By Melrose W. Fisher
March 16, 2017

We all love our leggings. Leggings are great when you’re in need of a comfortable, throw-on, go-on and pull-on bottom that you can easily pair with your favorite tunic, or under a short dress or with that ratty college tee shirt that has seen better days. Sometimes you just need to give it up and mix it up.

For this spring and summer season, try giving up your leggings and reach instead for a “wide-leg,” “track/athleisure,” or “loungewear-type” pant. Skinny pants or tapered leg pants have not gone out-of-style, it’s just that the wide-leg, lounge pant style has taken a leap forward this season.

The wide-leg pants are much cooler than leggings or skinny jeans, therefore, making them more comfortable in the dead of our summer heat. The loungewear-type pants give you the feel of fluidity and airiness. Then the athleisure/track pant takes on a whole new meaning while providing you with style and comfort.

We don’t expect you to ditch your leggings. Just temporarily give ‘em up for the spring/summer season and mix-up your pant selections. You’ll be glad you did.

WIDE-LEG PANTS from our Carlisle and ETCETERA Collections

 Blanca from Carlisle Collection #509658

Sunburnt from ETCETERA Collection #209760Cloud from ETCETERA Collection #209968

TRACK/ATHLEISURE PANTS from Carlisle & ETCETERA Collections

    Vapor Pant from ETCETERA #409723

Sylvie Pant from Carlisle Per Se #509683

Taureg from Carlisle Per Se #509666

Lounge Pants from Carlisle & ETCETERA

Mosaic from Carlisle Per Se #509672

Anchor from Carlisle NY #109808

Driftwood from ETCETERA’s E3 #409829

This method of tying your scarf is really perfect for the colder weather. You may already be tying your winter scarf this way. A scarf in a lighter weight with a light jacket would be perfect for our weather here in NC.

Find the middle of the scarf and drape it around the neck so that free ends hang at the back.
Twirl the scarf around the neck and loosen its loop so that it’s comfortable.
Cross one end over another and tie a knot. Adjust the loop so that it covers the tail in the front.

This one is gorgeous!

Our next scarf tying to practice this season is the Infinity Scarf. You do not need an Infinity Scarf…see the steps to tying an Infinity Scarf; you can use something you already have. And, the wikiHow images are lovely.

The Infinity Scarf

Step 1: Drape scarf over shoulders so that both ends are equidistant.

Step 2: At the very bottom of both ends, tie an overhand knot.

Step 3: Tie another overhand knot to ensure that the first know does not slip.

Step 4: Take the loop (shaped like an “O”) and twist it so that it’s shaped like an “8”.

Step 5: Drape the bottom loop of the “8” over your head. There you have it. Beautiful! 

Scarves can be worn all year-round, but Winter is the perfect season for wearing a scarf and for practicing new ways to tie and wear your scarves. During the next few weeks, we’re going to share with you some ways to tie a scarf. This week we’ll focus on The Waterfall. We found these amazing images and easy instructions in wikiHow. Also, check out this video from Talbots. The Waterfall.

THE WATERFALL

Step 1: Drape scarf around the neck, with one end significantly longer than the other end.

Step 2: Loop the longer end around your neck one time.

Step 3: Take the end you used to loop and secure it by the top corner.

Step 4: Fit the top corner into the loop at the side of the neck. when done properly, the unattached side drapes down like a waterfall.

Scarves available in the fall and winter Carlisle and ETCETERA Collections.

October 12, 2016
Melrose Fisher (With credit to Tracy Varga Group at Pink Suede)

I am uncomfortable in dresses without hosiery. Is it ok to wear them now? Or is bare legged still the trend? With cooler weather coming, surely I’ve got to think about comfort, right? Yes, but follow these tips for how to wear hose.

Three cheers for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge who brought nude hose back in vogue. While the bare legged trend isn’t going anywhere, because of Kate, there’s far more stylish sheer hosiery options available in stores and no one will wrinkle their nose at your choice of hose. Below are tips for wearing hosiery, and suggestions of my favorite brands of pantyhose and tights:

NUDE PANTYHOSE

If you want to wear sheer natural-looking stockings, you won’t find them at your neighborhood CVS. Quality is key for finding sheer, well-fitting, and natural looking pantyhose. The hose should be as close to your natural skin tone (no matter how pale you are); tan legs with fair arms and face is NOT stylish. Donna Karan’s ‘The Nudes’ comes in seven different colors, so you’re more likely to find a natural looking shade for your skin tone; the quality is excellent, they’re sheer and not too shiny making them like BB cream for your gams. ‘The Nudes’ come in toeless, high waist, control top, sheer to waist and even plus size so you can find a style that is most comfortable for you. I’ve also had luck with Nordstrom’s in-house brand. It’s a little less expensive and I think is a bit more visible when wearing, but still elegant. Nordstrom’s Sheer Control Top Pantyhose come in nine different “nude” colors and are available in plus size. If you’re a fan of thigh high stockings (also known as stay ups), you can’t beat Wolford; while they’re pricey, they’re well-made, natural looking, and one of the few brands I’ve found that stays up without putting dents in your thighs. I prefer their Individual 10 which come in six shades, aren’t shiny, are sheer, and cover imperfections nicely.

