"I'll Never Wear That!"

Ha! I have stated that I will "never" wear the following: leggings, anything yellow, sequins, stirrup pants, fur--fake or real. . . the list goes on. One of the items on my list was skinny jeans. When this style emerged a couple of years ago, I looked at my sturdy, somewhat short legs and thought, "Now there is a style I will never wear!"

Yet there I was last week, looking for skinny jeans at Paseo Nuevo Mall in Santa Barbara. How did I get to this place? At first I thought the skinny look would be gone after a season, and I did not like it on anyone. Then I thought it looked okay on young, tall women--but the look was still not for me. Then it seemed to make sense with ballet flats. Finally, after trying to cram my bootcut jeans into my boots on more than one occasion, I saw the value and sense of skinny jeans.

Not ready to fully embrace them since I still thought they were a short-lived look, I decided to purchase an inexpensive pair of skinny jeans. When they fit poorly, I looked short and stumpy. But I persevered and finally found a great pair at Express for only $32!!! These jeans tuck right into my boots without creating any bagginess at the knee.

So, the moral of the story is: Give a trend a chance, if it is a look you like (or is a look you grow to like) and even then, don't spend a vast sum of money on a fashion fad.

Where I Want to Shop

When asked where I buy clothing for my Wardrobe Wisdom clients and myself, my answer is that I like to shop where I am treated well. By that I mean the people working in the store greet me politely, ask if I would like help finding anything, and then they leave me alone for a bit. To me, treating a customer well also means honest feedback and a lack of pushiness.

At Lucia loves Luigi, a charming store on Brinkerhoff and Haley in Santa Barbara, every person in the store has been friendly and sincere during my visits. The merchandise is just beautiful, ranging from casual, SB wear to unusual gorgeous dresses and accessories. A lot of stores in Santa Barbara carry great things, but the people working there are often disinterested, snooty, or are busy with other things such as talking on their cell phones or chatting with their pals who have stopped by.

I would love to hear about stores that you feel provide great custmer service in our town. That is where I want to shop, for myself and for my clients.

A Considerate Borrower

A client who recently borrowed some clothing from me returned it cleaned and pressed. I was pleased, but was reminded of another not so pleasant lending experience.

Once a friend borrowed a beautiful velvet jacket from me. She returned it reeking of perfume and smoke. I was so upset and offended!

Any time you borrow clothing from someone return it promptly, cleaned and pressed or dry-cleaned if needed. This shows you are a responsible borrower and the lender will be happy to loan you something from her closet again.

Petite Does Not Mean Skinny

I was working with one of my Wardrobe Wisdom clients the other day who was complaining about the sleeve length on her new blouse. I asked if the blouse was a petite and she looked at me with a shocked expression: "Petite! I am a size 14!" This is a common misunderstanding of the term petite.

In the clothing world, petite does not mean the tiny, emaciated bodies of the Olsen twins. Instead petite means a woman is 5' 4" or less; clothing for petite women is proportioned for those shorter bodies. The sleeves are shorter as are the torsos. In pants, the rise is shorter as is the inseam.

One of the most helpful resources I have found for petite women is the site for the book, The Petite Handbook.

I am right on the border of petite at exactly 5' 4" so sometimes petite clothing is too short for me when I want to wear heels. Like regular clothing, sizing is not consistent in the petite world so always try things on, even if they should fit your shorter body perfectly.

Customer Service

Today Carter, from Samy's Camera in Santa Barbara, called to tell me my camera had arrived in the store and would be on hold until I could pick it up. I have been crazy busy lately and had forgotten that I had even ordered a camera.

Carter exemplifies outstanding customer service. He helped me navigate my way through the dozens of digital cameras, steering me away from ones that would not serve my purpose, and telling me honestly what the camera I liked best would and would not do well. He described the kind of camera I may want to invest in in the future, and why it would work great for taking photos of my girls dancing. He never pushed me into buying anything and let me take my time deciding. Not once did he seem impatient answering all of my questions or seem irritated by my concerns. He also spoke in simple, non-technical terms about the different aspects of the cameras.

