Inside and Out

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.

A New Makeover Show

Photo credit: Clintonkelly.com

Clinton Kelly's new makeover show will premier next month. I just checked out a preview clip here and have mixed feelings about it. TV programs that are supposed to seem unscripted yet appear rehearsed annoy me. And a program all about how to attract a partner seems so retro to me. Still, I like Clinton Kelly and am hoping to like his new show when I see an entire episode. He definitely knows style and how to dispense good advice.

On Shopping

Photo credit: Clueless

According to Stacy London, one must "try on a lot of clothes to sharpen her instincts and develop her own style." I understand that shopping takes time, but who does not have an hour a week to try on clothes? There's a reason it's called 'trying on' an outfit. You're just sampling it--no major commitment. You have to "expect to try, and try again. And it needs to be a concerted effort. Taking five pieces into the dressing room, hating them all, and walking out of the store doesn't count."

I have worked with so many Wardrobe Wisdom clients who detest shopping because they don't have the endurance it requires. I understand how frustrating and depressing it can be to find nothing you love after an afternoon of shopping. Still, if you don't put in some time to do it, you cannot expect to find styles and clothes you like. Once you discover your style and a good fit, shopping will no longer be an unpleasant chore.

Easy Sign Up!

Subscribing to blogs has often baffled me. I don't have a firm grasp on what an RSS feed is, or if I want someone's blog to go to one of my email accounts or to Facebook, or . . . UGH! I wonder how many others share my bewilderment over the how-tos of subscribing to blogs. Finally,  my blog is now easy to receive via email. Eureka! Simply enter your email address under "subscribe" in the upper right hand corner here, click subscribe, and you will receive regular doses of Wardrobe Wisdom. Hooray!

Uniform

 Photo Credit: harpersbazaar.com

People have been talking about the recent story of a woman wearing a "uniform" to work every day for over three years. I listened to this story on NPR with interest and came away respecting Matilda Kahl (above) for making her daily life of getting dressed easier. Being a clothes-lover, I was also happy to read that she enjoys dressing up and showing her sartorial creativity during her off-hours. You can read the original story from Harper's Bazaar here. And go here to read about other uniforms people have adopted.

The Rise of "Over-grooming"

I so enjoyed reading "Vanity Clause" by Andrew O'Hagan in The New York Times Style Magazine. Of course I appreciate a well-groomed man, dressed in a sharp outfit that fits him well. But it seems men are now expected to be as (openly) vain and concerned with their appearance, health, and grooming routines as women. Could anything be more boring than listening to people talk about their new diet or face cream?   The tone of this essay is humorous, but O'Hagan sure nails it when he talks about the "fresh hell of new choices" in our over-grooming society. Read it!

Through the Decades

In this month's Coastal View News column out of Carpinteria, I look back on my style evolution over the years. Go here to read it, on page 21.

Where Have I Been?

Image Credit: geology.com

Somehow I missed the launch of a marvelous feature in the Huffington Post, United States in Style. It is so cool! Columnist Anya Strzemien described the feature this way: "I'm fascinated by all things American.  And because I also love style, I've become obsessed (there's really no other word to describe it) with documenting the styles that are indigenous to different regions of this country--whether it's hair bows and madras pants in the South, cowboy hats and bolo ties in Colorado, Vans and Ray-Bans in the California valley or sailor bracelets and cable-knit sweaters in Connecticut. The clothes we wear not only tell the story of who we are and where we come from, but where we are headed." Now that I am dialed into this terrific element of Huffington Post Style, I have binged on the videos and am hungry for more. Enjoy!

Cargo Pants Confession

I've never been a fan of cargo pants because they add bulk to one's body in all the wrong places and are generally unflattering. Cropped cargo pants are even worse in my eyes,  and if I had a penny for every man I saw in cargo shorts (thanks, Costco!), I would be a wealthy woman today. I am in good company. Tim Gunn considers cargo cropped pants:  "the single most unflattering item of apparel in fashion history. These are a fashion no-no. I’d like to say get them away or take them somewhere where they can be recycled, they’re too horrible. Use them to wash your floors.” Go here to watch Gunn give reasons why this pants is "too horrible."

Nevertheless, I purchased a pair for myself a few years ago in a dark olive linen since they were so comfortable. This comfort must be a major reason why people buy and wear cargos. Like other women during that time, I saw myself wearing them with cute tank tops and sandals.

Though I wore mine out and about at first, I have only worn them around the house in recent months. They are now baggy and even less chic than they were before (see photo!).  I put them on the other day, and my older daughter remarked, "Ha! You are wearing those pants you hate to see on others. What about Wardrobe Wisdom, Mom?" I stammered, "I am not going out in these. I am just wearing them to do chores." However, I got an earful later when I headed to Trader Joe's still wearing the pants. I did look ghastly, but I did not put them in a donation bag this week. Why? Because they are soft and pajama-like, and they cover me up. I am not proud of how I look in them, but I have a better understanding now of their appeal. Just don't expect to see me wearing them in public. I'd never hear the end of it from my daughters.

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. 

