Sunday Wardrobe Wisdom

Image credit: vectorstock.com


From Clinton Kelly in his book "Freakin' Fabulous on a Budget":

Have you ever looked at the backside of a mannequin? The clothes are all completely pinned up, twisted, and pulled to look perfect. So, if the clothes on the rack don't even look good on the proportionally "perfect" mannequin, how will they ever look perfect on you? All I'm saying is: Be aware. Nothing is as perfect as it seems.

Not Falling for a Brand

Image credit: modernoptical.com


I find perusing eBay and some cool second hand clothing sites such as thredUp to be a fun activity. In the search box, I enter my favorite brands and sometimes I strike gold. However, I have learned the hard (and pricey) way that not every label I love makes clothes that I end up loving and wearing.

For example, Joie is a label with feminine silk tops and pretty dresses which appeal to me. Whenever I am in a consignment store, I am thrilled to discover a Joie item. So naturally, Joie is a label I frequently look for on eBay. One time I was over the moon to find a beautiful red blouse there for only $30 since such blouses regularly retail for at least $180. Even though the $30 price was great, the fit is not and this is a top I rarely wear. Yes, I did not throw away $180, but I could have used the $30 on something that was perfect.

The moral of this post is to not let your brand crushes get in the way of making smart purchases. Learn what styles and cuts of certain labels suit and do not suit you to become a wiser, more discriminating shopper.

Some Shopping Services

It seems new services for styling and shopping are popping up all the time. I am going to describe just three here: Stitch Fix, Trunk Club, and the one I most recently heard about, Lyon and Post. Full disclosure: I have not personally used any of these services.

Stitch Fix: This is one of the first services of its kind that I became aware of. Subscribers fill out a questionnaire about their style and taste, and a box of clothes (hopefully) matching the women's wish list appears when she schedules it. Subscribers only pay for the price of clothing they keep, along with a $20 styling fee each time which can be used toward purchasing clothing. Stitch Fix encourages you to: "Try on and discover styles hand-picked to fit you, your budget and your style."
Two of my friends have used this service. They liked being introduced to new brands and found a couple of items they liked in each box. Their complaints were that they did not always have the same stylist and, possibly because of this, they found the items overall did not suit them; they also said it took from 2-3 weeks to receive their Stitch Fix box.

Trunk Club: This service was originally offered for men, but is for women now as well. My friend Will tried it and loved the clothes he was sent right off the bat. Two of my female co-workers also recently tried Trunk Club. One liked most every item she was sent but found the price point to beyond her budget. My other co-worker complained about the clothing not really being "her" but appreciated the consistency of having the same stylist each time. She felt the stylist's grasp on her style grew with each trunk.  Trunk Club's encourages users to: "Take 10 days to try everything on, and then keep what you like and send the rest back. Shipping is free both ways, and you can request a new trunk any time you'd like." My criticism of Trunk Club is that its inventory is limited to Nordstrom's inventory, since it is operated by this store.

Lyon + Post: This service appeals to those who want clothing that is "curated by industry insiders.

Our fashion director has spent her career hand-selecting pieces for A-list celebs. Now she's doing it exclusively for you." It takes some patience to crack the site, and I do not know anyone who has used this service yet. Somehow, I think this will be a pricey option!

Each of these services is designed for people who want new clothes but don't want to shop. Remember that some stores, such as Nordstrom, have stylists on site. You are not charged for their service and are under no obligation to make purchases. You should also feel free to ask salespeople to keep an eye out for clothes that suit you. They will happily contact you when these items come in. Some will also gladly help you put together outfits. I did this all the time when I worked in boutiques. It was my favorite aspect of the job!

You Never Know

Dropping off a number of bags at the Assistance League in Santa Barbara the other day filled me with joy. I'd been putting in donation bags all summer and was so happy to get them out of my garage. Since I had time to kill, I did a quick perusal of the clothing racks and tried on a couple of darling dresses (from Ann Taylor and White House/Black Market) and a cute top. Six dollars (yes-$6!!!) later,  I walked out with a plaid, silk, sleeveless top that I just love. Clothing surprises are everywhere if you just take a bit of time to look.

