Aug. 28, 2008 -- Christopher Muther fall fashion chat
keebs__Guest_: Hi Christopher. I work in a pretty low-key office atmosphere, but like to wear cute skirts and dresses from time to time. What's in for the fall?
Christopher_Muther: Howdy Keebs..
Christopher_Muther: very good question. low key is definitely in this fall. smart tweeds, tartan plaids. You can easily add flair with statement pieces of jewelery as well
birdman__Guest_: I've noticed at the Gap and Abercrombie and stuff, everyone is selling a disproportionately large amount of purple/beige clothes. Is that a "fall" color all of a sudden?
Christopher_Muther: Hey there birdman..
Christopher_Muther: Purple is big this fall.. but berry hues are huge.. rich reds, blues, and yes, the dreaded egg plant. Beige, for better or worse, is always rearing it's boring head
mamasita__Guest_: what do all those little '60s sheath dresses have to do with the sloppy way american women dress? you think we're all going to morph into a stage set from 1968?
Christopher_Muther: Hola Mamasita,
Christopher_Muther: She's talking about my story today, which talks about the return to fine dressing for fall
Christopher_Muther: I don't think women are going to fully embrace, but I think in a year or so the baby doll/ maternity top fad will finally fade. Yipee!
mamasita__Guest_: also, is it just me or are the back to school ads that say "get your fash on" surprisingly clever?
Christopher_Muther: reluctantly agreed..
Bianca__Guest_: Hi Chris ... rumor has it baggy jeans are in for fall ... how can I pull the look off without looking sloppy and manly?
Christopher_Muther: Hey Bianca,
Christopher_Muther: I don't know if I'd use the term baggy jeans. it's form-fitting in the seat, and then full at the leg. I only recommend this look for tall, thin women.
dan__Guest_: I can't remember the last time I was "in style," according to anyone besides me. What is the first step toward self-improvement clothing-wise?
Christopher_Muther: That's a good question Dan.
Christopher_Muther: I think the best way to approach this is to invest in classic pieces. Don't worry about what's in at the moment. Get yourself a nice black turtleneck, some amazing jeans
Christopher_Muther: seriously, details are important. A nice haircut or a manicure can give the illusion that you're a fashionable guy
dan__Guest_: Also, to jump on Birdman's question, how do all the stores know to make purple and beige "cool"?
Christopher_Muther: That's something I've always wondereed. How did all designers know that feathers would be huge this fall?
Christopher_Muther: I think it's all reactionary, and designers are all reacting against the same things.. meaning, you're sick of yellow, so you react against it with purple
burb__Guest_: is burberry eternally in?
Christopher_Muther: Let's put it this way.. tasteful and pricey is always in fashion
scarlett_boots__Guest_: any ideas on what to get for fall that will carry into winter? i cant spend alot of money so i dont want to go shopping again
Christopher_Muther: Ahh.. a penny pincher. I hear your pain Scar-boo
Christopher_Muther: A lot of the fall looks are on the heavier side and should carry well. We've been talking about color, and grays, and deep berries will take you through to March
Christopher_Muther: tweeds are also huge this fall. As are chunky sweaters. And if you don't mind the mean looks, fur-trimmed coats and sweaters will also be big.
palegal__Guest_: Chris, I've got the misfortune of being a pale gal. I'm white as a ghost! My BF says it's too striking when I wear bright lipsticks, like my lips are all he can see. But the model in your story is pale with a sharp shade of red. Why doesn't it work for me?
Christopher_Muther: Awww.. cheer up Casper. The model in the paper today was done in a deliberately retro look, which is why I think it worked. Luckily for you, another retro look, frosted lips are in. have you tried some frosted shades?
huh__Guest_: what's the best look for a "mom"? you know, hips bigger than I'd like, trying to lose the baby pounds, but still need fall clothes that fit well. I don't want to look frumpy. I love lower waited pants, but aren't higher waists coming back? Those baby doll tops make me feel like I'm still pregnant, no thanks. What's a girl to do? I work in a very conservative office, but don't have the big bucks to spend right now.
