From What Not to Wear

I worked with a client recently who was from the East Coast. Although she had lived in Santa Barbara for years, some wardrobe rules were hard for her to break. She could not fathom wearing white pants before Memorial Day or patent leather in winter.

We all have some fashion guidelines in our heads, and some are valuable and timeless. For example, I think Clinton Kelly's rule that "after a certain age, don't show too much of your breasts or your navel or your inner thighs" makes perfect sense. However, some rules are outdated and can keep you from having fun with clothing.

For a thorough list of fashion myths busted via TLC, go here. And let me know what fashion myths you have busted.

The Value of a Dry Run

I was getting ready for an event the other night, and found I had not followed one of my own Wardrobe Wisdom guidelines: doing a dry run. Sure, I had a clear idea of what I would wear, but I had not yet tried on my outfit, and when I did put the various pieces together the ensemble did not work.

How hard can this be, I thought? I simply need a black top to go under this tuxedo jacket. At least 8 black tops seemed like they would be great candidates. But no. One had a too high neck--how would I model Rachel Kett's beautiful necklaces? Another had a subtle pattern that, nontheless, clashed with the leopord print of the jacket's lining. Another was too faded. . .

Jeez! My youngest daughter watched me in awe. I am sure it seemed absurd to her that I could not find one top that looked great with the outfit, and, moreover, that I was getting dressed in a panic. I, of all people, should know better.

So, remember the value of trying on an outfit, every component, in advance of an event. It will save you time, stress, and frustration!

Bill Cunningham Fan Club

I knew that I was not the only Bill Cunningham groupie. Here is what Jesse Thorn, of the superb blog Put This On, has to say about one of my very favorite men.

Jewelry Messages

Calla Gold is an exceptional Santa Barbara area jeweler. She comes to your home to discuss jewelry, showing a genuine interest in what you love, what you wear and don't and why. Calla designs gorgeous pieces, and she has superb ideas for how to make new creations out of those you haven't been wearing.

Calla recently wrote an insightful article about what your jewelry says about you. It's a very worthwhile read.

Your Outfits

A great number of my Santa Barbara Wardrobe Wisdom clients ask for help in creating outfits. Sometimes we photograph their outfits, with them in them or just on a hanger, and other times I write them all down. I have one client who has created a lovely notebook of her outfits, with photographs and descriptions. Another client hangs a notecard from her tops with a list of what goes with them. As always, different organizing systems work for different people.

Veronica McCain has created a nifty way to keep track of outfits. Check out clothesmates.com.

A Trend

Once in awhile a trend excites me. Other trends take awhile to grow on me. Often, though, a look appears so wacky to me that I know I will skip it. The latter is true when I saw the latest look of leggings with platform sandals. What do you think?

Diane von Furstenburg

Tom Ashbrook, one of the very best interviewers ever, recently spoke with Diane von Furstenberg. Go here to learn what she had to say about fashion, today and yesterday.