Fashionista Feature: Sarah

This week’s fashionista is Sarah, a 30-year-old doctoral student and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Los Angeles. Sarah’s style is timeless and feminine. She is an avid reader who enjoys kayaking, hiking and movies. She’s got both beauty and brains and we’re so happy to feature her! Here’s what she had to say about her style:

1. Name/Age/City/cultural background: Sarah/ 30/ Los Angeles/ Costa Rican, Colombian, German and Norwegian

2. Describe your fashion style in 5 words: Conservative, classy, elegant, ladylike, eclectic

3. Who are your favorite style icons? Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lopez and Jackie O

4. Surprise! Impromptu date with the man of your dreams in 2 hours! What do you wear? A dress that’s moderately low in cleavage, will show off my curves, and mid thigh length with high heels. I adore big statement earrings to show off my face and hair. I’ll probably add in a cocktail ring. I have so many dresses, it’s just a matter of color and my mood.

5. Favorite stores to supply your fashion habit? BEBE, Banana Republic, Nordstrom Rack, Loehmann's...

 6. Worst fashion mistake you ever made? Wearing spaghetti strapped dresses with a sleeved shirt underneath. I was raised in a fundamentalist conservative household, so I couldn’t reveal too much skin. It may be a tie between that and tennis shoes with jean skirts. I’m really glad those days are over.

7. What traits make up a gathered lady to you? Which do you have? A gathered lady is a women who can juggle all of the different facets of her life. Even when she’s off, she is still doesn’t lose her composure, and she can still maintain her life in work, home, social, and romantic. It’s all about balance and being organized. You don’t always have to be a fashionista, but you should still feel beautiful and walk in confidence. Even on a down day, you always add some small element to feel beautiful. It’s about self-care and self-love.

8. How has your culture influenced your fashion style? The Church has influenced my style. That’s why I esteem Audrey Hepburn. She is such an icon. The ladies of her era always looked stylish and ladylike. That resonates with me. I try to find a balance between looking like a lady without looking matronly. My style has evolved within the last 5 years as I sought a lifestyle outside of the fundamentalist conservative Christian culture. Also, being Hispanic influences my approach to staying more covered. I like natural beauty, so even if I take 2 hours to get ready, the finished product won’t look overdone. Self-care and image is also very important. When I was younger, we walked with books on our heads to learn proper posture. Although I’m still an active Christian, my style has evolved with my new understanding, but modesty remains important to me.

9. Fun fashion fact: I always use concealer on the sides of my nose, to give it slimming structure. I think high heels are always slimming and complement calves even if you don’t have great legs. And mascara just makes your eyes and face pop. I never leave home without it.

Spring/Summer 2013: Shoe Faves!

If memory serves, I have already copped to my shoe obsession, which means there is little need to provide a legitimate explanation for this particular post. Like many fashion-minded women, I enjoy spending a little time browsing the collections from my favorite designers each season. And while I pay attention to everything from dresses to accessories, I'm particularly partial to the shoes. Now, there are several shoe trends that are must-haves for the spring, but that's another post. What you're about to see here is sheer, unadulterated, unapologetic shoe-p0rn. Below, I've assembled a choice collection of the latest offerings by a few of my favorite labels. These shoes are, for the most part, completely impractical, hideously expensive and absolutely beautiful. I'll tell you a little about each grouping, assuming you're still reading instead of just staring...and drooling on your keyboard.

 

These shoes, from Christian Louboutin, are both fabulous and fun. The bright colors are perfect for spring, while the (fairly) moderate heel-heights make these some of the most wearable shoes in this post. What I love best about these shoes is how playful they look. High fashion usually takes itself very seriously, so it's great to see a designer bringing levity to his work. After all, sometimes a girl wants to look more flirty than fiece.

Guh. Nicholas Kirkwood could probably be filling galleries in Manhattan and London with expensive sculptures, but I'm glad he's creating shoes that look like high art instead. While his is the newest label on my list, Kirkwood's architectural designs are as innovative as they are beautiful, and I think his line will only become more distinctive as time goes on. Eventually, his artful creations may be as recognizable as Louboutin's red-lacquered soles.

The late Alexander McQueen was known for creating daring, dramatic clothes, and the lastest collection from his design house certainly lives up to that reputation. Everything about these shoes is bold, from the contrasting colors, to the exaggerated curves and lines, to the sky-scraper heights. Despite the drama, these shoes do have some versatility that an adventerous (and well-heeled) fashionista could take advantage of.

 

What shoe list would be complete without Jimmy Choo? The main shoe here is aptly called "Taste" and while I've seen it in black on several celebs, I think this tangerine version is perfect for the spring. This final grouping has a little something for everyone, whether you're a bit more convservative in your fashion choices or a total wild child. I, of course, love them all.

