Image Credit: davidlebovitz.com
David Lebovitz' blog is one of my very favorites; I look to him for guidance on food and travel in France and beyond. His recent newsletter contained this solid, all-around advice:
"Craziness prevails in the world, but the good news is that we can turn off the television, and go for a walk to a market or wine (or cocktail) bar, and take a break from it all. In doing so, it's easier to see the good in the world that's around us. If you go into your local shop, café, or restaurant, you'll see how nice most people are in everyday situations, and you realize why human interaction is so important."
I couldn't have said it better. Thank you, David Lebovitz.
Image Credit: saveamericascinemas.org
From Isaac Mizrahi's book How to Have Style:
"Go to stores and look, but don't look at price tags and don't buy a thing. Go to a store's or designer's website and look at photos. Pick up a fashion magazine or two and clip photos and ads that speak to you. Spread your images out and study them while shopping in your closet."
Mizrahi says that by shopping, looking, evaluating, and giving your own closet a critical once over, you will discover what you truly want, need, and will wear most often without spending a penny. Then you can make a list of what you need and shop, little by little, to complete your wardrobe. Good advice!
Photo credits: itvnews.com
I sure have enjoyed watching "Downton Abbey" and feel sad about it being over. The storytelling was wonderful, the cast was terrific, and of course the clothing, which evolved along with the times, caused me to me swoon.
Reading about the show's historical advisor, Alistair Bruce, in a Los Angeles Times article made me appreciate the care that went in to making "Downton Abbey" so special and precise. And I sympathize with him getting riled up about "slouchy, modern-day posture." Bruce elaborates: "If only we could take one lesson out of this otherwise terrifyingly starched era and just stand up straight. . . All men would be more handsome and all women more beautiful."
I find it refreshing to have a very small, precise shopping list. Right now, the only item my wardrobe seems to lack for spring and summer is a white dress. Although this may sound like a simple garment, what I am looking for is quite particular in terms of fabric, fit, and style. I sure wish I sewed well enough to make exactly what I seek. I like the one above, but would want a less puffy version.
It's not to early to consider what you may be looking for this next season. Were there any voids in your wardrobe last year that you would like to fill? Start making your list now and do some mindful, specific shopping. It is much easier to be disciplined when you know what you are looking for.
When my brother and I (above) were growing up, we could not wait to go to the Vans shoe store for our new tennis shoes each fall. I would get so upset when they got their first stain. I've been a big fan of Jack Purcell tennis shoes for years, and I still get bummed when they get dirty. So imagine my joy upon reading whowhatwear's tips for keeping white sneakers clean. Yeah!
Image credit: wardrobeoxygen.com
I just read another another brilliant "capsule" wardrobe post from wardrobeoxygen. It's always a good idea to plan your fancy outfit in advance--for an occasion you know is coming up or one that surprises you. Shopping in a panic rarely ends well. So think about putting together your own formal wear capsule wardrobe now.
Image credit: highorbirts.com
Today I picked up a splendid silk blouse for a mere 25.00 at Jessica Consignment in Santa Barbara, thanks to my alert friend. She was in Jessica yesterday, noticed the blouse--made by one of my favorite labels and in my size-- and put it on hold. Shannon said it just "looked like me" and she was right. It's perfect for my style and my budget!
You can always get to know salespeople in stores you frequent and ask them keep an eye out for things on your wardrobe shopping list. Savvy salespeople will call you when they see a suitable item. Many of my friends ask me to be on the lookout for certain garments and accessories when I am shopping, and I do. Be sure to entrust your (very short) list to friends who like to shop and are familiar with your style and budget. And tell them you will do the same for them. Shopping is serious business so invite others to be on your shopping team.
Image credit: wardrobeoxygen.com
A couple of weeks ago I had dinner with some folks from Connecticut. They commented on our warm weather and how strange it must be to live in a place where it is summer year-round. I've heard this before from other people who were not raised in southern California, and I can understand what they mean. Still, there is a certain smell, a particular feel in the air in September that is different from a summer day. Of course I cannot describe this feeling adequately and just end up telling people that I really enjoy the sunshine.