Fabulous at Every Age

                                  RED?


"Fabulous at Every Age"  is a regular feature in Harper's Bazaar, and one which I've always enjoyed. Now that I am 50 though, I am wondering if the magazine's advice for my decade is relevant to me. For example, "Fabulous at Every Age" recently recommended I find my "forever pieces in bright red." Sure, I am happy to buy some red pieces, but do I need to update my shoes with a silly, chunky-heeled, white and black gladiator sandal? I know, I know: Bazaar is  just offering guidelines, and since I don't like the recommendations for women in their 40s in the same issue, I'm happy to be 50. So, as usual, my advice is to take anyone else's fashion advice with a grain of salt.

Outfits for a Week

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.

Fake It?

 Image credit: ihatecounterfeitbags.info

People ask me fairly often how I feel about knock-offs. Of course, high end fashion designers like to say they are simply influenced or inspired by various artists, designers, musicians, etc. when they create their looks. But it's widely accepted that everyone sort of copies everyone else a great deal of the time.

I am okay with a copy being obvious and inexpensive.  For example, cheap shoes at Payless or Target are not trying to be anything but a much less expensive version of a designer shoe. The same is true for 95% of what  I see at Forever 21.

What I am not keen on is the pricier knock-offs, and the huge industry that makes money off doing good or fairly good copies of designer handbags, for example. You may be the only one who knows your bag is a fake, but do you know what the money you paid for that bag funds? Go here to learn about the human trafficking that goes on in the world of counterfeit goods. This link also provides information on how to tell if something is a fake.

Wardrobe Therapy

Image Credit: AnnTaylor.com

Must-have clothing lists are something I come across often, but I don't always agree with their contents. However, the following list from Apartment Therapy seems quite reasonable. My comments are in italics.

1. A pencil skirt.
Pencil skirts are like the subway tile of clothes: they never really go out of style. They're elegant, feminine, a little bit badass. Wear one to an interview (with a sensible top). Wear one to a wedding (with a flirty top). Find one you like, get it tailored to fit you just right, and you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again. A good fit is critical:  The skirt should skim gracefully over your figure and hit at or just above your knee.

2. Black pumps.
Everyone should own at least one pair of really beautiful black pumps. Buy a classic shape and you'll keep them forever. Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, 9 West, and Michael Kors tend to have good black pumps year after year.

3. Jeans that make your butt look awesome.
Look for a dark rinse, so you can dress them up or down. If you find a pair that fits and you can afford it, purchase two pairs.

4. A big slouchy-luxe bag you can carry every day.
Your purse is pretty much the only thing in your wardrobe that you 'wear' every single day, so it's worth splurging on a little. I look for a bag that's high-quality but doesn't scream 'fancy' (for versatility) and one that has a little slouch to it (so I can stuff a few extra things in my purse without it looking like it's going to explode). Hmm. I find a big bag looks out of proportion on petite women and they can be really heavy. However, I'm all for splurging on a high-quality bag in a color and style you love since it will be with you every day.

5. Sunglasses.
Sunglasses are the only accessory you wear on your face, and they are kind of important. They're one of the first things other people will see, and a nice pair of sunglasses will instantly elevate any outfit. Look for a pair that's not too trendy and that complements your face shape. And don't leave them on the seat of your car and then sit on them, like I do. Eh. Some people cannot live without sunglasses (me!), and others rarely wear them. So this item doesn't seem like a must-have for all.

6. A white button-up shirt.
The ultimate wardrobe staple. Goes with basically everything. Another thing that's worth getting tailored, because you will keep it forever. What if you don't look wonderful in white? Then get off-white? Not a button-up shirt kind of woman? Then how about a white or cream silky blouse with or without buttons? Joie makes gorgeous (and pricey) ones, and Ive seen reasonably priced blouses at H & M and Forever 21.

