| Fashion News Maine |
New Year's Eve fashion advice
Saturday, December 22, 2007 - Bangor Daily News
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Year’s Eve has always been a fashion minefield for me.
For starters, I’m always freezing, which automatically eliminates anything remotely sexy. Do you know what happens when you add sequins or
glitter to a sweater or long-sleeve shirt? Instant grandma.
One year, a friend of mine, who works in finance, invited me to a fancy party in Boston. I chose a sassy red dress, which would’ve been fine had I
not been in a room full of accountants. Everyone in the room — no exaggeration — was wearing something black and conservative. I spent the
whole evening saying, "Hi, I’m a sore thumb, nice to meet you."
But we learn through mistakes, right? Right.
Allow me to share what I’ve learned:
Know your audience. There’s nothing worse than feeling overdressed or underdressed. If you’re not sure, throw on a jacket over a spaghetti-strap
dress or camisole — I like the embroidered silk jackets at The Grasshopper Shop and the sparkly brocade jackets at Macy’s. You can always take
it off.
If you’re daring enough to wear a sexy little slip of a thing, bring a wrap, just in case.
When in doubt, wear your little black dress. It’s always right. Add a little attitude with lace stockings, fishnets or high boots and you’re good to go.
Be best-dressed. There’s a reason I keep talking about dresses (Dressbarn has fabulous options right now, including a Kelly green Jackie O-style
sheath for misses and the most amazing black-and-white beaded dress in women’s). They’re the cake mix of a wardrobe: Just add stockings.
Don’t fear color. Despite my faux pas, I learned something on the night of the red dress — it’s great to stand out. You just need the confidence to
match — and that didn’t come to me until a few years later. Which leads me to my next lesson.
Trust yourself. If you know you look hot in that crazy, hot-pink-and-lime Pucci-print sheath, own the look — no apologies, no questions asked.
You can take solace in the fact that you’re the only one at the party bold enough to pull it off.
Know yourself. If you’re always cold, don’t leave the house half-naked. There are ways to be warm and stylish — such as the smashingly cozy
sweater dress at Bella Luna — and tailored pants and a fitted, long-sleeve shirt look equally hot (and warm). If you hate heels, don’t ruin your
evening by teetering around all night. If you’re not comfortable, you’re going to have a horrible time, no matter where you are.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Embrace your curves, ladies. It’s a great way to start the new year on a positive note. No woman has ever looked back on
her life and wished she had dieted more.
And finally, this: Go all out. In our little corner of Maine, we rarely have a chance to pull out all the stops and really dress up. This is the perfect
opportunity, even if you’re staying home. Especially if you’re staying home.
Because time spent with friends and family — rather than in a room, bar or party full of people you don’t know — is a great way to ring in the
new year. It may be the same Auld Lang Syne, but that’s a good thing. At least they’ll never look at you funny if you show up in a lipstick-red
dress.
Revisiting a Christmas memory
Jack Zaleski
none - 12/23/2007
Like last year and the year before and the year before, I received several requests to reprint a column I first wrote for The Forum in 1988 about
Christmas trees. (OK, a couple of requests came from my kids, who have kids of their own now, and really love the column.) In 1989 the column
was included in “A Merry Prairie Christmas,” a book published by Prairie House Publications that featured holiday stories and essays by area
writers. If it’s still in print somewhere, I recommend the collection. Nice holiday reading. Here again is that old holiday column. Merry Christmas.
A real tree, then and now
Artificial trees were hot items in the 1950s. It was the era of plastic chairs, blond woodwork and pink and gray DeSotos. Tacky was in fashion.
Fake trees fit the time well. Remember?
My dad bought a fake tree. It was white. There was something about a white tree that made a statement: Aren’t we the modern ones.
The white tree was part of Christmas in my parents’ house for many years when I was young. It would come out of the box to be adorned with
blue ornaments, blue lights and blue tinsel. The original blue-light special.
The stiff, synthetic branches yellowed with time, and one Christmas the fake tree was junked in favor of the real thing. My dad and I picked out a
fresh-cut tree at a lot near the newspaper where he worked. “Trees from the Maine woods,” the sign said. A real tree – lush and woodsy fragrant. It
was sticky with sap; needles stuck to our hands as we tied it into the trunk of our ’53 Plymouth. My dad was having a good time.
The tree was crooked and lacked a couple of branches, but once festooned with bubble lights, garland and shimmering tinsel, it was beautiful. My
sister and I would sit for hours watching it sparkle in the darkened living room. When we got home from school, the aroma of the tree would greet
us. We knew it was Christmas at our house.
