The Delray Beach Pineapple
www.DelrayPineapple.com
July’s Tips in Trends By Rigel Herman The Pineapple Contributing Writer
L
ife without a personal stylist can be tough. Everyone has questions about the latest trends, how to wear them, how to dress appropriately for our bodies and ages and, honestly, sometimes fashion magazines are just too fashionable and their suggestions, unrealistic. To help guide you, by giving straight-forward, simply chic answers to the trends that plague you, I’ve developed this question and answer forum for the exceedingly stylish members of our readership. I know you’re out there, I see you every day and night on Atlantic Avenue. There is no shortage of personal style in Delray Beach; ranging from conservative to New York City high fashion, to brightly colored, playful Florida frocks, this city loves to dress. And with the bevy of beautiful boutiques, it’s no wonder there are so many well-dressed people about town. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some missteps. To avoid looking like you belong on a “Worst-Dressed” list and the sneers of a local Joan Rivers type, follow some easy guidelines, take in stride the answers to the questions posed by your friendly neighbors, and embrace the current state of style. “I keep hearing about “color-blocking” and I’m not really sure what it is or how to wear it?” – Rebecca, Delray Beach Color-blocking is HUGE this season, there’s no doubt about it. And while black will always be the darling of our wardrobes, let the sunshine and blue skies inspire you to go bold. Think literally of stackable blocks, one on top of the other. So a pair of purple pants, let’s say, with a solid blue tank is color blocking. Brightly colored denim made a grand entrance this year and provides a fantastically fashionforward bottom to your colorfully blocked ensemble. A pair of bright red jeans, for example, looks fresh and modern with a burnt yellow top. If bright colors scare you, especially when put together, get back to basics and “basic block”. Put on a black skirt and a solid grey top, and technically speaking, you’re still following the trend, just more subtly. Avoid colors that inspire thoughts of holidays or insects, though, for sure! Clearly black and orange send a spooky Halloween vibe, yellow and black can look like a bumblebee and green and red are obviously Christmas-time exclusive. “Everyone is wearing prints, particularly stripes. I’m afraid they make me look larger than I am. How can I get the look without looking like a crazy person?” – Jennifer, Delray Beach
Again we all love our black and white basics. But for the past few seasons, prints have been all over the runways. From pretty florals to edgier Art Deco designs, to funky digital prints, they’ve become a wardrobe staple. Choosing prints that are less tropical flowers and more interesting patterns is one way to embrace this trend without looking dated. Stripes are everywhere, and they count as a print! Many women fear that stripes, particularly horizontal stripes, will make them look large and accentuate the negative. However, stripes, like any other print, are distracting to the eye and create an effect that allows the clothing to speak for itself, so to speak, actually taking away from the parts of our bodies we don’t quite love. A difficult look to pull off, sans stylist: print on print. To attempt this daring style, choose a subtle floral pattern on the bottom and a striped top, in a similar color scheme. Not quite ready for that? No problem. Get the look with a much-coveted pair of printed pants, such as wide-leg Ikat silks, or flower covered denim, paired with a basic white or black tank. “All the tops I see are so big and over-sized, which I find to be unflattering. What’s the shape I should be looking for in a shirt or blouse? – Irene, Delray Beach It’s nice to hide behind our clothes, (some days more than others) and most of us have enjoyed the big, loosey-goosey styles that have been popular the past few seasons. This summer, however, show off your figure and return to pieces that actually fit your body. Feminine silhouettes are back in a major way, so pick up flirtier, more tailored pieces. What to avoid? “Feminine silhouette” does not mean so tight we can see your lunch. Enough said. “Maxi dresses are in all the stores and I want to try one, but where do I wear it?” – Sarah, Delray Beach
Maxi dresses certainly are everywhere, and in the South Florida heat, they’re quite a blessing with their cool, airiness. Perfect for Delray’s art festivals, Sunday brunches with the ladies or July 4th BBQ’s, maxi dresses look chic and sophisticated and are easy to wear. If you choose to wear one out on a Saturday night, however, consider the cut and fabric. Cotton blends are better for causal occasions, while silk blends better translate for a dressier event. Strapless maxis are also evening-friendly, while tank sleeves generally give off a laid-back, relaxed vibe. One last thing, maxi dresses to the office? Serious no-no. Rigel Herman is the Manager of Atlantic Avenue boutique, Palm Beach Native Sun, a freelance stylist and closet re-organizer. She is also a die-hard follower of fashion. Ask her your questions by emailing her at: rigelherman@gmail.com
JULY 2012 • 23
DELRAY BEACH PLAYHOUSE STUDENTS’ PRODUCTION OF WILLY WONKA JUNIOR Delray Beach Playhouse students will transport Delray to “a world of pure imagination” with their production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR., a musical based on Roald Dahl’s timeless children’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, on July 7th at 4:00pm and 7:00pm and July 8th at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. The musical is part of the MTI Broadway Junior Collection, MTI’s special collection of musicals for younger performers which includes “JR.” titles, 60-minute musicals for performance by middle school children; and “KIDS” titles, 30-minute musicals for performance by elementary school children. To celebrate the imaginations of all the students involved in the production, Delray Beach Playhouse will receive its own certificate signed by the show’s creators Timothy A. McDonald, and Leslie Bricusse (Bricusse also wrote the 1971 film score with Anthony Newley, and created new songs for the production.) The certificate commends the cast on their
Illustrators
successful production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. It lasts longer than a Wonka Bar! “I’ll always be thankful to my third grade teacher, Mrs. Spencer, who introduced me to the joys of reading by giving me a Roald Dahl book,” says McDonald. “These students are playing a similar role by showing their peers how wonderful reading and theatre can be through their production. I applaud them,” he adds. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids 18 and younger. To purchase advance tickets or for more information, call 561-272-1281 Ext. 4. All proceeds benefit the Delray Beach Playhouse Children’s Theatre located at NW 9th Street in Delray Beach.
Your illustration can make it on the front cover of The Pineapple's Art and Music Section for more information Contact:
ILLUSTRATORS@
delraypineapple.com
THIS MONTH’S ILLUSTRATOR
JOE BENSON