Vested interest

October 29, 6:12 PMDC Fashion & Style ExaminerMakeda Saggau-Sackey

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I have a vested interest in the style of every woman in Washington and I'll even go as far to include every woman in the world. Not a minute goes by that I don't think about fashion. The gods certainly have a sense of humor because I have too extravagant of a taste for what I make. Aye there's the rub.  I've been twirling around with the idea of helping all you fabulous ladies look super fabulous in your daily lives, fashion being number. This is what is making me feel fabulous today: the vest.

I won't lie, not everyone can pull off a vest. Wait I take that back. During the summer months, vests were a bit harder to wear for certain shapes but that didn't stop many from wearing it. Let's take a closer look. If you are thicker in the middle, vests aren't really for you because the likelihood of buttoning it around your mid-section is slim to non. Longer vests that hit right at the hip are just plain wrong for pear shapes. Accentuating a bottom heavy curves with the tails of a vest is a don't don't in my book. Flabby arms were also a no-no during the summer months, when a lot of ladies were more self conscious of their bodies.

Well rejoice ladies for the time has come to bundle up. Vests are cool again for almost every shape. I know I said it works for some and not other but the cold weather ensemble changes everything. For one, a long sleeved t-shirt, a button down shirt or a sweater hides problem areas under the vest so if you were self-conscious about your arms in the summer, go ahead and rock the vest now that you are a bit more covered up. 

Two of my favorite styles for autumn winter 09 are the fur vests and the embellished vests. Boy oh boy how fun and fabulous are these two styles. Faux fur is everywhere. From H&M and Forever 21 to Net-a-Porter and Neiman Marcus, there's enough fur to fit any budget darling. I would love to snag a blue Emilio Pucci fur vest from this season but uhmm $4000  I do not have. So what is a girl to do? Skip on over to H&M downtown, Pentagon City, Georgetown or Potomac Mills for your fur fix.

Follow the K.I.S.S method when wearing a fur vest to avoid looking like an overstuffed Christmas Duck  a la the Tudors feast. Skip the ruffles and over embellished tops and opt for basic long sleeved tees, jeans and a heels to polish off the look. An embellished bootie will look fabulous with skinny jeans and the vest. I prefer mine cruelty free and cheap. After all, I think fur vests are a big trend this season and do not foresee them becoming part of EVERYONE's wardrobe for the next couple of seasons.

Follow the same principles for an embellished vest. I do love Phillip Lim's rendition now available at Net-a-Porter. Moody floral frocks look great under vests and so do ruffled shirts. A straight skirt in a mustard yellow with a navy vest, tights and heels become a statement. Go for the equestrian look with a button down, jeans, knee length riding boots and a vest. I the weather isn't as bad in your area, might I suggest a chiffon dress, maybe Ralph Lauren or even Forever 21 with the vest. You can go rock and roll or sophisticated. Just make sure not to go overboard with tons if jewelry if there are embellishments or fur on your vest. Remember that we must always avoid looking like cave-women and instead aspire to look downtown chic.