During this transition period between winter and spring (unless you follow the resort wear season), there’s not much trend watch reporting to do. Therefore, Timeless Style devotes this month’s column to Classic Style – clothing and accessories that are always appropriate, regardless of fashion trends. This month we feature lace and cameos.

Lace has been showing up in a big way for the last six months, and regardless of your personal style, you can find items that will appeal to you as well as compliment your unique figure. The variety of lace styles is endless: dresses or jackets with allover lace, skirts and camisoles trimmed with lace, and brocade fabrics that mimic lace. Or, choose a jacket of eyelet lace or a classic sweater with a lace-like knitted pattern. Lace is pretty, feminine, can be dramatic, and most definitely sexy! Shown here are just a few varieties of items available now, along with a few tips on wearing this beautiful fabric successfully.

Skirts are a fashion staple and work with any figure type because of the versatility. If you are short, wear your skirt with a monochromatic top to lengthen, a contrasting color if you are tall. And I personally like to see skirt lengths right around the knee, especially for day.

The black skirt on the right has just a hint of lace at the bottom edge, very subtle and pretty. The allover lace bottom on the right (although it’s actually a dress) would be more appropriate for evening. Speaking of evening, check out this all-over beige cocktail dress, perfect for any figure type. Another evening article is this satin jacket covered in lace. If you are small busted, keep your jackets on the loose side to add bulk. This dark green lace top is beautiful and is a perfect shade for a full-figured woman.

The eyelet jacket shown right would be a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Wear it over a matching colored top and skirt for a classic sophisticated look, or pair it with a contrasting color or print as shown here for a more casual affair. Again, choose your coordinating pieces based on your particular figure type and color.

I love this lace-looking wrap-top. The diagonal line is slimming and the puff sleeves draw the eye upwards away from large hips or derrière. If you have board-shoulders this would not be a good choice, but would be suitable for most other figure types.

Here’s the answer to those romantics out there: a crochet shrug and lace camisole. But be careful that it doesn’t look to “young” for you – a gypsy skirt would be overkill on a mature woman, but paired with solid colored trousers or a classic slim skirt could work.
And for the classic conservative, here is a knit looking sweater in a camel color - feminine and tasteful. So, take advantage of those after holiday sales and pick up a few lace pieces. Adding classic items to your wardrobe is a sound investment any time.

PHOTO CREDITS: Lace-edged black skirt,-Wal-Mart; lace-covered skirt/dress-Nicholas Gesquiere at Balenciaga; lace cocktail dress-Barney’s NY; satin and lace jacket-Anne Klien at Lord and Taylor; green lace top-Sunny Choi at Saks Fifth Avenue; eyelet jacket-Lilly Pulitzer at Saks Fifth Avenue; wrap top-Diane Von Furstenberg at Saks Fifth Avenue; cami and shrug-Worthington at JCPenny; sweater-Worthington at JCPenny.

Cameo Jewelry: Traditionally Trendy
By Kelly Fletcher

If you are a woman that treasures tradition yet appreciates the latest trend, you’re in luck. “Cameos are making a big comeback, and these lovely pieces are a timeless addition to any jewelry wardrobe,” says Natalie Parman, Vice President of Merchandising at Jewelry Television.

The image of a modern-day cameo is one of a woman’s profile with upswept hair and a romantic, demure appearance. However, prior to the Victorian Era, cameos were carved from various materials including agate, hard stones and lava. During the early days of cameo making in the 15th and 16th centuries, images depicted everything from Greek gods and goddesses to heroes and rulers. It was common for men to wear cameo jewelry as well. In fact, Napoleon is said to have worn a cameo to his own wedding and Pope Paul II boasted an impressive collection. When popularized by Queen Victoria of England during her reign, cameos began to take on their current form and quickly became status symbols for Victorian age women. Most wore their cameos on a thick satin ribbon around the neck.

Several methods of cameo carving have been used throughout history. Many cameos available today are carved in the traditional relief method. The shells are carved from the front with the front profile predominantly showing as opposed to a sculpture that can be seen from all angles.

Whether you choose a ring, pendant, earrings or a brooch, you’ll be enchanted by the beauty and craftsmanship of these shell portraits. “Today women are wearing cameos in many creative ways. Try pinning your cameo to a scarf, hat or belt as a personal statement of style. Or attach it to a multi strand of pearls for dramatic effect,” suggests Parman. From the trend-conscious fashion plate to the traditionalist who appreciates the timeless beauty of classic pieces, you’ll find cameo jewelry sure to please.

CARING FOR CAMEO JEWELRY
Store cameos in a clean, dry place. Clean with a soft brush and mild soap and water solution regularly. Never soak cameos in jewelry solution for more than 30 seconds. Moisturize with baby oil for a few hours once or twice per year to keep the shell carving in optimal condition. Wipe off excess oil after soaking.

Kelly Fletcher works at www.jewelrytelevision.com