As we saunter into a season filled with a bevy of mixed messages, incorporating knitwear into our wardrobe seems par for the course.

We have worn them for the last six months primarily for warmth and with an about face their use will now be as a coolant. Fashionably speaking, Sweater Weather is now taking on a new season. Thankfully, the idea of looking “hot” is already in our mindset.

Knits are already the perfect items to carry us through the transitional phases from season to season. You may be wondering what’s new about them this season? The answer, quite simply, is to ditch the under garment and keep the knitwear on as the temperature rises. Known for being wonderful layering pieces, the idea of wearing them solo adds depth and new possibilities to maximizing your investment.

Cardigans and vests are key items to consider. Button front or zip front cardigans spun in summer yarns range from bulky to sheer. Some feature lapels and patch pockets creating an alternative to wearing a traditional blazer. As an option, you can roll up the sleeves, regardless if you have a long sleeve top underneath or not.

Men’s twin sets (matching cardigan and shell) are a reinvented notion that resonates from a variety of themes: retro, geek chic, androgynous, sophisticate, romantic, minimalist. If patterned or striped, by wearing them apart they can make integrating patterns into your wardrobe a breeze. Together they can infuse a nonchalant edge to your mode of dressing that seems more practical than decorative. Wearing just a vest as a top, rather than as a layering piece, is a great way to add some allure to your mode of dressing. Sheer and mesh knit tops drive the same message home when worn commando too.

 

Knits made of silk, linen, hemp or cotton spin a yarn that readily weaves into the casual vibe to dressing effortlessly. Natural fabrics are also machine friendly and therefore easy to maintain. Synthetics and blends still can be delicately washed but pilling can be an issue especially when worn with one of your favorite man bags. Be prepared to shave off the pills from time to time to keep then looking new. Even certain wools can add an airiness that helps to keep you cool with their featherweight lightness. Various techniques and stitch types make it possible for all body types to find the perfect pieces to consider. Keep length in mind as well so as not to through off your proportions. There are also knitwear options in hats that also resonate a more relaxed and less structured appearance.

Knitwear emerges as a must have this season. It allows for added versatility to your wardrobe, serves as a catalyst in keeping you on trend and reinforces a more relaxed style of dressing that enables you to expose a different side of your personality. Regardless of the climate you live in, keeping your cool is now all the more possible simply by integrating a healthy dose of knitwear into your wardrobe.

Regardless of the plethora of trends you decide to tap into this season, colour is the quintessential component to sparking up your look and attitude for Spring/Summer 2012. Design elements and detailing are secondary and favor a classic twist with a casual edge in an effort to compliment rather than compete with the huge influx of colourful options so readily available. Ideally, the overall result is a more relaxed approach to dressing that coincides with a more socially aware demeanor that shuns away from appearing opulent or elitist. Vibrant? Yes, but not gauche!

Accessories are kept to a bare minimum as part of this influence this season. Skipping the “Bling” is a huge step in the right direction. Omitting the tie with your suit and donning a knitted top, tee shirt or even a linen shirt instead of the conventional dress shirt makes your look less contrived, especially when adding colour. It’s an effective tactic that creates a more relaxed and less structured approach, expanding on your business and formal attire possibilities. Skipping socks or wearing sandals (rather than dress shoes) is another option that reinforces a “less is more” approach to dressing that also crosses easily into casual attire.

Purchasing colourful shoes and sandals is a wonderful and cost efficient way to spark up your look and introduce colour into your mindset. During Prince Harry’s recent official visit to Jamaica, he was seen wearing a pair of cobalt blue desert boots with a white shirt (sleeves rolled up) and Chino’s. That little accent of colour showed a more upbeat and relatable side of his personality, despite the formalities of a Royal visit. Textured or weaved leather belts are another hot accessory and are considered a key component to this mode of dressing.

Creating a leisurely look with just the right attitude can be as simple as rolling up sleeves and/or cuffing trousers, which has been a popular look with jeans for a few seasons now. Wearing tops untucked is another tactic that will compliment this easy-breezy message. Keep your body proportions in mind however and go with tops that either fit your body or have some tapering to them so you are not lost under a sea of fabric.