I was very happy to purchase a camera from Carter and only wish all salespeople in Santa Barbara could be like him. Why can't they?

Enough

I often get asked by my Santa Barbara wardrobe clients--as well as by friends--"How many clothes are enough?"

Enough is being able to look put-together and polished on a daily basis, for any occasion, without having to paw through mounds of clothing in your closet. You do not need 10 pairs of jeans, 10 pairs of black pants, or 10 white blouses, even if each one is just a little different. 3 of each of these staples is enough. And if you do purchase one of these items new, then get rid of an old one.

When I was 16 I got my first job in retail. For two years I worked at various department stores during school breaks and on weekends so I could buy clothes and save money for a trip when I graduated high school. At 18 I went to France to visit my mom's family. I packed two enormous duffle bags, not imagining that I could duplicate my outfits for a month.

When my cousin met me at the airport, she expressed some shock at the size of my two bags. After a week in which I wore a different outfit every day, I noticed that my cousin, who was my age, wore the same clothes every day. She always looked cute and appropriate. I felt ridiculous and excessive.

Over time I have learned that there is a balance to be found. Yes, I am in stores constantly and do like to buy new clothes. But I do not need much each season--none of us do. I look at what I have, make a list of what items would update my look and what items need replacing, and go from there. This saves me from making silly impulse buys and from having way more than "enough."

A Lift

I was determined to get a new bra so I headed for Nordstrom where the saleswomen know how to measure and fit properly. Little did I know what a free gift I would receive that day.

I am partial to Wacoal and Chantelle bras since they offer both beauty and support. New bras are a critical purchase, and I buy at least two a year, tossing out my old ones. The Wacoal I thought needed replacing was less than a year old but was not doing the trick. I had begun to feel sort of saggy and sad by the end of the day.

In stepped the Nordstrom expert, who took one look at me, tightened my straps, and voila: I was a perky woman once again! It was a little anticlimactic as I had planned on buying an exquisite new bra and had found one that fit well. Yet it was nice to save my money for something else.

So ladies, before you get that new bra--and I am a huge proponent of getting fitted and outfitted at least once a year--adjust your straps first and see if it makes a difference. However, if this minor adjustment simply results in pulling the band up higher in the back and/or cutting into your shoulders, it is time to get a new bra.

Cielo Spa

Ah, the feeling of soft, pampered skin. It is something I touch daily when I am kissing my 7-year old daughter's cheek. My own cheek, not so much.

However, I have noticed that when I get a facial at Cielo Spa Boutique in Santa Barbara, my skin is noticeably healthier and softer. Roxanne Zbinden, owner of Cielo, creates a very warm and relaxing environment with a gentle manner and lovely decor.

She is experienced and knows a great deal about new products, especially ones that are organic. I listen to soft music, she responds when I speak to her but does not chatter, and she gives my face her full attention. I leave feeling calm and happy that I have done something good for my skin. (She is also great at waxing which is not quite as enjoyable but is necessary!)

A terrific outfit can only go so far to make you feel wonderful. Having beautiful skin is part of what makes a person shine.

Getting out of a Fashion Rut

At least once a week I like to look at the Style Bakery website for inspiration and fashion finds. I just came across a new feature, and I think it is just great. It's called "Fashion Rehab for the Style Challenged" and shows some clothing we are all tired of wearing or seeing on others while suggesting what to wear instead. It is worth a peek at StyleBakery.com.

Hammered Hoops

Several people have commented on the lovely silver loopy chain I am sporting in my headshot. It is made by an incredibly talented local artist, Rachel Kett. Her breadth of expertise is staggering. When I did a wardrobe consultation at her house, she casually pointed out the dresser she had made, the wooden framed mirror she had hand carved, and the clothing she had monkeyed with to great effect. I know from firsthand experience that she makes delicious toffee as well. Rachel is truly a Renaissance woman!

Her handcrafted jewelry is spectacular and reasonably priced. Check it out at: http://www.hammeredhoops.com/index.htm.

Bill Again

Okay, I admit to being quite obsessed with photographer Bill Cunningham these days. In my first blog about him, I described him as a non-fashion person. As I learn more about him, I find my description is not wholly accurate.

