Meticulous

Sometimes the detail-oriented person in the group is a big pain in the neck. I recall the mom at a recent parent meeting who asked the teacher how much an upcoming project was worth, why it was 60% and not 70%, and then went into excruciating detail about her daughter's project timeline. The rest of us rolled our eyes and groaned. The coupon clipper in front of me in line at the grocery store, who wants to know if she will get her 15% off of Saran Wrap when it comes in, is also annoying to me.

However, sometimes I have nothing but respect and praise for such types. When we were having our kitchen remodeled, I loved that Kevin re-did some wiring because it stuck out from under a cabinet about a 1/16th of an inch. Being a stickler myself at times, I also appreciated the piano repair man who was not satisfied until he adjusted our keyboard just right.

Last week I accompanied a client to get some clothing tailored at Nordstrom. We were so fortunate to get expert tailor/fitter Joan Wilkin that day. She looked carefully at each garment, asking what needed to be done, and figuring out the best solutions. Joan went far beyond a typical fix, cleverly tucking here and pinning there. I would highly recommend Joan, for both Nordstrom and non-Nordstrom items. She is precise, meticulous, and a perfectionist, in the best possible way.

Amazon--Friend or Foe?

It seems like everyone shops online for something--books, clothing. . . My husband purchased 3 new toilets online. I suspect he did that just to see if it were possible and what kind of conversation he could have with the delivery guy.

When I was listening to the radio program On Point recently, I heard an eye-opening account of what it is like to work as a "picker" at a huge warehouse like Amazon's. It is worth a listen and may make you think twice before clicking that "purchase now" button the next time you are shopping online. Reading the listeners' comments about this show is edifying as well. Some don't think she had it so bad in her warehouse work and that she exaggerated. Click here to read more and listen to the story. And click here to read the original article in Mother Jones magazine by Mac McClelland.

Hooray for Skirts!

Being a long-time skirt lover myself, I was happy to read about skirts becoming popular again. Maybe this will mean more variety and numbers of skirts in the stores than I have seen lately. The New York Times covered this topic very well in this article. I like the final comment:
“When you get it right, it looks like you’ve made an effort, like you care about fashion,” she said. “Skirts are a statement for sure.”

Some of my favorite skirts were purchased at consignment stores. I love how unique they are and that they have had a life with someone else before me. Anthropologie consistently has lovely, unusual skirts, too, such as the one pictured here.

Not Either/Or--Both!

Stacy can be indecisive at times. Therefore she likes jewelry and clothing that can go both ways, such as two-tone jewelry or black and brown leather handbags. Old rules that governed fashion have been tossed aside which is very liberating. I get asked a lot of questions that start with, "Can I wear. . .?" Most of the time, my answer is a resounding "Yes." Below are some looks that were no-no's in the past but are de rigeur now. What a relief!

1. Black and brown--they look great together, really!

2. Blue and black--another surprisingly good combination

3. Handbags and shoes--with the popularity of Mad Men, matching handbags and shoes has made somewhat of a return. However, you can still wear different colored shoes and handbags. Do what you like!

4. White pants past Labor Day--wear them year-round, just not with a linen top and flip flops in December.

Remember that fashion is supposed to be fun, so don't place too much weight on what is in and out or a fashion do or don't.

But Seriously. . .

This post may sound like a rant, so I apologize in advance.

This month I spoke at UCSB, during one of its “Learn at Lunch” events. There was a super turnout with about 50 people in attendance. What I learned was how many of them find shopping frustrating and how hard it can be to break old shopping and style habits. I addressed a lot of their dilemmas and want to go further into one concern that repeatedly arose: finding work attire that is both good-looking and comfortable. I insist that those two qualities are not mutually exclusive.

Here is what I hate seeing: someone dressed so casually for work that he or she might as well be in pajamas. To me a very casual outfit says: "I don’t care about my job. You don’t need to respect me, and I am not trying to get promoted." For example, last week my daughter had a substitute teacher who wore baggy cargo shorts (one of my least favorite men’s looks!), a wrinkled short sleeve shirt, white socks, and tennis shoes. While the students may have not given much conscious thought to his attire, the message it sent was, “Hey man, I am just here temporarily. You don’t need to take me seriously." And they didn't. The class was unruly and loud when I arrived to volunteer that day. I think (and research bears this out) that if the man had been in nice slacks, a dress shirt, and even a tie, the students would have taken him much more seriously. Moreover, the principal and secretary (who makes a lot of the decisions at the school) would have also taken him more seriously, perhaps even calling him first when they needed another substitute teacher down the road.

It never hurts to dress up, to show respect for yourself and your job and your co-workers.

The "Best" Swim Shorts

When a friend or client tells me they have found the ultimate garment or accessory, I listen carefully, and then do a bit of research.

Seeing everything from bikinis to retro one pieces, to tankinis on the beach is refreshing. It seems that anything goes now. What about those times when you want to show some skin and be able to do something active on the beach, such as play volleyball, swim, or chase your children? How about some swim shorts? The ones pictured here are by Roxy and a good friend of mine swears by them. Yes, I see that they are quite short. However, they are super comfortable and they do cover your bottom.

Intoxicated with Fashion

These are the words Bill Cunningham quoted to describe the young men he photographed during New York's fashion week. His photos are fabulous, as always, and I especially like his description of the three phases of fashion lovers: intoxicated and wildly experimental, a more toned down version of their fashion vision, and a mature fashion statement. This video slide show is filled with Cunningham's priceless, on-the-mark comments and brilliant photographs.

What's Up?

Necklace from J.Crew

This hadn't happened to me in ages: I recently looked into my closet and saw very little I wanted to wear. Was it because most of my clothes were still not fitting well? Was I tired of what I have? Was I ready for spring clothes, with more color? Had my style changed, so nothing looked or felt like "me" anymore? Hmm.

Though I love my birthday, and have never shied away from stating my age (47, by the way), I see a lot of women my age who look frumpy in my eyes. I may be hypersensitive about looking matronly and put some of my clothes into that category right now.

So, I decided to begin weeding through everything I own, setting aside things that seem frumpy, and have told myself I will wear more of my fun accessories to spice up my wardrobe. Today I wore a red sundress and a terrific, modern necklace (similar to the one above) given to me by two good friends. I felt hip and chic.

Is it time to edit your wardrobe?

This Week!

I am speaking at UCSB this Wednesday as part of its "Learn at Lunch" program. I will be talking about wardrobe resolutions and am eager to hear what others want to change about the way they dress. If you work on campus, I hope you will be there!