The Importance of Fabric...

Here are a few general rules about fabric because it can make or brake an outfit:

• Synthetic fabrics...(1) won't drape as nicely as natural fabrics (polyester dresses just don't fall on the body the way silk dresses do), (2) may have weird sheen (think spandex) and (3) are more likely to pill (remember that date-night top from BCBG?).  Also, as a scent-sensitive individual, they tend to smell chemically to me.
• Rayon is technically neither a synthetic fabric nor a natural fabric.  It's a sort of in-between fabric (highly processed cellulose...whatever that means).  It's a better choice than synthetic fabrics because it mimics natural fabrics better.  However, it's not as durable as natural fabrics and usually requires dry cleaning.
• Natural fabrics breathe better than synthetic fabrics.  This is why you want a cotton shirt during the summer, not a polyester one.  And ladies, this is why your underwear down-there (ahem) should really be cotton.
• Before you plunk down your credit card for a dress, skirt or top, please hold the item up against the light (regardless of whether it's made from synthetic fabric or natural fabric).  Make sure you do this test with a single layer of the fabric.  If you can kinda see through it, others will be able to do the same when you have the sun shining behind you (and possibly when the sun is shining directly on you).  This is something to think about when you're looking to purchase a lighter colored jersey dress (peek-a-boo underwear is not attractive).  Also, a camera flash may turn a "previously opaque" top sheer and then you'll be the one who ends up doing the flashing.