In his own words: "The main thing I love about street photography is that you find the answers you don't see at the fashion shows. You find information for readers so they can visualize themselves. This was something I realized early on: If you just cover the designers in the shows, that's only one facet. You also need the street and the evening hours. If you cover the three things, you have the full picture of what people are wearing."

He is not traditional fashion person in that he does not design clothing, sit in the front row at shows, or write about it in glossy magazines. The following sums up his outlook and history: "I started photographing people in the street during World War II. I just loved to see wonderfully dressed women, and I still do. I think fashion is as vital and interesting as ever." To read more about this highly talented man, go to Bill on Bill.

And to see his fabulous photos of post-Election Day dressing on the street go to the New York Times.

I Love to Read!

I am reading three books right now: How to Have Style by Isaac Mizrahi, Autobiography of a Wardrobe by Elizabeth Kendall, and The One Hundred, by Nina Garcia. While they are all books about clothing, they are very different from one another.

Mizrahi's book appeals to me the most as his philosophy about dressing and style reflects my own and my work with Santa Barbara wardrobe consulting clients. He does not find faux dowdy women who, with $5,000 and a team of stylists, does Cinderella-like transformations. Instead, he shows how women of all shapes and sizes--NORMAL women--can look and feel better about themselves with some style advice and education. He listens to each woman, helps her to determine what inspires her and asks smart questions to lead her into a style evolution. The photographs are entertaining and inspiring.

I had so much hope for Kendall's book. The concept is great: telling a woman's life story from her wardrobe's point of view. But the writing leaves me flat and I don't find the wardrobe's voice very sympathetic. I mean, our clothes should like us and be on our side, right? Still, I want to finish the book.

Garcia's book is an informative, breezy read and her introduction is very good. She tells the reader that this is her list of the 100 pieces she cannot live without as a stylish woman and instructs the reader that this list is a guide; the reader must make a list of her own. Thank goodness because a must have item for me is certainly not a caftan or black leather pants! She understands that what a woman needs is clothing that reflects her various moods and roles in life. She also gets that a woman's wardrobe changes as she goes through life.

Fall Dresses in Paris

So now I am becoming Bill Cunningham's biggest fan. His photographs of people on the street, along with his commentaries, are just charming. I stated before that he is not really a fashion guy. By that I meant that he does not go on and on about this designer or that, or spending a long time describing a garment in mind-numbing detail. Instead, he his a keen observer of clothing: what people are wearing, how they are wearing it, and why he finds it interesting. He is knowledgeable and just darn fun to listen to.

Here is another one of his special slideshows from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/10/11/fashion/sundaystyles/20081012-street-feature/index.html

Fall in New York City

I just watched a marvelous video. Every day I receive the New York Times online; I scan the headlines and enjoy reading the food articles on Wednesday and the fashion articles on Thursday. Today a Times' photographer captured fall in the city, including pumpkins, Halloween window displays, and, of course, fashion. It was so refreshing to hear a non-fashion person narrate what he saw through the camera lens. I liked his comments about the colors the women wore, their boots, and the wind blowing hard.

This video is definitely worth a watch:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/10/25/fashion/20081026-street-feature/index.html

Camisoles

This is what I want in a camisole: a good fit which means not too clingy but not loose, a length that will peek out below a layering top, and one that is high enough in front that it provides nice coverage.

My daughter would add that another must is that the camisole cover my "googlies." What a charming word for the now-soft pillow of skin that has emerged around my armpits.

Patty Montana & Co. in Goleta has just this camisole, by Nikibiki, in a rainbow of colors, starting at only $22. (Full disclosure: I work at Patty part-time.) I purchased camisoles in white, black, and in a leopard print in black and brown. I wear one almost every day!

(Scarf) Mission Accomplished

I found the scarf and now the Mod Squad ensemble is complete! Yes, I braved Alpha Thrift one last time to procure the ideal scarf. This accessory would tie the entire outfit together--and it would literally be tied around the terrific blond wig as a wide headband. I knew what I wanted and plunged both hands into the scarf bin.

