Fit 2 Stitch

Peggy Sagers: European dressing is not for the faint of heart.

It's about refined fabrics, impeccable construction, and a deep respect for environmental responsibility.

These garments speak volumes before we ever say a word.

So how do we emulate this timeless elegance?

Mastering the style, the silhouette, and the essence that elevate everyday wear into something extraordinary.

Roxanne is here to guide us through the do's, the don'ts, and all the essential how-to's to raise our standard of dress and redefine our personal presentation.

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♪♪♪ Peggy: A little while ago I was in Florence with a group of women, and we had a driver, and he said to me he could tell Americans from Europeans, and I said, "No, no, no."

Well, over the course of the day, he proved to me he could tell Americans from Europeans by the way they dressed.

I decided right then and there I needed to learn how, because I didn't want to look American, or I wanted to look American and knew that I'd look American.

But today we have Roxanne, and Roxanne's going to teach us how to look Italian, how to look European, how to look whichever way we want to look, but it's all in the details as to the difference as to how the Italians dress from the rest of the world.

So we're gonna learn some European flair in our dressing.

Will you help us do that?

Roxanne Carne: I'm gonna help you.

Peggy: Oh, we need it, I need it.

Where do we even start?

Like, that was the funniest conversation because he said he could tell Americans by the way they dress and I said there's no way.

Roxanne: I agree with him, when I was in Europe-- Peggy: He kept pointing out things and he was right every time, even to the point where we would stop and say, "Excuse me, where are you from?"

And he nailed it every time.

Roxanne: Peggy, I mean, it's so distinctive.

When we travel to Europe I can tell Americans from Europeans the same way.

Peggy: So we don't even want to talk about why, but what is it about the Europeans?

That's really what we want to focus on.

Roxanne: Yeah, so there are kind of four different areas, I think, where they spend and concentrate a lot of their time to pull together these looks, okay?

So first of all, they are very, very big into structure and silhouette.

So in terms of the structure, and you will appreciate this, because for them, tailoring is king.

So, right?

We want really, really beautiful, clean lines, precision tailoring.

That really helps create looks that are a little bit more form fittings that sculpt the body and have very, very clean lines.

Peggy: So that's interesting because when you think of the designers who come from that area, they all follow that.

Roxanne: Absolutely.

It's a bedrock, it's a mainstay, and then coupled with that, I mentioned silhouette, so in terms of the silhouette, they focus less on bulk, but more so on shape.

So again, making those clean lines but making them very interesting and having it drape on the body just beautifully.

Peggy: Interesting, that is really interesting.

So classic, more classic lines.

Roxanne: Definitely classic lines.

Peggy: And so is it one that we have to almost learn to like, or do you think it's basic that we all will like something like that if we're shown?

Roxanne: You know, what's interesting is when we think about those types of pieces, those are gonna be the timeless pieces, the classic ones that work from generation to generation, right?

So you'll have that great blazer that looked good 40 years ago, it looks good today, it'll look good in another 40 years.

So investing in pieces like that carry through, that definitely helps.

Peggy: I hear a lot of women too in the United States say, "Oh well, I don't work anymore; I don't want to wear jackets anymore."

And I find that to be--it's almost a mentality.

That's a massive mistake where a jacket meant work, and now I just want to look like I play all the time.

Like, why don't I still want to look--throw on a jacket and really look nice?

Roxanne: And I think it's because, you know, for a long time, especially with women being more prominent in the workforce, you know, going back 20, 30 years, you're right.

There definitely was an alignment with a jacket and then a suit.

And that's all melted away over the years.

But you can still wear a great jacket that's not part of a suit set.

And Europeans do that all the time.

Peggy: With jeans, with casual corduroys or whatever.

Roxanne: Absolutely.

Peggy: Okay, so the first one is lines, structure.

Roxanne: Yes, that's structure and silhouette.

But then also fabric and finish are so important.

