So What About Metallics?

A client recently sent me a photo of a dress and wondered what shoes would look good with them. I suggested a pair of metallic sandals. Here is what I love about metallics: They add some interest to an outfit while being incredibly neutral. Here is what Style Bakery recently had to say about metallics.

Shift vs. Sheath

Dresses have made a comeback over the past few years, and certain terms pop up repeatedly. Two of these are "shift" and "sheath." What is the difference?

A shift dress is a loose-fitting, knee or above the knee length dress. It is sleeveless and is often made in a knit fabric.. The dress below is a shift dress.

On the other hand, a sheath dress is form-fitting, commonly made out of rayon, silk, brushed cotton, or satin. I think of a shift dress as a sexier option. The dress above is a sheath.

Why I (Finally) Care (a Little) about My Clothes

This is a great piece, one that I am certain will resonate with a lot of men and women. Here is one of the wise observations by the author: "But my clothes and my character aren’t competing values between which I must only pick one." I encourage you to read the entire essay.

Jeaner?

Sure, I love jeans, but am I a "jeaner"? This is a term used in the denim industry to describe premium denim customers. Call me cheap, but I am not comfortable paying over $150 for a pair of jeans. True Religion is currently selling its popular Phantom jean for over $300. Guess how much it costs to make one pair of Phantom jeans? $50!

I will admit that my favorite pairs of jeans are considered premium. But I purchased all of them for around $50 at consignment stores. That means I could not follow my own Wardrobe Wisdom advice: Buy 2 pairs of jeans at once if they fit great and you can afford it. Consignment stores rarely carry identical jeans in one size.

Go here to read the article in the Wall Street Journal titled "How Jeans Can Cost $300." It is eye opening, to say the least.

(Yep, that is a big ball of jeans in the picture above.)

Summer Favorites

Now that the sun is out in Santa Barbara, I am having fun wearing my lightweight skirts, dresses, and tops. It is great to put on sandals and flip flops, too. This is my preferred way to dress. You can go here to read and view Style Bakery's favorite choices for summer garments and accessories.

Call Me Vain

I think the "shoes" above are the new Crocs. I have skipped the Crocs fad and plan to skip this one as well. No matter how many times people tell me they are comfortable, I just cannot wear such things on my feet!

Shopping Thrift Stores

As my regular blog readers know, I find great pleasure in consignment store shopping. Others share my passion for buying previously worn clothing, but they can become overwhelmed in some stores. Here is a very informative article written by a woman who adores thrift store shopping. She offers some helpful tips that will make this kind of shopping easier and more fun.