This is just a small selection of the SS2013 shoes I will likely style-stalk -- the official process of obsessively tracking a shoe until you find it at a price you can live with. So, tell me, what are your newest shoe favorites? Email the thegatheredlady@gmail.com, and if we love it, we'll share it!

Back to Basics, Pt. 1.5: Panty Pros vs. Panty Pas

A continuation of last week’s gathered panty primer brings us today’s installment, Back to Basics Pt. 1.5: Panty Pros vs. Panty Pas. What are panty pros? What are panty pas? Allow me to explain. And give examples. With pics!

A panty pro is a gathered method or technique employing the use of a panty to support, control, protect, enhance, or seduce.

A panty pas (pronounced panty “pah”, as in faux pas) is an ungathered failure to employ panty pro know-how, resulting in panty fails and various wardrobe malfunctions, i.e. panty lines, wedgies, bunching, rolling, sagging... fail, Fail, FAIL!

Observant fashionistas will be nodding their heads by now as they have seen panty pros and pas because it is very real out here in these streets in real life time and again. With caution, you can avoid this and be known for being a pro, not making faux pas! Here is a list of 6 panty pros to employ and panty pas to avoid. It’s a great list of dos and donts when making your underwear selection for an outfit.

1. Panty Pas: Visible Panty Lines  vs. Panty Pro: Invisible Panty Lines 

Horrors! Visible panty lines, or VPLs, show up when panties have been selected to go with a fabric that is more elastic or lighter weight (jersey, jersey knit, matte jersey, light cotton blend, some polyesters, etc.). The way the fabric of the clothing lies along the lines of the body showcases the imprint of your panties perfectly. Fight this! 

Obviously, we're looking for invisible panty lines, ones that contour to the body, are comfortable, and lend a little shaping to that rear end are ideal, but at the very least, panties shouldn't show. We want to give the world a chance to notice our world-class curves. See what I mean? 

2. Panty Pas: Whale Tail vs. Panty Pro: Panties invisible above the waistband!  No orcas or humpbacks in pants. 

Noooooo! This is the perfect storm of fashion fails comprised of:

1) The rise of your pants and the rise of your panties do not match.

2) Your jeans may be too small in the seat.

3) The cut of the pants don't flow with your curves.

4) You may need a belt to hold the pants at the correct point on your waist.

To combat this, wear hipster or other low rise panties, but first make sure that your pants fit by "sit testing" them when you try them on. Bottom line: no panty choice can help when sitting down gives you a case of plumber's butt. Avoid crack, ladies... it kills! Make excellent fashion your drug of choice like these fashionistas... 

 3. Panty Pas: Panties bunching above the waistband vs. Panty Pro: Panties invisible above the waistband.

This one is another case of rise being the issue. Granny panties can be useful under long flowy skirts or for that time of the month perhaps, but employ judgement about the rise of the pants or skirt you wear when you're going to wear higher rise panties like classic panties and control panties. 

4. Panty Pas: Color or pattern of panties visible through clothes vs. Panty Pro: panties invisible through clothes. 

 Under white or transparent fabrics, underwear can easily become a peepshow for pervs. Don't help them along by picking the wrong panties! 

1) DO NOT wear white underwear under white. It looks like you're waiting for the wet t-shirt contest to begin. And you're probably not. Instead, wear nude or black underwear. 

2) For super transparent fabrics, add layers by wearing a boyshort or slip. Again, choose nude or black. 

5. Panty Pas: Panties not supporting tummy or mid-section vs. Panty Pro: Panties supporting and controlling tummy

Um... I'm pretty sure that "lovely lady lumps" was mostly meant figuratively. What are you doing, accentuating the negative and downplaying the positive? Panties are a basic way to control and support some of those mid-section areas that does not include turning blue and fainting from holding your breath and "sucking in" like granny used to do. It's a no-brainer. Buy some control panties and higher rise types to pair with structured and tailored pieces. There's a whole world out there, and Spanx is only the beginning, although a favorite with a lot of gathered celebs.

6. Panty Pas: Wedgies, camel toes, moose knuckles and other uncomfortable nonsense vs. Panty Pro: Panties that fit!  

I know. You looked at this one, and said... panties that fit? Revolutionary. What a grand finale. But it really is, ya know? For some reason, many ladies buy their panties too small. I have no idea why they would do something like that besides vanity, but the truth is, no one knows what size undies you wear. If a pair shrinks, is stretched, or fails in some other way, it needs to be replaced. Gained some weight? Don't be afraid to march right into somebody's store and buy some bigger undies. It's just not worth the wedgie... or the camel toe... or whatever will plague you! Let your bottom be smooth and wedgie free. 

The Gathered Fashion Spread (April 20, 2013)

Happy Saturday! Here's your weekly style inspiration of fearless fashionistas. We have catwalk divas and super fly hats from the Atlanta Women's Empowerment Fashion Show. In Los Angeles, we snapped some cuties at star studded Zen Lounge in Hollywood. Special thanks to Angie for her picture submissions- you made the Fashion Spread! Do you and your friends have style when you go out and about? Submit your fierce pictures to thegatheredlady@gmail.com and you may make our weekly Gathered Fashion Spread!