And I think this is my most favorite part of the European style is that they really revel in that high quality textile.

So I'm talking about our natural fabrics.

So Spanish cotton, we have Italian wools, our French silks, beautiful cashmeres and wools.

I mean, it's really, really pinnacle.

And just if you think, and I know you appreciate this too, the way they drape on your body is like none other, right?

So having that elevated fabric is going to be really, really important.

And then I also think it's a lot of fun when they blend, have like artisanal blends of the cotton silk.

A cotton silk blend on the body, really really gorgeous, right?

We'll see it also with linen and silk mixes, as well as cashmere and wool for the cooler seasons.

So that fabric is gonna be really, really important.

And I think one thing that they, as Europeans, tend to concentrate more on, is the, again, those natural fibers.

They don't really play a lot in the kind of like man-made materials.

Peggy: The poly blends?

Roxanne: Yeah, and you know, well, poly--so, some of the poly blends are going to be necessary because sometimes you need the polyester to actually hold the structure, but they start with natural and then go from there.

So I think that makes a really, really big difference.

Peggy: It's just so interesting, but it's like, why are they like that?

Like, how did they get there?

Why aren't we like that?

I don't even expect an answer so much.

It's amazing to me how it is a very distinct difference.

And they just appreciate, and they don't care what it costs.

That's what they expect to pay for it.

And we're just kind of cheap.

Roxanne: Well, that dovetails actually perfectly into the whole style philosophy, right?

So you hit the nail on the head and when you're talking about how they dress, it is just kind of in built-in DNA of effortless elegance, right?

They often look like they're so chic without even thinking about it.

But the reason why they're able to execute that and just again, what we just shared, they look at their clothing as an investment.

So they will get that sharp blazer with that precision tailoring, right?

Peggy: With that great fabric.

Roxanne: With that great fabric, and with great care, it's gonna last over a lifetime.

So they can wear that from season to season.

They'll invest in the beautiful leather boot that they can wear also from season to season.

So they look at clothes with more intention.

But what's interesting is that while they're looking at it with intention, it comes off as effortless because they're not obsessed about it.

Peggy: Oh, that's interesting, that is interesting.

Roxanne: That's a really important part.

Peggy: All right, so I wanna make sure I understand these four principles.

The first being the line, the silhouette, the second being the fabric.

I wanna continually, as a sewer, I can upgrade my fabric just slowly.

Roxanne: Yes.

Peggy: All right, what's number three?

Roxanne: So, number three was that style philosophy.

Kind of getting the mindset of how they got there.

And what I wanted to also add too was that if you notice in European style, they're not logo heavy.

So in America, you will see logos splashed all over garments and a lot of times accessories, but they're not big on logos.

Understated is always going to be best.

Peggy: Yeah, we used to be there.

We just got lost along the way, it seems like.

Roxanne: Yeah, and I think it's just because of producing clothes for the masses.

You know, remember, there used to be dressmakers.

You used to have to have your clothes being made, it was more bespoke, but now I think because they're just, you know, manufacturing in that fast fashion and also trends, Americans love it.

Peggy: So wasteful.

Roxanne: Yeah, it is.

Peggy: So, what's the fourth principle then?

My style, and what's the fourth one?

I want to know all four, because I don't want to go to Europe again and look like an American.

Roxanne: Yes, and you're going to be ready.

So you're going to like this one because it's all about cultural influence.

So just like in America where we've got different regions, you know, you've got different styles aesthetically.

Some of it is determined by the climate or the, you know, just the general environment.

In Europe, you're also gonna have different flavors from city to city.

So for example, in Paris, you're often going to see looks that are very refined, that look effortless, that look chic, they usually play with a lot of neutrals or soft colors.

So that's kind of the Parisian vibe.

But when we compare that to, say, a place like Milan, where you've been, Milan is so much more focused on, it's very luxe, it's very powerful, bold, yet understated.

And when we think about London, London is interesting because it's kind of a mix of edgy with traditional.