 SHEER BLACK PANTYHOSE

Black sheers came back in style a few seasons ago and had again become a classic. While black stockings were popular for daywear before, this time, it’s best to keep them for evening events. As with nude pantyhose, choose a pair that is not too shiny, high quality, and as sheer as you can go while covering that which you wish to cover. Since black sheers are for the evening, it’s more acceptable for them to have a bit of sheen or have a higher denier (are thicker/more opaque).

OPAQUE TIGHTS

Opaque tights are still a style mainstay this fall and winter. While I’m partial to very opaque non-shiny black tights with black shoes to create a long line and not compete with my dress, these days most any level of opacity and any color is acceptable and available at popular retailers. Shiny tights can look cheap and more like dancewear; a matte finish will look more expensive and be more versatile. For a traditional level of opacity, I’m a big fan of Nordstrom’s Everyday Opaque Tights. These are durable enough to last more than one season and have enough transparency that they can work for less formal evening affairs. If you’d like a blend between a sheer hose and opaque tight, DKNY’s Semi-Sheer Tights are a great choice. Durable like their traditional tights and with a subtle shaping top that doesn’t dig into your waist, these come in neutral colors that would look great peeking out from a feminine floral midi skirt or a pair of tall leather boots.

 PATTERNED AND FISHNET STOCKINGS

This may not be advice you desire, but if you’re looking for advice on how to wear patterned, fishnet, or novelty hosiery you probably shouldn’t wear them. These are very tricky to wear; one misstep in regard to hem length or shoe choice and the whole look can go from classy to trashy. If you wish to dip your foot into creative hosiery, I recommend starting with something subtle like a nude fishnet, and pair with a longer skirt or tall boots. See how you feel, see what honest friends think, and then go from there.

ALTERNATIVE TO PANTYHOSE

These days, there’s a plethora of products that will do for your legs what foundation and concealer do you’re your face. I like Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs (I’ve had better luck with the lotion than the spray), which blends seamlessly, looks natural, and is water and sweat resistant. Self-tanners have improved greatly over the past couple of years, but I still am klutzy enough to end up with streaks; I’m a fan of Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, which offers a subtle tint to legs after several days of use. The gradual color means less chance for orange fingers or streaky ankles.

by Melrose W. Fisher
September 21, 2016

Fall is that time of year when those of us in the South love wearing our jeans with oversized sweaters and tops. The problem the majority of us have is finding that “right” pair of jeans. You know, the pair that feels awesome and looks fabulous regardless of our body shape. Trying to find that perfect jean can cause more heartache and tears than that hard-to-handle teenager living in your house. Sometimes we just give up and never wear jeans making us then feel like we’re not “hip.” Don’t give up! Follow the tips and tricks below that I’ve generated from various personal image stylists and fashion experts. Hopefully, it will save you a lot of time, stress and upset in finding those long awaited jeans you have been looking for!

Remember, our Carlisle and ETCETERA collections have several styles of jeans to fit practically every body shape and in various colors and fabrications. Remember the saying “you get what you pay for?” That saying most definitely applies to finding that perfect jean. Price does matter when it comes to good quality jeans. Quality made jeans will last you a lot longer, not bag out in the knees and butt area will be cut more symmetrical, will hold its color after many washings, and will be made from comfortable fabrics with stretch.   Often you will find a quality pair will last, and you will enjoy for many seasons.

First, find your shape below and start reading the tips appropriate for your body shape.

PEAR or TRIANGULAR BODY SHAPE

To balance out your proportions and enhance your shape and give credit to your “bottom,” look for jeans with these features:

