Sarah Kate Newsletter
Summer 2006

Welcome to the summer edition of Sarah Kate, the e-newsletter for practical fashionistas who have September on their radar screens.

Spandex?
True story. Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” tights—the ones ending low calf—are back. The tell-all tights are pairing up with roomy knits, billowy coats and ankle boots for a look that works for Sienna Miller, and maybe a walk to the gym, but not much else. This trend will be interesting to watch. Tights may be the next brooch, which landed on lapels one season and fell off the next, or wind up like animal prints, which don’t die off, but rather keep resurfacing like spots on a white T. I’m putting my money on the former only because Spandex isn’t flattering unless you’ve naturally got a body like Giselle.

Life Without Ed - Now Available!
Life with an eating disorder (a.k.a. Ed) is like living in a cage. Everyone can see you, no one can get too close, and it’s incredibly lonely. Divorcing Ed is the key. Jenni Schaefer, author of Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too, has teamed up with me to create a sterling silver charm inscribed with the words “Life Without Ed™.” The charm, which includes a freshwater pearl to signify the wisdom, “You do better when you know better,” was created to raise awareness, hope and support surrounding eating disorders. An accompanying sterling silver necklace and bracelet are also available.

Ten percent of the sale of each Life Without Ed™ charm and Life Without Ed™ bracelet and necklace will be donated to the Seattle-based National Eating Disorders Association. NEDA is the largest not-for-profit organization in the United States working to prevent eating disorders and provide treatment referrals to those suffering from eating disorders. The toll-free information and referral helpline at (800) 931-2237.

All Life Without Ed™ jewelry is available at www.sarah-kate.com and www.jennischaefer.com.

Multitasking is a Dirty Word
Remember the mantra “Multitask until you drop?” Many of us were drinking the Kool-Aid back in the late ’90s/early ’00s, and it’s left a bad aftertaste. In 2002, I was working a full-time+ job out of my home with sporadic childcare for my two toddlers, starting an accidental jewelry company, juggling freelance projects, a marriage and social life, and trying to keep our ridiculously light carpeting clean. I only bring this up not to illustrate my obvious need to squeeze it all in and watch myself fall apart, but because my story isn’t uncommon, and it’s a troubling one. When 24/7 isn’t enough, no amount of multitasking is gonna fix it. In a bit of a quandary about my current career and home life choices, I came across the following article in Fast Company, which takes multitasking to task: http://www.fastcompany.com/resources/talent/heffernan/041706.html.

My favorite quote from the author, “I learned that a lot of work, when you ignore it, really does go away – and no one cares,” is true, however, I struggle to put this into practice out of sheer terror. G-d forbid I drop a ball or two—or five.

So, here’s an interesting thought for fellow female multitaskers: What if we banded together not to burn bras but to single task? Would relationships richen? Would we still be able to have enriching careers, hobbies, social and family lives? Would we be able to take time out just to think? I don’t know the answers, but I’m willing to pursue them, one at a time.

Knit One, Pearl Two
No need to nit-pick. Margaret Nicole bags are available in numerous colors, wool or cotton fibers, and trimmed with a vast selection of ribbons.

The mastermind behind the cable-knit bags at www.margaretnicole.com, Nicole Dreyfuss, was stunned to see her clutch design knocked off by Abercrombie & Fitch, and for many dollars less. Dreyfuss’ mother, who happens to be a professor of patent law, helped her enterprising daughter seek legal action, and a settlement was reached. No more knock-offs—at least from Abercrombie—and it goes down in the books that David beats a retail Goliath. Life is good.

“Do what you love, love what you do.”
—As seen on my daughter’s “Life is Good” T-shirt

In and Out
For a taste of fall fashion, I gathered up a handful of somewhat diverse consumer magazines—More, Vogue, W and Harper’s Bazaar—to compile their takes on what’s in and what’s out come September.
 

IN:	OUT:
Chunky Yellow Gold	Chandelier Earrings
Opera Length Necklaces	Single Strand Chokers
Bangle Bracelets	Diminutive Watches
Animal Prints	Corduroy
Opaque tights in all colors	Nude, Sheer Hose
Sheer Black	Chocolate
Red	Pink
White	Yellow
Supersized Cable-Knit Sweaters	Form-fitting tops, unless layered
Riding Boots	Cowboy Boots
Riding Hats	Baseball Hats
Oversized Bags	Clutches

For a reality check, I polled my own 30-, 40- and 50-year-old friends to see what they’ll be sporting this “back-to-school” season. Real women say …
 

IN:	OUT:
Boot-cut Jeans	Skinny jeans
Levi's	Leggings billed as “pants”
Hoodies	Oversized dresses worn with skinny jeans
Jeans that flatter/cover the backside	Super-low jeans (Keep your thongs private!)
Embellished belts/belt buckles	No belt for the belt loops
Monochromatic layering	Pastels
Ethnic-inspired pieces	Borrowing from other cultures is always in
Ballet Flats	Flip flops
Paisley and plaid	Polka dots
Little black dress	Bridesmaid dress
Anything you wear with confidence	Anything a runway model wears

Keep Me Posted
Please e-mail me your feedback, must-haves and style tips at
sue@sarah-kate.com. Hope to hear from you soon!

Until next time,