So it harkens back to, you know, some classic pieces from the past but has a modern twist to it.

And then I also want to share Scandinavia, that region.

It's very--and their lifestyle is very much like this, it's very minimalist and functional, no frills.

So I think depending on what part of Europe you visit, those maybe would be some pointers on how you can dress.

And ultimately, it's in their DNA.

It's part of their identity.

Peggy: So I want to ask you a personal question because I know you and I want to know, like, sometimes I will be talking to a group of women and someone will say, "I just don't wanna look that dressed up."

And I wonder where did the word "dressed up" get to be negative?

Roxanne: I think again, that mindset and maybe perhaps it came from, you know, our mothers or whatnot.

You know, you had certain aspects of your wardrobe that were very specific to your lifestyle.

But if you invest in pieces that can play along different aspects of your lifestyle, that you can dress up or down, right?

Peggy: So it's knowledge on some level.

Roxanne: It is, it is.

Peggy: But I think that I really think--I think, I'm going to speak for all women for a minute.

We like to dress.

Not all women, but-- Roxanne: We like to dress for ourselves.

Peggy: We do.

We like to dress and it doesn't matter, but yet we still feel judged I think by others.

Roxanne: Right.

Peggy: So you have a look for us.

You're gonna show us some of these looks.

And I really like this first one because it's paired with jeans.

So talk to us a little bit about this.

And how did you pull it together and what were all the principles that you thought about?

Roxanne: Well, this one is our Parisian chic look, so I mentioned Paris before.

And for me, when putting the look together, I started with the jacket.

So this is a beautiful tweed with beautiful metallic silver lurex threading, and I like this because it is quintessential Paris.

It kind of, you know, channels Chanel a little bit.

Peggy: It does, it does.

Roxanne: In terms of the cut, it's cropped.

But also, it harkens back to the French tradition of boucle tailoring, right?

And we've got the beautiful gold accent buttons.

So that is the eye catcher.

Now I mentioned before that a lot of Parisians tend to wear neutrals.

Yellow isn't, you know, butter yellow is not a neutral per se, but it's very, very soft.

So it kind of gives that understated yet somewhat kind of glam look at the same time.

Peggy: It does, it's really a great color right now, but it's--I can see where it's not a bright intense yellow so because it's more of a soft yellow it'll just go for a long, long time.

Roxanne: Absolutely.

Peggy: That white shirt, these are all real classics.

Roxanne: Yes, and so this, I definitely had to include.

Of course, we need a base layer.

So beautiful silk blouses.

This is a classic button.

Peggy: The white silk blouse.

Roxanne: Yeah, it's simple.

You can wear it with jeans.

You can wear it with a beautiful trouser or a pencil skirt.

Again, having that flexibility to dress it up or down.

And with it being 100% silk, it is a natural fiber, it's lightweight, you can wear it year round.

Peggy: So I think if we had to even think about cost, really the only thing that is really gonna cost us is the jacket.

I mean, I guess what I'm saying is the shirt can be forever.

The jeans could be forever.

We just switch out the jacket.

Roxanne: Just switch out the jacket.

Peggy: So we don't even have to worry about what the jeans and shirt cost.

Only the jacket.

Is that a fair-- Roxanne: It's fair, but I will tell you, these jeans have a little bit of a surprise too, that you can still also kind of luxe up a little bit with finer details.

So this is the beauty of French fashion.

So the denim that we have here, it's a beautiful-- Peggy: We can always spend money, is that what you're trying to-- Roxanne: Always, Peggy, always.

But this is a beautiful high-rise flair jean.

And you know, when you look at it straight on, it looks like, "Oh, a nice kind of soft medium wash denim."

But when you look at it on the sides, and you'll see on your side, what do you see, Peggy?

Peggy: Yeah, there's just embroidery all the way down to the leg.

It's beautiful.

Roxanne: It's beautiful, but what do you notice about the embroidery?

