Wool

My earliest memories of wool was of those itchy, scratchy wool a-line skirts my mother would put on me in the winter.  She meant well but my skin was always so red and irritated by the end of the evening that it was quite some time before I tried the fabric again in my adult life!

I have found that there is such a thing as soft wool which does not irritate the skin!  It just takes time to choose superior fabric and fit!

Wool, of course, was first utilized to make clothing due to its warmth!  Therefore, it should be common knowledge that this is a winter fabric only!

If you are concerned that wool might irritate your skin, one of the easiest ways to incorporate this very warm fabric into your wardrobe is by using it as a cape or coat. 

In that way, it provides warmth while not coming into direct contact with your skin!  This selection is a particularly charming alternative to the ubiquitous coat!

An adorable addition to the cape is this cap, which comes in a variety of colors to accent your outfit!


While this look will not work for everyone, it is a great way to keep your head warm and pull off an adorable look with wool at the same time!



Aside from winter caps and capes, there are also a number of adorable styles!

Of course, there's also Cashmere!!!  Experiment and add this fabric to your closet soon!

Velvet

Velvet, while being a fabric strictly reserved for cooler climates and months, is an essential for the elegant lady. As Napoleon Bonaparte is quoted as saying, “A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.”

Just imagine the sophistication it can lend a woman’s figure! In a world where appearances add up to impressions, this is one fabric you should definitely include in your fall and winter wardrobe!

Essentially, it doesn’t matter whether you have a perfect waistline, a huge bust, or smooth hips, it’s all about how you flatter your good points and detour attention away from your weak points. One key method is accessorizing! The other is choosing the appropriate tailoring for your figure.

To accentuate your assets, velvet adds a soft texture that invites touch while adding a warmth to your look.

Casual, Business, Church…Anything Goes!

While velvet is seldom used in casual wear, its second-cousin, corduroy, is often a favorite for skirts and jackets. The ivory velvet blazer below would also pull double duty as a dressed-up separate or as a casual piece when accompanied by a denim skirt and the right undershirt and scarf!

Velvet is more readily added to business or church attire than denim, of course! Being dressed up need not be mundane, however.

Outerwear: Cold Weather Calls for Cozy Measures!

Velvet need not be restrained to carefully planned outfits. It can also be used as a mainstay, such as your winter coat, earmuffs, or gloves!

Being most often viewed as a classic fabric, it can be trendy as well! Just look at this goody by Newport News!

On the other hand, velvet can also be part of an exquisitely planned outfit, such as this wedding cloak in ivory velvet!

One can just envision the front doors of an elegant 18th century church opening as the couple emerges and alights into a beautiful sleigh for their getaway!

Finally, Formalwear

While silks and satins are the usual fabrics utilized for formalwear, why not step out of the status quo and try something new? A large part of being an alluring, elegant, and exciting lady is having that touch of mystery about you.

Does your husband know your style inside and out…or is he never quite sure what you’ll appear in? Perhaps an Oriental influence might be in order….such as this black velvet mandarin tunic.

Of course, adding a mysterious, fanciful flare need not involve purchasing a completely new outfit. Accenting pieces you already have is simple with this fabric. For instance, a sheer black shawl with velvet inlay is a beautiful accent even to the simplest piece as you wrap up for the next cool Sunday morning!

A little more on the trendy side, these black velvet gloves are another quick addition that can add pizzazz and class without breaking the piggy bank!

With and without the animal print, these are winners every time! Who says your winter gloves for going out have to be the same ones with which you shovel the front walk?

Seasonal or Non-Seasonal?
Velvet is most definitely a winter fabric. In recent years, several knock-off designers have actually created crushed-velvet T's that are marketed in the summer months. Unfortunately, the wisdom of our grandparents still stands firm and even a young woman like me wrinkles her nose at the smell of sweat that drenches these garments in the summer sun! This is definitely a winter or fall fabric only! Quite simply, it doesn't breath well so you'll feel much more comfortable in the look during cooler days anyway!