Christopher_Muther: I might throw this one out to the audience. I don't have a lot of experience in this area. Are you a skirt-wearer as well? I think skirts can make a big difference when it comes to accomodating curves
sick__Guest_: When the seasons change and we announce what's new for fall, who's telling us that? It's like who decides what the new cool words are? Like "that's sick" or something's "krunk." I guess rap music dictates that to some degree. So do entertainers, like movie stars, dictate style directions?
Christopher_Muther: Dear Sick,
Christopher_Muther: I'm dictating! Kidding (sort of).. it truly is a combination, streetwear, media hype, Paris runways.. and of course, the almight Tim Gunn
WeightWatcher__Guest_: I have been overweight for many, many years, and in the last year I have lost nearly 70 lbs. I will need to replace my entire fall/winter wardrobe as I have gone from a 20W to a 10/12. What would you recommend that I start out with as a foundation for my new wardrobe. I still have about 20 lbs to lose, and I will probably be a 6/8 when I am at goal, so I don't want to purchase too much. I am finding the choices available to non-plus sized women to be overwhelming in a good way, and now everything fits which is amazing. I am 44 but look in my late 30s. Thanks!
Christopher_Muther: Kudos to you Weight Watcher! This is going to sound a little fashion 101.. but I recommend a couple of fitted, very basic white blouses, high quality that you can pair with everything in your wardrobe. Black skirt, wrap skirt, amazing jeans. You should enjoy every minute of it.
rodger__Guest_: hey...i had a question about jeans too...you mentioned that s a way to get fashionable..what brands would you suggest for men..and does it depend on our age
Christopher_Muther: Hey Rodger..
Christopher_Muther: This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I'm a total jeans junkie. I'm a fan of super dark rinse, straight, thin cut (stay away from boot cut at all cost!). I love G-Star, and there's an Italian jean called Energie that I'm a fan of. Diesel is also good. In NYC, try Uniqlo for cheap Japanese denim
soxtime__Guest_: are you going to all the big fashion shows next month? paris, milan, nyc, etc... thatd be a dream.
Christopher_Muther: Soxtime,
Christopher_Muther: Why yes I am. I'll be in NYC at the end of next week for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and I'll blog throughout. I have a love/hate with Fashion Week. It's fun, but a lot of work
rodger__Guest_: what price range are you talking about Chris..
Christopher_Muther: at a minimum, $100. I'd say spend $200 on a good pair of jeans, even if you only have the one pair. It's better than several cheap pair.
soxtime__Guest_: as for penny pinching, is thrifting still cool? all this talk of vintage looks makes me think i can get it cheaper at goodwill. with the economy how it is, ill take my chances in the bargain bins -- even at the risk of being unfashionable.
Christopher_Muther: My confession is that I buy a lot of clothes on eBay. I often by my favorite designers for a fraction of the cost. Much of it is previous seasons, but brand new with tags.
scarlett_boots__Guest_: also i hate how winter hats and scarves make my hair terrible. i know youre a guy... but any tips?
Christopher_Muther: and because I'm a guy I can't get bad winter hair? Oh, the sexism
Christopher_Muther: I honestly stick to earmuffs much of the time. Yes, I look like a dork, but this is Boston and geeek chic rules
huh__Guest_: one more - I have a wedding over columbus day weekend to attend. what's very fashionable, or at least appropriate? given that new baby thing, would love to cover the legs as much as possible. any ideas??
Christopher_Muther: Huh,
Christopher_Muther: I have to say that there is way too much pressure on women to lose the baby weight early on. I understand the urge to cover it all up, but I also think that your friends or family at the wedding will understand that you've just had a baby. I think you deserve to find yourself a nice dress. And when you do lose the weight, bring it to the tailor and have it taken in
rodger__Guest_: so ebay can be a good source for those jean you recommended as well?..cool
Christopher_Muther: Indeed it is. As long as you know your size. I recommend trying on jeans at the store so you know the style and fit, and then looking for them on eBay
Christopher_Muther: it can be a crap shoot, but if you look regularly you'll find something.
rodger__Guest_: merci..