Trousers run the gamut from form-fitting to fuller silhouettes. Again, keep your proportions in mind to avoid looking like you have chicken legs attached to thunder thighs. Untucked tops that end below the widest part of your hips, by the way, are a saving grace with “skinny” pants. A tapered trouser is a new option that is reminiscent of the late 50’s or 60’s and is more flattering for all body types. Wearing fuller legged trousers is a cooler and more comfortable option especially when the temperature rises. Pajama pants are also plentiful this season and run the gamut from solid colored linens to printed silks that pay tribute to the modern day globetrotter.

Jackets and cardigans are great Spring pieces that can be reworked in warmer temperatures simply by wearing tank tops, tee’s or nothing underneath them. Blazers worn with jeans (yes, especially the skinny ones) appear young and novel once again, thanks to infusing a “pop” of color into the mix. Knits always seem overlooked in warmer weather but going for natural yarns (linen, cotton, or silk) in light or looser weaves can be a light and airy alternative. A cashmere v-neck or crew neck pullover teemed with a pair of jeans or under a blazer can become a favorite staple to your wardrobe especially in one of the more vibrant colours available. This is yet another minimal way to brighten up your wardrobe while projecting a more effortless and relaxed mode of dressing.

Choosing the right colours that suit your skin tone, lifestyle, and physique may take some experimentation. After all, there is a wide spectrum of colors (neon to pastel) to choose from that will inevitably integrate well into your entire wardrobe making it worth your while. Wearing vibrant colours may be a new adventure but you will be surprised at how it will also lift your spirits and project your lighter side. You will turn plenty of frowns upside down (besides your own) as you stroll through the season in flying colours.

 

Pattern Play  - rooted in European culture, where consumers tend to traditionally buy quality over quantity, this is a sure fire way to add versatility and mileage to a concise and minimal wardrobe. It is also a terrific way to spark up old tried and true favorites, making them appear new and on trend.

“Pattern Play” can run the gamut from sophisticated to crude and from subtle to bold. Striking a happy balance includes factoring in your own comfort zone and environment in which you wish to sport this eye-catching look. You need to initially invest some time in coordinating and integrating this concept into your wardrobe to create the desired results, but it is well worth the effort. It is also a great way to test the skills and fashion sense of your salesperson.

My first fashion related job was working in the Men’s Furnishings Department at the Eaton’s Department Store in Toronto where I specialized in teaming up unorthodox shirt and tie combinations. It enabled me to satisfy the needs of each type of customer I encountered. Whether they were shopping for a bargain or a brand new look I was able to show them a variety of options that reflected on their sense of style rather than their pocket book.

Expanding on this concept for a head to toe look requires only a couple of ground rules that will help you achieve favorable results. Your patterns should compliment each other and that means the colors should be of the same intensity and feature some of the same shades. An easy option is to team up polka dots with stripes that have the same color components, like black and white. They can be reversed in what color is primary or be the same. Paisley and stripes or other patterns, including florals will also team up terrifically as long as you follow this rule as well. Remember you are looking to mix patterns that flatter each other and this can easily be achieved if each pattern carries similar color stories. The more alike the color combinations, the more subtle the impact will be. The reverse can be said if fewer colors match.

Fabrication comes into play as well and mixing fabrics can create a bolder impact that needs careful consideration. Textured fabrics like linen, raw silk and cotton can work wonders together and they are also summer favorites to wear. Together, in a head to toe look, they can throw off your proportions so utilize a mirror or a second pair of eyes to help guide you from looking shorter, wider or bottom or top heavy. Wearing a wide vertically or horizontally striped top with pinstriped trousers, for example, can elongate or broaden your upper body. If you do have proportion issues with your body, experimenting with patterns can be an effective and ideal way to camouflage them.