How Do I Care For Crocheted Items?
Velvet is strictly a dry-clean material. It's fibers are so delicate that it cannot withstand regular laundering. It will also not endure a whole lot of sitting! I know from experience as I've finally had to retire my favorite black velvet skirt because the back side is worn down to nubs! Basically, be careful with your velvet. If you spill something on it, only dry-cleaning can save it--if it can!

Suede

Suede is certainly for winter wear!  It need not be in drab colors, however!  From boots to pumps to ballet flats, suede is incredibly versatile.  Do be cautious with snow and rain, however, as suede does not hold up well in moisture!

Suede skirts come in all shapes and sizes but often, due to their texture, look best in earthy tones!  While I am not a fan of the A-Line skirt, I could not resist the one above!  It certainly has flair when paired with heeled boots!

Of course, in the case of suede jackets, there are elegant choices and ... not so classy ones!

I personally would consider all three of these styles above to be a wrong use of suede.  The woman in the tan jacket could pass for a man if her face and hair were not showing.  Why would you want to leave anything to chance?  You are a woman!  Dress like one!  Are you a bounty hunter or a creature of mystery and intrigue?

As for the young lady in the draping jacket, notice how she doesn't appear to have any shape at all!  Keep that in mind when buying this heavier fabric! 

As for the tassled suede jackets, I would simply make certain you live in New Mexico where this is more of a cultural statement.  Elsewhere, it will likely make you stand out like a sore thumb!

Below is a collection of beautiful choices for suede jackets that have real personality, class, and femininity!

Brocade

Brocade, easily one of the most elegant—though stiff and structured—fabrics available! Its origins are steeped in royalty! Used as early as the tenth century in Asia and the thirteenth century in Europe, it boasts a most intricate texture!

Brocade is an interwoven design that yields a pattern of raised figures; the figures can be anything from flowers to swirls to paisley-shaped items! The contrasting of a top yarn with the bottom yarn often gives it a golden, silver, or metallic sheen.

In the distant past, this fabric was largely restricted to the wealthy or to royalty; even for them, it was often reserved for special occasions due to the arduous process involved in making it!

By the 1700s, brocade was being utilized more and more by the middle classes in a number of items, from shoes to vests to purses of the day! It had even spilled over into furniture, being used for chairs, couches, and even curtains. We must recall that they did not use their couches for vegging out watching old ‘I Love Lucy’ reruns or playing video games!

Today, brocade is seldom used in furniture unless it is considered very formal. A number of couches and chairs from the nineteenth century and early twentieth still utilized it quite a bit. Brocade has also been used less and less in fashion as women and men have turned to more comfortable fabrics.

Brocade remains one of the most elegant, sophisticated fabrics, however, and is certainly the way to go should you wish to make a favorable impression!

Good Combinations!

It has been my experience that brocade is often used for full suit dresses, rather than for separates. This example of a brocade suit from the 1960s differs little from those we see today!

Interestingly, brocade items usually appear Oriental in appearance. This particular brocade skirt would look beautiful with a gold jacket with a mandarin collar, for instance. Or, it could be paired with one similar to the black jacket pictured here! And don’t forget the heels! This is definitely ‘heel’ wear!

As you can see by this brocade skirt by Roberto Cavelli, the Asiatic influence is pretty heavy…but don’t worry, anyone can wear it!

With this particular number, there is a slight greenish hue to the edges of the thread, making it a wonderful color with which to accent!

Also by Roberto Cavelli, these boots add class to any outfit!

Warning: I wouldn’t mix heavily patterned brocade boots with a brocade skirt or suit; it will appear too busy and like you are trying to match just a bit too hard.

Instead, keep the outfit simple and let the boots be the item of interest!

Brocade is also often used in longer jackets such as this one! For these items, make certain to balance the length of the jacket with a knee-length skirt. I have seen women time and time again, wearing a long jacket with a floor-length skirt. It just doesn’t work! Think balance!

For this particular piece, I would accent with a dark colored knee-length skirt and either slim-line boots with heels or some pumps that match the jacket’s overall color scheme!

If you happen upon a similar long brocade jacket that isn’t quite as shiny, it can also be layered with a chic cami and a dark denim skirt (knee-length of course)! Don’t forget to pull out one of the colors in the pattern (perhaps gold, yellow, or bright green) with a long scarf and touch it all off with a bag!