Christopher_Muther: de rien
soxigirl__Guest_: I'm new to this chat so I don't know if this h as already been asked... but Mr. Muther, what do YOU plan to wear this fall?
Christopher_Muther: My! aren't you sweet, Soxi.
Christopher_Muther: I'm a scrawny guy, so I like wearing fitted shirts, skinny ties, and I'm finally going to buy myself a pair of Prada dress shoes this fall.
li1wing__Guest_: oh Christopher! Shame on the "try it at the store then buy on e-bay (or somewhere else)"...As an ex retail owner I laways wanted to strangle people who did that to me!
Christopher_Muther: c'mon wing. Whenever I do that I end up buying things at the store I go into. Of course, I use shopping and fashion as a substite for love, but that's a topic for my therapist
in_thing__Guest_: how'd you get your start in the fashion industry? is there a way to get involved in the industry while working another job?
Christopher_Muther: First, pardon my grammar. I'm a little blurry eyed from a recent move
Christopher_Muther: I got my start completely round about. I was offered an opportunity to write for the Globe's Style section, and thought it would be a nice change from nightlife reporting
soxigirl__Guest_: I'm tryin g to get my bf to look more stylish... I fear he might be a lost cauuse
Christopher_Muther: Sorry to hear that, Soxi. But if he's hot, he'll look good in anything!
huh__Guest_: What about hose? Still a no-no, right?
Christopher_Muther: Shockingly, they're coming back for fall. But tights are still a better bet
politics__Guest_: what do you make of political t-shirts? those are definitely in this fall!
Christopher_Muther: They're fun, but here's my thoughts about poltical tees or anything that can be dated to a specific time period. Don't buy it!
Christopher_Muther: In a few months, you'll be using them to dust the coffee table because you can't wear iit anymore. If you're looking for a political tee, I recommend the retro tees at Urban outfitters or Uniform
li1wing__Guest_: hose coming back? ewwwww. What's the look for shoes for fall?
Christopher_Muther: I know what you mean, Wing. and on a similar ewww.. jazz flats are around this fall. Run!
rodger__Guest_: we all love your writing Chris..thats why we are all here..you can save $$ on ebay now and just 'take that love in''
Christopher_Muther: Mom? Is this you on my chat again?
politics__Guest_: i dont know about that. one of my closest guy friends still wears a howard dean shirt with pride. and if my guy loses, doesnt that make me cool for being different?
Christopher_Muther: I love that he wears his Howard Dean shirt. It's only cool if you have a Dennis Kucinich shirt. man, i'd love one
Dusty__Guest_: hi chris, this is your mother ;-)
Christopher_Muther: Hi Mom.. are you burning waffles again?
celtswin__Guest_: This is a wee bit embarrassing, but is there any way to downplay man curves? You know what I'm talking 'bout.
Christopher_Muther: Do you mean moobs? I don't quite understand.
bewildered__Guest_: Why in the world do people like Johnny Cupcakes? Do you?
Christopher_Muther: And why is the sky blue? Wait, there's an answer for that one. Johnny has really created a community with his T-shirts. I think that is much of the appeal.
Dusty__Guest_: how could you not like johnny cupcakes?
li1wing__Guest_: jazz flats.......those flats with lacing on top?
Christopher_Muther: the very same
Christopher_Muther: Now I want to ask you all a question.. Who do you think will win this season of Project Runway?
celtswin__Guest_: If moobs means 'man boobs," then yes.
Christopher_Muther: OK, wear a very tight T-shirt, and over that a loose fitting shirt.
Christopher_Muther: On the Project Runway front -- I love Teri and have been excited by everthing she does.
Dusty__Guest_: this season has been much better than last season, feels like some of the old energy is back
Christopher_Muther: I have to say that I wasn't crazy about last night's episode. But I loved the drag queen competition.
Dusty__Guest_: terri and korto are consistently the top
Christopher_Muther: OK Everyone. I'm going to start RSVPing to fashion week invitations. thanks so much for chatting today. it was a blast
Christopher_Muther: stay stylish