Spanx for Kids?

This morning, my fourth grade daughter and I waited to turn into a traffic circle on our way to school. My mission? To avoid adding to the excessive gridlock and spilling my coffee! Fashion plate daughter, "Wow. Those girls over there are way too fat to wear such short shorts!" P.C. Mom, "They aren't fat, just big boned." I didn't actually say that. But, I did think about self-image, fashion, and the nexus between the two.

You can't pick up a fashion mag or even Oprah's "O" without reading a cover story on Choosing the Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type, How to Dress 10 Pounds Thinner, or some other promise which may or may not involve giving up chocolate and wine for an evening of spot toning. Spanx sucks in our muffin tops, croissant thighs, buns, cupcake tummy. When I just googled body shapers, I found 643,000 websites dedicated to smoothing and shaping your rear with spandex. And it isn't just for women. A website called Go Softwear features a waist eliminator for men, as well as a super padded jock, brief and boxer. What about truth in advertising? Saks is carrying a line of body shapers for men called 2(x)ist. Andrew Christian, a men's undergarment designer whose line is featured at Fred Segal in L.A. is selling the Flashback Butt Lifting Technology Boxer. I have no comment.

As a fashion observer, I can't help but notice all these pre-teens and teens running around in less than flattering outfits. Part of me applauds their devil may care attitude. Why not sport tight leggings or Daisy Dukes with a pair of Ugg's? I have no interest in promoting eating disorders in young girls. I spent my adolescence living on Tab and apples and wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. I am just curious. Is there a certain point when we realize maybe we should abandon the bikini for a one piece? When do we collectively decide to "dress 10 pounds thinner" or choose control top pantyhose? Now, I live in L.A., and realize this does not happen to everyone. I have witnessed enough middle aged plus women displaying cellulite, muffin top, and pouches sporting string bikinis to last me a lifetime. Ditto love-handled men in Speedo's. Thank you, very much.

I am strongly in favor of dressing for your body type. Showcase your best features. If you have great legs, wear heels and a pencil skirt. If your arms are buff and toned, go sleeveless. (Of course, some vendor is now selling a Spanx-like compression garment for arms. Presumably to wear under tight sleeves?) Sweaty, overweight men in tank tops bearing chest and underarm hair? PLEASE PUT ON A T-SHIRT!

There's a fine line between nurturing adolescents' self-esteem and giving them fashion hints. Maybe adolescents' need to fit in and conform by way of Ugg's and Minnetonka boots surpasses the need to look one's best. Part of me is glad to see these teens participating in fashion and not wanting to blend into the background in a pair of lumpy sweats.

I am just hoping no one starts selling Spanx for kids or worse yet, those ridiculous gut sucking boxers!

Fall Shopping!

Fall is in the air. Alright. I live in Southern California and the temperature gauge in my car hasn't dropped below 90 during the day. We are in for a long, not spell, fueled by the Santa Ana's. But, the stores are filled with sweaters; my dog-eared September issues of "Vogue," "In Style," and even "People Style Watch" are as tempting as Ben & Jerry's to a dieter.

You can take the girl out of the East Coast but never the East Coast out of the girl. I've put away my white shoes and white jeans. I have been staring at the space bag filled with sweaters and other fall items which currently resides under my bed. I have adapted to our clime. My "uniform" of sorts is a fitted sheath dress or a pencil skirt and a cardigan. When the weather drops, I'll break out the well-heeled boots.

Yesterday's "Today" show featured fashionista Bobbie Thomas and a report about menswear for women, a resurgent trend which pops up nearly every year. One outfit caught my eye. Crisp white blouse, hot pink v-neck sweater, worn with a great tweed pencil skirt and heels. See, I have never been a fan of menswear in direct translation, except maybe in my high school preppy days. If I am wearing trousers, I will pair them with heels and lots of jewelry.

I'm currently reading "The Gospel According to Coco Chanel" by Karen Karbo, a fabulous read about the designer, the quest for Chanel, and plenty of bons mots. (Can't wait for the L.A. book reading in a few weeks!) Chanel was a master at introducing a touch of menswear influence yet maintaining a beguiling feminine look. Coco was the essence of gamine, with her boyish figure and impish personality. When the corseted, long trained looks of the day didn't suit her, she came up with an alternative.

"Fashion fades; only style remains the same." Chanel was right on the money. Take your part in the stimulus package. You don't need to go overboard with the plaids and liquid leggings. Buy a crisp white blouse. Banana Republic has some great variations. Search your closet for a pencil skirt or a great pair of trousers. Consider breaking up an old suit. Shoulder pads are making a comeback, although not as extreme as "Dynasty." Get thee to a tailor. Add your own style. You will always look stylish but never over the top trendy. You'll look professional and will save money in the long-run.

Happy Shopping!