Fashion Is Seeing Red At New Yorks Fashion Week

Fashion week is supposed to be about tailoring and texture, hemlines and heels. But this week, all eyes will be on pronounced rib cages, protruding hip bones and hollow-eyed faces. After years of controversy about unhealthy models, New York City - America's fashion capital - is being put on notice. "People point fingers at the people who are walking the runways,” said Glamour Magazine’s Deputy Editor of Health, Wendy Naugle. “They say, ‘oh she's too skinny, they need to be heavier.’ The Council of Fashion Designers of America released new guidelines just weeks before February's fashion week in Bryant Park. The new guidelines include keeping models under 16 off the runway, educating the fashion industry about the dangers of eating disorders, providing healthy meals and snacks backstage at fashion shows, and requiring models with eating disorders to seek professional help.

The first show on the catwalks at Bryant Park was the Heart Truth show, an annual event in which celebrities wear red dresses. Heart Truth is part of the Red Dress project, a federal initiative lead by first lady Laura Bush, to raise awareness about heart disease. The Heart Truth show was attended by Laura Bush, who wore a red Bill Blass skirt suit. She was accompanied by Blass designer Carolina Herrera and Michael Vollbracht. Actress Angela Bassett strutted the runway wearing a dress by designer Carmen Marc Valvo.

After the Heart Truth show came the first real preview of the fall styles that attracts editors, retail buyers and stylists to Fashion Week. Shows continue through Feb. 9, with designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang on the schedule.

Fashion In 2007

If you went a little crazy this holiday season, no need to fear. In 2007, a cropped jacket with a billowing tunic underneath, which hides your stomach, and straight-legged pants mixed with great headband, hides a multitude of sins. It's the ultimate flattering look. Think layering for an updated and seriously stylish look.


Thank goodness the high-rise pant is back! No more, do you see my g-string, plumber peeping butts! The wide-legged pants is all the rage in 2007 and they're high-waisted. In 2007 the emphasis is on the waist instead of the hip bone, and these pants actually make you look slimmer by emphasizing the smallest part of your midsection, your waste, as opposed to your hips. WARNING -This is not a look for everyone; you don't want to go for this look if you're short-waisted, but it's fantastic for women with long or normal torsos, because if your torso is too small, the pants threaten to overwhelm your upper body. Mix it with a short jacket and one key accessory. It is a great work looks for 2007 and the perfect everyday look in which you appear completely pulled-together. That's what will finish off your look for this season.

Skinny jeans are still in and still happening. It is a perfect weekend look. The big bag is a must, not only will everything fit in it. The larger bag will make your thighs look smaller when worn with straight jeans— that's the best part about the big bag!





The trench coat is pretty and feminine for 2007. Paired with a billowy scarf and the perfect platform shoe with patent detail, it's effortlessly chic. Belted it with a belt and pair it with platform shoes. That's what makes it look modern right now, and it's that easy. And by the way, in 2007 Platforms are not going away, they're getting higher.


Add one extra accessory in 2007, such as a great belt or huge pair of earrings, something unexpected. That's what will finish off your look for this season.

Merry Christmas

- Get Your Own



Vintage Shopping At the Thrift Shops

The Blonde Heiress Shopper is always on the prowl for fabulous fashion finds. Shop your local thrift shop or Salvation Army for wonderful treasures that will make your party attire unique and give you a break from the busy shopping malls and boutiques. Look for vintage gloves, handbags or belts. Peruse the coat rack –some of the best finds in thrift store are old vintage cashmere coats with fur collars and fabulous buttons. Scout out unusual ties and bow ties. Use them as belts, headbands, or even wear them as a tie with a crisp white blouse and vintage jumper. Multi -strand pearls are a magnificent find in the costume jewelry case and keep your eyes peeled for old brooches and pins. Cocktail rings are all the rage this year – the bigger the better. Vintage linens and aprons make spectacular gifts. Tuck them in a basket with some lotions, soaps and magazines for a lovely guest room basket or collect a few old cookbooks, a rolling pin, old metal pie tin and you have a fabulous creative gift for the cook. Keep your eyes open there are treasures to be found and if you don’t find anything the first time remember that half the fun is in the hunt –stop back in frequently and you will be hooked on vintage fashion shopping.

By
Suzy Sheehan