After awhile I found a Missoni-style striped scarf with fringed ends. It was indeed very colorful and Mod-esque, but it was also a bit tattered and would be challenging to use as a headband. So I tossed it back into the pile and continued my search. Twenty minutes passed before I struck gold: a long, narrow scarf with a paisley design in orange-red, brown, and off-white. Oh, and it was only $3.99.

I brought it home, washed and ironed it, and presented it to my Santa Barbara wardrobe client today. She (and her associates) were thrilled! It looks wonderful on her and she is looking forward to getting dressed up for Halloween. I cannot wait to see the photos!

Great Fashion Reads

I grabbed a magazine at the gym a couple of years ago to enliven my uninspired workout. Usually I enjoy reading cheesy gossip magazines at the gym, but I wanted something a bit deeper (which should not have been hard to find) that day and liked the cover without noting the magazine's title. After awhile I thought to myself, "This is the first woman's magazine I have really enjoyed--and can relate to--in ages." Then I read the cover, and the subtitle which read, "For Women Over 40." Oh, that would be me! No wonder I liked it.

Since that time, as a part of my Santa Barbara wardrobe consulting business, I have found loads of great books and magazines to keep me current on trends and styles. Of course there are some real losers out there as well, ones that sounded good in concept but fail miserably in execution. What I appreciate is that sometimes others read what is out there for me and ferret out the best of them. Slate Magazine did just that earlier this month in "What to Read about What to Wear." I am especially eager to read Autobiography of a Wardrobe, by Elizabeth Kendall. She write about her life experiences and personal evolution from the point of view of her clothing.

I'll add here that one of my very favorite magazines is little known in the U.S.: Easy Living. Yes, it does fall into that category of being for women my age, but it is way hipper than the American take on this genre. Easy Living has outstanding articles on fashion and style and the photos are always inspiring and fun. I have a subscription, but if you are lucky you can find one of the few copies that Barnes and Noble and Borders seem to receive every month.

A Good Salesperson

Meeting a salesperson who can help you find what you are seeking, suggest what else may work for your body shape and budget, and give you the truth when you ask "How do I look?" is a revelation. Once I have found this person, I am very loyal. I used to think that certain stores were better at training their employees and therefore had better salespeople, but I have learned that this is not always the case.

One day I was trying on bathing suits--a loathsome task--and managed to get locked out of my dressing room. I had hoped (with desperate optimism) to simply pop out of my room for a moment, find a salesperson lurking nearby who could get me another suit, and pop back into my room. Thus I did not bother to get completely dressed but instead opted to make a skirt out of my shawl and tied it over the bikini. Once I realized that I was locked out with no salesperson in sight I realized I had two options: attempt to crawl under the door which could have resulted in further humiliation had I gotten stuck a la Winne the Pooh, or cruise the floor in my bikini and shawl skirt ensemble, perhaps for hours. I took the latter route and only had to wander for 10 minutes before I spied a person who could let me back into my room. She took her sweet time doing this though and seemed to be oblivious to my discomfort.

This embarrassing experience led me to swear off that store for quite awhile. However, while shopping for a Santa Barbara Wardrobe Wisdom client, I ended up there one day. Imagine my delight to find a very friendly, competent, and helpful woman who found just the black jacket I had been looking for. I have come to learn that great salespeople can be found anywhere, and that it is my job as a shopper to put up with nothing less.

The Wig

I can very happily say that my efforts paid off yesterday: I found the perfect Mod Squad wig for my Santa Barbara wardrobe client. My search was not without its perils and frustrations however.

The search began at the smaller of the two Alpha Thrift Stores along Hollister Avenue. This one is close to Fairview. I dug through a large box and came up with a pretty blond ponytail that would fit nicely under a blond wig. Yes, I was making do, but I thought it would work as the shades were the same and were glossy and smooth which is what I sought. A lot of the wigs had seen much better days and were frizzy or simply thrashed. So I put the two blond wigs on hold (a lovely option) and headed for the other Alpha Thrift.

