Image credit: Etsy.com
Perusing Etsy's website is something I like to do every once in awhile. I am always blown away by the variety of goods for sale and the incredible talents of so many people. It reminds me of when my husband and I went to the eastern region of Canada one summer: since the winters are long and cold, it seemed everyone we met was a craftsman, making gorgeous stained glass, furniture, or mosaics, to keep themselves busy during those snowbound days.
Just take a look at what's on offer in Esty's skirt section. There is something for everyone, no matter what style/s you prefer. I fancy the skirt above, by LoveAlanaDesigns, though I cannot imagine where I would wear it! Sometimes it's just fun to see what's out there and to dream a bit.
Image credit: Anthropologie
My boss is a big fan of belts. And her belt must match her shoes though she is not really a fussy dresser in general. I have lost track of how many belts she has, but I do know one thing: She always looks put together. Belts complete an outfit and make you look like you know what you are doing style-wise.
Suspenders are an entirely different matter: For one thing, they are mostly for men. For another, it takes courage and sartorial flare to pull off suspenders. What a recent Freakonomics episode brought to light is the physics of belts versus suspenders, and how belts do not do the one job they are asked to do--hold up our pants. I liked learning what turned a physics professor from a belt guy into a suspender guy:
"This [a belt] basically works the same way as a tourniquet. You know, you strap it on, pull it tight, and hope your pants don’t fall down. But the physics of a belt — it pushes in, and hopes that it creates enough friction to have your pants not fall down. Well, that didn’t make sense. Here I was talking to my students about physics, and what direction gravity was pulling and moving things, and here I was wearing a belt. And I thought about it a little bit, and I was like, well, wait a minute. I need something to pull up, if gravity is pulling down."
This episode is full of fascinating factoids about belts, as well as a brief history of pants, and I urge you to follow the link above to give it a listen or a perusal.
Since I am bringing such a simple wardrobe on my trip, I'm bringing a few interesting accessories to spice it up. In addition to the belts and scarves pictured above, I am bringing some unusual costume jewelry (below). I know some people feel comfortable traveling with fine jewelry, but since 1) I don't have much fine jewelry; and 2) I don't want to fret over losing it/having it stolen, I prefer to wear fun costume jewelry on trips.
Image credit: theviviennefiles.com
In this month's Coastal View News column, I imagine spending $500 (or less) for a week's worth of outfits. Go here to read it on page 6. There are also loads of photos like the one above on Pinterest featuring outfits for a week.
I recently wore my $18.00 Payless sparkly pumps which I purchased last year for a wedding. Let me say again how much I adore these shoes for their comfort and sheer killer look. When my husband and I were walking by a local boutique the other night, we saw a similar pair in the window. They were priced around $500. Sure, maybe they were better made and had real crystals covering their surface instead of glittery fabric, but my shoes are fabulous. And I felt quite smug about my frugal shopping.
Image credit: louiscopeland.com
I volunteered at the ticket booth over the weekend for my older daughter's ballet performance. The booth provided an ideal vantage point for some great people-watching. I saw some pretty dresses, stylish suits, and sparkly, festive jewelry on many attendees, in addition to the usual casual SB style of jeans and t-shirts.
One man's ensemble stood out: He wore a pair of black slacks, a dark blue dress shirt, dark tan jacket, topped off with a lovely cranberry red scarf around his neck. I appreciated the thought that went into wearing the scarf and was reminded at how one accessory can make an outfit dazzling.
Image Credit: Bodenusa.com
Strangely, whimsical socks seem to be all the rage right now, for both men and women. This strikes me as strange because crazy, colorful socks were such fashion outcasts during the past decade or so. But now that socks are de rigueur with everything from pumps to Birkenstocks (for some people), they've made a comeback.
I like to see a cool, striped sock peeking out between a bootie and a rolled up jean. I also like to see a dark or light (depending on the rest of the outfit) tall sock coming over the top of a riding boot. One of my husband's colleagues is a very stylish dresser and has always shown his flair for fashion via his printed socks. Think of them as a wink on your feet.
I read a column in last week's Los Angeles Times in which "a handful of Hollywood's top stylists" gave tips on how to look "as pulled together as the stars" without their resources and minions. Here are the tips intended to be for a special event, but applicable to everyday life:
1. Know your body shape: once you figure out if you are curvy, straight up and down, top heavy. . ., you know what clothing styles suit you best. When you shop, you save time by choosing garments made for you shape. Learn how to "maximize the sum of [your] parts."
2. Details, details, details: Pay attention to your hair, makeup, nail color, accessories, and undergarments.
3. Professional help: Use experts to help you achieve the hair and makeup look you want. The stylists also recommend using the Internet, since "almost any question you could think of regarding how to dress one's body shape, how to complement one's complexion, how to create a look using specific pieces, etc. can all be found on the Web."
4. Build on a solid foundation: Undergarments make a HUGE difference in how clothing looks on a person, so find ones that elongate and streamline "to create a smooth silhouette."
5. Tailor: Every stylist quoted in this article emphasized the value of hiring a tailor for a custom fit. I emphatically agree.
6. Take photographs and practice: Had I known that my arms would look ENORMOUS when I posed in a certain way, I would not have done so during the photo session we had with friends for my husband's recent birthday. A test run--even if it's just in front of your mirror--is a splendid idea.