Peggy: It's graduated.

It goes out bigger at the bottom.

Roxanne: A little bit.

But then also, it's the same denim.

It's not a white embroidery.

Peggy: Oh, so it's very subtle.

Very tone on tone.

Roxanne: Yes, so that is why that works for this outfit.

Peggy: You know, I have embroidery of jeans that have white embroidery on them over the years.

And I find myself hesitant to wear them because they're white and that was a timeframe.

Roxanne: That's exactly right.

Peggy: So the tone on tone, what you're saying, is just more classic.

Roxanne: It's more classic and you will be able to wear this for years to come.

So a look like this, you know, especially since our work environments tend to be more casual these days, this is a great day to night look.

Peggy: So Roxanne, these are all the details we need to know.

So if I'm buying jeans and I'm wanting embroidery on them or even making them and putting embroidery on them, go tone on tone.

Roxanne: Tone on tone.

Peggy: That'll be more classic.

That was perfection.

All right, I just--I could listen to you all day because it is, so many times, it's just these little details.

Roxanne: It is and that's what it's all about.

And especially if you know maybe the history, maybe the, you know, the particular thread that came from a particular, you know, part of the world or country.

These are fine details that you know, it's kind of like a little bit of a love letter with each outfit.

Peggy: Sure, hey, this is like, off the charts.

This is just the most beautiful thing I think I've ever seen.

Roxanne: Can you guess which city this is representing?

Peggy: Yeah, I can.

Only because I've been there.

This has to be Milan.

Roxanne: It's Milan, you're exactly right.

This is our power Milan look.

And the coat is just so beautiful and distinctive.

I just had to show it on its own.

This is that luxe refinement at its best.

So if we're thinking about, again, when I talked about structuring and silhouettes earlier, with the very clean lines, it's absolutely beautiful.

But again, look at the paneling.

Peggy: I mean, the details.

Look at how that piece is cut into-- Roxanne: The silk is cut right into-- Peggy: It's not even that the whole front facing is done in a contrasting.

Roxanne: Exactly.

Peggy: So this is a real contemporary couture that I've not even seen before.

It's really beautiful.

Only a portion of that is, and I wonder, I don't know why they would do it like that except for maybe the drape.

Roxanne: When you wear this coat, because you're right, it doesn't have a closure, it's meant to move with you.

So when you move, these are gently opening and revealing.

Peggy: And so I imagine if they had this whole thing, it would almost have such a different effect because it would be a different fabric from the rest of it.

Roxanne: Right, yeah.

And that's why the textiles are so very important.

Peggy: That is just incredibly beautiful.

Roxanne: And I just love the detail here.

It's almost like a cape moment, just underneath the lapel, right?

You know, you have your sleeve here, but you almost have a cape effect right here.

Peggy: Would you wear monochromatic underneath, or would you take a harsh contrast to it?

Roxanne: So if I did a contrast, it would be a medium to low contrast.

I would not deviate too far from this color.

Peggy: Like, lighter blues or lighter greens, or-- Roxanne: Yes, and more muted.

This is very warm.

This is a beautiful cream color.

So it is a warm white.

It's not a stark white.

So, you know, if we're thinking about, yes, blues, but blues that are a little bit more kind of subdued would be great.

But I would really, if you wanted to look 100% luxe, you would do ivory underneath.

Peggy: All the way, tone on tone.

Roxanne: All the way, tone on tone, even down to the shoe.

Peggy: It's actually come back, but it's always beautiful.

That tone on tone is just, and you talk about dressed up, it just looks beautiful.

All right, so some more.

Tell us about this one.

Roxanne: So now we're traveling to London.

This is our London cooler.

Peggy: Oh, for the coat?

Roxanne: The coat, the trench, right?

Peggy: The classic trench.

Hey, I got that one.

Roxanne: Right, you did.

So yeah, starting off with, you know, really a statement piece.

This is a really gorgeous, gorgeous jacket.

