When Dressing Up, Bag a Purse That Sizes Up the Situation

In the Bag: A large purse that easily handles your wallet, date book, glasses, etc., is something to be treasured. However, for fashion’s sake, you may need to switch to a more chic (read “smaller”) bag. Don’t make the mistake of hauling that carry-on-size bag while wearing a sophisticated outfit.

“Small purses are always hot; they accent what you’re wearing, and they don’t take anything away from it,” says Wakim Kivorkian of Michael Nussbaum Originals and Collections in Fullerton. “The ‘70s look is in, and we’re seeing more bags with fringe done across them. There’s also a box-look bag with a handle instead of a strap that really accents fashion-forward outfits.”

With spring around the corner, now is probably the time to evaluate your purse collection and determine your needs. If you’re planning to wear lots of white, think about a pewter or silver bag. If dressy enough, either can be carried for an evening out. If you’re not sure, stick with the traditional black.

All-Over Undies: Young people have always had a big influence on fashion, but isn’t the sight of grown-up men with their underwear sticking out of their pants a little ridiculous?

“It comes from that ‘grunge’ look, and in the right circumstance it’s fine,” says fashion designer Blaine Keil of Laguna Beach. “Designers like Calvin Klein and others are using some great colors and patterns in men’s boxers today; it’s only natural to want to show them off.”

Although you may be more comfortable in briefs, you’ll need boxers to take advantage of the trend. Boxers have enough material to create the desired sloppiness.

If you’re dying for the world to see your underwear, get the grunge look with some distressed jeans, Doc Marten boots, a T-shirt that’s marginally ready for the rag heap and a denim jacket you’ve left out in a few El Nino storms. Bring the band of the boxers up about an inch above the jeans. But keep your eyes open for anyone who may be tempted to grab and pull them up (Ouch!).

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Like it or not, we’re in the middle of a ‘60s and ‘70s fashion revival. And while the Nehru jacket is still safely tucked away in locked cedar chests, the bell-bottom pant is spreading faster than killer bees.

“They are starting to show up, but I don’t know if they’re going to be as big as they were,” says Sandy Miller of Twice the Style Consignments in Costa Mesa. “Young, high school-age girls are discovering bell-bottoms in department stores and they’re young enough to get away with the look. Anyone older than that may get some stares.”

Bell-bottom jeans, less expensive than the wide-leg pants found in boutiques, are probably the best way to try the trend (in case the bell-bottom trend cracks).