As you can see, brocade will work for the more conservative—as in this black and white jacket—or the young lady who likes to push the limits!

If you don’t have brocade in your wardrobe, add it to your Santa list soon!

Seasonal or Non-Seasonal?

As far as seasonal preference, brocade is always a winter fabric. The thickness of the fabric makes it less likely to breath. In fact, living in the South, I save my brocade outfits until there is snow on the ground!

How Do I Care for Brocade?

Just about every article of brocade I own is ‘dry clean only.’ The pattern of the fibers in the brocade are very delicate and throwing them into a washing machine and a dryer will certainly destroy the craftsmanship. Furthermore, to create the metallic sheen they often have, most brocade fabrics have synthetic fibers than cannot be put into heat without shrinking or melting—eww!

 

Leather

Leather is certainly one of the most flexible fabrics; it can ring of class, hint at fun, yet also herald to prostitution.  Therefore, there are certainly precautions to be taken with such a fabric!

Leather Jackets:  Every time I see a leather jacket, I am reminded of the greasers in the 1950s. 

There always seems to be an element of adventure as well as mystery with the adorning of such a fabric! 

I especially love a fitted leather jacket with seamless lines that work well with my many scarves, but jackets with interesting snaps and bulk can be fun with denim skirts.


Of course, the leather jacket need not be black in nature!  It can certainly be in any color that dyes can come it!  Of course, certain colors would not look too classy.  For me, I prefer natural colors, such as black, tan, brown, or even cream.

Leather Skirts:  This is definitely an area for caution!  While a leather skirt can be dressy when crossed with a hip-length dress jacket and heels, it can also call to mind a redlight district if you wear it too tightly!  It is always best to purchase a size larger than you normally wear to ensure you maintain a classy look rather than a cheap one!

Skirts in leather can come in just about any length but they are best just below the knee or at the ankle.  The knee length skirt is very hip and classy while the ankle length skirt proves to be very elegant!  For a wild touch, try a red leather skirt like that above!

Leather Boots:  These can certainly lift an ordinary jean skirt from the doldrums into 'class city!'  When selecting these boots, make certain they do not fit too loosely on the leg nor too tightly.  There's nothing that can kill your look like 'muffin top' legs!

Denim

Wow, denim! Where do I begin? Although I am usually pretty well-coordinated and have dressed in business-casual apparel for most of my life, I now really enjoy by denim skirts! After being dressed in a suit all week at work and at church, it can be a great way of triggering your mind to ‘Off!’ Wearing a denim skirt, however, does not mean you have to be sloppy or slouchy!

One thing I’ve always found a bit embarrassing are those who wear their baggy, oversized denim skirts along with their unfitted, size X-Large t-shirt with tennis shoes! Unfortunately, many of our ladies are uncertain how to look attractive while also being comfortable.

In short, the same rules of dress apparel apply to casual. For instance, if you are wearing a full, a-line denim skirt, wear a shorter, cropped shirt that is fitted to balance the look! If you have chosen a flowing, less structured shirt, then wear a denim pencil skirt to shore up the look!

Also, don’t forget to accessorize! The other day I was enjoying a rare day off, cleaning the house, when my best friend dropped by. She was all excited about a sale at the mall and wanted me to accompany her in her quest to purchase a new comforter! Lunch was part of the deal.

Having been in cleaning mode, I was dressed in a denim trumpet skirt with a fitted purple, ribbed shirt which is made of t-shirt material. And, of course, I had the customary huge white tennis shoes and quickly gathered ponytail. What to do?

Quick fixes: First, I changed into a pair of slip-on leopard heels; then I threw on a nice brown, leather belt to cinch my waist and a leopard scarf. Ready to go! No one need ever know I was cleaning house! Oh, and the hair? I simply moved the ponytail to one side just beneath my left ear for a cute, little bit of chic! Off to the sales!

