver.

- When riding the head of an elephant, to keep your weight centered, lean the opposite way to the leg the elephant lunges forward with. I felt as though I’d fall off when I first assumed my perch, until I got my balance right.

- In Phuket ‘Closed for the Night’ means everyone has gone home. Only plywood draped across an entryway bars an entrance. Theft is more distasteful here than the open sewer systems.

- When snorkeling, to draw fish to within your viewing area, bang two pieces of coral together. The effect is like ringing a dinner bell, with an ocean feast of colours and shapes scrambling toward the sound.

- In Hong Kong, sweatshops go into the wee hours of the night. We had a clear view into an apparel sweatshop directly across from our hotel room – and this was a four star hotel!

- In Hong Kong, luxury cars, buses, taxes, motor scooters and commercial vehicles occupy the roads. Rarely will you see a mid class car, only the affluent can afford to drive there.

- The bluest skies by far are those right here in Canada.

7 Fashion Rules To Break This Season

Read on for some fashion tips from the Women’s Network...

From brown and black together to wearing white after Labor Day, this season’s hottest looks are breaking all the rules. Justine Kim writes:

"Fashion rules are the unwritten code that governs our sense of style; like the rule that says you can’t wear white after Labor Day. We abide by these laws to the best of our abilities, fearing the stinging criticisms of the fashion police.

Nevertheless, fashion trends are fickle and ever changing and it’s hard to keep track of what is acceptable and what is faux pas. Over time, the conventions of fashion have shifted. Today, it’s not only okay to bend the rules, it’s incredibly chic. Being an individual can add a whole new meaning to your sense of style. Along those lines, here are seven ways to adjust this season's fashion trends to make you stand out from the crowd

Old Rule #1: You Can’t Wear Brown and Black Together

This fall, brown and black are the coolest colour duo. It’s a popular match for knitted ponchos and sweaters, as well as colour-blocked knee-high boots.

If you still aren’t convinced that the effect of brown and black can be pleasing, start off with a subtle combination. Try a fitted black turtleneck with a brown patterned pant – like brown plaid, tweed, or herringbone. This way, you are not combining two solid pieces of brown and black. I think this colour combo will grow on you – fast.

Old Rule #2: You Can’t Mix Two Different Prints in One Outfit

Wearing two different prints is no longer considered clown-like and mismatched. In fact, it is one of the most fashionable statements you can make this season.

The trick to pulling it off is to stay within the same color family. If you are wearing a pink and brown striped shirt, pair it with a graphic patterned skirt in the same shades. Another trick is to mix up the print sizes. If the design on your shirt is large and bold, try pairing it with a dainty plaid patterned pant. Two patterns are enough when it comes to mixing and matching.

Old Rule #3: No White After Labor Day

The last few years has seen the advent of winter white. However, keep the white linens, jeans and khakis at the back of your closet until warmer weather. Instead, embrace white wool pants, a fitted cream-colored sweater, or a crisp white wool coat.

This fashion statement that was once one of the biggest fashion faux pas, can add brightness to your outfit on a dreary winter’s day.

Old Rule #4: Metallic Items are for Evening Wear Only

Metallics and glitters are everywhere for fall – bronzed hobo bags, and shimmery silver pumps. To carry this look into daywear, remember that a little goes a long way. One item is usually enough to make a bold statement.

Don’t be shy to wear a glittery tank under a cardigan or a sparkly brooch on your blazer for a day at the office.

Old Rule #5: You Have to Match your Purse to your Shoes

With so many amazing accessories this fall, how can we restrict ourselves to just one shade, texture or style? Rebel against this age-old rule and pair a brown mock-croc handbag with tweed-covered pumps. Or go wild with a navy embroidered tote and red suede heels!

Old Rule #6: Stockings Should be Flesh Toned or Match your Shoes

Hello, fishnets and coloured tights! The induction of this trend can add a slash of colour and funk to any outfit.

Try a hot pink pair of tights under your jean skirt or micro-mini. Or if that’s too daring for you, try a brown-coloured fishnet stocking for a more elegant, sophisticated look. It’s uncertain how long this fad will last, so have fun with it while you can.

Old Rule #7: No More than Two Pieces of Jewellery

Minimalism is over and extravagance is in.Vintage and Victorian inspired jewellery has made a comeback and their opulence is a perfect pick-me-up for fall. Now is the time to wear glittery rings with a pair of dangly earrings, layered necklaces and a vintage brooch."

Here’s What’s New at Jet-Lag

Just Arrived

Bohemian skirts and jackets. French Dressing pants, in addition to stretch denim jeans. Designer jewellery from Blue Moon Studio. Delane handbags at 45% below regular retail. Moroccan cotton tops and pants. Yukon fleece vests at a saving of $17 off regular retail. Hemp wear tops and yoga pants and tops with a hemp/spandex blend. An immensely entertaining greeting card line, selected especially for women. Our Red Hat Society selection is increasingly diverse with dresses, 2-piece outfits, slacks and tops, fleece jackets and vests, blouses, purses, hats, scarves and jewellery. A discount of 10% applies to Red Hat Society members.

Coming for Spring

Ezze Wear has expanded their popular Mirage and Dotty Gauze collection adding many new pieces. French Dressing Capri pants, coordinating tops and jackets. Nikky t-shirts with colorful prints and embellishments. Coordinated and tasteful casual wear for casual, golf and cruise. Varied and colourful selection of dresses and formal wear.

Philanthropic Involvements

This fall with the support of family and friends, Jet-Lag Travel Fashion Boutique, donated $300 to the Society for the Education of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities. Our Christmas charity this year is The Province Empty Stocking Fund; please help us make a difference.

Sign up for e-mail newsletters and promotions at vicki@jet-lagtravelfashion.com
In closing, we look forward to seeing you soon. Keep well and God bless.

- Vicki and the Jet-Lag Ladies

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