Coming to LA

 Photos: oscars.org

I am looking forward to an exhibit opening this week, called "Hollywood Costume." According to costume designer Deborah Scott in the Los Angeles Times, "The exhibit is not just about pretty clothes. It's about how we as designers make a film character become a real person." The exhibit can be seen through March 2 at the Wilshire May Co. Building in Los Angeles. Go here to learn all about this unusual and wonderful-sounding exhibit.

Two Fun Nights

I am teaming up with the terrific stores Purrmission Lingerie and Renaissance Fine Consignment in order to raise funds for San Marcos High School's students and programs. Please go here, click on silent auction, and then click on the purchase now items to learn about the two great evenings of shopping and Wardrobe Wisdom that we have planned. I hope to see you at one or both of these events!

Clinton Kelly Has a Blog

Photo from Clinton Kelly's website: http://clintonkelly.com


Of course he has a blog. And it is quite wonderful which is no surprise. Go here to check it out. I love that man.

Ongoing List

Image Credit: blogs.cornell.edu


I'm a big believer in lists, whether they for tasks at home or at work, or for things that I need to pick up at Trader Joe's. I also have a list of voids in my closet that I would like to fill. These are not clothing, shoes or accessories which I need immediately; rather, they are a few timeless items I want to choose carefully with the intention of wearing them for many years. This list is not very short so most of it remains in my head. In this way, I can be on the lookout for the items any time I shop.

My list served me well when I was checking out a store I had not ventured into for many years. Remember my black blazer ordeal? Well, I had not really giving up on finding this particular garment, and was super happy to find a rather perfect one a couple of weeks ago. If I had not kept that item on my ongoing list, I would not have looked for it that day. Do you have such a list? If not, look in your closet, think of some basic items that would help you create complete outfits,  and write them down. Then have this list with you when you shop.

Perplexing Pants

Go to page 26 in Carpinteria's Coastal View News to read my column. I cover the topic of pants for men and hope the guys heed my advice.

Panty Time!

Photo Credit: Sears.com


When I was growing up, I remember thinking my mom got a huge (out of proportion) kick out of buying me underwear every year. Now that I am a mother of two girls, I understand the small thrill and relief she felt upon annually purchasing new underwear for her daughter. How is your underwear collection these days? Look through your drawers (pun intended) with a critical eye, tossing out any holey, uncomfortable, ugly, or tired-looking panties and make a point of buying new ones this month. Head to Target, Sears, Nordstrom, Macy's, Purrmission. . . Heck, I don't care where you buy them; Just get out there and experience the little thrill of having brand new underwear. You're welcome.

Another Cheat Sheet

 Image Credit: Harper's Bazaar

 Image Credit: kittiesandcouture.com



I have blogged about the belt cheat sheet that I keep near my closet. Now I have a new cheat sheet. . . for booties.

These shoes can be perplexing. What do you wear them with? Do you wear socks? Tights? Skirts? Jeans? What color? How should they fit around the ankle? Is it best to get a black or to go with something like gray or burgundy?

Since booties hit the scene a few years ago, I have started to cut out pictures from magazines and print out photos I've seen on Pinterest and fashion blogs which show booties looks that I like. I use these photos to inform me how to wear with my booties. I also use them when I shop in order to dismiss or try out booties I see in stores. Here is a link that I found particularly helpful:
http://www.pinterest.com/aszyperski/ankle-boot-outfits/. Wardrobe Wisdom is a big fan of cheat sheets!

A New Book

I was so pleased to catch this National Public Radio story about a new book called Women in Clothes. I learned from this story that "The book collects essays, conversations, pictures and testimonials from more than 600 women talking about how clothes shape or reflect them as human beings." It was refreshing to hear women talk openly of their love and aversion to fashion and looking good. Let me know if you read this book. I am eager to devour its pages!

Floral Season

Image Credits: Dress & Top, Bodenusa.com. 
                         Ted Baker pump @Nordstrom.com



Much to my dismay, my older daughter is not a fan of florals. I forget this over and over again, but she does not hesitate to remind me when we are shopping together. I will gesture to a fetching floral skirt, asking, "Isn't this pretty?" And she will respond exasperatedly, "Mom, I don't like those prints." However, I have noticed her wearing some floral cotton dresses borrowed from a friend lately but have not said anything.

I'm happy to share this recent post from StyleBakery.com about florals for this winter. To me, florals are for every season!

Seasonal Florals

Terrific Blog

While listening to a story on NPR recently, I learned of a very thoughtful and thought-provoking blog about fashion history, called "Threaded,"  from the Smithsonian Museum of all places! Go here to read some fascinating posts.

This May Be a Good Read

I listened to this story on NPR over the weekend,  "If These Shorts Could Talk. . . New Book Tells 'Worn Stories.'" In the book, author "Emily Spivack compiles reflections from Rosanne Cash, Piper Kerman, Marcus Samuelsson and others about the meaningful articles of clothing stored in their closets."

When I work with clients, I get to hear a lot of stories about their clothing and accessories. Some stories are funny, many of them are sad, and all of them give me insight into their history and outlook on life. What do your favorite, "worn" clothes say about you?

Pictured above are, inexplicably, one my favorite pairs of shorts. I have had them for at least 10 years and wear them happily each summer. They're from Old Navy.