7. A white tank top.
White tank top? I hear you saying, skeptically. Trust me: if you can find the right white tank top, you will wear it all the time. The trick is to get one in an upscale fabric, like silk, so the shape says casual but the execution looks like a million bucks. You can wear said tank top to get beers with your friends at the ice house (it's a tank top!) or to that fancy new restaurant everyone's been wanting to try (it's made of silk!). Also looks great under a blazer. I love a great white tank top and have found them at Old Navy and Michael Stars. Ones by Crown Jewel are quite perfect (and are sold at Indian Summers in Summerland).

8. The right black pants.
Perfect for any occasion where you don't want to wear a skirt, but jeans just won't quite do. Or navy, or dark brown. Look for non-pleated ones that have no pockets or pockets with slits that lay flat in front. A wide leg is flattering on most but make sure it is not too wide if you are petite.
9. A little black dress.
But of course. Or navy or cream or even red.

10. A statement-y necklace that goes with everything.
I know a necklace might seem like a not-so-basic thing, but hear me out: jewelry makes any ensemble look more finished. It says: "I do not just get dressed. I wear Outfits." If you can find a necklace that you love to wear, and that goes with everything, that one piece can give your whole wardrobe about 15% more oomph. Worth it. Yes!

What are the wardrobe staples you can't live without?

Fit, Proportion, Appropriateness

Photo Credit: TVguide

Sometimes I am stumped, thinking about how to write about fashion and style in a refreshing way. And sometimes I just want to convey some basic ideas and decide to quote or simply re-post what others have expressed perfectly. The latter is the case in today's Wardrobe Wisdom post, taken straight from Clinton Kelly's blog. He lets you know how and why clothes are important and what to look for when you are trying on clothing here.  Clinton gets it just right!

Not that I Need Them . . .

Photo Credits:  Jen7 on top, Saksfifthavenue.com; Spanx on bottom, Nordstrom.com

But I am quite eager to try two new jeans lines: by Spanx and 7 for All Mankind.

Over the years I've recommended Spanx for my clients. These undergarments do what they are supposed to do: they smooth out bumpy parts of our bodies and hold in the jiggly parts; they support our breasts and lift our bottoms; and they offer myriad styles. Women tell me they like how they look when they wear Spanx, but they are not very comfortable. Well, that's the trade off. Tim Gunn, one of my fashion world idols, likes to say that if you want to be comfortable, dressed in your pajamas all day, then don't get out of bed!

Obviously, these new jeans are not pajamas. Founder Sara Blakely claims that the main difference between her jeans and others "is a lot of slimming jeans on the market didn't have the wise waist panel and side zipper. . . We spent a significant amount of time on the back pocket--the size, the shape, how high up on the rear it should be."

According to another article I read in Sunday's Los Angeles Times, "Jen7 aims to offer the tailored fit of high-end jeans without trend-driven teen silhouettes. The Jen7 top block has been designed to have a higher rise that eliminates gapping and allows for more room through the hips than the traditional pair of premium jeans."  Vice President of Product Peggi Jewell states, "this top block was built for a woman who is fit but has possibly had children and encountered some inevitable changes in her body."

Sign me up! I plan to try on these jeans and report on my experience this fall. Jen7 will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. Spanx jeans are sold at Macy's and Nordstrom.

More Esquire Wisdom

Dress and shoes by Kate Spade

Shop for better clothes instead of more clothes. How do you know what's "better"? Look in your closet, decide which clothes make you walk the tallest, and then up the ante by purchasing only the threads that will have you walking even taller.

Mindful Dressing

This week I am asking you to give some serious thought to your wardrobe and getting dressed. Can you think of one or two things you will definitely need for the upcoming spring and summer seasons? Make a list now and when you shop, zero in on your search for those items.

For me, a red skirt and some cognac sandals would make my wardrobe complete. I'd like one similar to the one pictured here. But I'd like it a little less full and with a red instead of black waistband. Of course there are a lot of other things I would like to buy, but I am determined to stick with my short list.

