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.

Cruising Longs

I could spend hours in CVS (formerly Longs) in Goleta. I like the store's wide, well-lit aisles, its vast inventory of products from Burt's Bees and other natural brands, the fun foods (amazing, very tasty eggplant relish in a jar), and all of the things I do not realize I need until I am there, cruising. I know a lot of people get this same little high from shopping at Costco, but I just get cranky and overwhelmed there.

Today a couple of friends and I passed some time at CVS. It was an educational experience. My friend, Sofi, was a font of information about cosmetics and natural beauty products. She knew almost as much as the wonderful woman who is in charge of that section.

After the makeup and haircare aisles, Sofi, Sunny, and I looked at toys, office supplies (one of my favorite aisles), and of course the stationery aisle. We were a bit rushed so could not cover the entire store.

While we were there I thought of one of my clever Wardrobe Wisdom clients. She always buys novelty purses at CVS. Of course they only last for one or two seasons at most, but they are trendy so it doesn't matter. Without fail her handbags and clutches are stylish and add some zing to her outfits. So when you have exhausted your search for bags at Ross and Payless, I suggest you hit CVS. See you there!

Soul-Sapping Outlet Shopping

Shopping at outlet malls is one of my least favorite pastimes. These places are always crowded with people who look tired and harried, and it seems like quantity wins over the selection available. Great deals can be had, but at the expense of a heck of a lot of time. So, given all the incredible sales going on everywhere right now, why on earth would I go to an outlet mall?

We were on our way to a romantic weekend in the desert and it seemed like a good idea at the time. And my heart does race when I see a J. Crew store in any form. But at the Cabazon Premium Outlet Mall, my beloved store had only a few t-shirts, bright yellow sweaters--yes, they do look great on Michelle Obama-- and a few belts. Oh, it was sad there, and it was grim in the other trillion stores as well. Some things were discounted quite a bit, but the deal were no better than the ones at my local mall.

What made the detour worthwhile was this: a long-coveted item is no longer on my list. For three years I have been stalking a long black St. John sweater. It never goes on sale and is priced around $1475--a bit beyond my budget. In Cabazon, I tried on the sweater. It was only $750!!! And guess what? I no longer loved it nor could I imagine it hanging in my closet. Whew!

My advice is this: Only buy something at an outlet if you truly love it. The clothing is largely made just for those outlet stores, so quality varies. You are not always getting last season's clothing or overstock from the "real" stores.