There was a huge box of wigs at this Alpha, and I sat down to hunt for my ideal one. I set a couple down next to me that were pretty close, and had to snatch one out of a very nice 8-year old girl's hand when she picked it up. This one was super--no making do. When I went to pay for it, the cashier tossed it behind him into a large bin, telling me there was no tag so he could not sell it to me "no exceptions." I wanted to cry or scream. Instead, I headed to the new temporary costume shop which is--conveniently enough--right across the street from the other Alpha.

After securing a parking spot which is an entire story in itself, I headed for the wig aisle. This place is not very big but it is extremely well stocked with commercial costumes of all kinds, for all ages. I quickly found a white-blond wig in a straight style for $19.99. Perfect!

My client is happy with the wig, a groovy skirt, boots, and a black turtleneck. Now she just needs a scarf to wear around the wig to finish off the outfit. I am heading back to Alpha and to Ross this week.

Local Experts

I love meeting people who regard their work as a serious, interesting endeavor, not merely a job. Lee Thompson of Lee's Tailoring is an incredibly gifted man who has been helping Santa Barbara folks look beautifully turned out for many years. He waxes rhapsodic about his new sewing machine and proudly describes how he takes a jacket apart, makes changes, and reassembles it to fit a client just right. The man is a perfectionist--as any great tailor should be.

After a horrible experience at one leather repair shop in town, I headed to Santa Barbara Luggage with a client's purse. This place is located in an old home on Chapala Street and is family-run by the Sorias. The family members are friendly, knowledgeable, and do great work. Within a few days I delivered my client her bag which looked like new.

Costume Hunting

Dressing up in a costume for Halloween does not make my list of fun activities. I don't like drawing attention to myself, costume stores are creepy to me, and I would much rather put money into buying a great new dress than into the purchase of a weird one-time only getup.

With that said, I do have a pretty good time assembling costumes for others. This year one of my Santa Barbara Wardrobe Wisdom clients has given me the task of finding a Mod Squad costume. On a daily basis this woman is incredibly chic and has a singular style. Dressing her to look like the always-cool blond babe of Mod Squad fame will not be much of a stretch.

After checking out photos of Peggy Lipton, who played Julie on the show, my first stop is my own closet. Do I have anything appropriately groovy? I do have a great Marc Jacobs skirt that may work, and I long sweater that is very 60's as well. I regret donating a pair of fantastic white go-go boots that were a friend's daughters. Being a major purger has its drawbacks sometimes. Were those really taking up that much room?

I want to have options for my client to choose from, so I head to Alpha Thrift. I cruise the costume section and find a couple of possibilities in late 60's fabric dresses. I am thrilled to find some crocheted ponchos and an amazing crocheted skirt. Now I know that the clothing part will not be hard; it's finding the shoes and wig that may be a challenge.

Style Bakery

Here is what I like about Style Bakery: The website is easy to navigate, the experts are right on the mark 99% of the time, and it offers a nice balance between fashion via Hollywood and fashion for everyday women.

I also like the name of the site since baked goods and clothing are two of my favorite things.

Fashion Tape Saves the Day

It is for many reasons that I love to introduce my Santa Barbara wardrobe clients to Hollywood Fashion Tape. One of my clients is a marketing speaker, and she must always look completely polished. The other day she was talking to a local group and was wearing a v-neck sweater. She avoided the fashion snafu of exposing way too much by using the tape to keep her sweater in place. Once the tape was on, she felt great and could focus on her speech, not her clothing.

Today I used the tape to keep my bra strap from upstaging my beautiful white sleeveless blouse. Once the tape was in place, I could forget about it. Another client uses the tape to keep her shirts sitting just right over her camisoles. She likes the button-up shirts to be open but not flapping around. Using this tape is just one trick of the trade I like to pass on to my clients.

Be a Considerate Shopper

I shopped with a couple of pals recently and was shocked to see how one had left her dressing room. Clothing was strewn all over the floor and nothing had been folded or re-hung. I was appalled and asked, "Haven't you ever worked in a clothing store?" She answered that the saleswoman said it was okay, and that the store was a mess anyway. Even if the saleswoman did tell her to leave the room a disaster, this is not proper shopping etiquette.