Stitch Fix

Image Credit: Stitch Fix

I call myself a wardrobe consultant not a personal stylist though styling clients in great outfits is a fun aspect of my job! An alert reader of my blog just told me about Stitch Fix, a personal styling service that sends clothing and jewelry right to your door. Have any of you used Stitch Fix? What do you think? I am intrigued.

Wardrobe Wisdom via lifehacker

Image Credit: lifehacker.com

My husband is a big fan of lifehacker, a website that offers "tips, tricks, and downloads for getting things done." He sent me this link about dressing better. I think you will indeed gain some ideas from this post on how to become a more spiffy dresser. 

Some highlights of the post are:

Be sartorially prepared for many social situations;

Audit your own closet before shopping for clothing;

Get clothing information by reading fashion sites (regularly): 

and

Find a group of people or fashion advisor to provide feedback.

An Agenda

Image Credit: Neiman Marcus (Cole Haan Air Bacara Back-Bow Ballerina Flat)


A friend and I were discussing Nordstrom's upcoming Anniversary Sale (it starts this Friday). I detest crowds but like to hit the sale one evening a few days after it starts. Believe me, they have plenty of inventory for those who don't line up early on day one of the sale.

My friend asked me what I was looking for, and I took awhile to answer her. What do I need? Frankly, besides a pair of black flats to replace the ones I have worn out, I don't need anything. Not so exciting for a wardrobe consultant, huh? Sure, there may be a few items on my wish list, but my only agenda shopping-wise right now is to find those shoes. Wow! So why will I go to the sale? To see what Nordstrom is carrying for the fall, what trends and colors they are highlighting, and to get a beat on what interests me fashion-wise these days. 

What about you? Do you have any holes in your cool-weather wardrobe that need filling? Now is a good time to determine what you may need this fall and begin scouting the pre-season sales. Try not to get caught up in the sale frenzy though and buy only what you truly love. Or you can just enjoy the rest of the summer, making the most of this beautiful weather and slower paced days. 

More WW on Bathing Suits

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

A Little Wardrobe Wisdom

Last week I was invited to do a talk for a great group of young moms. They all expressed being stuck in a "boredrobe" and had a lot of questions about ways to get out of their clothing ruts. I talked about doing a closet clean out first, and then giving some thought about their lifestyles and what they wanted to look like. Each woman brought something from her closet that she liked but did not know how to wear, and I offered some suggestions for resolving their dilemmas. It was a terrifically fun night of Wardrobe Wisdom, laughter, and new insights for all. The women left feeling ready to tackle their closets and begin dressing more thoughtfully.

If you would like to host a similar gathering, I would be delighted to speak there. Just give me a call at 680-2640 or email me at loricooper@wardrobewisdom.com. 

Shopping Preparedness

Image credit: www.girlscoutcsa.org

Before you hit the stores, make sure you have your updated shopping list and whatever you may need to try on clothes. This can include the shoes you are planning to wear with the pants, skirt, or dress you are looking for. How about undergarments? If you are looking for a special occasion outfit, bring along any Spanx or convertible bras or panties to wear with them. If you are looking for something to coordinate with a top or bottom part of an outfit, bring the part you have with you to make sure it will look great with the other half.  Snacks and water will keep you going while you shop since going from store to store can be exhausting. Do bring a friend who understands your budget and your taste, gives you honest and helpful feedback, and has a great sense of humor. Do not bring a friend who tires or bores easily, does not like to shop, or whose taste you do not understand or like.

Fashion Tips

I wish I could say these were all mine, but the great tips which follow are from Style Bakery. We can all learn something from them. Once again, my notes are in italics. I cannot help myself! (I also couldn't help using the photo above from Downton Abbey. These two know how to dress and need no tips!)

1. Go nude

You can’t go wrong with a pair of nude pumps or a nude bra and panties. Nude pumps work with everything in your closet (except black tights) and will elongate your legs; nude lingerie ensures a seamless no-show-through look in your clothes. Always wear a nude bra under white tops.