7. Don't deflect, accentuate: "Always work with what you have." If you have great legs, show them off; if you like your shoulders, wear clothes that reveal them; if your smile is an asset, wear bright lipstick, etc.
8. Balance and harmony are key: "Too many beautiful things (jewelry, hair accessories, makeup) just compete and then nothing takes center stage. Knowing how to balance and harmonize and edit is really important, If you;re not sure, always ask.
Almost every guide or article I've read regarding packing for a trip emphasizes the value of a few great accessories. I must say that a cute hat is one that works for me every time. It shields my face from the sun, looks chic, covers my "vacation" (i.e. too lazy to style hair) hairdo, and pulls an outfit together. The one pictured here has worked for me many times, in many places. I purchased it at J. Crew 5 years ago, but the store carries it every summer. I also wear a white cotton hat with black trim when I go to the beach or pool (at home and away from home). It can be folded for packing and goes with almost anything. I like hats.
I realize this is blurry and apologize.
For the past month or so I have seen Shannon nearly every day, and she has been unfailingly fashionable. Two things which make her an especially wise stylish person are: her interest in and ability to accessorize like an expert and how she values tailoring.
The concept of accessorizing paralyzes many women. It can be hard to know how much bling is too much or what kind of necklace to wear with certain tops. Shannon knows just what her outfit needs and seems fearless in her accessorizing choices, from scarves to bracelets.
She also values her exceptional tailor. Though a lot of clothing is made for her tall, slim frame, she realizes that a seam here and a tuck there can make a huge difference in how the clothing fits her. We agree that clothing can be inexpensive or designer, but if it does not fit perfectly, it just looks cheap and sloppy.
For some accessorizing ideas, go here. And for my list of great local tailors, go here. Lately my tailor of choice has been Jennifer Johnson. She even tailored a bra for me and now it fits beautifully! Contact her at 805.382.1700 or bewitchment2000@roadrunner.com.
Photo Credit: Wendy's Lookbook
As mentioned in other posts, my hat is off to Wendy Nguyen and her fantastic videos. This one, in which she models 100 outfits by interchanging their components, is another example of her talent for impeccable styling and making videos. I covet her wardrobe!
I loved how Fran added festive embellishments to her outfit. Notice her shoes, pink nails, and the flower in her hair! My daughter and I were struck by Fran's happy personality which was reflected in her ensemble. Getting dressed should be fun, right?
Image Credit: Kate Spade New York
I am feeling pretty smug. Last week I worked with a client and encouraged her to wear neckerchiefs. And then I read on WhoWhatWear that this is the "transitional trend you should try now." I like wearing small square scarves this way and got some good ideas on how to tie and wear them from WWW, which you can view here.
Photo Credit: Sandcastle Time's website
I've enjoyed exploring the shops in Carpinteria, Summerland, and Santa Barbara to write this month's Coastal View News column. Go here and then to page eight to read about gift giving ideas for the women in your life.
Today I took a stroll down Lillie Avenue in Summerland. Besides getting some lovely soaps at Indian Summers for my daughters' teachers, I spent time looking in shops. For the first time I visited Waxing Poetic, where I met store manager Ellie Olsztynski (above), who could not have been friendlier.
Waxing Poetic started several years ago with vintage and historically inspired pendants designed by Patti Pagliei Simpston. Today her stores in Summerland and Los Olivos carry her renown pendants, as well as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and gorgeous silk and modal scarves in breathtaking patterns. I showed impressive restraint by walking out of the store without a scarf of my own, but I may not have such willpower next time!
The other day I was heading out the door feeling a bit blah. So I ran upstairs and added a necklace to my outfit. Ta-da! Now I felt complete and chic. Adding an interesting accessory to your ensemble is an easy way to finish and spice up an outfit.
I didn't exactly encounter this woman during a stroll down State Street. Instead, my cousin in Germany sent me this picture of a fashionable lady, and I had to share it.
Image of pearls from Tiffany&Co.com
A few months ago I was in a local jewelry store, looking for a new watchband. While waiting for the owner to finish talking to a customer, I could not help overhearing them discuss pearls. What I heard was, "And you should always, every time you take them off, wash them with a moist cloth before putting them away." This advice astonished me, so I piped in, asking if I had heard correctly. The jeweler insisted this was proper pearl protocol but I was skeptical.
It was time to talk to Calla Gold, renown personal jeweler in Santa Barbara County and beyond. Her knowledge of fine jewelry is vast, and she assured me that moisture should be kept away from pearls. She recently posted an excellent piece about pearls that I encourage you to read. I also encourage you to wear your pearls regularly instead of saving them for special occasions. The other day I wore a denim top with a silver necklace and a pretty strand of pearls. It was a great look!
Photo Credit: Glow Skin and Beauty
I hope that you have enjoyed a splendid holiday season, and that 2013 is a magnificent year for you! I sure enjoy writing my blog and appreciate the ideas you give me. I am on the lookout for a stylish person of the week, feeling disappointed that no one stood out to me last week.
A friend sent me this great link to "The Neckline Cheat Sheet." I am going to keep this handy, near my necklaces. The site its from, Glow Skin and Beauty, is one of my new favorites.
Thank you for helping me spread my Wardrobe Wisdom!
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