Back to Basics, Pt. 1: Gathered Panties

Gathered ladies everywhere love to look great, and dress both to express and to impress. But did you know that every great outfit is built on a great foundation? I mean this literally. It’s very, very important to be gathered under your clothes. To put it simply, your underwear supports your outerwear. The wrong undergarments will ruin an outfit.  With that in mind, welcome to part one of our Gathered Lady Back to Basics series. We’re starting by focusing on the most basic of the basics: panties! (Yes, we’re going there...but we promise you’ll learn something.)

Now, I’m not trying to get all up in your business or anything, but... what kind of panties are you wearing under that dress? Those pants? That jumpsuit? That skirt? It totally matters!

 

 Exhibit  A.  Most common panty styles... pick carefully from this arsenal

They come in every color and pattern under the rainbow and we all wear them. But the most important thing to understand is that panties come in the common types listed below and many variations, all of which have an appropriate use. They’re tools, ladies. To support, control, protect, enhance and seduce. Let your purpose guide your panty. Ooh, let’s discuss! Use these tips to pair panties with clothes and build that perfect gathered outfit every time.

Bikini Briefs

Bikini briefs are the most common type of panty and come in an infinite array of colors, patterns, and materials from cotton to lace to velvet! On average, they are medium coverage, medium rise panties.

• Variations include: high-cut or french cut bikinis, string bikinis, tangas (see exhibit A above).
• Comfy, versatile, bikinis pair well with jeans, pants, shorts, skirts, and even dresses. Won’t show under heavier fabrics like denim and wool.  
• Some bikinis can be low rise. This can equal rolling or bunching for ladies with more in the middle or junk in the trunk! Look for thicker waistbands, higher rise, and anti-roll technology such as additional clear elastic in the leg and waist in these cases.
• Warning: thick seams, elastic, or heavy cotton in the panties will create visible panic panty lines (VPLs)  in any form-fitting outfit of a lighter fabric.  
• If you want to wear this style but are worried about VPLs, you can counteract this with: a) seamless, laser-cut, or microfiber bikini or b) a thong or g-string.

Boyshorts & Hipsters

• Boyshorts and hipsters are pretty much the modern replacements of the classic “Granny panty”. The boyshort offers full coverage at a higher rise, while the hipster offers mid coverage at a lower rise.  

• Both boyshorts and hipsters are super comfy, and can be sexy as well -- nothing that you need to be embarrassed to be seen in. Both pair well under medium weight fabrics. The boyshort tends to do well with clothing that clings to your butt but drops away at the thigh because the low cut leg seam doesn’t show as often.

• Because hipsters are lower rise, they are amazing under any mid-rise pant.

• Warning: these panties offer little to no control for those of us needing that. The good news is that there are control panties and foundation garments sold in boyshort and hipster silhouettes (look for a discussion of that in an upcoming post).

  
   

Thongs & G-strings

• Thongs and g-strings are more than perma-wedgies or (effective) tools of seduction! They have a function and can be quite useful in your arsenal, mainly in the fight against VPLs. (It’s the visible ones we fight. The invisible ones are our friends, since they tend to sculpt and shape our derrieres into works of art).

• Both thongs and g-strings are a no show under most clothes. Warning: there are exceptions, mostly around wrong color choice (see below). Always do a spot check before leaving the house!

• The fit on these panties can be tricky. They shouldn’t be loose, but should you choose a too-exact fit, or they shrink in the wash... you will find out that the “g” in g-string stands for goddamn! your sensitive parts will be flossy, in the worst way.

  
   

Classic & Control Panties

• Classic panties aka Granny panties aka period panties. Ah, how we love to hate to love them! These are traditional, full coverage panties, totally resistant to modernization outside of fun colors and patterns and an update to microfiber and other seamless fabrics.

• It’s smart to have a few classic panties on hand in your gathered lingerie drawer. Sometimes nothing but a pair of bloomers will do, and these count. Follow the same fabric rules as bikini panties.

• DO NOT wear classic panties with low rise anything. They will show above the waistband. They will bunch up under your clothes. It will be all bad.

• Control panties, on the other hand, will help smooth out your silhouette and tame bulges, rolls, dimples, and other attributes you want to downplay. Great under business attire, structured dresses, formal dresses, etc... These hold you in and, as with stronger control underwear, can even improve your posture. I’m a great fan. So much so that I will give these and other control undergarments their very own post in this series. Look for it!

  

Well, that’s it for now fashionistas, until we’re back with Back to Basics Pt. 1.5: Panty Pros and Pas -  a guide of panty dos and don’ts for the modern age.