FASHION ADVICE
Ask Maddie

Creating The Perfect Impression For a Wine Country Weekend with the Boss!

Q. Dear Maddie,
Help! My fiancee just invited to a fabulous weekend in the Napa Valley for wine tasting. Problem is I will be meeting my  future mother-in-law for the first time and I have no idea what to wear.

Signed: Must make an impression!
Sausalito, CA

A. Lucky you! The wine country is fabulous this time of year.  Daytime is quite casual dress in Napa, Sonoma, and beautiful Calistoga. Meeting the soon to be mother in law call for clothing to make a great impression.  For starters, I would put you in a great weekender set of incredible color of royal blue or white lightweight gauzy cotton that just arrived.   Made in Guatemala of 100% cotton pre-shrunk and garment dyed and the most comfortable clothing you'll ever wear with easiest care. I suggest taking a  100% cotton twill fabric jacket of a little beefier weight for the cooler summer evenings. Thow in some white tee with adorable art patch of multi-colored grapes ($39) or a matching solid color tee.  For evening where you simply must come into the store to see the incredible selection of partywear. Too many fun jackets and great accessories to list!

Kiss Kiss - Maddie

Q. Dear Maddie,
I need something to dress up my favorite black dress - any thoughts to make it look alittle snazy without spending a bunch?

Signed: Bored in Black
San Rafael, CA

A. Yes! 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 whimsey Holly Yashi earrings and this divine combination will really take any dress or jacket to that next level. Do send me a picture!

- Maddie

Q. Dear Maddie,
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 so will you in a sensational ensemble of Tencel natural fabric, the fabric that breathes. It 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 long sleeve blouse over a flood pants ($89) or easy wear pants of the luscious tropical colors of banana, Amethyst or always popular black 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. Tell history of Tencel by informing your shipmates that Tencel is planted in managed tree farms. In many 3rd world countries helping save the rain forest and the world's ozone level by bringing a cash crop and economic relief by providing jobs and income for the local growers. Richness of dyed colors and that it is machine washable and dryable without shrinking make this a hit! We carry many sizes from XS through 2X PLUS sizes whenever possible - so no fear my dear! whole other evening's outfit will be covered, too!!  Maddie

Advice to Stuck in California:

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. By now, she has you dialed in anyway - she knows you simply love to create converstaion by the artsy garments you wear. The clothing you wear really speaks about who you are. Just be yourself, stand up straight, breathe and smile!

Love - Maddie

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