Fashion

Wear to Where: Winter White
12.07.11
White? Past Labor Day? In Orange County? Scandalous!
Forget the old adage that you can't wear white after Labor Day and brighten up those classic winter pieces like black, navy and grey clothes you already have hanging in your closet, and consider the chicest color of the season - "Winter White."
Here are a list of rules to help you conquer white in the most stylish ways...
1. Dress for the season. I'm not too keen on people showing too much skin in winter or overdoing the layers in summer. If you're going to wear a white dress in winter, pair it with opaque black tights and heels or boots, or a dark cardigan on top, or even leggings underneath. No tank tops or sundresses allowed.
2. Mind your texture. A rich fabric makes all the difference when you're wearing winter white. Cashmere, wool, tweed, cable knit, angora, even denim and corduroy all have a depth of texture that make them total Do's for winter white. They're cozy enough that you'll look pulled together, while light summer fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon make you look terribly out of place in the chilly winter months.
3. Go one shade off. Pure white (I'm talking lily, wedding dress, white-out white) is best left to a time when you've got a tan. Choose a color that's slightly off-white, in the cream, ivory, or the ecru family for maximum winter white effect. Still feeling self-conscious in such a light color? Give it some weight with a chocolate brown boot or a dark leather accessory, so people know you're aware of what season it is.
"No white after Labor Day" is about as current a rule as "women have to stay home and take care of the house and children." Things are thankfully a bit more flexible these days, so don't be afraid to have fun with seasonal dressing.
For more pictures and styling ideas on "Winter White" visit my website LeslieChristen.com.
Leslie Christen writes "Wear to Where" for pacific-creative.digital each week. She is the owner of Leslie Christen | LifeStyling a business that does personal shopping, fashion styling, closet edits and organization. For tips on What to Wear and Where to Buy view her website at www.LeslieChristen.com and contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com.
Blog

Locally Delicious!
12.06.11
Join Avanti Café Thursday for a special community agriculture dinner and celebrate the winter harvest with live music, art and prizes. The five course prix-fixe dinner includes raw, vegan and vegetarian fusion cuisine with two seatings at 6:30 or 8:30 p.m.
Avanti has teamed up with the Palmo Project, and it’s a chance for you to meet local farmers and learn more about their mission of planning sustainable events to support a plant based lifestyle. The cost is $35 per person.
Purchase tickets at Avanti Cafe or online at palmoproject.com/events.
Avanti Café is at 259 E 17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.548.2224.
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