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DRESSING LIKE A EUROPEAN SECRET #2 The 7 Style Secrets to Dressing Like a European

THE 7 SECRETS TO DRESSING LIKE A EUROPEAN(Secret #1)

May 18th, 2011 | Leave a Comment | 20 comments - (Comments closed) | %rss%

SECRET #1: Texture

Let us start by saying that, of course, not all European women wake up each day looking like they just came from a personal photo shoot with
Vogue. In fact, the fascinating thing about European style is that it looks so very unrehearsed and un-planned that it leaves many
of us wondering just what is the true secret our sisters across the pond use almost intuitively when getting dressed each morning.

Like any good recipe there isnt just one main ingredient that creates fashion perfection, but several things that, when used in the right
combination, will win you the blue ribbon at the county fair -or at least keep you out of Hells Kitchen.

In each of our blogs over the next few weeks we will be revealing one indispensable style ingredient which will unveil 7 fabulous ways to
create your own personal Continental style.

This weeks secret is based on something largely overlooked in America- but which is almost a staple to the European way of
dressing. That secret is..TEXTURE.

Were not talking about hair shirts here though the Europeans certainly did favor that look back in the dark ages. No, from the Parisians to the
Venetians , one of the key style elements to any chic ensemble is the finish, weave, consistency- or in short, the texture of the fabric.

The reason many of us dont even consider the texture of a garment when trying to create an ensemble extrodinaire is because
texture is largely lacking in our mass-produced American clothing choices.

Try sitting on a bench in the middle of any major city in Europe and you will notice two things. One: almost every chic outfit has
texture as a main component and Two: almost every beautiful, charming aspect of that town is also based on texture. Yes, Europeans
are surrounded by this seemingly unimportant detail. From the carved wooden columns on the bank to the ancient stone statues of the Saints
in the church (whose folds of clothing seem to be made from fabric and not marble) to the cobblestones beneath their feet. Texture is one of
the major elements Europeans use to create beauty and style.

Now lets sit down again on our figurative fashion perch in any American city and notice the passers-by. Most people will have a noticeable
lack of texture in their outfits. Due to Americas huge population, we have much bigger stores which carry much larger volumes of
clothing. When any garment is mass produced, every penny counts and generally cheaper runs of fabric are used. Less expensive
fabrics are almost always flat and lacking in any depth, weave (or interest!). In Europe smaller populations produce smaller, higher
quality quantities of clothing- where many designers still see their creations thru from start to finish (and dont send their fashion
babies off to far away sweat-shops to be produced by the thousands).

Take khaki cotton pants, for example, a common wardrobe staple sold from Nordstroms to Costco. They might be a good basic, but
combined with a cotton shirt and a gabardine jacket-youve got the perfect storm for a ho-hum outfit. Now lets send that same outfit on a
European vacation..

In Europe a well-dressed woman would, of course, give our previously ho-hum outfit the texture-treatment. Interestingly enough,
this treatment might only include a minor change for its chic transformation. For example: she might swap out that previously
dullsville gabardine jacket for a beautiful, tactile cashmere blend. Finished with a cordonne topstitch and an interesting button, this jacket
can now even be worn with the ho-hum cotton blouse and khaki pants to create a stylish and versatile look.

So whats an American fashionista to do? Next time youre out shopping be on the lookout for some texture to add to your ensemble. It
will require a little more digging, but your reflection in the mirror will thank you. Small boutiques can be a great place to find trendy
tactile treasures (try saying that three times fast). Also, if youre like most of us and love the European designer fabrics and styles, but not the
expensive price tags that go with them check out designer re-sale stores and outlet stores. Here you can find clothing in beautiful fabrics
and cuts for a fraction of the price. Of course you dont forget to look for some fabulous Italian (textured!) shoes when youre there .but well
save the secret of picking out the perfect accessories for next weeks blog.

Until then

xoxoThe Twins

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May 18th, 2011 | Uncategorized | Leave a Comment | 20 comments - (Comments closed) | %rss%

20 comments to THE 7 SECRETS TO DRESSING LIKE A EUROPEAN(Secret #1)

sara.ruth
May 18, 2011 at 10:54 AM

Test

CMS
May 18, 2011 at 10:57 AM

never thought about texture, but it is a very good point. Guess Im going to have to be on the lookout for something to replace my

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plain cotton tees from Target!

Denise
May 18, 2011 at 6:34 PM

Id love to see some examples of texture in combination with the fashion code. Thanks!

sara.ruth
May 19, 2011 at 6:56 PM

Absolutely!

