What with Hurricane Isaac, more impending storms, the political conventions and the Presidential Election, it may be hard to focus on some of the more mundane things in life. But, really, who among us hasn't had these Fashion Dilemma's pop up in our thoughts at some time?

1.  White After Labor Day??!! 

It sounds petty, but living in 80-95 degree weather until November, this is an agonizing rule that even the most reluctant fashionista tackles on a daily basis. This ban on white clothing and shoes after the first Monday in September, has been in effect since the early 20th century. Well, hello, it's 2012! White is now a year-round color and many designers can't wait to come out with their "winter white" collections and elegant, festive holiday fashions...that sport all shades of white  with  sparkling embellishments. 

Originally, wearing white was a practical necessity. Pre-air conditioning and traveling in buggies, trains and early automobiles, one was much more fully clothed than folks nowadays and it made sense to wear reflective, lightweight white clothing, hats and gloves.   Further, the wealthier crowd tended to travel in the summer to their "vacation getaways" and wearing all white made packing easier and was a distinct contrast to the clothing that they wore during the rest of the year in the urban centers of America.

TIME"S Laura Fitzpatrick suggests that wearing white clothing, therefore, had a following in high society that could have lead to the NO WHITE Rule. "Labor Day, marked the traditional end of summer; the well-heeled vacationers would stow their summer duds and dust off their heavier, darker-colored clothing."

Well, despite this ages-old practice, we are pleased to report that fashion blogger Lindsey Baker, notes that "etiquette queen  Emily Post says it's okay to throw this rule out with the last of the summer barbeque leftovers". 

 Thank goodness, because at Classic Collections we have some marvelous clothing, handbags, shoes, gowns, cocktail attire and accessories all in various shades of wonderful white...which, we can guarantee you will see you through any fashion crisis that could possibly pop up in Palm Beach!

2. IS IT TOO EARLY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH FALL?

 It is simply NOT possible not to be swayed by the enormous avalanche of Fall Fashions. From magazines such as "In Style" (652 pages) to that veritable fashion tome Vogue (976 pages!!), to Fashion Night Out all over the country (September 6th) to fashion and trunk shows in nearly every American mall to the constant scrutiny of celebrities, one simply cannot escape the Fall fashion  world that so heavily prevails.

Much like men have basketball "March Madness", women have "Fall Fashion Frenzy"...a commonality that makes sense if you think about it. Men, by and large, could not give a darn about skirt lengths, tweed jackets, the rediscovering of leather clothing, heel heights, the "new" purse shape, the "must have" accessories, the jeweled make-up colors etc., etc. All most of us know about March Madness is that you really, really need to have at least two televisions in the house, you will not be able to accept any social engagements on big game nights, and your regular favorite programs will be bumped to watch a bunch of tall guys running around in their underwear on a basketball court. Go figure. 

Anyway, to answer the question, of COURSE it's not too early to fall in love with FALL! In fact, while it seems mentally disturbing to try on winter coats over your summer shorts, throw giant cashmere shawls over your skimpy summer dresses, haul heavy boots up your still-tanned legs, it is a positively NORMAL and expected response for any fashion-worthy woman.  

 Who among us isn't moved by the beautiful advertisements of the Ralph Lauren Collection, the stunning new embellished looks at Louis Vuitton, the tweed and classic styling of Armani, the suede and exotic leather booties of Louboutin and Jimmy Choo, the chunky and statement jewelry from so many talented designers...oh my, the list is endless.

So, do as we all do...take another look or twelve at all those fashion magazines, turn the pages down for all the things you would love to have and, sometime by November, you will be able to edit your original choices down to a practical few. Then, off you go to the shops here in Florida where, I guarantee you, the fall fashions will still be available. Because, let's face it, it's still 93 degrees every day!

 Classic Collections is rolling out a new rewards program for our Frequent Buyers! In October, look for your very own Frequent Buyers Card! Our plan will allow a 20% discount on one item after you have made 10 purchases of over $200 each. This will apply to new merchandise, sale merchandise or specialty items. Trunk shows, special events and furs and fine jewelry may be included on a per item basis, but the rest of the merchandise in the shop will be eligible for an extra special and rewarding shopping experience for our Frequent Buyers! See, it pays to shop!