Even though I do love warm weather, these unusually hot weeks we have been experiencing in Santa Barbara are getting old. Imagine for a minute that you too work in a non-air conditioned junior high school library. Now imagine hundreds of young, hormonal students coming in and out of the library each day. I am not painting an invitingly fragrant picture am I?
These hot, stuffy days make it challenging to figure out what to wear that is fall-ish but won't make me wither. Fortunately, I can turn to wardrobeoxygen.com for these helpful suggestions:
Simple switches to your wardrobe can offer maximum impact without changing your comfort level. Darker washes of denim, closed-toed shoes, brown and black leather shoes and accessories, switching pink lipstick for a dark berry, adding some lowlights to your hair, choosing darker colors and textured fabrics like suede and calf hair, adding a scarf or heavier/more solid of jewelry. Fall fashion is far more than cable knit and tweed; it’s easy to incorporate elements of this season’s fashion trends and still be comfortable no matter your environment.
Photo credit: cosmopolitan.com
A friend of mine has a daughter getting married, and she asked me about bridesmaids' dresses. I had a tiny wedding with only a maid of honor, but I hold some strong opinions about wedding attire having been in several weddings in my 20s. I am a big believer in encouraging bridesmaids to wear dresses of the same or complementary fabrics, and in the style that suits their particular body shape and personal style. These photos from Cosmopolitan magazine (!) support my view.
Read my article on page 26 in this month's Coastal View News. I share an experience working with an old college friend who wanted her outward appearance to mirror her new, upbeat attitude. We both learned a great deal from our time together.
Photo credit: Buzzfeed.com
When I work with clients, I try to determine what styles will be most flattering according to their particular body shape. Since I worked in retail for years and have studied body shapes and fashion for a long time, I think I have a good grasp on what looks best. But as this article points out, what is flattering to one person (even a stylist) can be completely inappropriate to another. Moreover, the person trying all the clothes on may feel a total disconnect between the stylist's perspective and her own. It's a great read!
Photo credit: Dallasmomsblog.com
I've written before about capsule wardrobes, and use this way of organizing my wardrobe when I am packing for trips. (Some great examples of capsule wardrobes are at wardrobeoxygen.com). I have not incorporated the capsule method into my everyday wardrobe though, and I sometimes wonder why. A friend sent me this terrific post from Dallas Moms Blog, which explains the writer's style evolution and how a capsule wardrobe changed her life. The writer links to another blog, Unfancy, where the following advice resonated strongly with me:
When things aren’t adding up, start subtracting. So often, when I’m faced with a problem, my first reaction is to think I need to add something to my life to solve it. Like, if I’m disorganized, I should buy more storage containers. Or, if I’m feeling stressed, I should go shop for a new dress to make myself feel better. When the answer to both of those problems could be to subtract something from my life.
Image credit:eBay.com
I gleefully opened the package from eBay the other day, eager to see my purchase in person. Before trying on the lovely, red silk Joie blouse, I inspected it closely. There were no stains or imperfections; it looked like new. When I found that it fit me perfectly, I felt very smug in the knowledge that Joie blouses start at $150.00 retail. I paid less than $30.00!!!
Have I always been an eBay shopper? Decidedly, no. It was only when I began working with an eBay devotee that I began visiting the site regularly. In the past couple of years, I have purchased shoes, running attire for my daughter, and clothing for myself. Only one item did not work out, and I was able to send it back and receive a full refund. But without my co-worker's guidance and tips, I would have floundered.
Here is how to shop like a pro on eBay for clothing and accessories:
1. Search for items using specific words. For example, include the brand name, the style, the size, and the color you are looking for. When I wanted a Joie blouse, I searched under "Joie, blouse, silk, XS." The more specific you are, the better chance of learning whether it exists on eBay.
2. Check the seller's return policy. Make sure that you can return the item for a full refund if it does not fit you well or if it is not the item described by the seller. Some sellers are happy to provide refunds; others are not.
3. If you are serious about bidding on an item, you must check on it often. I am not always diligent and have lost out on certain garments. I like to "watch" items I am interested in but am not ready to bid on. I've also done well simply deciding to "Buy it Now" when the item is something I've really wanted but did not want to play the bidding game for.