I realize that some stores, especially large department stores nowadays, have few people on the floor who regularly tidy the rooms. Making the environment pleasant for shoppers is definitely not a priority in many places. Still, it is not okay to add to the chaos.

It only takes a minute to at least put the clothes in a neat pile on the dressing room chair. You do not need to share my compulsion for folding everything maniacally and hanging things up. Such small acts of kindness will go far in making the room nicer for the next person and lightening the heavy load of the overworked salesperson.

Be Kind to Your Fellow Women

A friend and I were sipping coffee one day in a little cafe when a woman walked by. She had on a simple white t-shirt, chic jeans, and a bright yellow scarf standing in for a belt. Unfortunately her fashionable look was marred by the fact that the scarf's ends had fallen between her legs, creating a canary tail. The right thing to do would have been to let this women know that her scarf had gone astray. Yet since my friend and I were engrossed in a conversation, we just looked at her, expressed compassion, and continued to chat.

Since that time I have vowed to not let such a thing happen again. Allowing women to walk around looking silly is no better than letting a friend talk to people at a dinner party with parsley in her teeth.

My friend, who is always running late, rushed out of an airport bathroom just in time to make her flight. Her path from the restroom to the check-in counter was a long, arduous one, involving many walks down long corridors. But did one person stop her, telling her quietly that her skirt's hem was tucked into the waistband of her tights? No, no one did the right thing. Of course she was mortified though she is able to laugh about this event now.

So I am imploring you to, in a friendly manner, let a woman know when one of her outfits has gone wrong. I know this is not always easy to ascertain, but you will be thanked in the end.

Consignment Treasures

When it comes to shopping for clothes, I am not a hunter. While I love to get a deal and find something truly original, I do not like to claw through piles of clothing, elbow to elbow with crazed shoppers. This is why consignment stores are some of my favorite places to shop.

For the most part, the buyers have already pawed through stacks of gently used clothing and jewelry with well-trained eyes. My strategy is to shop often, at least once a week, to see what gems have come into the stores. On Sunday, the Los Angeles Times published another story about consignment stores in its Image section.

Here in Santa Barbara we have some terrific consignment stores which are well-organized and tidy. I often bring my clients' clothing to them, and more often than not, I leave with a wonderful find. The ones I have had the best luck in are The Closet and Renaissance. At the former, the clothing is fashion-forward and fun. Lines of UCSB students with their castoffs in tow were at The Closet's doors once the school year began last week. At Rennaissance you will find gorgeous ball gowns and lovely, classic designer wear as well as a lot of things from reputable chains such as Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. I have also found beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry at Renaissance. The saleswomen are very helpful, and getting to know them is a good thing. Once they understand your tastes, they can call and alert you to items that have come into the store that may suit you. Of course, this is both a great and a cursed service. More than once I have cheerily talked to Sally at Renaissance on the phone and am soon parting with a chunk of my paycheck. Still, what I purchase is a bargain compared to the clothings' original prices.

Shopping in consignment stores can become habit-forming once you have tasted it. I find myself eager to check out local consignment stores whenever I travel. You can even feel somewhat righteous about shopping in consignment stores as it is a form of recycling!

What to Wear

Today I worked in the boutique. Getting ready for work involves drying my hair--all the way--going through all the steps of my makeup routine, and wearing a lovely outfit. These are all things I do not mind doing when I can take my time in the morning.
However, tonight I went out for a casual dinner with my daughter, and I was not up for going through this entire regime all over again. My daughter thinks I always look fine (she is still young!), but as a wardrobe consultant, I need to look put-together all the time.
Hence my love of the uniform. By uniform I mean an oufit that is easy to throw on, always looks sharp, and requires little thought. There is one look I can count on, and I recommend that every man or woman figure out what her or his personal uniform is.
My uniform is a nice pair of jeans, a white or black t-shirt, and a pretty cardigan. If I am feeling blah, I wear a colorful, interesting cardigan. If I am in a mellow mood, I opt for a simple, gray or black sweater. Once I add a classic necklace, a swipe of lipstick, and some cute flats, I am ready to go. This look never fails me and simplifies my life countless times per week.