That Girl

Image Credit: InStyle Magazine

I like this quote from Zooey Deschanel: "Style isn't when you buy yourself the most expensive things. It's being creative and able to put together what you've collected."

Stylish Person

I was so happy to see a beautifully dressed woman at Trader Joe's recently. Since I had just come from the gym, it was uncomfortable to tell her that I really was a wardrobe consultant (my workout clothes are nice, but I am sure my hair was crazy and I was makeup free). Anyway, Karen graciously allowed me to take her photo and even asked for my business card. I like her simple cardigan over her pretty abstract print dress, her great shoulder bag, and her cute shoes. Bravo, Karen!

I Love a Classy Guy!

Photo Credit: Credit: Natalie Smith/The Foothill Dragon Press


Here is another terrific article from Ventura high school student Natalie Smith. This time she focuses on James Bull-Cecil, a student who has found his sartorial groove at a young age: "He thinks that people should wear more classy clothes because dressing fancy is fun and it makes you feel better about yourself. 'I feel like one hell of a classy guy when I dress nicely.'"

Bravo James!

When I Was a Girl. . .

Photo Credit: abercrombiekids.com

My daughters start to groan whenever I start a sentence this way. I am sure that I did the same when my mom spoke about how much things had changed from the time when she was growing up. Oh well. Today's post is about a very thought provoking article from the Conselle Institute of Image Management.  The author argues that as standards of dress have declined in America, so have our productivity and individualism (and our morals!). 

What follows are some excerpts from the article. To read the entire piece, go here. 

Demanding to wear only what is "easy," we lose the ability to coordinate what is comparatively harder. We don't, can't, and then won't rise above the level of T-shirts and jeans—where anything goes. Fashion or wardrobe skills and creativity are lost and gradually devalued to make those without skills and creativity feel better than those who do.

When was the last time you got "dressed up" in something you really like. Think back on where you went and how terrific you felt. Did you step out on the town, visit friends, or go to a movie or a meeting with more than your usual enthusiasm and self-confidence? Were you pleased with the way you looked and felt? Did you stand a little taller? Did you speak with others a little more often or longer? If so, then your sense of self was getting some healthy exercise. Why should that experience be relegated to just a few times a year—if ever?

But, you say, getting dressed up is something you do only when you have to because it's uncomfortable, expensive, time consuming, or not really you. Nonsense. Dressing up doesn't mean giving up comfort or personal style. Common sense says that comfortable knits and softer fabrics are fine. Clothes that don't have to be ironed are okay, too. You don't have to sacrifice your values or your time for fashion or style.

Consider that when you give some thought and effort to dressing in a variety of ways for a variety of moods and occasions, you become more individual, creative, confident, and competent. Within the time available, you become more involved with more people, in more places, and in more pursuits. Life becomes more interesting. Productivity increases. You are more likely to become self-actualized and to accomplish satisfying goals.

What are your thoughts about this article? Please comment.

Stylish Person of the Week

In the spirit of the magnificent Bill Cunningham, I will be featuring a photo each week of a fashionable person I've spotted. Since I live in Santa Barbara, most of the folks will be photographed here. But you never know; I may be in your neighborhood one of these days so dress sharp!

I saw this woman in line at Folio, one of my favorite gift stores. My apologies for the poor lighting and blurriness of this photo; my next shot will be taken out of doors. Christa Lyons was flattered when I asked to take her photo. She is an artist which may explain her flair for fashion. Her shoes ( black and tan stiletto booties) caught my eye first, but Christa's whole ensemble is smashing. See how she dresses up a canvas at www.paintingsbychrista.net.

The Well-Edited Wardrobe

This image is from the Smithsonian, via Flickr. The woman is Carolina Amor du Fournier. She was associated with the Mexican journal La Prensa Médica Mexicana and was editor of Hummingbirds and Orchids of Mexico (1963).

I got a lot out of a recent post on the blog IvyStyle. In it the author edits his wardrobe, explaining why  why he is getting rid of them after identifying his preferences. This was clearly a valuable exercise for the author, and I think we can all benefit from such a mindful purge.

Here is what he says about his decision to purge:


I’ve always kept my wardrobe tightly edited as I’m pretty sensitive to things that just don’t feel “me.” Alas, what feels me is always in a state of flux (I prefer to think of it as refinement), and even with a close eye on superfluity I’m always catching myself with stuff I don’t wear.

So now that cold weather is here, I went through my closet and found all sorts of things I can’t believe I was holding on to.

Perhaps we’re all victims of variety, or at least the idea of it. This latest purge was motivated by the realization that I just have pretty strict tastes, almost a formula, and why fool myself that I don’t.

What follows is his thought process. He details what he likes and consequently what he purged:


• I like white and blue solid shirts, plus the occasional pink shirt or blue stripe. I tried yellow and it didn’t take. Never been tempted by tattersalls or burgundy stripes. And I like them to fit well. The purge: Tent-sized regular-fit shirts.

• I always reach for the same half dozen pairs of socks that work with my pants and shoes. The purge: Colorful argyles.