Good Combinations!
Usually, I opt to balance a denim skirt with a non-denim top or vice versa. Wearing denim top to bottom can lead to unmatched strains of denim that aren’t complimentary; however, if the top and skirt come together and match, it can be quite charming with a scarf and heels! In fact, I have a denim suit that I even wear to work! Denim dresses can also be accessorized with a cute scarf (heavy for winter and lightweight for summer) and a belt for a chic, though casual, appearance!

As for skirts, there are a million different varieties! Although I usually prefer either a knee-length pencil skirt or a floor-length trumpet skirt, I will occasionally wear a long straight skirt. A-lines work well particularly with boots in the winter! Ultimately, just make certain that you accessorize your look; it can turn drab into a little touch of fantastic!

As you can see, a scarf belt or one wrapped around one’s neck with a simple fitted shirt and sandals can be flattering! Always take that extra step!

Of course, denim jackets can be mixed with casual or dress wear! Some are fitted while others boast cropped styles! I often like to layer a patterned skirt, turtleneck, and jean jacket with boots for the winter. If I lack the right color turtleneck, a scarf is used to get the layering effect I want. Tip: Don’t over-use scarves. One at the neck, the waist, or in the hair is enough; more than one in your ensemble can look a bit redundant!

The fun thing about denim is that it can be accented with rhinestones, military insignia, and even patches; it is so versatile that you could plan an entire wardrobe around the fabric! And it can be as dressy or as casual as you wish!

So, where do you find these hardy, cotton treasures for the closet?!?

Try these great places:

JustDenimSkirts.com!

NewportNews.com! Simply click on any Amazon ad to your right and search it!

Simply-Plus-Size.com!

Congratulations! You are now on your way to being ‘Denim Chic’!

Silk

Silk has long been the material for the upper crust.  The processes involved in making it are extensive...especially for those without our modern machinery.

In its early beginnings in the Western hemisphere, silk was affordable only to the very wealthy and, hence, we now have numerous antique articles of silk clothing with the most elaborate patterns!

Silk is one fabric, however, that can be adorned with illustrous patterns or be one simple color...and still be glamorous!

We have our own methods for creating glamour and luxury.  This ostentatious suit, for example, is hardly appropriate for work but is a delightful style for more formal occasions!

The beautiful thing about silk is that it can make any color appear vibrant!  Often, pure silk hugs the figure as well, making it most advantageous for those with beautiful curves.

For those who are thicker, you need not shun silk altogether.  There are various types of silk!  Here are two great examples that can be worn by anyone!

Raw silk is much more coarse than ordinary silk.  It could be said to be a cross between cotton and wool in its texture.

Although I may not endorse a suit of raw silk like this pictured, I enjoy the fabric for casual shirts.  It is fairly cool and doesn't seem to wrinkle much.

Raw silk rarely hugs the figure and can be structured enough to create a crisp suit.  This is certainly an often overlooked fabric!

Ottoman silk is another beautiful alternative that seems to have more structure than ordinary silk. 

It is not as rough or staunch as raw silk, being instead a happy medium from which some very elegant suits can be made.  It is used fairly often by the more expensive clothiers so expect to pay a pretty penny to add this to your wardrobe!

Crochet

Crocheted items lost popularity for a short time during the 1990s and early part of our current century; however, they are making a definite comeback for those who enjoy a more homey feel! The wonderful thing about crocheted items is that crocheting is not a difficult skill to learn, making it quite simple to custom design the scarf, cardigan, or bag you need to make your outfit pop!

For those less artistically inclined, there are always wonderful choices available at Amazon.com and various other online or offline vendors.

If this isn’t a style you’ve utilized much in the past, allow me to share some ideas with you for adding crocheted items to your wardrobe! It’s a great way to texturize your outfits and add interest!

Scarves

I was recently reading a friend’s blog who travels extensively. Her ponderings can be found at myfrenchunderpants.blogspot.com. One article I found particularly entrancing was her ‘Less is More’ post about lingerie shopping in France.

It seems that the dressing rooms she visited were each equipped with an array of scarves as no outfit is truly complete without one! I thought it was quite an artistic and fun thought—trying on lingerie with a scarf to match!

That being said, I must admit that my favorite styles from celebrities of bygone eras usually involve some kind of scarf or shawl. There is just something feminine about a scarf tied about one’s neck or around the waist with long tendrils swaying as one walks!

