Fashionable Person

This photo is actually from a few months ago,  but I just unearthed it on my phone. I spoke with this fine gent one morning, complimenting him on his attire. Linen pants! A pastel graphic tie! He says he likes dressing up in Santa Barbara since so few make an effort. It makes him feel good when he dresses well. I agree. My apologies to him for forgetting his name.

More WW on Bathing Suits

Check out my column in this month's Coastal View News. It's on page 8!

Happy Mother's Day

Here is my mom, a woman who taught me, among other things,  a lot about clothing, how to shop, how to sew, and how to enjoy getting dressed. Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere!

Bathing Suits

Image Credit: Maliamills.com


"Oh, goody!" you are thinking, "It's time to shop for bathing suits again."  Here are my suggestions: figure out what styles are most flattering for your figure by going here. Then set aside at least 2 hours to shop for a swimsuit. I highly recommend seeing Linda and her staff at the Bikini Factory in Summerland, going to Sears and trying on their Lands' End suits or visiting Lands' End online, and checking out the bathing suits at Nordstrom and Macy's. Malia Mills in Montecito also has terrific (and pricey) bathing suits. Do not dally; the selection is only going to get slimmer and the weather is only going to get warmer (save for SB's icky gray days in June).

Upcoming Class

On Saturday, May 25, my friend Sara Caputo of Radiant Organizing will be teaching a class through SBCC's Adult Education Program. Go here for details. Sara will be providing attendees with concrete ways to get a handle on organizing their homes and offices in her dynamic, highly effective teaching style.  Last year I spoke to her class about how to do a successful closet clean out. I am looking forward to sharing more Wardrobe Wisdom on the 25th and hope you can attend.

Taking Stock

This week I challenge you to do the following: Take 5 items that you truly love out of your closet. Look at them critically and write down what you like about them. For example, one of my favorite things is my gray and white striped maxi dress. I love its fit (how it just skims over me), how I can wear it by itself or with a sweater or jacket; that is works from spring through fall, and that it is super comfortable. I wore when I volunteered at last year's Bread and Roses event for the Fund for Santa Barbara. My husband Don and our good friends Don and Kathleen Scott are in the photo.

Once you have your list and reasons for liking those clothes (or shoes and/or accessories), refer to it before you set foot in a store. This list can serve as a reminder of what you like and why and can help prevent you from buying clothing that is destined to sit unworn in your closet.

Magical "New" Wardrobe

Today a very gifted tailor came to my house and brought me the garments she had altered. To say I was thrilled is an understatement. Jennifer Johnson took on projects that other tailors rejected, saying they were too difficult, complicated, or not worth the effort of tailoring. Jennifer worked her magic, and now I feel like I have a new wardrobe. Some of my favorite garments had sat in my closet for a long time, just waiting for the right person to work on them. I am over the moon!

Jennifer can be contacted at 805.382.1700 or bewitchment2000@roadrunner.com.