As I have for all the years I’ve lived in North Dakota, I bought a real tree this season. But there’s something different about Christmas tree sales
these days. A trend started a few years ago that seems to have gained steam. I’m talking about the tendency toward homogenized trees – those
“perfect pines,” “spectacular spruces” and “fabulous firs.” It’s as if they’re striving for the phony perfection of artificial trees.
As I stumbled around in the mud and snow in my quest for a tree, I noticed their most outstanding feature was manicured sameness. Designer trees.
Perfectly shaped. No bare spots, no broken branches, no crooked trunks.
I found a six-footer – a bit bent and sporting a bare spot – and took it home. I could smell the pine sap when I sawed off the end to fit the stand.
The tree is in the living room, waiting to be decorated. It draws the kids into the room. They’ve examined it from top to bottom. “It’s crooked,” my
son says. “Uh huh,” I reply, “it is.” So we fiddle with it to make it straight. “How’s that?” I ask the young critic. “Good,” he declares.
Soon he and his sister will sit in awe as the lights and tinsel throw Christmas color into the room. “Doesn’t it smell nice!” my little girl says. Sure
does.
And it takes me back to the year my dad and I brought home our first real tree. Every kid should have a Christmas memory like that. Mine do.
Zaleski can be reached at jzaleski@forumcomm.com
A fashion statement or target?
By MEGHAN V. MALLOY
Staff Writer
12/10/2007
There are more than 100,000 vanity license plates on Maine roads, not including the gallery of them hanging up at The Wharf in Hallowell (the
Kennebec Commuter's favorite? "Wrknomo"). Garry Hinkley, director of vehicle services for the Maine Bureau of Vehicles, said an additional
19,000 vanity plates were registered with the state just last year.
In other words, there's nothing original about being a Mainer with a unique license plate.
Sure, some of them are funny or sassy, but can a vanity license plate actually turn you into a moving target for a criminal? Some people seem to
think so.
In an Oct. 25 article on the Web site www.smartmoney.com, writer Kirsten Vala wrote about "The 10 Things the DMV Won't Tell You." The
ninth item? "Your vanity plate says 'MUG ME.'"
In the article, Vala said a personalized plate can "communicate much more than the written message."
For example, a plate that makes reference to the driver being a woman or a senior citizen puts that driver at risk for theft or car-jacking.
"Spotting one of these plates in a parking lot, a mugger may hide behind or near the car, waiting for the driver to return," Vala said in the article.
Say what?
Hinkley said he is unaware of such a correlation.
"I've never heard of that being a problem in this state, specifically, but I don't have any evidence one way or another, either," Hinkley said.
Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine State Police, agreed with Hinkley.
"I suspect that story is probably more big city-oriented," said McCausland, who has also read Vala's article. "Carjacking is almost unheard of in
this state, and with theft, that is probably more due to people leaving their keys in the ignition than what plate is displayed on their vehicle."
Furthermore, the bureau cracks down on what you can put on a plate. Specifically, vanity license plates in Maine cannot be "obscene, profane,
promote criminal activity or pertain to a public institution," Hinkley said.
"Oh yes, there are rules," Hinkley said. "As things change, we've also had to change what can be put on."
Do you have a traffic tip, question, or rant? Share it with me. Drop me a line at mmalloy@centralmaine.com or 623-3811 Ext. 431
Kennebunkport Town Column
December 20, 2007 6:00 AM
The Precious Present
The present is defined as "the time that is perceived directly, not as a recollection or a speculation." Modern physics has yet to explain what we
normally understand by 'now'. Yet, one thing we know for sure. Every morning we are given the gift of 86,400 seconds. Each night every moment is
counted down and we have captured only those that were used for a good purpose. There is no going back. As we get older, it is not the things we
did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do. Live in the present. Live like there's no tomorrow. Have a very Happy Christmas.
"When you have the precious present, you will be perfectly content in where you are."
Spencer Johnson
Christmas concert
Celebrate Christmas with an internationally acclaimed musical organization. This 30 piece brass band will perform seasonal music in the British
tradition at the South Congregational Church on Temple Street on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. What a special celebration this will be.
Holiday stories
Come to the Graves Library to celebrate the beginning of school vacation. On Dec. 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., several guests will entertain with
holiday stories and songs. Punch and cookies will be served. The Louis T. Graves Memorial Library is located at 18 Maine Street in
Kennebunkport. For more information call 967-2778.
