60 and Sensational

The site 60andsensational.co.uk is quite impressive. I especially like its blog. Looking at this site made me ponder, once again, why American designers ignore the huge 40+ demographic when designers in other countries make beautiful, decidedly non-frumpy clothing for women.

I am happy to report that someone is making a real effort in the U.S. In the past 2 years, Talbots has revamped its image, offering stylish, well-made, and--dare I say--hip clothing. Just look at the accessories above, which they will be carrying this spring. Furthermore, the service at Talbots is exceptional. When I suggest to some of my Wardrobe Wisdom clients that they shop at Talbots, they often check to see if I am kidding. I assure them that not only will they be delighted by what they find at Talbots, but they will LOVE the personal attention and help they receive there. Every time.

Five Lingerie Myths Busted

I just realized the pun in that title, though it was not aknowledged in the Easy Living piece I lifted it from. What a shame.

Anyway, here are the myths and the real scoop:

1. White underwear is the best under white clothes.
Undergarments as close to your skin tone as possible, such as nude, will be genuinely invisible.

2. Bra sizing is universal.
Bra sizes depend on the brand, so always try a bra on before purchasing it.

3. Wearing a bra that is too small will enhance your cleavage.
"Wearing a bra where the cups don't adequately cover the breast will create the apearance of the 'double boob,' where your bust is pushed up above the top of the bra: never a good look."

4. You only have to get fitted every 10 years.
Get measured at least once a year, as your size may fluctuate for a variety of reasons.

5. Good bras are expensive.
Once you learn what style of bra gives you the best shape and support, you can seek it out in many mid-range brands.

This same Easy Living article featured an "at home lingerie consultant." Ha! People say Americans come up with the craziest jobs. Actually, this is a brilliant niche: a woman who will come to your home, go through your lingerie, and help you figure out what styles suit you best and what you should get rid of. In the end, I imagine that she, like Wardrobe Wisdom, will save her clients a lot of time, money, and stress.

Polka Dots

Since certain trends will soon appear in the stores and magazines, it's helpful to get some guidelines in advance. According to Melissa Magsaysay, "Your Stylist" in the Los Angeles Times, polka dots will be a major trend in 2011. Some of you think "oh goody" while others, including my friend Stacy's husband, groan loudly. As usual, my advice is to wear what you like and what feels good on you. Small polka dots can look too girly for some, so wear them with jeans or edgier other pieces to tone that feminine part down. I like Magsaysay's suggestions: "stay out of the cartoon territory, wear them on garments they complement--such as sweaters, '40s-style dresses and feminine blouses--and avoid those they don't--such as mini-skirts, leggings, or tights."

Makeup

I firmly believe that women learn how to wear makeup by the time they are 15. As I have stated before, I grew up in a beach community where my friends and I went clean-faced throughout our high school years.


Therefore, my learning curve in terms of cosmetics has been pretty steep over the years. After receiving more than one department store makeover that left me feeling like a prostitute, I have finally learned what colors and kind of makeup look best on me. Finally, at age 45 I know where to buy my cosmetics and where I can get reliable advice. Phew!

What I have yet to learn, however, is a brilliant way to store my makeup. The picture above is what I do now. It works okay and is not an eyesore, but I keep thinking there must be a better way. So I have been surveying my friends as well as my clients, and guess what? They are also challenged by how to keep their makeup accessible and neat. Several confessed to rooting around in a makeup pouch (usually a "gift with purchase") that can be very frustrating when they are rushing to get ready. I am curious: How do you store your makeup and makeup brushes and applicators?

Jewelry and Your Face Shape

Since I love to read, it is always a pleasure to discover well-written, thoughtful articles. Calla Gold, jeweler extraordinaire has terrific advice on how to choose jewelry in relation to your face and body shape. I learned a great deal from these articles and hope you will enjoy reading them too!

What Not to Wear

Whenever I spend time at my friend Stacy's house, we end up watching "What Not to Wear." Naturally, we constantly comment on the show, and are taken aback by a blunt comment from Stacy London (such as "You are the worst dressed person in the world."), or critiquing a dubious haircut given to a contributor. Mostly, we are impressed with the advice given by Stacy and Clinton Kelly, and we usually learn something.

I agree with Robert Lloyd, television critic of the LA Times, who wrote, "'What Not to Wear' works because it helps its subjects gain a new look and a new outlook." Reading this article reminded me why my Wardrobe Wisdom work involves a lot more than just shopping and dressing people. Kelly says it best: "This [What Not to Wear] wasn't just about wearing a pair of dark-washed jeans; it's about having the confidence to achieve your goals. I really believe that if you spend your life in elastic waistbands and hoodies and cross trainers worn as casual footwear you're not telling the world you're important, you're not telling the world you're paying attention; you're saying ignore me."

Many women I have worked with have spent years dressing to be ignored; I try to coax them out of this dressing mentality, encouraging them to pay attention to how they feel and look in certain things. Wardrobe Wisdom also teaches them how clothing can help them feel better when it fits them properly and works for their lifestyle. Focusing on images in magazines and on TV, images of women that are the result of stylists, personal trainers, lighting, makeup artists, etc. is a downer for all women. Instead, like "What Not to Wear" I encourage my clients to think deeply how "by changing your clothes, you can change yourself."

Returnaholism

Whenever I listen to Marketplace on NPR I learn something new. Years of working in retail and working with my Wardrobe Wisdom clients has given me insight into people's shopping and returning habits. However, this segment on the latter--people who return and return and return--opened my eyes to a different kind of consumer.

As a follow-up, you may want to read or listen to this story on how retailers deal with returns.