Ask Maddy Your Fashion Questions!
Click on a question below to view the answer.
Q: Dear Maddy,
Help! Someone I just met on Match.com who just invited to a fabulous Saturday afternoon in the Napa Valley for wine tasting and dinner. What should I wear to take this date to the next level?
Signed: Must make an impression! San Francisco, CA
A: Lucky you! The wine country, being just an hour away, is fabulous this time of year. The vineyards are so green and lush-so romantic. Daytime is quite casual dress in Napa, Sonoma, and St. Helena area. Be sure you tell him about how wonderful it is to spend an afternoon in beautiful Calistoga, famous for it's mineral hot springs and Mud Baths, too. For starters, I would put you in a great weekender set of incredible colors medium-weight cottons that just arrived. Made a of 100% pre-shrunk cotton, garment dyed and the most comfortable clothing you'll ever wear. The fabric is called "eyelashes" for it's unusual texture. The lightweight short sleeve top has a cut-out shoulder that plays peek-a-boo for a sexy look, and it also has matching capri or flood pants. I suggest taking a heavier SEABREEZE 100% cotton twill fabric jacket of a little beefier weight for the cooler evenings. You simply must come into the store to see the incredible selection of weekend casual wear. Too many fun jackets and great accessories to list! Get ready to have a fun, relaxing and comfortable time.
Kiss Kiss - Maddy
Q: Dear Maddy,
Help I'm in shock-my husband of 15 years just left me. It was obvious he's going through a mid-life crisis due to job stress, unbelievable heavy drinking episodes, and depression. I tried everything to help him. His reason: Just wanted a simple life he said. Later ~The Real Reason: wanted his freedom to fantasize & reconnect with an old girlfriend after a recent out-of-state high school reunion, where he just insisted on attending alone. Any fashion ideas for me on what to wear to get me out of this funk and bitterness to brighten my day until the divorce is complete and I can move on?
Signed: Dumped at 55, San Rafael, CA
A: Yes I can help! First - I am so sorry, it seems to an epidemic lately of selfish actions on the part of married men who have no clue what long-term love and commitment is. But get in here soon and we can help make you feel good again quickly with some great new special styles that just arrived. Our affordable fashions will give you a spurt of energy. I say good riddance! You deserve so much more! Anyway, sounds like he is no prize if he is a cheater. You know what they say: It probably wasn't the first time he cheated on you, or won't be the last time either with the new woman! My - My -She'd better really keep an eye on that sneaky guy, or maybe it is just the money she's after anyway. But, hang in there girlfriend. Times heals all things, you are much better without him to live a fresh life and new adventures. Mad Rags will dress you up so beautifully, you'll be attracting a real special guy soon. Someone who can appreciate your inner beauty, wisdom and is mature enough to make you #1 in his life! Remember: A new successful lifestyle will be the best revenge. And advice to all women: Don't let your husband go to their HS or College Reunions alone- they aren't thinking with their big brain - and some lonely gals don't care if he is married or not!
PS: Just wait -Within a little time the newness wears off & soon "the other woman" will find out just what he is made of ! Hisssss.
All my love, Maddy
Q: Dear Maddy,
I need something to dress up my favorite sexy little black dress - any thoughts to make it look fresh and snazzy without spending a bunch?
Signed: Bored in Black, Danville, CA
A: Yes! I can help - But . . . Maybe you should also check out our new featured "little black dress" selection the gals are snapping them up ($79 to $119) from Sharon MAX dress manufacturers. We have the most incredible accessories from shoes to fabulous earrings. Your best bet might be a unusual silk net scarf from Spain that is hand-dyed in numerous colors- both solid or verigated colors. Priced at $39, it's easy on the wallet too. Try a pair of lightweight colorful and whimsical Holly Yashi earrings and this divine combination will really take any dress or jacket to that next level. Do send me a picture!
- Fondly, Maddy
Q: Dear Maddy,
My husband just surprised me for our anniversary with tickets for a 7 day cruise to Mexico. I need some ideas of what I can wear for the dressy evenings. I don't want to look like "mother of the bride," and insist on my arms being covered. My figure doesn't carry off anything too revealing and I feel I still want to look stunning for my man. HELP!!!!!!
Signed: Make me beautiful!, Mill Valley, CA
A: What a great husband - so romantic to cruise the Mexican Riviera! The nightlife really comes alive on the loveboat and so will you in a sensational ensemble of Tianello Tencel. Its the natural fabric that breathes. Tencel feels and looks like a heavy silk, but feels so light weight and smooth on the body. Mexico is really hot this time of year so ---- my first choice would be a Suzy Blouse, a 3/4 sleeve blouse worn over a flood pants ($99) or easy wear pants of the luscious tropical colors of Line', Amethyst, Olive Green or always popular white to beat off the sun. There is a new style called Lizette blouse that is lightweight and really cute, too. Mad Rags loves to sell Tianello Tencel designed and made in California.
Perhaps throw in a couple of contrasting colored tank tops for under the unbuttoned shirt ($49)---- the sky's the limit! Make great dinner conversation at the Captain's table by telling the story on how your outfit is socially conscious and organic. Tell the history of Tencel by informing your shipmates how it's planted in managed tree farms in many 3rd world countries. Helping save the rain forests and the world's ozone level by bringing a cash crop and economic relief by providing jobs and income for the local growers. The pulp is ground and processed that creates a fabric allowing deep intensity & richness for dyed colors. Like cotton, but without shrinking even though it's machine washable and dryable. What a find. Mad Rags, San Rafael carries inventory in many sizes from XS through 2X PLUS sizes whenever possible - so no fear my dear-you'll get more ideas by checking out our lively one size Kimono's and silk Ruanas for more suggestions !
Always, Maddy
Q: Advice to Stuck in Los Angeles:
A: Time to just bury the hatchet, dear, and kindly inform your friend that you will continue to express your personality by the clothes you wear. Unusual clothing really is great to wear, and your real friends will love you whatever you choose. By now, it obvious they have you dialed in anyway -you simply love dress up to create conversation by the artsy garments you wear. The Mad Rags fashionable wardrobe you've invested in really speaks volumes about who you are. Just be yourself, stand up straight, breathe and smile!
Love - Maddy
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