Article Written by MaryLou Luther, featured in the Celeveland Plain Dealer Newspaper

Figure-flattering dress is perfect for bridesmaids: Clotheslines


By Special to The Plain Dealer
December 16, 2009, 8:25AM

By Marylou Luther


Dear Marylou: In planning for my August wedding, I would love to find bridesmaids' dresses in the same style but available in six different colors. My family and friends range in size from 4 to 12 -- all well-proportioned in heights ranging from 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-7 and ages from 31 to late 40s. I'm going to pay for the dresses and do not want to get involved with sewing the dresses from a pattern. (Finding one fabric in six colors would probably make that impossible anyway.) Any ideas? -- B.J.L., Warm Springs, Ga.

Dear B.J.L.: The dress illustrated here was not intended as a bridesmaid's dress, but its figure-accommodating design and the fact that it's available in 50 colors, sizes 4 to 14, makes it worthy of your consideration.

The fabric is Taroni's silk faille with crinoline that can either match or contrast with the color of the dress. New York designer Shalini calls this style her classic -- one that's been in her collection for five years. She attributes its longevity not only to its timelessness but also to the fact that it looks good on so many different figure types.

"It's also a great dress for dancing," says Shalini, who says it takes four to six weeks for delivery. (I would add that probably because it isn't a bridesmaid's dress by design, it doesn't have the limitations of a walking-down-the-aisle dress.) For more information, write to Shalini, 363 W. 18th St., New York, NY 10011.

Dear Marylou: The club my husband and I belong to celebrates Valentine's Day with a major black-tie event. By then, my friends will have seen all my best evening dresses. Where can I find a dressy dress worthy of the occasion for less than $100 -- maybe $150, tops? Or is this feasible? I am 34, size 4, 5-foot-6. -- E.H., Littleton, Colo.

Dear E.H.: It is if you shop in the lingerie aisles. Right now, Victoria's Secret (1-800-888-8200 or victoriassecret.com) offers a truly Valentine's Day-worthy black slip made of imported nylon mesh and lace.

This low calf-length slip of (Page 42 of the current catalog) has adjustable straps and a deep side slit. Sizes are XS-L. The price: $58. You could add some bling by replacing the straps with sequined straps.

Or you might want to consider the silk paisley print pajamas at saks.com or 1-800-

347-9177. Worn with strappy sandals and a jeweled belt, the champagne-colored pjs could easily be the toast of the ballroom. Or you could wear the pants with the decorative top of your choice -- a sequined T-shirt, for example. The pajamas-cum-black-tie duo are $175, sizes XS-XL.

Dear Marylou: This request is not exactly the kind you might expect for your column, but I'm hoping that with your sources, you might be able to find old-fashioned slipper sox. Recent searches have produced nothing. -- M.L.S., North Royalton.

Dear M.L.S.: I found three possibilities. FootSmart (1-800-870-7149 or footsmart.com) shows a pair of "cozy slipper socks" on the cover of its holiday catalog. The socks are made of 100 percent wool with treaded soles. They come in women's shoe sizes 7-13 and men's 6-12½ for $18.99 in black, natural, charcoal and warm red.

On page 15 there's another pair at $12.99 made with acrylic uppers, "memory foam footbeds," polyester fleece linings and treaded soles. Mary Jane-style straps with button closures secure them to your feet. One size fits women's shoe sizes 5-10 in gray, pink or purple.

In the current Vermont Country Store catalog (Box 6998, Rutland, VT 05702), page 94, you will see leather-soled slipper socks made of 85 percent wool, 13 percent nylon and 2 percent spandex as well as tweed slipper socks made of 93 percent cotton and 7 percent spandex. ''They're also available at vermontcountrystore.com.

Luther welcomes questions for use in this column but regrets she cannot answer mail personally. Send your questions to: Clotheslines, Fashion Department, The Plain Dealer, 1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114

Article Written by Marylou Luther which was featured in the Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper

Suits are back for fall but with embellishments: Clotheslines

By Special to The Plain Dealer

September 23, 2009, 6:46AM
By Marlou Luther, Special to The Plain Dealer

Dear Marylou: Before I invest in some new fall clothes, I need to know if there is some underlying trend that will be around for a while, and if so, what is it? -- D.S., Aurora.

Dear D.S.: After several seasons of contradictory parts, as in the disparity of mannish blazers with flouncy, feminine skirts and sporty jackets with all-gown skirts, the suit looks fresh once more.

Shalini's silk crepe suit illustrated here looks especially directional as it uses crisscrossing ribbons to accentuate the midsection. Without the ribbon closure, the jacket is a soft blazer, so if you have some old jackets in your closet, follow the designer's lead and make them current by closing them with ribbons or belts.

Dear Marylou: Are the new men's jeans narrow or boot cut? -- H.P., Staten Island.

Dear H.P.: I like the quote Macy's men's fashion director gave MR magazine: "Denim has evolved into a lifestyle. Guys are wearing all different styles, and doing so creatively. They have a distressed style for the weekend, dark and dressy for going out."

The men's magazine also reports that wrinkles are in -- from thighs to hems on narrow pants. Picture a too-long -- way too long -- pair of narrow jeans that have been pushed up the leg, forming natural folds or wrinkles. MR shows the look by Naked & Famous.

Dear Marylou: Any new breakthroughs in sustainable clothes for men? For women? — A.J., Hogansville, Ga.

Dear A.J.: The newest “green” fiber, introduced at the spring 2010 menswear shows in Florence, Italy, is abaca, a bananalike plant fiber that resembles cotton but is naturally water resistant. It is being used in trench coats. According to a study by the Mintel International Group Ltd., global sales of green merchandise increased to an estimated $654 billion in 2008 from $438 billion in 2003, but they are forecast to be flat this year because of the recession. In Mintel ’s survey of 2,500 adults, 54 percent said they would buy more green products but consider them too expensive. Consumers ages 35 and younger were most receptive to them, but seniors were less likely to pay the higher costs. Mintel defined green products as those that minimize impact to the environment through recycled materials; have no harmful chemicals or solvents; are made with organic and pesticide-free farming; reduce energy and water consumption; are made of sustainable woods; and are produced in ways that create lower waste and pollution.

The major boost to sustainable clothes came in July, when Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, announced its new environmental labeling program to measure the social and ecological impact of products. The initiative, which requires all 100,000 of the store’s suppliers to absorb the costs, is intended to produce efficiencies that will eventually lower costs. Experts say it could take five years or more for the reductions to register at retail.

Dear Marylou: I like pretty kimono robes that are roomy and flowing, but I can’t find them in size 18. Do you know a source? — G.G., Fayetteville, N.C.

Dear G.G.: Try to find the kimono you like in the closest size to l8. If it’s an almost fit, sew a band of contrast fabric along the front closing. (Many kimonos are made this way.) Determine its width by the number of inches you require for the correct fit. If your kimono already has a band, remove it in favor of a wider one. Or find your fit by going to a men’s store and looking for a classic wrap robe.

Luther welcomes questions for use in this column but regrets she cannot answer mail personally. Send your questions to: Clotheslines, Fashion Department, The Plain Dealer, 1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114