For example, jeans are an excellent way to add texture to any outfit. Thats why jeans worn with a nice jacket is practically a European style
staple- for men and women alike. Europeans tend to wear jackets made from a very tactile wool. The textured jacket combined with the great
sporty understated finish of jeans can look incredibly stylish. Of course, we Americans can do this too. We all have jeans -and probably have a
top or jacket with some great texture as well. Maybe instead of wearing that flat cotton blouse, you might pick a linen one instead. Or some
great outfits consist of pretty basic pieces in flat weaves BUT the accessories have gorgeous texture. That will be the secret for next weeks
blog where you will also get some great ideas for adding texture with scarves, shoes, purses, etc. Thanks!

BUNNY
May 20, 2011 at 5:09 PM
Loved the idea of more texture and Im sure most women never really think about it. You bring out a whole dimension that one
needs to consider so thanks again for being so perceptive.

As a musician we play with texture in music all of the time. Composers

constantly use many instrumental and choral sounds woven together, sometimes into marvelous affects so why not with clothing as well.

Love your ideas and keep up your outstanding Fashion Code ideas.

LauralL
May 20, 2011 at 7:51 PM

Looking forward to next weeks blog accessories are always a stumbling block for me. Thanks for sharing. interesting stuff.

Sonneteer
May 21, 2011 at 7:21 AM

One of those secrets that seem obvious as soon as you know it. I have wondered why many outfits well chosen for color and line
are kind of blah. Sort of like drinking flat champagne. I am going to be really looking for texture now.
Thanks Twins.

AliBi
May 22, 2011 at 5:51 PM

I totally agree about shopping resale shops Ive found some great European designer stuff that I never would have been able to
afford otherwise. Its also more fun to me as the clothing has more personality than the flat, mass made things in all these mega
stores.

Gloria
May 24, 2011 at 6:25 AM

This blog is really enlightening. When you think of style, you often think of Chanel.and Chanel is all about texture.think of their
classic tweedy jackets. Another reason that clothes with texture are rare in the US may be ease of care. So many clothes today are
designed to be washable and require minimum care, like polyester blends, and fabrics with texture sometimes require a little more
maintenance. But the effect is worth the time. Thanks Fashion Code!

Thecosmicgirl
May 24, 2011 at 7:00 AM

Thx for this valuable tip!

I live in Singapore where its summer all year round & most people dress for comfort than style. Appreciate it loads if you can give some ideas
on how to dress well using different textures in the tropics.

Thx again!

Tammi
May 24, 2011 at 7:42 AM

Thank you for the tip this week! Looking forward to the next 6!

I am a fashion retard, so I was wondering if you could add some picture examples? Also, where do you find European resale shops??? Can
you find them on line? Thx a million!

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Lizanne
May 27, 2011 at 6:21 AM

Ditto re texture in hot, humid climates!

sara.ruth
May 27, 2011 at 9:38 PM

Hi Tammi,
We put some photo examples in our next blog and will continue to add them in the others as wellhope that helps!

sara.ruth
May 27, 2011 at 9:45 PM

luxury-shops.comAlso, a great on -line designer resale shop out of Zurich and Paris which Ruth used to manage is
http://www.luxury-shops.com
They have an eve changing mix of designer clothing from all over Europe and a great on-line shop with free FedEx delivery.

sara.ruth
May 27, 2011 at 10:07 PM

Good point about how to find texture for clothing in the tropics Lizanne and thecosmicgirl!
You will see in our next blog about accessories that one of the easiest places to add texture to an outfit can be with your shoes, belt
and handbag. Lets say you have a plain cotton dress or top and shorts- You can add a great textured sisal or beaded belt with an interesting
buckle and some cute matching sandals. Your bag could also have texture. The handle, for instance can be woven leather with the main body
being heavy linen. Details like piping and tortoiseshell buttons can do wonders to an otherwise so-so outfit. Cool shades in tortoiseshell can
also look incredibly stylish. Linen fabrics add a beautiful, tactile finish as well. Lastly, dont forget about prints. Good quality light weight printed
fabric can add stylish dimension to an otherwise so-so outfit.

Renee Holman
May 28, 2011 at 8:17 AM

Hey, SaraRuth! I love texture. So glad to know its a plus in looking fashionable. Looking forward to the other six.

Eustolia Bockemehl
May 28, 2011 at 7:13 PM
I had to refresh the page times to view this page for some reason, however, the information here was worth the wait.

Shavon Margison
May 29, 2011 at 5:22 AM

You really know your stuff Keep up the good work!

Ambrose Derden
May 29, 2011 at 6:37 AM

Definitely, what a splendid website and instructive posts, I surely will bookmark your website.Best Regards!

Blair Cole
May 30, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Very well written post. It will be helpful to everyone who utilizes it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing for sure
i will check out more posts.

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