Saratoga News

Louise Webb, flanked by men-in-drag Paco Calderon (left) and Kermit Conley, on Glamorama Night.

Louise Webb

Fashion heats up as temperatures cool

Now that the holidays are here, it is time to think about color and fashion. According to Preston Wynne's spa director, Peggy Wynne Borgman, color has returned to makeup this year, and fashion has now allowed that more is really more fun.

Borgman says the hottest makeup color is purple in a variety of shades, from true plum and berry to golden eggplant and bronze-berry tones. Lipstick is the safest way to wear purple. She points out, however, that not everyone can wear it well.

Metallic makeup is also a trend this season. Adding a touch of shimmer to the face is a great dramatic accent without being overdone. Holiday celebrations and evenings out are the times to go for the glitter, using pearled or creamy metallics. It is best to focus on one feature, such as the eyes, and to balance the effect with a deep lip color.

Today's metallic makeup is subtler and more sophisticated than the frosted look of the '70s. Quick tip: A dab of gold or silver lip gloss over everyday lipstick adds shine to a daytime face.

Options Salon owner Craig Stanley says unstructured and unfussy hair is the look for l997. "The trick is not to over-treat or over-style, and not to look like you spent any extra time on your hair," he reports. "Right now, color takes precedence over cut. Women shouldn't think of hair color as a permanent feature. You can try something new every time you visit a salon."

Hairstylists from Options and makeup artists from Preston Wynne donated their time to create glamorous looks for a Glamorama event in October. Proceeds were donated to Next Door, a Santa Clara nonprofit organization for victims of domestic violence. The two Saratoga businesses are slated in upcoming months to teach a workshop for women at Next Door, many of whom are re-entering the work force.

Saratoga residents jumped into the fashion scene themselves recently on behalf of the Junior League of San Jose. Debbie Simon, Sandy Baker, Kim Nettleman, Karie Barr, Jennifer Lee and Kim Wallis modeled fashions from Nordstrom of Valley Fair at a benefit to raise money for Santa Clara County community agencies Nov. 14-15.

There are lots of holiday events to go to with your new look. Mercury News columnist Jim Trotter will speak on the Gift of Reading program Mon., Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Raymond Hall at Our Lady of Fatima. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Libraries. Before Trotter speaks, the Friends invite you to have treats at the Book-Go-Round at 1441 Oak St., down the road from Our Lady of Fatima, and browse through the books there.

West Valley College band director Craig Northrup is scheduling a free winter concert with the Saratoga Community Band and West Valley College Symphonic Band Mon., Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. at the West Valley College Theater. Program guest soloist is Douglas Hunt, Craig's college roommate 30 years ago from the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Hunt will play the tuba. There will also be marches, overtures, show tunes and holiday favorites. Donations accepted. A reception will follow the concert.

Other events are the Summit League's home tour and the Valle Monte League's annual Christmas Tree Elegance .