2. Get professionally fitted for a bra

A properly fitted bra will instantly improve and transform your figure. Go to Purrmission Lingerie in Santa Barbara or Nordstrom.

3. Ignore trends and wear only what looks good on you

Okay, you shouldn’t ignore trends completely — we all want to look stylish and current. But it’s more important to wear clothes that fit well and flatter you. If the latest “it” trend just doesn’t look good on you, don’t wear it. Amen! At the same time, give yourself a few weeks to get used to the latest trends; sometimes they will grow on you. 

4. Edit your closet

When it comes to your closet, more isn’t always more. Pare down your wardrobe and leave only those items you absolutely love and look great on you. A finely edited wardrobe will leave you ready for any style situation. I can help!

5. Don’t succumb to “sale psychosis”

This is StyleBakery’s term to describe the temporary insanity that takes over when women encounter a deeply discounted item. If it’s not something you are willing to pay full price for, then don’t buy it just because it’s on sale. Period. Double the sale price in your head. Do you still want to buy it? Do you still love it?

6. Own something animal print

Animal prints like leopard and python are the ultimate in chic when used sparingly. A well-placed animal print accessory can make almost any look instantly glamorous. Hmm. This tip contradicts #4. If you like animal prints, do get something in an animal print. 

7. Invest in accessories

Nothing elevates your look like a statement piece of jewelry or a luxe handbag. Having a selection of interesting accessories can turn even jeans and a t-shirt into something special. Yes!

8. Show off your assets

Whether it’s a sexy collarbone, slim legs, or a curvy hourglass figure, choose clothes that flatter the best part of your figure. Take stock of your figure; this means naked in front of a mirror. We all have assets to highlight.

9. Embrace color

While it’s nice to pay attention to the color of the moment, it’s even better to stick to colors that flatter your skin tone. Even if your wardrobe is filled with mostly neutrals like black, gray and brown, incorporate at least one pop of color to energize any look. Don't opt for a trendy color on top if it does not look good close to your face. 

10. When in doubt, overdress

If you’re not sure what to wear for an event or outing, it’s always better to overdress than to be caught underdressed.

11. Stock up on quality classics

The majority of your wardrobe should consist of quality classics that fit impeccably: a pencil skirt, blazer, jeans, etc. Once you have a reliable foundation, you can mix in a selection of trendier items for a fresh update each season. Quality classics which suit your lifestyle are worthy investments.

Levi's Jeans

Photo Credit: Levi's website

I am a bit of a skeptic. When I see the young women at Victoria's Secret approaching me with measuring tape around their necks like stethoscopes, I question their ability to accurately measure me for a bra. Is it because the measuring tape seems so flimsy, tissue paper thin? In any event, except for my favorite tailor, Kim at ZipKleen, I don't put much stock in people's measuring skills.

What a welcome surprise it was then to have my skepticism challenged and obliterated at the Levi's store on State Street in Santa Barbara. I had been hearing about Levi's "Curve ID" jeans and noticed their ads throughout my fall fashion magazines. Growing up, Levi's had never fit me and I sort of gave up on trying to wear them. But this recent campaign piqued my interest in Levi's denim.

Upon entering the Levi's store, a young woman asked if I needed help. I told her I was interested in finding my Curve ID, and she asked another young woman to measure me. "Oh, boy", I thought, "Here comes the smoke and mirrors." Once I was measured, I was given two pairs of jeans to try on, the Slight and Demi Curve styles. The first pair seemed custom made--just for me! They (pictured above) were an absolute dream, hugging me where I wanted a closer fit and skimming over other parts of my legs. PERFECTION! The Demi style also fit well but could not compare to the Slight Curves.

I noted the style number and color, and then told the salesperson that my husband needed new jeans more than I did. I asked if they measured men and had the same system for determining what jeans would best suit them. No, they did not offer this service for men, but I was assured that my husband would be steered  in the  right direction. I am very eager to return to the Levi's store--for him and in the future, for me!