So I’m reading the “Woman/Style” section of the Chicago Tribune this morning, with a cup of coffee in hand - quickly becoming a Wedneday morning tradition. And it’s especially nice now that the kids are safely ensconced at school, making for a much calmer environment.

The teaser at the top of the Tempo section says, “Fall’s Fashion Rules” - “Yay!” I’m thinking to myself - I could always use fashion advice. After all, I’m still wearing my Ralph Lauren polo shirt I bought at TJ Maxx eight years ago, and I just shrunk a Talbots tee I bought earlier this summer. (I’m still ticked about that - never ever ever put stuff in the dryer while half-asleep!)

I flip to Page 4, and the pictures aren’t bad. I can see myself in the black pants. The blue dress? Not so much. And that’s just because I’ve been pregnant, and anything that remotely looks like maternity fare turns me off.

It was the text of the story, though, that had me saying “Seriously? WTF??”

Under the “Sophisticated Lady” section was mention of suits “with a hint of shoulder pad.”

Oh.my.Name-Thy-Deity-Here.

Shoulder pads? The article goes on to cite a few other 80s fashion faux pas as worthy of experimentation, such as a metallic skirt for the office, leather gloves with studwork, bright colors such as cobalt and bright red, skinny belts and gold accessories.

If only I had actually held on to the wardrobe I finally gave up two years ago. Really - there’s someone walking around Chicagoland with one of my Benetton sweaters.

Personally, I can’t fathom wearing any of these items, but I’ve been out of the corporate world for five years, and out of the “I have money to buy clothes for myself” world for more than a decade. Is this really how people dress? Someone has to e-mail me and set me straight, because Name-Thy-Deity help me, I want to make sure I don’t look like a fool.

I want pictures too! C’mon, North Shore fashionistas - help me out! Is anyone going to Fashion Week in Highland Park? Kelly@northshoreinsider.com is the e-mail - let me hear from you!

Technorati Tags: North Shore fashion, Chicago area fashion, Highland Park Fashion Week, 80s fashion, fall fashion trends, Chicago Tribune fall fashion trends

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