It really, again, brings in the history of the double-breasted look of trench coats.

Peggy: But such a flair to it too.

Roxanne: Yes, so it's an A-line.

Peggy: This is like a cape.

Roxanne: It is a cape.

Peggy: It's a cape trench.

Roxanne: It's a cape trench.

And what's lovely is that it has an opening right here in the sleeve so you can have your sleeve exposed as an option or you can still stay underneath the cape.

Peggy: It's beautiful.

Roxanne: So it's really, this is the perfect example of that heritage mix.

When I talked about mixing a little bit of edge with something more traditional, this really, really exemplifies it.

Peggy: It's really beautiful and the scarf is just very European, period.

Roxanne: Oh sure.

Peggy: They wear scarves--here I stand in a scarf, but they wear scarves all the time.

And I've really picked that up because in Europe, it seems like as you go around, scarves are everywhere.

Roxanne: They're everywhere.

Scarves aren't on your neck, they're on your handbags, right?

They're a beautiful accessory.

And if you get a colorway that really complements your outfit, it really just takes it to the next level.

Peggy: Oh, it's absolutely beautiful.

So I've got some details on the table.

We've got some items on the table I just really want to get some details about.

So tell us, handbags and shoes.

How do we pair this?

Do we have to spend a lot of money?

Roxanne: No, you don't.

In fact, so this handbag, this is my handbag, I got that years ago at a sample sale and this is an Italian brand.

Peggy: So that's the way to do it, is to look at-- Roxanne: Yes, vintage.

Peggy: Look at secondhand.

Roxanne: Secondhand or what we like to call pre-loved.

Peggy: And you can go all online now and do a lot of that.

Roxanne: Yes, there's so many options online, but also in most cities you're going to have beautiful options available at consignment stores.

Peggy: You could make something like this.

Roxanne: Or you could make it, make that.

So that's a fun clutch that could work for day or night.

Peggy: So when we're looking for like a clutch like this, do we wanna use authentic?

I'm gonna say again, that European, is it critical to use the faux or to use the real?

Do you think that plays?

Roxanne: I really think, Peggy, that's a matter of personal preference.

You know, the thing is, if you go for the authentic, it's going to be very, very expensive, right?

So you can go for an option where it's embossed and it has that same look, but it's gonna be a little bit more affordable.

Peggy: And then some people, I think, just really prefer to have that look, you know, the faux, as opposed to going the real.

I think it's just a personal preference.

Roxanne: Personal preference and easier care as well over time.

Peggy: All right, so let's talk these handbags because they're just really extraordinary.

Roxanne: Yes, yes, yes.

So this is a great example of an everyday bag that is-- has a little bit of flair, but it's kind of understated at the same time.

And where the flair comes in, I'll show you, is-- Peggy: And I have a couple questions I'm dying to ask you about this stuff.

Roxanne: So here is the optional strap.

So if we're doing an evening look, right, we add that on.

But then in the daytime, if we're going to wear it casually.

Peggy: And that's how it comes, with several straps?

Roxanne: It comes with a couple of different options, right?

Peggy: Oh, so somebody thought this through.

Roxanne: Yes, but you can also go strapless and wear it as a clutch.

Peggy: Okay, so let's see, again, I think it's just the idea is like I could make a bag just like that.

And I could put different straps on it.

But I just hadn't thought the process through.

So, as you take the gold strap that dresses it up.

Roxanne: Correct.

Peggy: The canvas strap dresses it down.

And where does the clutch come in?

Would that be-- Roxanne: Yeah, the clutch comes in for when you want to have a look that looks a little bit maybe more chic.

And, you know, the great thing about the clutch, especially this style, is that you can easily place it under your arm and wear your handbag like that.

Peggy: And just have--still have hands free.

Roxanne: Exactly.

Peggy: Okay, so changing out the strap, I think that's a great point.