Fashion design workshop
If you enjoy doodling and designing clothes, don't miss this Fashion Design workshop at the Graves Library on Dec. 27 from 1-2:30 p.m. You will
use templates for basic shapes. The fun begins when imaginations and hands are then free to use fabric, ribbon, color, paper, feathers, beads and
more to create original outfits and accessories to fit 12 inch wooden "paper dolls." Design a label for your clothing line. Please bring a pair of sharp
scissors that are comfortable for you to use. Space is limited to 15 so call 967-2778 to register ages 8 and up.
Recycling schedule
For your information, those who have trash pickup on Tuesday, Dec. 25, your pickup will be on Monday, Dec. 24. Your Jan. 1 pickup will be on
Dec. 31.
Christmas services
On Dec. 22 at the South Church, the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship will feature special music of the Moravian tradition along with other pieces. You
are invited to join in on this last Sunday of Advent. Children will attend the first portion of the service before departing to a group class together.
Nursery care will be available.
On Christmas Eve, there will be a 4 p.m. Family Service and later a traditional service of lessons and carols at 7:30 p.m. Music and message of this
Holy Season awaits your presence. No child care will be available.
"No matter who you are and where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." The church is located on Temple Street next door to the post
office. South Church is an active member of the United Church of Christ.
Great gift idea
A great gift for a book lover is a gift certificate to the Graves Library Book Sale. Cards are available at the circulation desk. Also available are
Graves Cookbooks, which make special gifts for those who like to bake or those who just like collecting cookbooks.
Annual Atlantic Plunge
The seventh annual Atlantic Plunge will take place on Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. at Gooch's Beach. For each $100 in pledges you will earn a chance to win a
Dell notebook or an Apple Pod. All proceeds benefit Caring Unlimited. For information call Missy at 490-3227 extension 100.
Maine birds of prey
On Saturday, Dec. 29 from 3-4 p.m., attend a free program at the Graves Library. Using live birds, posters and hands on materials, you will find
out what kinds of birds of prey are found in Maine. You will learn about their habitats, habits, place in the food chain and why we need to protect
them. Space is limited so call 967-2778 or Jen from the Audubon at 985-1656 to register.
Home for the holidays
"There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."
Dorothy Gale
Saturday, December 22, 2007 - Bangor Daily News
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Year’s Eve has always been a fashion minefield for me.
For starters, I’m always freezing, which automatically eliminates anything remotely sexy. Do you know what happens when you add sequins or
glitter to a sweater or long-sleeve shirt? Instant grandma.
One year, a friend of mine, who works in finance, invited me to a fancy party in Boston. I chose a sassy red dress, which would’ve been fine had I
not been in a room full of accountants. Everyone in the room — no exaggeration — was wearing something black and conservative. I spent the
whole evening saying, "Hi, I’m a sore thumb, nice to meet you."
But we learn through mistakes, right? Right.
Allow me to share what I’ve learned:
Know your audience. There’s nothing worse than feeling overdressed or underdressed. If you’re not sure, throw on a jacket over a spaghetti-strap
dress or camisole — I like the embroidered silk jackets at The Grasshopper Shop and the sparkly brocade jackets at Macy’s. You can always take
it off.
If you’re daring enough to wear a sexy little slip of a thing, bring a wrap, just in case.
When in doubt, wear your little black dress. It’s always right. Add a little attitude with lace stockings, fishnets or high boots and you’re good to go.
Be best-dressed. There’s a reason I keep talking about dresses (Dressbarn has fabulous options right now, including a Kelly green Jackie O-style
sheath for misses and the most amazing black-and-white beaded dress in women’s). They’re the cake mix of a wardrobe: Just add stockings.
Don’t fear color. Despite my faux pas, I learned something on the night of the red dress — it’s great to stand out. You just need the confidence to
match — and that didn’t come to me until a few years later. Which leads me to my next lesson.
Trust yourself. If you know you look hot in that crazy, hot-pink-and-lime Pucci-print sheath, own the look — no apologies, no questions asked.
You can take solace in the fact that you’re the only one at the party bold enough to pull it off.
Know yourself. If you’re always cold, don’t leave the house half-naked. There are ways to be warm and stylish — such as the smashingly cozy
sweater dress at Bella Luna — and tailored pants and a fitted, long-sleeve shirt look equally hot (and warm). If you hate heels, don’t ruin your
evening by teetering around all night. If you’re not comfortable, you’re going to have a horrible time, no matter where you are.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Embrace your curves, ladies. It’s a great way to start the new year on a positive note. No woman has ever looked back on
her life and wished she had dieted more.
