Hot or Not?

Considering the weather, it’s safe to say spring has arrived and it’s time to put away your sweaters and begin thinking about spring and summer 2008 fashions. However, as a book I am reading about clutter (It’s All Too Much) indicates, once something comes into your closet as a new resident, it’s time to evict someone else.

 For the office: Consider 1940s and 1950s style skirts. If you want them for a steal, try visiting consignment shops, thrift stores and used clothing stores like Goodwill. I found two great skirts at these types of places – one bright green button-up skirt and one grey skirt with striped accents. Dress up these looks with fat, plastic bracelets, beaded jewelry and costume jewelry reminiscent of the 1980s. Purge any skirts that are thigh-length, flared or don’t fit so well any more. Sell jewelry you haven’t worn in over a year.

 For the beach or pool: Please allow me to re-introduce you to the one-piece. Since I was growing up, the one-piece was the staple of the older, the flabbier and the more embarrassed of their bodies. Boo to that! Back in the 1940s ad 1950s, it was sexy to wear a one-piece suit – as was wearing a swimsuit with halter-style top and boy short bottoms. Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page even did it. I foresee this style making a big comeback this year – especially if the suits are done in solid colors or polka dots. What’s not hot this year are itty, bitty string bikinis and floral prints. Well, unless you’re Jennifer Garner (or if the former Alias, butt-kicking, super spy is your personal trainer).

 For your feet – Flats, flats, flats! Say bye-bye to those 1970s stacks. The chunky look has left the building. Instead, try sandals in funky colors like pink, green, yellow and blue. 

For nights out/dates – The 1970s are supposedly known for bellbottoms, but let’s aim a little higher. Smock tops are becoming all the rage for the female wardrobe. In fact, I’ve known people to buy maternity tops a size too small so they could get the look! For sleeveless 70s numbers, try the Candies line at Kohl’s. Those tops will make you look like a Bond girl – but you have to give up the skin tight numbers. This spring and summer, no one wants to see you adjusting your tube top all day and trying to avoid a Janet Jackson-style costume malfunction. So, in the name of Peter Walsh, when you get the buying urge, first you must purge! Make all your too-tight, too-short (if your belly shows) and too-small tops hit Craigslist.

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