Clothing and History

 Image credit: NPR.org

I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR recently about the robe volante, a complete departure from what women had been wearing during pre-French Revolution Versailles. This dress was a revolution in itself: "Down with the corsets and cages! Up with the robe volante! Full and comfy, in fancy fabrics or simple cottons, everyone could wear it — and they did. The 'revolutionaries' were young women of the court, merchants and dressmakers; the robe became a social leveler." (NPR.org)

The historical fiction novel, Madame Tussaud,  which provides deep insight into the French Revolution, is a terrific read. The writer describes what led to this monumental event and the meaningful role that clothing played.

He's the Man

Image credit: nordstrom.com


My husband needed a new blue blazer, and I found a very smart one at Nordstrom during its Anniversary Sale. He also needed some slacks for work, so I enlisted the help of Drake Johnson at the Santa Barbara store. Drake was immensely knowledgeable, helpful, and fashion savvy. He is the man to see! Contact him at 805.564.8770, ext. 1220 or at drake.p.johnson@nordstrom.com. Full disclosure: I receive no monetary payment or merchandise from Nordstrom or any other store when I recommend them.

The Perfect Shoe

Sometimes I feel like a restaurant critic (my not-so-secret dream), reluctant to reveal a favorite store or item out of fear that its appeal will then decrease or others will disagree with my opinion. However, I feel compelled to pass on information about a fantastic shoe. It is one of those coveted, perfect combinations of comfort and style. A client of mine had these shoes, and after determining they went with nearly every outfit we created, I deemed them quite perfect.

So here they are, Petrina Lulu dark denim wedges by Clarks.
You're welcome!

"The human cost of shockingly cheap clothing"

Photo credit: ecouterre.com

Jon Oliver covered the topic of sweatshops, fast fashion, and the world's unhealthy and deadly addiction to cheap clothing very well on his show "Last Week Tonight." Oliver's words from this video are the title of today's blog.

Obviously, I love clothing and like a bargain. Am I aware of how many clothing companies use child labor and allow people to work in inhumane, dangerous conditions to produce garments? Yes, but have I chosen to spend my money responsibly, and thoughtfully, by not supporting such unethical companies? Not always. Oliver's story put this issue on my radar again. It should be on all of our radars and we should shop or not shop accordingly. Go here to learn more about child labor.

BIG SALE

Like many of you, I love shopping in consignment stores. There are bargains to be had on one of a kind garments and accessories, and I like the idea of recycling instead of always buying new.

Today there is a sale at a local haunt in Santa Barbara: Jessica Consignment. Maybe I will see you there!

How to Dress for Work

 Photo credit: Associated Press
 
I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR's On Point about workplace dressing today. I've never had a job that required me to dress a certain way, so it is sometimes hard for me to relate to people's struggles over what to wear to work. However, I do understand there are complicated and often mixed messages people get from their employers about what is appropriate and what is not.

Go here to read an excellent New York Times article on this topic. Times are different from the 1970s, when women dressed like Mary Tyler Moore in her eponymous TV show (pictured above).

New Bras!

Image credit (both): Simoneperele.com

I require a lot of lift from my bras.  For this reason, finding just the right brassiere can be a challenge. So it was with the usual dread and excitement when I went bra shopping this week. Happily, I left Purrmission Lingerie, in Santa Barbara, with two new bras that fit great, are comfortable and give me plenty of lift.

No matter what you is shopping for, it is important to remember what your goals and preferences are. Even though I was offered a number of demi and balcony bras to try on, I stayed the course, asking the saleswoman to show me only full coverage, contour bras. Since Purrmission is known for its gorgeous lacy and fancy bras like the one below, the saleswoman could not resist bringing some stunningly beautiful ones as well. Sure, I tried them on. But in the end, I found two contour bras--one in black (above) and quite pretty, and one in nude, utilitarian.

I saw many, many lovely bra and panty sets, nightgowns, and slips at Purrmission. If you have not been, the trip is well worth it. I also picked up a bottle of Forever New, my favorite hand wash fabric soap.