And finally, this: Go all out. In our little corner of Maine, we rarely have a chance to pull out all the stops and really dress up. This is the perfect
opportunity, even if you’re staying home. Especially if you’re staying home.
Because time spent with friends and family — rather than in a room, bar or party full of people you don’t know — is a great way to ring in the
new year. It may be the same Auld Lang Syne, but that’s a good thing. At least they’ll never look at you funny if you show up in a lipstick-red
dress.
Revisiting a Christmas memory
Jack Zaleski
none - 12/23/2007
Like last year and the year before and the year before, I received several requests to reprint a column I first wrote for The Forum in 1988 about
Christmas trees. (OK, a couple of requests came from my kids, who have kids of their own now, and really love the column.) In 1989 the column
was included in “A Merry Prairie Christmas,” a book published by Prairie House Publications that featured holiday stories and essays by area
writers. If it’s still in print somewhere, I recommend the collection. Nice holiday reading. Here again is that old holiday column. Merry Christmas.
A real tree, then and now
Artificial trees were hot items in the 1950s. It was the era of plastic chairs, blond woodwork and pink and gray DeSotos. Tacky was in fashion.
Fake trees fit the time well. Remember?
My dad bought a fake tree. It was white. There was something about a white tree that made a statement: Aren’t we the modern ones.
The white tree was part of Christmas in my parents’ house for many years when I was young. It would come out of the box to be adorned with
blue ornaments, blue lights and blue tinsel. The original blue-light special.
The stiff, synthetic branches yellowed with time, and one Christmas the fake tree was junked in favor of the real thing. My dad and I picked out a
fresh-cut tree at a lot near the newspaper where he worked. “Trees from the Maine woods,” the sign said. A real tree – lush and woodsy fragrant. It
was sticky with sap; needles stuck to our hands as we tied it into the trunk of our ’53 Plymouth. My dad was having a good time.
The tree was crooked and lacked a couple of branches, but once festooned with bubble lights, garland and shimmering tinsel, it was beautiful. My
sister and I would sit for hours watching it sparkle in the darkened living room. When we got home from school, the aroma of the tree would greet
us. We knew it was Christmas at our house.
As I have for all the years I’ve lived in North Dakota, I bought a real tree this season. But there’s something different about Christmas tree sales
these days. A trend started a few years ago that seems to have gained steam. I’m talking about the tendency toward homogenized trees – those
“perfect pines,” “spectacular spruces” and “fabulous firs.” It’s as if they’re striving for the phony perfection of artificial trees.
As I stumbled around in the mud and snow in my quest for a tree, I noticed their most outstanding feature was manicured sameness. Designer trees.
Perfectly shaped. No bare spots, no broken branches, no crooked trunks.
I found a six-footer – a bit bent and sporting a bare spot – and took it home. I could smell the pine sap when I sawed off the end to fit the stand.
The tree is in the living room, waiting to be decorated. It draws the kids into the room. They’ve examined it from top to bottom. “It’s crooked,” my
son says. “Uh huh,” I reply, “it is.” So we fiddle with it to make it straight. “How’s that?” I ask the young critic. “Good,” he declares.
Soon he and his sister will sit in awe as the lights and tinsel throw Christmas color into the room. “Doesn’t it smell nice!” my little girl says. Sure
does.
And it takes me back to the year my dad and I brought home our first real tree. Every kid should have a Christmas memory like that. Mine do.
Zaleski can be reached at jzaleski@forumcomm.com
A fashion statement or target?
By MEGHAN V. MALLOY
Staff Writer
12/10/2007
There are more than 100,000 vanity license plates on Maine roads, not including the gallery of them hanging up at The Wharf in Hallowell (the
Kennebec Commuter's favorite? "Wrknomo"). Garry Hinkley, director of vehicle services for the Maine Bureau of Vehicles, said an additional
19,000 vanity plates were registered with the state just last year.
In other words, there's nothing original about being a Mainer with a unique license plate.
Sure, some of them are funny or sassy, but can a vanity license plate actually turn you into a moving target for a criminal? Some people seem to
think so.
In an Oct. 25 article on the Web site www.smartmoney.com, writer Kirsten Vala wrote about "The 10 Things the DMV Won't Tell You." The
ninth item? "Your vanity plate says 'MUG ME.'"
