Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am preparing to attend a wedding this summer and I notice that with all the Royal wedding coverage for Prince William and Kate Middleton that the women are expected to wear a hat. Now its making me wonder if I should wear a hat to this wedding. And before you ask, no its not a British wedding but I like the tradition. So do you think it would be okay to wear a hat to the wedding, and if so, what kind?

Signed,

A Hat for a Happy Occasion

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Dear A.H.F.A.H.O.,

British women have worn hats - and fascinators! - to weddings and formal events for centuries. Something as formal, regal and public as a royal wedding requires all the pomp and circumstance traditionally associated with the affair, which means guests would want to be seen - and photographed - in the finest plumes and brims. As it was mandated in the invitation for the royal wedding of the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the female guests were required to wear a hat.

But if a hat is what you want to wear, then by all means, wear a hat! Formal occasions are the perfect time for your own pomp and circumstance. In fact, many women wear hats regularly for church, horse races, funerals, Easter, Mother's Day and the like, so a wedding would fall into that group perfectly.

As far as choosing the hat goes, that's purely personal. However, there are a few"commandments" to keep in mind while you're searching for the perfect topper, especially for a wedding or formal event:

The Eight Commandments of Hat Wearing

I. Thou shalt not wear a hat wider than the shoulders.

II. Thou shalt not wear a hat a shade darker than the shoes.

III. Thou shalt only wear hats with the colors of white, cream and pastels for Easter.

IV. Thou shalt not wear a hat with crumpled, wrinkled or droopy feathers or flowers.

V. Thou shalt always look tasteful and tidy when wearing "the hat."

VI. Thou shalt remember your bone structure. If a hat doesn't fit the face, don't buy it.

VII. Thou shalt not allow a hat to compete with accessories and jewelry.

VIII. Thou shalt always let the hat be the focal point of the outfit.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Over the Hill … as in Dunhill

There isn't much to say about the Dunhill collection except that it was a lovely display of timeless, classic, well tailored menswear — a collection worthy of our loyal male followers!

It started with traditional suiting and took a dive into a more casual mood before evolving into full on evening. And sensing that you guys wouldn't be interested in reading paragraph after eloquently written paragraph about the clothing, I am going to keep the copy to a minimum and leave you with some inspirational images.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the entire Fall 2011 Dunhill collection!

Now that we are “over the hill” the next time we speak it will be in Italian. Off to Milan for more fashion coverage that you won't want to miss!

Cufflinks and Cummerbunds,

Marquis

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Sartorial Summons

For his Fall 2011 collection Giles Deacon took his inspiration from the law — literally. It all started with the invitations which were designed, envelope and all, to be exact replicas of an official court summons (which I hear caused a few invitees to experience waves of terror!).

Deacon also drew inspiration from time spent in the Victoria and Albert Museum researching Victoriana and Edwardiana. This research, along with the designer’s use of law as a muse, was reflected in his usage of high collars and a bold black and white color palette.

As the collection progressed, texture and color were introduced.

As a perfect compliment to the collection the models were given matching red lips and nails. Sophy Robson, the hottest nail girl in London Town, was summoned yet again to manage the manicures. Last season’s Eek Manicure, one of my personal favorites, is still being worn today so I wonder if this season's vampy matte crimson talons will latch on.

Review the entire collection but move too slow and you may get a summons of your own - for a fashion violation!

Red lips and wing tips,

Marquis

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Big Boy Britches

From the opening look of a masculine overcoat draped over the shoulders of an oversized polka doted blazer and cropped rust colored trousers, it was obvious that Paul Smith’s woman is into borrowing her boyfriend's clothing this season.

Personally I am an advocate of boyfriend dressing. In my eyes it is one of the sexiest perspectives on womenswear. Any woman can put on a tight dress and high heels and feel sexy, but it takes a real woman to throw on slouchy jeans and one of her boyfriend’s cardigans and exude sex appeal.

Smith kept an air of softness and femininity by introducing more delicate pieces into the collection that come off as straight womenswear, such as this sheer silk blouse.

Some embroidered gowns were introduced towards the end of the collection, but probably could have been done without. I just don’t respond positively to a full-length wool gown embroidered with a floral pattern.

Here’s to borrowing your boyfriend’s britches!

Until tomorrow,

Marquis

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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...on Burberry

Yesterday the world of fashion was revolutionized once again by the masterful hand of Christopher Bailey. The Fall 2011 collection perpetuated Burberry Prorsum’s time-tested reputation of expertly crafted outwear with a delicacy and refinement rarely seen. The show opened with a palette of bright gem tones and neutral army greens before moving into a wintry mix of black and white. I really enjoyed the little drop-waisted moments with the ruffled skirts. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Still images really don’t do the collection justice, especially because of the thrilling snow finale!

I love the addition of the little ponchos. So cute!

Watch the show and let me know what you think.

Yours in Style,

Marquis

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Welcome to London Town!

My faithful fashion followers, we've moved from the Big Apple to Big Ben! Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors are so last week. Cue the entrance of such greats as Vivienne Westwood, Jonathan Saunders, Matthew Williamson and The House of Holland. Known for his youthful aesthetic, Henry Holland decided to give an interesting display this season by juxtaposing his youthful eye with garments that hold a bit more sophistication. Impeccably tailored pieces done in fun and unexpected colors were paired with quirky patterns such as this blue tweed sheath paired with patterned tights:

As usual, nail diva extraordinaire Sophy Robson was in charge of the manicured perfection that graced the runway this year (and for previous collections).

Take a moment to take a more in-depth look at the entire collection.

In addition to designing for the House of Holland, Holland is currently in the developmental stages on a collection of sunglasses due for launch in September. Keep a look out!

TTFN ~ Ta Ta For Now,

Marquis

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