Mastering the art of mixing patterns can set you apart from the flock with true panache and also add some credibility to your image. Whether you keep it to your shirt and tie combinations or go head to toe, as many designers are encouraging you to do this season, you will be amazed at how you can expand on your wardrobe possibilities. Granted it does take some experimentation to strike a happy balance but once you hit upon the right variables you can add this concept into your mode of dressing for this season and for many more to come. 

The general consensus among Clothing Designers for Spring/Summer 2012 is to turn those frowns upside down. It’s inspiring advice for making the best out of a bad situation and taps into a more optimistic approach that just may help to shape this decade into one of positive change. Don’t worry. Be happy.

Thanks to technology, we have become more and more globally connected and designers have taken notice by integrating a variety of influences from around the world into their collections. By combining various influences to produce a result not independently obtainable makes us all the more aware that we are truly connected.

Last summer, we saw this trend begin to take root and it continues to flourish and grow with added vigor. My piece on Global Fusion posted March 12th, 2011 may interest you. The fact the world will be coming together in London for the 30th Summer Olympics certainly adds relevance to this concept of synergy. Whether the athletes medal or not, they will have done their best at integrating all the necessary components that got them to the Games and fulfill a life long dream that we all get to witness.

Sporting a new look this season can be a challenging task as well. In the past, fashion trends were clearly defined as separate influences but now they tend to overlap or meld together making them all the more difficult to label or categorize. Finding your own sense of style maybe more of a challenge because there are so many options to choose from but it does create the possibility of creating a wardrobe that suits your needs perfectly.

Lifestyle, body proportions and how you want to be perceived need to be factored into the equation when searching for the right pieces to carry you through the season. Over the next few postings I will assist you in selecting the right looks that will indeed put a smile on your face throughout a season I hope you will fondly remember.

Fashion reflects our times and each season there are new options to integrate into your wardrobe to keep you current. Major components to Spring/Summer 2012 include the mixing of patterns, unique color combinations, texture and various retro influences from the 20’s right up to the 90’s. Art Deco, Baroque and Pop Art are the major artistic influences. Traditional items, like Blazers for example, have been constructed in fabrics not usually affiliated with them. Not to worry, we will be dissecting these and other key elements in the coming weeks. I have included a few runway shots that depict some of the coming season’s highlights. Get ready to Synergize!

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought it would be sweet to treat you to some eye-candy. Admittedly, I was inspired by the latest ad campaign by H&M promoting their latest celeb tie with the David Beckham Bodywear Line. This cheap and cheerful collection, maybe just the ticket you need to bring a little sexy back…if not inspire you to keep those new year resolutions on track.

 

Becks does come with some additional background in underwear as he was featured in Giorgio Armani’s 2007-09 ad campaigns which also featured his wife Victoria, aka Posh Spice. H&M is famous for reinterpreting high-end designer goods with just the right amount of hype and at more reasonable consumer friendly price points. Whether you are into Boxers or Briefs, you will find something that may just lift more than your spirits with this collection of eye-catching intimate apparel.

Designers, Retail Chains and a variety of Brands have embraced the celebrity of athletes and movie stars to help them pitch their products for some time now. Over twenty years ago, Calvin Klein led the way with Marky Mark and Antonio Sebato Jr. and continues to add to the label’s “Undie Bunch” with it’s latest campaign featuring Twilight actor Kellan Lutz, True Blood actor Mehcad Brooks, Japanese soccer star Hidestoshi Nakata and Spanish tennis player Fernando Verdasco. Remember those quirky Hanes commercials featuring basketball legion Michael Jordan, Cuba Gooding Jr. and then Charlie Sheen? Armani’s latest collection of men’s intimates, by the way, features Spanish footballer Christiano Ronaldo and tennis ace Rafael Nadal (main photo).

Whether you choose to expose your briefs to others or wear them for your own enjoyment they do have a useful purpose. Going commando (bare) is not the most practical or hygienic way to go, so some do opt for loose fitting boxers for a freer or less restrictive alternative. Your sense of humor, rather than your physique, may be the focus when dropping trousers with these puppies on.