In the article, Vala said a personalized plate can "communicate much more than the written message."
For example, a plate that makes reference to the driver being a woman or a senior citizen puts that driver at risk for theft or car-jacking.
"Spotting one of these plates in a parking lot, a mugger may hide behind or near the car, waiting for the driver to return," Vala said in the article.
Say what?
Hinkley said he is unaware of such a correlation.
"I've never heard of that being a problem in this state, specifically, but I don't have any evidence one way or another, either," Hinkley said.
Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine State Police, agreed with Hinkley.
"I suspect that story is probably more big city-oriented," said McCausland, who has also read Vala's article. "Carjacking is almost unheard of in
this state, and with theft, that is probably more due to people leaving their keys in the ignition than what plate is displayed on their vehicle."
Furthermore, the bureau cracks down on what you can put on a plate. Specifically, vanity license plates in Maine cannot be "obscene, profane,
promote criminal activity or pertain to a public institution," Hinkley said.
"Oh yes, there are rules," Hinkley said. "As things change, we've also had to change what can be put on."
Do you have a traffic tip, question, or rant? Share it with me. Drop me a line at mmalloy@centralmaine.com or 623-3811 Ext. 431
Kennebunkport Town Column
December 20, 2007 6:00 AM
The Precious Present
The present is defined as "the time that is perceived directly, not as a recollection or a speculation." Modern physics has yet to explain what we
normally understand by 'now'. Yet, one thing we know for sure. Every morning we are given the gift of 86,400 seconds. Each night every moment is
counted down and we have captured only those that were used for a good purpose. There is no going back. As we get older, it is not the things we
did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do. Live in the present. Live like there's no tomorrow. Have a very Happy Christmas.
"When you have the precious present, you will be perfectly content in where you are."
Spencer Johnson
Christmas concert
Celebrate Christmas with an internationally acclaimed musical organization. This 30 piece brass band will perform seasonal music in the British
tradition at the South Congregational Church on Temple Street on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. What a special celebration this will be.
Holiday stories
Come to the Graves Library to celebrate the beginning of school vacation. On Dec. 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., several guests will entertain with
holiday stories and songs. Punch and cookies will be served. The Louis T. Graves Memorial Library is located at 18 Maine Street in
Kennebunkport. For more information call 967-2778.
Fashion design workshop
If you enjoy doodling and designing clothes, don't miss this Fashion Design workshop at the Graves Library on Dec. 27 from 1-2:30 p.m. You will
use templates for basic shapes. The fun begins when imaginations and hands are then free to use fabric, ribbon, color, paper, feathers, beads and
more to create original outfits and accessories to fit 12 inch wooden "paper dolls." Design a label for your clothing line. Please bring a pair of sharp
scissors that are comfortable for you to use. Space is limited to 15 so call 967-2778 to register ages 8 and up.
Recycling schedule
For your information, those who have trash pickup on Tuesday, Dec. 25, your pickup will be on Monday, Dec. 24. Your Jan. 1 pickup will be on
Dec. 31.
Christmas services
On Dec. 22 at the South Church, the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship will feature special music of the Moravian tradition along with other pieces. You
are invited to join in on this last Sunday of Advent. Children will attend the first portion of the service before departing to a group class together.
Nursery care will be available.
On Christmas Eve, there will be a 4 p.m. Family Service and later a traditional service of lessons and carols at 7:30 p.m. Music and message of this
Holy Season awaits your presence. No child care will be available.
"No matter who you are and where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." The church is located on Temple Street next door to the post
office. South Church is an active member of the United Church of Christ.
Great gift idea
A great gift for a book lover is a gift certificate to the Graves Library Book Sale. Cards are available at the circulation desk. Also available are
Graves Cookbooks, which make special gifts for those who like to bake or those who just like collecting cookbooks.
Annual Atlantic Plunge
The seventh annual Atlantic Plunge will take place on Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. at Gooch's Beach. For each $100 in pledges you will earn a chance to win a
Dell notebook or an Apple Pod. All proceeds benefit Caring Unlimited. For information call Missy at 490-3227 extension 100.
Maine birds of prey
On Saturday, Dec. 29 from 3-4 p.m., attend a free program at the Graves Library. Using live birds, posters and hands on materials, you will find
out what kinds of birds of prey are found in Maine. You will learn about their habitats, habits, place in the food chain and why we need to protect
them. Space is limited so call 967-2778 or Jen from the Audubon at 985-1656 to register.
Home for the holidays
"There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."
Dorothy Gale
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