Tim Gunn’s 2009 fashion report
Who doesn’t love Tim Gunn? In my fantasy world, we’re the best of friends. A typical day for us is a laughter and gossip filled brunch, followed by some shopping (of course). I try on outfits for Tim and he gives me perfect, tactful advice, steering me towards a faultless look. Leaning in his car to say goodbye he reminds me to have the Donna Karan we picked out altered (it’s too big, this is my fantasy remember?) and tells me I’m going to be the most beautiful woman in the room in it. “Oh Tim!” I say…
So of course I was excited to see my BFF Tim on our local LA morning show last week giving his predictions for the 2009 fashion and style trends. Though with an industry insider like him, prediction is really the wrong word. You can pretty much take his word as law. Here were some of his key points…
Fashion will take it’s lead from the White House for the first time since the 60′s. This an exciting thought on many levels. I mean, how fashionable was Jackie O? Her sunglasses alone made her an icon and are still copied today. Tim believes Michele Obama will be the same kind of first lady, with a favorite of hers, the shift dress, becoming a key piece in everyone’s closet. Hooray! Not only are they an easy way to look polished and sophisticated, shifts are flattering, with lots of variations on shapes so they work for ALL women. Tim also pointed out that they can be customized in many different ways too; adding belts, cardigans and even wearing a shirt underneath so that they act more as a jumper. So many looks to choose from too: gorgeous prints, sleek solids,
Tim also believes that because of the economic state, people simply will not be shopping as much as they have in the past. He stressed the importance of taking better care of the clothes you already own and recommended Tide and Downy Total Care laundry soaps (he’s a spokesperson). This is one of the things that is very easy to skip; you’ve got a coupon for something else or another brand is on sale. But it makes sense. Tim said it best, with a gentle soap “your clothes last longer, and color saturation, elasticity and structure are preserved because you are respecting the integrity of the fibers” (really ladies-respect the fibers!)
On a budget or not, Tim instructed that there are 3 essential elements to consider for a fashionable piece: silhouette, proportion and fit. He says when these 3 keys are in harmony and balance, you’ve got it right. This is true when shopping for new pieces or when choosing an outfit straight from your closet.
And lastly, he advised those of us that are on a budget to make more mindful purchases. Ask yourself with every purchase; how does this fit into my wardrobe? Can I dress it up and dress it down? Will it transition from day to night? And is this piece a classic that I will have for awhile, or a trend that I will hate next season? If your clothing funds are tight, make those purchases work!
Great advice, right? He’s amazing. Confident in what he says but somehow never comes off as a know-it-all (even though-let’s face it-he is!) Don’t you just heart Tim Gunn? I’ll give him your best when we meet for imaginary drinks tonight…
(Read more tips from Tim on his Bravo Guide to Style page. )
Filed in: beauty & fashion
I think we all deserve Tim Gunn in our life! How fabulous that would be… I love how he always seems so sincere and sweet. Plus he just always knows what best. Every time I watch Project Runway and some dumb designer dismisses Tim’s advice I just want to scream “listen to Tim, he knows!”
Anyway, this is some great advice, especially the mindful purchase advice and I too love the idea of a first lady being a style icon ~ it’s never been that way in my life!
Where are you meeting for drinks? I will stop by in my 2009 Hybrid Bentley on my way to Laguna for the weekend.
By the way shift dresses don’t look good on ALL body types, ask T, they don’t look good on mine.
Tim needs to go on ROL although he may have a heart attack when he see’s the clothes that they brought to wear on national television. I love Tim and I think the best one on budget tips is will I still wear this next season. With so many trends out right now unless you are paying $20 at Old Navy or Target pass it up.
Susan, I bet Tim could find a shift that looked good on you!
My go-to going out outfit is an H&M black on black polkadot shift with opaque tights. With some super spanx underneath!
I need a “Tim Gunn” to live in my closet. I never know what looks good on me.
HA!! how nice would that be.. I bet we could all use a Tim Gunn in our closet. Stef what imaginary drinks did he order?!
I say Tim Gun is a white wine spritzer fan just like me! I don’t care if my friends tease me, I say they’re stylish! (and yummy)
Surprisingly, Tim loves Buttery Nipples shots! Who Knew?!
I just had to share a funny Tim Gunn moment that happened in my house this weekend. Somehow, I can get my husband to watch Project Runway with me. I’ve always been kind of amazed when I ask “Can we watch the PR I have tivoed?” and I get a yes reply. Well, now I know why!
I started the taping last night and at the first Tim Gunn appearance my very manly British husband said “I like that Geezer.”
I think it’s safe to say this may be the only time Mr. Gunn has ever been called a Geezer!
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When oh WHEN is his Guide to Style show coming back on – I miss it sooooo much! My guy always complains when Project Runway comes on…but with “barely watching it” he’s still able to predict which outfits will win and which will “be out!” I find that hilarious (and frustrating since he’s better at predicting those things than me!).
I went with a friend to hear Tim Gunn speak at the 92nd Street “Y” in Manhattan, and on the night we of course carefully dressed and admired each other’s choice of apparel. Then we entered the auditorium, which seats over 2 thousand people, and laughed hysterically. There were perhaps five men in the hall, the rest all women who had likewise dressed to the nines, and of course Tim Gunn, brilliantly lit on the stage, could see precisely none of us. But given the same circumstances I would do the same thing again. How could one not dress in one’s best, for Him?
Oh Joan, when I had imaginary dinner with Tim last night he told me to tell you that he did indeed see you! And that you looked fabulous…
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