And as far as handbags go, do you think that there's any-- what looks European about them is the bag itself, the shape?

Where do you think we, I struggle with handbags to tell you the truth.

I really do, I struggle with handbags and I have a tendency to just use one and it works for that.

You know, I just, I'm embarrassed.

Roxanne: Well, with European handbags, traditionally, you're going to see, coming back to that, you know, structuring silhouette, you're often gonna see very clean lines.

Peggy: Oh, they do that in their handbags too?

Roxanne: Oh, absolutely, absolutely.

Because you can never go wrong.

Peggy: This is a beautiful handbag.

Roxanne: Yeah, this is absolutely gorgeous.

Italian, and it's all about that craftsmanship.

So remember, I was talking about slow fashion, artisanal.

This is where this comes in.

And you can really see it and appreciate it.

And again, it will last a lifetime.

Peggy: It's just really gorgeous.

And there's one other bag that I want to talk about on this one.

I know there's a little secret under there on the table.

Roxanne: A little secret?

Yes.

This is--so, this is a great everyday bag for work.

You know, it's a mix between a-- it's not as big as a tote, but it is bigger than just kind of regular crossbody.

Peggy: Sure, so this is more a business bag?

Roxanne: This is more business, absolutely.

It's big enough that you can fit your laptop in.

It actually has a strap option as well, but it's this, you know, great double top handle here.

Peggy: You just don't wanna pair this with this.

Roxanne: No, this is too heavy.

Peggy: Just wanna make sure.

Roxanne: Yes, I would go very minimalist with a handbag with our Milan Power look.

But no, I just wanted to share an example of a beautiful everyday bag that you can get all your essentials in, but still look very, very chic.

Peggy: Sure, and we just don't have a lot of time left, but talk to me really about shoes just a little bit.

Flats or heels, is one more European flair looking?

I can go either.

Roxanne: No, you can go either way.

Although I will say that in Paris, they tend to actually go with flats.

Peggy: They do, I've seen a lot of flats.

Roxanne: And because it's a walking city, right?

Peggy: And they're comfortable, but they're expensive, but they walk all over it and they do wear flats.

That's really surprised me, how many flats we've seen.

Roxanne: Yeah, even with the look that we did here, that can be worn with a flat.

Peggy: Even tennis shoes.

I mean, that's even-- Roxanne: Well, they have much stylish options now.

Peggy: Yes, they do.

Roxanne: More stylish options for sneakers these days.

Peggy: Yes, they do.

And I mean, the heels are just so crazy and so beautiful.

But they are practical.

I do notice in their dressing, even though it's beautiful, they do go for a lot of the flats because they're just practical.

Roxanne: They're easy and you can dress it up or dress it down.

Remember that versatility.

When they're designing garments and accessories, they're really thinking about lifestyle.

Peggy: Roxanne, thank you so much.

I really appreciate your insight.

It is priceless because every time I get to where I know what I'm doing, I just wear an outfit and I think this is not Roxanne-worthy.

Roxanne: It's not Roxanne-approved.

Peggy: It's not Roxanne.

So thank you so much for your information.

It's really helpful.

Roxanne: Oh, my pleasure, Peggy.

Peggy: Thank you.

Givenchy is best known for his elegant, high fashion designs, especially through his iconic collaborations with Audrey Hepburn.

He was a master of surface design, and next time on "Fit 2 Stitch," we'll get a rare peek inside some of his actual garments to see just what makes his work so remarkable.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ announcer: "Fit 2 Stitch" is made possible by Kai Scissors.

♪♪♪ announcer: Reliable Corporation.

♪♪♪ announcer: Bennos Buttons.

♪♪♪ announcer: Plano Sewing Center.

♪♪♪ announcer: Elliott Berman Textiles.

♪♪♪ announcer: And WAWAK Sewing Supplies.

♪♪♪ announcer: To order a 4-DVD set of "Fit 2 Stitch" Series 14, please visit our website at fit2stitch.com.