Button Down in Style With Accessories
Question: One year ago, you told me to update my favorite black suit by replacing the bone buttons with rhinestone buttons. Last season, you said to change them to gold buttons. What is your sign of the season for fall?--P.M.
Answer: Now it’s the buttonhole, not the button, that is the signature of the season. Follow Milan designer Gianfranco Ferre’s lead, and change the look of your suit by top-stitching the buttonholes in gold thread, as illustrated here. Ferre also used the idea on a black dress that buttoned down the back from neckline to hem.
Q: I’ll be traveling to Caracas, Venezuela, next month, and am only allowed one bag. Please recommend a shirt or blouse to wear with my navy blazer suit. The top must be washable, as I will not have time for dry cleaning. I’m not particularly fond of knits, even though I know they are practical. I wear a Size 4.--B.C.
A: How about a shirt with two collars, one that buttons off? The people at the Banana Republic discovered this multicollared uniform shirt for men and have not duplicated it for women. As it says in the current catalogue: “When one collar becomes soiled or frayed, off it goes to the laundry (or the dustbin), while the other replaces it. For a light-traveling wanderer, it’s virtually a one-shirt wardrobe.” The shirt is made of white cotton poplin and comes in Sizes 4-16 for $29. To order, call toll-free (800) 527-5200. You might want to supplement this shirt with brightly colored T-shirts.
Q: Please help me find a dressy dress that will be cool to wear this summer in Palm Springs. I love the idea of a strapless dress, but the only ones I can find are in satin or silk. These are too expensive, and I’d really prefer cotton for the desert. Can you find one in Size 8 for less than $75?--S.G.
A: Yes. The people of Victoria’s Secret call it the hottest dress of the year. It’s the coolest-looking dress I’ve seen and it’s available for $49. The sexy, strapless sheath has an elastic band in back to ensure fit. The fabric is a cotton-rayon damask available in white or pastel pink, Sizes 6-12. To order, call (800) 821-0001.
Marylou Luther welcomes questions from readers. Mail to Clotheslines, Fashion86, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.