4. The old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is" holds true on eBay. If you notice someone is selling a designer handbag you have been coveting forever, and the price is significantly lower than one you have ever seen, it is most likely a counterfeit. I'm not a huge fan of designer labels so don't spend a lot of time looking for them on eBay. What I do know is that there are many tell-tale signs when something is a fake. Go here to learn about them, and shop wisely with this information.
5. Shop often. I have written before about consignment store shopping and the importance of going often. The same is true for eBay. If someone is not selling something you want today, someone may be next week.
Photo Credit: Clintonkelly.com
As usual, Clinton Kelly offers expert advice on dressing for your body shape on his website. Go here to learn how to dress your best if you have a round belly; it's one of the body issues I hear about most from my Wardrobe Wisdom clients.
Image credit: Wardrobe Oxygen
Sometimes another blogger covers a topic so well that I choose to re-post it as is. So, if you are struggling with how to dress for your career during these summer months, go here, to Wardrobe Oxygen, for some great suggestions and advice.
I picked up Stacy London's The Truth about Style book again today and was reminded of her down- to-earth advice and her wise insights into style.
Here she is writing about her make-over with a survivor of breast cancer but her advice is for everyone:
"Style is the first thing to do when we're sick. But when you're ready, you can use style to feel better on the road to recovery as a part of recovery. Style is a source of strength when you feel weak. "
During her work with another client who is risk-adverse, she advises:
"The less fear we have of failing, the more open we are to the possibilities of the unknown. Style is a great way to practice taking chances. With style, you can easily flirt with failure. You start again with a clean slate every single morning."
It's useful to re-read books from my Wardrobe Wisdom library; I become inspired to dress my best everyday, and to help others do the same.
Photo credit: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
I just finished reading "Dressing Your Age," by Lisa Armstrong in Harper's Bazaar. She writes about the value and importance of letting go of certain "treasured" pieces which no longer flatter or work for you. Instead of becoming depressed at the idea of not being able to wear former favorites, she encourages women to "see that letting go not as a loss but as a process of streamlining, simplification, and replacement." Armstrong suggests that we should always be letting go, paring down, and re-evaluating our style if we are to look stylish. It's not a matter of making dramatic changes as we get older.
Here is a passage that really stood out to me:
The basis of style is an understanding of not only who you are but also the kind of woman you want to project. "Don't ever try to compete with a younger woman on the age proposition. Why would you want to when you can outrun them by looking sleeker, more stylish, and generally better dressed?" asks Annabel Hodin.
Photo credit: Burbank Town Center
The other day I went shopping with my 14-year old daughter. We went through one particular store a few times, and she circled back to pick up garments which caught her fancy. She was not at all interested in, however, the items that I found fetching. Once she got into the dressing room, she wanted me to stay close by, in order to weigh in her selections ( I felt honored).
Ultimately, she decided on a simple v-neck t-shirt and a pair of sandals. Once we got in the long line, I cruised the store again. I considered trying on some chambray pants and a very soft denim shirt. I also liked one of the necklaces. Then I reminded myself of where I was, and that anything I bought was not likely to last beyond a few spins in the washing machine. I also reminded myself that the clothes were made for teen, not mature bodies. Yes, the clothes were inexpensive, but if they would not last, they were not worth my money. There is a caveat to this Wardrobe Wisdom: If you see something you really like in a teen store, try it on, it fits, and you love it, it's worth buying. You won't be spending a fortune and since it is probably a trendy item, you won't even want to wear it after it has been washed several times so longevity is not an issue.
Do your clothes fit you properly? I'd like you to donate or set aside anything that does not fit you at this moment. This means clothing which pulls, tugs, and makes you feel uncomfortably squeezed into it. Conversely, ill-fitting clothing drags on the ground, bags around your waist, and falls off of your shoulders. Decide what can be altered and what is hopeless. Then go shopping--all out at nice favorite store, or hitting a discount store, outlet mall, or your local consignment or thrift store. Buy a few basics that fit you RIGHT NOW. I think you will feel better and look better instantly.
Image Credit: Camille Cooper
In this month's Coastal View News column, I emphasize a few little things which will help you dress better with small expenditures of time, money, and effort. Go here and click on the blue button to read what I have to say on page 10.
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