……………….I was going to wait for this weekend to post the pictures of this STRETCH CRUSHED VELVET top, but when I saw the photos posted on the QVC site of this velvet top…I rush to post my pictures……need I say more!!!!!….WOW could they have posted worse pictures…………….I usually prefer velvet in BLACK or very dark colors……………………but this season I was bewitched with strong hued color!…………..SCARLET RED being one of them….For those of you who already own something in this color, whether it be a WK sweater, the Trench Coat or the newest BIG DEAL Leather topper, you know what a gorgeous RED this is. I would go as far as to say….the PERFECT RED……………My newest incarnation in Scarlet Red is my CRUSHED VELVET TOP, A343615……….Why Crushed Velvet as opposed to the normal smooth velvet? There is something about the texture that gives the velvet and the color more PERSONALITY, and it’s a wee bit less formal and precious looking…..at least to me….It’s a little more Bohemian, Gypsy compared to smooth refined velvet. I hope this makes sense to you……In the end it’s always a choice. The tunic will be avail. in sizes xxs to 3x. I would say the neckline is more “boat” than “ballet”. The sleeves are long with a TRUMPET CUFF…..about 5- 5 1/4 inches wide. What is the difference between a ruffle cuff and a trumpet cuff you may ask? A ruffle cuff has SHIRRING….a trumpet cuff has none. It’s a smooth connection to the sleeve, and is more of a circle which always give a somewhat bias effect depending on how much circle there is. A ruffle is usually cut on the straight grain, and is a long strip of fabric that is than shirred in…………..Lesson given….LOL!………………….What gives this top its’ personality is the ASYMMETRIC FLOUNCE at the bottom which is applied to the top on a SLANT. This is a very important detail! The top is shorter on one side than the other, but the flounce is always the same width. At its’ longest point, the XXS measures approx. 30 inches. At its’ shortest point it measures approx 25 inches. This is MUCH MORE FLATTERING than a completely HORIZONTAL flounce or ruffle. If you have any hips at all this is always the way to go when considering a top with a bottom ruffle…. Also, a flounce with out the shirring will always be more slenderizing……Every time I see a garment with a straight horizontal ruffle at the bottom across the widest part of the hips I can’t help but have the image of the dancing HIPPOS in the Disney movie Fantasia. Ladies it’s just not becoming on anyone….unless you are an infant and up to 10 years old! Does anyone look in a mirror anymore? Especially from the back???? You will never have that “dancing hippo” look in this top……It’s the asymmetrical hem combined with a smooth flounce that prevents that……………….Red in the Chinese culture is considered a good luck, successful joyous color. That is the reason for traditional Chinese weddings why the brides wear long slim RED dresses…..They consider white a funereal color….Hey, that’s what makes the world go round!………….All that aside this is a wonderful JOYOUS top to wear to any Holiday function……Feb. 14th too!…….Wear it with a black bottom or a winter white bottom [ I love the winter white bottoms with the crystal jewelry and a red or siver/pump or sandal], or even the new SCARLET RED slim pant A298447…..Consider thge Winter White Ponte Pant with my WHITE LACE KNEE SOCKS…..This top is avail RIGHT NOW, and is scheduled to be on my Nov. 19th, Fashion Day show at 6:00am on the main channel. The Scarlet Red pant is avail now, but will be on the Morning Show as a “hit” at 7:00am following my 6:00am full hour show on the Main Channel That’s the plan as of today…………………What could be more special or jaw dropping than to accessorize this top with my new TORSADE necklace in the Ruby Red faceted GLASS beads with the crystal fireballs, and mixing it with the new TUXEDO necklace and drop earring set in the matching red!!!! You have to admit….anyone walking into a party is going to be a WOW. This look is not for the timid!………….BTW, QVC does have some beautiful RED SUEDE pumps, and Leather Booties, but they are selling FAST…………Did I mention that RED has turned out to be a major FASHION COLOR, not only for me, but in the Fashion world at large!………………………..Happy Holidays…………………………much Love………………………….Louis