• Bootcut or wider flares– These will help balance out the hips and keep your legs in proportion with the extra fabric around the calves.
• Long Inseams – Having a longer length means you can wear heels under your flares and bootcut jeans. This will, of course, elongate your legs and make them look slimmer.
• Higher Rise – These are very balancing to your shape, plus they hide a multitude of sins if you suffer from muffin top issues like so many of us do. The higher rise may mean the waistband of your jean sits at the smallest part of your waist like a trouser, or it can mean that it sits at or just below your belly button.
• Jeans with a smaller fitting waist– Most ladies with wider hips often struggle to find jeans that don’t leave a gap at the back of their butt, therefore, requiring a minor nipping in at the waist. That simple alteration works wonders for the fit. I recommend you wear the jean a couple of times and wash them before taking in the waist. That alone will sometimes solve the gaping waistband problem.
• Larger pockets – Enhance your derriere (yep, that’s what they say). Since you are blessed with it, look for larger back pockets as small ones can make the derriere look bigger.
• Stretch denim – Always look for stretch denim as it will hug your body better, creating a sleeker silhouette. Plus, it’s not as restricting as rigid denim. All of our Carlisle and Etcetera jeans have stretch in them.
• Dark Indigo Jeans – Avoid “faded” jeans if you have thicker thighs. Try to stay with darker color jeans. Faded jeans can make your thighs appear larger.
• Boots – If you do want to go for a skinny jean, try tucking them into boots as it will help balance out the hips more and create a better shape.

HOURGLASS or CURVY BODY SHAPE

Gals with this body shape are much luckier because you can get away with most things and look great. With a hip to bust ratio of 50/50 and a slim waist, it’s all about the styling and keeping your proportions balanced. Look for jeans with these features:

• Skinny Jeans– Skinny jeans are the most flattering on hourglass shapes. Your chest and hips are in proportion with each other already so showing your legs off in skinnies only highlights that point. Bootcut jeans can actually overwhelm you and hide your frame.
• Higher rises–Higher rises because the waistband will sit at the smallest part of your waist, this will also give the illusion of an even slimmer middle.
• Medium size back pockets– Don’t go too big or too small with your back pocket sizing, it’s important to enhance your butt so choose wisely!
• Skinny flare– If you want to do flared jeans, choose a pair that are tight and skinny all the way to the knee and then give off a slight flare. This is much more flattering.
• Flares– If you are a curvier hourglass and carry a lot of weight on the hips, a flared jean will really help balance that out.

 ROUNDED or APPLE BODY SHAPE

Apple shaped ladies carry their issues around their tummy area and usually struggle to find jeans that are flattering or give them the shape they are looking for. Embrace your body shape and work with it rather than against it by looking for jeans with these aspects:

• Skinny Jeans– Skinny jeans can look really good when they are paired with a floaty, gypsy style top as this will hide your problem area but the skinnies will still be fitted, creating a balanced look.
• Rises– If you are an apple shape with more curves and you want to hide your stomach, I recommend going for a high rise jean as this will hold everything in. If you are an apple shape with less curves, then lower rise jeans can give you a curvier appearance.
• Trouser Jeans– If you want to balance things out, go for a trouser style jean as the wider leg from hip to foot will help with proportions.
• Faded jeans can be your friend.

RECTANGLE, BOY, COLUMN BODY SHAPE

This is the super model shape with extra height, long legs and a straighter hip area. It can be hard to get jeans to fit in length and be flattering and feminine at the same time. Fortunately, Carlisle and ETCETERA jeans are longer than most jeans you’ll find in regular retail stores. Look out for these aspects:

• Inseams– If you want to go for a smart look, long inseams are the way to go as they will make you sleek and clean. If you prefer something more fashionable and love the look of jeans with ankle boots, go for a cropped skinny and cuff them with your ankle boots. This will give more depth to your shape and lessen your height a little bit while looking chic.
• Skinny Jeans– Skinnies are always your best friend as they show off your figure beautifully. Just be sure to pick the most flattering pair for your butt and thighs.
• Skinny Flares– You can also get away with skinny flares as you have the height to pull it off. Don’t do baggy flares as they will overwhelm you, so make sure the flare starts below the knee and the fit above is tight.
• Rises– If you want to show off your height, go for a high rise, but if you want to make your legs more proportional, a low rise will work wonders.
• Boyfriend Jeans– Boyfriend jeans are extra roomy in the derriere and the thighs. Luckily, you can get away with boyfriend jeans and make them look amazing! Go for a slimmer fitting boyfriend and it will look great.

I hope these tips will help you find that awesome pair of jeans that will look and feel great on you. One of our Lots of Luxe stylists can help you find that perfect jean. Contact us and receive 15% off all jeans in either our Carlisle or ETCETERA lines.

Carlisle Jeans – we have 10 different jean-style pants to see.

The CARLISLE Natalie Jean are the BEST jeans you will even own! Trust me! The Natalie Jean is highlighted in the first images below. These essential 5-pocket jeans are garment-washed indigo stretch denim. Made with a blend of cotton, cupro, and elastane for the softest hand feel. The small uplifted back pockets make you look and feel 10 pounds lighter! Sizies 0-18, $295 (remember, you get what you pay for).

Some of our ETCETERA Jeans – There are nine jean-style pants.