talkFashion

By Starr KondoS • PhotograPhy By Jim PriSching

QB puBlisher lisa stamos and i have known each other since starting our businesses in Barrington, and we both love Barrington and its people. i would like to thank lisa for giving me the opportunity to share my fashion

experience with you. in each issue, i will share what the current trends are—and offer useful advice to solve fashion dilemmas. if there is a specific question, feel free to email me at starrcouture@sbcglobal.net. in each issue i will cover: What’s happening now; Your Fashion Guide; and must-haves. let’s get started!

Starr Kondos is the owner of Starr Couture in downtown Barrington.

What’S haPPening noW—Summer WeddingS-What Should i Wear?this is the time of year when most weddings take place. each year i get numerous and frantic phone calls with questions. “i have a wedding to go to—what should i wear?” Finding the perfect outfit can be challenging. the goal is to find the right outfit for the occasion. Something that will look great on you and you’ll be able to wear again and again. an outfit you can dress up and down by changing the accessories to change your investment. on the following page are examples and information you can use.

Wedding attire can vary from black tie to casual. there are plenty of choices keeping in mind the occasion, your body type, and your budget. read the invitation; is it formal or informal. day or evening? Where is it? on the beach, in the garden, or more traditional and in the church?

Formal WeddingS call for gowns or for cocktail attire and are held mostly in the evening.

inFormal WeddingS can be casual such as a garden, back yard, or on the beach and are held mostly during daytime hours.

general ruleS: no white if you are a guest. it’s the bride’s day to shine, and no one should take away from her special day or try to compete. Parents, or mother of the bride or groom should dress appropriately considering the occasion and their ages. avoid flashy colors.

your FaShion guide—tiPS and adviceSummer looks on a budget? Yes, it can be done by knowing which pieces to choose and focus on. i usually start by having a brief consultation with a client focusing on her lifestyle needs wants and last, but not least, her budget. Women as-sume everything is too expensive. not true. there is some thing beautiful in every price point to suit every budget. on the following page, i show how one little summer lace jacket can achieve numerous looks, making the $590 jacket a true bargain. i also encourage you to bring me something you already own and love, but want to freshen up and update for a more current look. i love working with existing pieces in your wardrobe and your budget.

muSt-haveS—the tummY tuck Pantone of the things i love to do on my buying trips is to look for new items that solve basic problems for most women. it can be as simple as innovative fabric, the perfect fit, or little secrets that can make us look slimmer. What women doesn’t want that, right? the pants, capris, and skirt featured all have a hidden panel on the inside that gives that tucked-in smooth look, yet are comfortable. You will fall in love with the fit, and comfort. Stop in the store and try them on. You will be amazed. all items featured are available at Starr couture. Stop by the store tues.-Sat. (11a. – 4p.) additional hours by appt.

styleBooK

QBarr ing ton.com | Quintessential Barrington • 109

The perfect choice for black tie optional or cocktail attire. Simple, elegant, and glamourous—it’s a winner!

Here is a gown that’s perfect for formal summer weddings, if you are a guest. This dress can be easily be cut off to a cocktail length after you’ve worn is a few times.

Bright and sunny cool linen. The perfect sundress for a beach wed-ding. Dress it up or down with the right accessories, and it can take you to many other occasions throughout the hot summer months.

This breezy chiffon dress is the perfect choice for a garden wedding, and can be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize.

talkFashionWhat’S haPPening noW Summer WeddingS—What Should i Wear?

Double-lined jersey dress, $590

talkFashion your FaShion guidetiPS and advice: one Jacket—6 diFFerent lookS!

ON A BUDGET? one Jacket – 6 looks

White lace jacket is made in Paris. Available in black or white, $590

Black dress is made in Paris. Wrinkle-free, perfect for travel, $490

The perfect belt to wear with everything, $198

Wrinkle-free washable palazzo pant, $349

Reversable skirt. Two-in-one with solid on one side and print on the other, $349

The perfect oversized summer bag for travel, $349

Tummy tuck capri in stretch crepe, $298

22” Tummy tuck capri with side bottom criss-cross ties, $269

Tummy tuck slim skirt, available in solid colors, $249

25” Tummy tuck capri, $298

talkFashion

Look Pounds Thinner

The Secret?

The Tummy tuck ankle pant, $298

NEw!

Laser cut cork and leather handbag

hidden Panel inSide ------>

tummy tucK stretch bottom essentials

Win a FREE tummy tuck item, stop by store for details!

muSt haveS!the tummY tuck Pant