Crocheted scarves can come in various styles, some incredibly feminine and others hardier in nature. Here are some styles you may not have considered. For instance, consider this version of the crocheted scarf from UniversalYarn.com:

That being said, I must admit that my favorite styles from celebrities of bygone eras usually involve some kind of scarf or shawl.

There is just something feminine about a scarf tied about one’s neck or around the waist with long tendrils swaying as one walks!

Crocheted scarves can come in various styles, some incredibly feminine and others hardier in nature.

Here are some styles you may not have considered. For instance, consider this version of the crocheted scarf from UniversalYarn.com:

Not only do these scarves add that extra little oomph and va-va-voom that every outfit needs but they are practical against the cold and work well with the layered look that is so popular today!

Cardigans, Sweaters, and Vests

While I use a fair number of scarves in my personal ensembles, I also adore crochet cardigans. Vests are certainly not as common, but if layered with a wide belt and knee-length denim skirt, they can be most attractive!

Essentially, crochet gives one a soft, casual look. While I would not employ it in a business or formal setting, the crocheted cardigan or sweater can prove a beautiful layer for your casualwear that adds style!

 

While this cardigan might easily be crocheted as a home project, this one might prove a bit more challenging.

Of course, used as a pullover with a dark denim skirt and flesh-toned platforms that strap up your ankle, you are ready to go just about anywhere in style!

And, of course, there is always the cowl neck sweater!

This is the type of piece I would encourage any shape or size of woman to utilize.

Notice, the softening of the woman’s figure as it drapes toward her hips!

And the cowl neck serves as an attention-getter, which can easily hide other unsightly lumps and bumps!

Of course, crochet need not be fuzzy or even earth-toned!

And, certainly, there are instances where it works well with a dressier skirt! For instance, there is this double-layer top!

It is indeed possibly a bit polished for a personal crocheting endeavor but se la vi! If it’s your style, buy it for your next birthday, anniversary, or event. “Hey honey, look what you bought me!”

The wool threads might also be used for blazers.

A unique approach, I grant you, but it definitely works!

Consider this item: I have worn it both with denim and buckskin-colored boots as well as a sharp navy skirt and heels.

The Artsy Touch!
By all means, don’t limit yourself to these simple methods for incorporating crochet!

There are countless more styles to be explored!

Such as…I’m sure you’ve seen infants with their crocheted beanies with flower clips attached.

Believe it or not, I’ve seen a couple of women pull of the same look with amazing success!

While I certainly think you should have a round or heart-shaped face for it, it’s an adorable, rather bohemian look!

Also, while I’m not a huge fan of crocheted skirts in general, there are occasional styles that work really well, such as this white number!

It reminds one of a garden tea party or church picnic; just don’t forget the wide-brimmed hat!

Making Your House a Home
Whether you choose to wear crocheted items or not, there is no denying that crocheted blankets and coverlets provide a homey feel to your house! While I do not make use of such items during the summer, I’ve found that adding an afghan to the end of the guestroom bed as well as laying one across a cozy chair in the den adds a feeling of warmth and seasonal cheer in the winter months.

Although I live in Texas where the winters are usually not too harsh, the presence of such articles really makes one appreciate the season! And trust me, someday, I’ll live in a gorgeous village somewhere up North with delicious mountains and harsh winter storms where those items are more functional than decorative!

Seasonal or Non-Seasonal?
It depends on the yarn used, I would say. Thicker yarns should be reserved for the fall or winter; they yeild warmth and a cozy look. In summer, there's nothing less attractive than sweating through your crocheted scarf as its fibers wrinkle about your neck! Ew! Some crocheted styles use other threads that are lighter weight, however, which can certainy be attractive in summer. Basically, if it feels warm, don't wear it in summer!

How Do I Care For Crocheted Items?
Unless otherwise instructed on the label, crocheted items should be handwashed and air-dried! The patterns can be mangled by a good, efficient clothes dryer! Also, washing such a fabrick in the washer can lead to fuzzies taking over your beautiful scarf. Of course, if you're going for that look, go for it!