Regardless of the style you prefer to wear, going for a 100% cotton content is the best option. Synthetics can retain moisture and possibly lead to unpleasant and irritating rashes that make them quite annoying. Nasty odor is another side effect that makes synthetic blends detrimental to more senses than just visual. Many people also do not realize that black is actually better than white when selecting color. Heavy duty bleaching is used to create the perfect shade of white and will lead to faster deterioration, especially when you repeatedly add bleach to your regular washing routines. This holds true with all garments that are white in color. It just takes a peek at the underarms of your white shirts to understand what I am referring to and how often you need to replace them.

The selection in underwear continues to diversify with variations on jockstraps, dance belts and even thongs that were once reserved for athletes, dancers or even strippers. Prints, color blocking, mesh and cutouts also add to the many options now available to grab your attention and possibly show your cheekier side. Regardless of your intent, I do hope I “gotch” your attention this Valentine’s Day.

Window Dressing or Retail Visual Presentation is the most cost efficient way for a merchant to promote their product, stand out from their competition and create an appealing image that draws in potential customers. By utilizing that old adage,  “Location, Location, Location” merchants can reach out to the masses that pass by their establishment on a daily, weekly or once in a blue moon basis that surpasses any other form of advertising. So why, during these challenging economic times, are so many merchants neglecting their store fronts and missing out on potential sales?

There are several factors one can consider in trying to dissect why the art of window dressing is currently underappreciated. Artistically, we experienced a huge movement towards Minimalism that made “propping” a product somewhat passé in all forms of advertising. Merchants relied solely on their brand to appeal to their niche market. Designer Labels, Department Stores, Chains and Independent Shops alike embraced this cold and stark influence as the economy thrived. New store designs also emerged that limited or even eradicated space once designated for display purposes.

Telemarketing and the Internet also became a popular alternative to connect with potential customers via its vast pool of resourceful data. A business can easily contact individuals within a specific target market and introduce their product and/or services without the use of any visual aids. Telemarketing has come under fire in recent years however for being viewed as an unscheduled and invasive annoyance. Websites, blogs and other social networks offer a more consumer friendly approach with a 24-7 at your leisure experience that is not intrusive and can posses an appealing and relatable artistic slant. Shopping online, rather than in person, continues to gain momentum in certain commodities as it decimates walk-in retail operations like music and video establishments. Though it may add revenue to other retail operations it has a certain limited appeal especially with fashion attire, giftware, novelty and specialty sectors.

An overcrowded marketplace, tough economy, high rents and other financial pressures can incite cost cutting measures that can either help or hinder a retailer. Maintaining a positive environment is crucial and may need to be modified but not eliminated all together.  Professional Displays can actually stimulate the senses of both the consumer and the sales team in a positive manner. Changing the atmosphere regularly creates a buzz of excitement that can be tied into annual events, current affairs and local issues, making the product and business all the more relatable and current. Vibrant window displays can greatly reduce the intimidation factor and serve as an inviting calling card that generates traffic flow and potential sales. They can also create positive word of mouth banter adding to their attraction and influence.

New York merchants, for example, have begun propping their windows once again and perhaps this is a sign that the art of window dressing is becoming revitalized and seen as a cost effective tool in creating a desire not just in a product but in the company it is housed in as well. So long Minimalism! Creating a successful retail operation maybe influenced by various trends and influences but standing out from the competition and generating consumer interest requires the talents of an individual who can showcase both the product and business in a positive and relatable light.

As a window dresser, sales professional and consumer I have experienced the highs and lows of the profession from various angles and for many years. Though it may just be “Window Dressing” it can insight a positive impression that ignites a very fundamental and beneficial purpose. Perhaps the current state of the economy will be the catalyst in reviving window dressing back to an appreciated and integral marketing tool that not only boosts sales but creates some much needed pizzazz.

Besides the accompanying photos of my work, you can also go to photobucket.com and search window displays by Philip Minaker for my complete portfolio (in various albums) dating all the way back to the 1980’s. Happy window shopping!