This TV story airs on Great Day Houston on January 4, 2013. Here is a video clip of the segment.
Houston fashion experts discuss trends for the new year with Deborah Duncan. Fashion Producer Todd Ramos talks about stripes, Image Expert Sarah Shah talks about cut-outs and Stylist Wendy Norwood Patterson talks about leather for all seasons. Being fashionable is about knowing what to look for…not about how much you spend. The experts created the looks for this story from thrift stores, department stores and high-end fashion boutiques.
Stripes
Stipes of all colors and widths are hot! Wear them horizontally or vertically for a slimming effect. Todd Ramos created a look for his model from thrift store finds – a striped romper, bangle, clutch, belt and flats – for less than $100.
Cut-Outs
Cut-outs are decorative holes cut out of fabric, leather or metal with a laser or punch. Variations of that theme are burn-outs, or fabric panels and inserts. On the runway, you’ll see cut outs all over a garment. Some variations of this trend are impractical to wear for the average person. To incorporate cut-outs for work or weekend, look for
- Tops and dresses with laser-cut outs around necklines, sleeves and hems
- Cut-outs with sheer panels for more coverage
- Punched or nested jewelry
- Shoes and bags with cut-outs
The examples shown on Great Day Houston are from Dillard’s
Peasant top – Ellie Tahari silk peasant blouse, $268
Dress – Jax panel dress, $208
Necklace – Robert Lee Morris nested heart necklace $59
Earrings – Robert Lee Morris punched earrings $38, Anne Klein silver-tone earrings $24
Shoes – BCBG black suede blossoms wedge shoe $89, Via Spiga Zabrina poppy pattent leather sandal $198
Budget Tips
- Tie drawstring necklines in a criss-cross pattern to you create your own cut-out patterns with items you already own without spending another penny.
- Add the trend to your wardrobe with a couple of inexpensive accessories such as shoes, jewelry, scarves or handbags.
- Buy seasonless pieces on sale or at discount stores such as a short-sleeve sheath dress with cut-outs at the neckline. Wear it with a jacket in the winter and alone in the summer to get lots of wears for your money.
- Buy versatile pieces that work for day and night, for work and weekend so you get a lot of wears for your money.
Seasonless Leather
Stylist Wendy Norwood Patterson says you can wear leather from winter into spring and summer. Choose lighter-color and weight leather to mix with other wardrobe staples. She created this look for her model from high-end designer labels.