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.
Image Credit:mareseosullivan.com
Whenever I try to explain what I do in my wardrobe consulting work to my relatives in France, they always ask me why American women have so many clothes. There are some shopping tips to be gleaned from the French. So read this post from Verily about Frenchwomen's shopping habits.
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.
Today I spent an hour at my local Michaels craft store. I keep saying I am not ready for the holidays, but I enjoyed the (artificial) smells of cinnamon and pine, and had fun looking at the decorations. This led me to thoughts of upcoming events and what I would be wearing. The only new, sparkly thing I've added to my wardrobe is a rhinestone necklace. In fact, I got rid of a number of velvet skirts and pants this fall so have fewer holiday clothing options.
Now is a good time to look through your closet and think about special evenings or parties in the next few weeks. What can you wear? What jewelry, shoes, and hair accessories can make your outfits festive? Make a list of what you need and start shopping for those items or asking friends if you can borrow them. Thrift stores and consignment stores have a super selection of sparkly accessories and clothing at the moment.
Men, do you have a suit that fits? A nice dress shirt and shoes? A good belt? If not, get shopping! Last minute, panicked shopping is never a good idea.
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:longtallsally.com
My co-worker and I both love clothes. We share our shopping frustrations and victories, our favorite stores, what works for us and doesn't, and the latest trends (which we often try to skip). How we differ is our body type: She is a tall, leggy 5' 9" while I am a petite, long-waisted 5' 4." I have learned a great deal about shopping for a tall person from her, and have a website to recommend: Long Tall Sally. The clothes on this site are chic, reasonably priced, and good quality. Moreover, they offer free shipping and free returns!
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.
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: 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.
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.
I am really stretching out my big birthday celebration this year which is just fine with me. A close friend gave me this beautiful necklace (above) over the weekend and told me where she got it: Ten Thousand Villages. Have you heard of this store and website? I learned that "From humble beginnings, Ten Thousand Villages has grown to a global network of social entrepreneurs working to empower and provide economic opportunities to artisans in developing countries." Ten Thousand Villages was new to me, and I am so happy to spread the word about it. Before you consider making a gift purchase online or purchasing a decorative item for your home, check out the beautiful and unique items on its website. And look there for a store near you. Sadly, we do not have one in Santa Barbara.
Image credit: Fillmore & 5th
When people are unwilling to share their recipes I get annoyed. What do they think I am going to do? Steal the recipe and make a profit from it? Will their aunt or grandma or great uncle disinherit them if they share the recipe? Sheesh. It burns me up.
At the same time, I can be reluctant sometimes to share recent shopping finds, thinking selfishly that there will be less things for me if the place gets popular. But since the spirit of Wardrobe Wisdom is to be helpful, I have another tip to share.
Last weekend I discovered a FANTASTIC, A+, EXTRAORDINARY consignment store in Westlake Village. It is called Fillmore & 5th and has shops in other cities as well. The merchandise was very well organized, clean, and of the highest quality. The prices were fair, the dressing rooms were roomy and well lit, and staff was helpful without being pushy. I left with a dress, a skirt, and a top, all at a fraction of their original prices. I may have to go there every month!
I just discovered a terrific website for men's clothing and style advice: valetmag.com. Go here to learn how to iron a shirt, how pants should fit, what kinds of hangers work best, and about dozens of other topics. I just want to make a big pot of tea and read from this site all day!
This list from whowhatwear.com, titled "The 5 Basic Principles of a Complete Wardrobe," is precise and smart. I am going to keep it in my wallet when I shop and suggest you do the same.
Photo Credit: Sears.com
When I was growing up, I remember thinking my mom got a huge (out of proportion) kick out of buying me underwear every year. Now that I am a mother of two girls, I understand the small thrill and relief she felt upon annually purchasing new underwear for her daughter. How is your underwear collection these days? Look through your drawers (pun intended) with a critical eye, tossing out any holey, uncomfortable, ugly, or tired-looking panties and make a point of buying new ones this month. Head to Target, Sears, Nordstrom, Macy's, Purrmission. . . Heck, I don't care where you buy them; Just get out there and experience the little thrill of having brand new underwear. You're welcome.
For several years, I have been stalking a black blazer by Theory. I have tried it on when I am shopping, I have visited it on the web, and I was tempted to steal it off the back of a co-worker when I spotted hers. This jacket seemed perfect to me for its weight, timeless style, flattering fit, and comfort. HOWEVER, this jacket is priced around $400, which is way out of my budget.
So when I was shopping Nordstrom's recent Anniversary Sale with my friend, Stacy, I tried on the jacket again. Its sale price was closer to $350 which was better but still not a bargain. Stacy told me several reasons why I needed to just bite the bullet and make the purchase, mostly quoting my own Wardrobe Wisdom shopping advice. (She also added that the jacket was worth the price if I would stop pining for it once and for all.)
I bought the jacket and went home feeling giddy. When I returned to Nordstrom later that week, I intended to get its sleeves shortened. This is when things went downhill. The tailor informed me that I would lose a button if the sleeves were shortened, leaving me with only 2 buttons which looks weird. She also said that once they were shortened they would be too tight to roll up, thus depriving me the ability to show off the cool, striped lining. I felt deflated. My perfect jacket was flawed. I returned it with a heavy heart.
Sorry, Stacy. The quest continues!
I've written before about Bonobos, a terrific online menswear company known for its chinos. Now Bonobos has opened a real bricks-and-mortar store. I read about this "walk-in online store" in the Los Angeles Times. Called a "guide shop," it is a place where customers can touch and feel the clothes, and can see how they fit and look in person before making a purchase right there.
Yes, this could be dangerous. Once J.Crew stores opened, I shopped there an awful lot. And if a Boden walk-in online store opens in Santa Barbara, I could be in trouble. Still, it's an excellent concept, and I hope other online companies will follow suit.
Photo Credit: Oldnavy.com
Not long ago I wrote a post on seeking out the perfect T-shirt. Last week I found it. Where, you may ask? Old Navy. Really. It is a white cotton V-neck that fits just right and it was under $10. I plan to by several more.
Photo Credit: trinaturk.com
A friend and I had a nice, long conversation on the phone over the weekend. We had not talked in awhile and got caught up on all sorts of things. Before we hung up, she remembered something she'd been eager to share with me: her swimsuit miracle!
Lisa had been riffling through a magazine when a certain one-piece suit caught her eye. She noted the brand, located it online, guessed on her size, and ordered it. When the suit arrived she found it fit her perfectly! For those of us who have spent innumerable hours shopping for, trying on, and being frustrated by the quest for the perfect suit, Lisa's experienced seemed impossible. However, with a little luck, you may find your dream suit.
David Beckham looks great in jeans!
Photo Credit: Esquire.com
A friend told me last week that she wants to get some nicer jeans for her husband, who has been a Costco or 501 Levi's guy forever. By nicer she means ones that are made with high quality denim which hangs well and feels good. Such jeans may be a bit pricier, but she knows that upgrading to this kind of jean for herself has been worth it. And since she is only buying one pair for her husband, which he will wear all the time, the cost per wear will be relatively low. I found this video which offers great advice for how to buy jeans for men. I imagine more women will watch this than men; it is helpful for both! Another helpful resource is from Esquire magazine: http://www.esquire.com/blogs/mens-fashion/how-to-buy-jeans-2014?click=main_sr.
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