Wise Words

Image Credit: davidlebovitz.com

David Lebovitz' blog is one of my very favorites; I look to him for guidance on food and travel in France and beyond. His recent newsletter contained this solid, all-around advice:

"Craziness prevails in the world, but the good news is that we can turn off the television, and go for a walk to a market or wine (or cocktail) bar, and take a break from it all. In doing so, it's easier to see the good in the world that's around us. If you go into your local shop, café, or restaurant, you'll see how nice most people are in everyday situations, and you realize why human interaction is so important."

I couldn't have said it better. Thank you, David Lebovitz.

Perfection

Photo credit: Renaud's Patisserie and Bistro

When I eat something I like, I am the happiest person around. I savor each bite, insist others try it, smile contentedly, like the Cheshire Cat, and talk rapturously about it for days.  This happened the other night when my friend, Will, brought an exquisite chocolate cake from Renaud's for dessert at my house. It was absolutely perfect in every way: rich, yet light chocolate mousse sandwiched between layers of light chocolate sponge cake, enrobed in ganache. PERFECT.

How many things in your closet are perfect? Do your clothes fit just right? Do they go coordinate with other garments you own? Do they make you feel confident and comfortable? Understandably, it is too much to expect everything you own to be perfect, but you should not settle for things which are just okay. You don't need many clothes if each one works beautifully for you. I have a pair of gray sandals that are flawless: They are comfortable, are in a color that goes with most everything, and are in a simple style that looks great with dresses, skirts, jeans, and shorts. Such items become workhorses and are worth investing in.

Wardrobe Wisdom

More words of wisdom from Tim Gunn:

"With very few exceptions, I dress to meet and greet and engage without feeling underdressed or overdressed for the occasion. We engage with someone when we pay for something, so merely leaving your home is a set-up for engagement."

Just the Right Thing

Image credit: en.wikipedia.org

You know that feeling you get when you find just the right tool for the job? Your daily routines become easier, more streamlined, and you wonder what you did without that special tool.

After complaining for more than a couple of years to all who would listen (including my clearly disinterested cats), I purchased a new hair dryer. What a difference its made. I dry my hair in half the time and it never turns out frizzy. What on earth took me so long to get this dryer?

Is there an item of clothing or an accessory that would make getting ready a more efficient process for you? Think of a belt, a pair of shoes, or a versatile top that would make your outfits complete. When you get dressed, what are you missing? Make a list, and then look for what you need when you are out and about.

Shopping vs. Buying

Image Credit: saveamericascinemas.org


From Isaac Mizrahi's book How to Have Style:

"Go to stores and look, but don't look at price tags and don't buy a thing. Go to a store's or designer's website and look at photos. Pick up a fashion magazine or two and clip photos and ads that speak to you. Spread your images out and study them while shopping in your closet."

Mizrahi says that by shopping, looking, evaluating, and giving your own closet a critical once over, you will discover what you truly want, need, and will wear most often without spending a penny. Then you can make a list of what you need and shop, little by little, to complete your wardrobe. Good advice!

"The Seams"

Photo Credit: theseams.orghttp://www.theseams.org


Listening to NPR's "The Seams" podcast is one of my favorite pastimes. In this episode, I learned about current Irish fashion labels as well as Ireland's notable history in weaving wool into beautiful sweaters and tweeds fabrics. Margaret O'Leary is a well-known designer who started out knitting sweaters and now has a complete line of women's clothing and several boutiques. I remember coveting her lovely, unique sweaters when I worked at Patty Montana in Santa Barbara many years ago. I hope you will give "The Seams" a listen; you will not be disappointed!

Wardrobe Wisdom

From the brilliant, kind, classy, and wise Tim Gunn:

"Fit is the most neglected aspect of how we dress; that is, most people wear clothes that are too big, too small, or a combination of both."

Clothing should not pinch, bunch up, pucker, gap, or droop anywhere. If it does, consult a tailor or get rid of it!