I went to a fabulous party this weekend. Most of the people there were in costumes, but I detest dressing up and wore a simple outfit with a feathered mardi gras mask. My husband was even more of a party pooper with no costume at all.
One woman at the party was wearing a belly dancing outfit. She danced, ran around filling everyone's drinks, and seemed to be having a blast. Even at this very lively party her confidence and joie de vivre stood out.
She did not have a svelt, toned figure, but was curvy, reminding me that so much about style has to do with how we carry ourselves. No perfectly Pilates-toned Santa Barbara women could not have held a candle to the costumed belly dancer. And she knew it!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Looking Your Best--or Not
The other day I found myself woefully under dressed. I wanted to hide, to not be seen by anyone I knew. In Santa Barbara, running into friends and acquaintances is a regular part of the day so I knew I was in for it. Moreover, as a fashion consultant who must be ever vigilant about presenting a great image, I should have known better.
My daughters' school was receiving a special honor at the Board of Supervisors meeting this week. My husband asked me at the last minute if I wanted to accompany him. Since I had made plans with a friend to walk over a month ago, I decided I could exercise right after the meeting though I would not have time to change. What was I thinking?
We arrived at the meeting and I instantly saw the error of my sartorial decision. Everyone present was dressed up! This thrilled me on a professional level since so many people dress like slobs nowadays, no matter where they are. I love seeing people dressed well, looking confident and professional. But on a personal level I was mortified. How disrespectful of me to arrive at a hallowed civic place wearing gym clothes (and no makeup!).
Those who were called up to receive commendation from the board were wearing suits, nice dresses, and pant suits. They all looked sharp! When it came time for my group to stand up, I knelt on the side of the room behind a desk, taking pictures. I will not be so careless about my appearance in the future, especially in a formal setting. Inexcusable!
My daughters' school was receiving a special honor at the Board of Supervisors meeting this week. My husband asked me at the last minute if I wanted to accompany him. Since I had made plans with a friend to walk over a month ago, I decided I could exercise right after the meeting though I would not have time to change. What was I thinking?
We arrived at the meeting and I instantly saw the error of my sartorial decision. Everyone present was dressed up! This thrilled me on a professional level since so many people dress like slobs nowadays, no matter where they are. I love seeing people dressed well, looking confident and professional. But on a personal level I was mortified. How disrespectful of me to arrive at a hallowed civic place wearing gym clothes (and no makeup!).
Those who were called up to receive commendation from the board were wearing suits, nice dresses, and pant suits. They all looked sharp! When it came time for my group to stand up, I knelt on the side of the room behind a desk, taking pictures. I will not be so careless about my appearance in the future, especially in a formal setting. Inexcusable!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Fashion Resolutions
I just read a great article on the Style Bakery site. The author challenges readers to take stock of their current style and resolve to bring at least one new look to their repertoire.
My resolution is to make more thoughtful jewelry choices. Jewelry, especially necklaces, tends to be an afterthought for me. But now that I have some very pretty necklaces, I need to think about wearing them every day, by themselves or layered. I know what a difference they can make in spicing up or completing an outfit. This should be a much easier resolution to keep, compared to the one I make every year to be more patient.
Do you have any fashion resolutions?
My resolution is to make more thoughtful jewelry choices. Jewelry, especially necklaces, tends to be an afterthought for me. But now that I have some very pretty necklaces, I need to think about wearing them every day, by themselves or layered. I know what a difference they can make in spicing up or completing an outfit. This should be a much easier resolution to keep, compared to the one I make every year to be more patient.
Do you have any fashion resolutions?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Beyond the Closet
I've written before about Sara Caputo of Radiant Organizing. Sara has a gift for helping people find ways to make better decisions about their time and space issues.
She is teaching a class through Santa Barbara City College's terrific Adult Education program in February and in April. Anyone can benefit from Sara's wise advice.
On Saturday, February 28th from 9-3 pm at the Schott Center, Sara's class will focus on how to get more organized and be more productive! Go here to learn more: http://sbcc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?FuseAction=1071
Sara is also teaching this class in April.
She is teaching a class through Santa Barbara City College's terrific Adult Education program in February and in April. Anyone can benefit from Sara's wise advice.
On Saturday, February 28th from 9-3 pm at the Schott Center, Sara's class will focus on how to get more organized and be more productive! Go here to learn more: http://sbcc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?FuseAction=1071
Sara is also teaching this class in April.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Beautiful Bras!
Today I purchased two unbelievably beautiful and supportive bras at Purrmission Lingerie in Santa Barbara. I had been a big fan of this store long before I won a nice prize at its recent trunk show.
Melanie, the owner, and Judy, the store manager, are fit experts, along with the rest of the staff. They will not be satisfied until they help you find the bra that fits you perfectly. And, oh, the bras! I have read about the glorious lingerie shops in Italy and France, and I have to believe that Purrmission would be right at home there. Of course Purrmission carries lovely panties to match the bras as well as gorgeous things to sleep or lounge around in.
Yes, these times are financially tough. However, investing in well-fitting undergarments means your current clothing will look better on you and you will walk taller and with a spring in your step, knowing that what is underneath your clothing is providing great support while being pretty, pretty, pretty!
Melanie, the owner, and Judy, the store manager, are fit experts, along with the rest of the staff. They will not be satisfied until they help you find the bra that fits you perfectly. And, oh, the bras! I have read about the glorious lingerie shops in Italy and France, and I have to believe that Purrmission would be right at home there. Of course Purrmission carries lovely panties to match the bras as well as gorgeous things to sleep or lounge around in.
Yes, these times are financially tough. However, investing in well-fitting undergarments means your current clothing will look better on you and you will walk taller and with a spring in your step, knowing that what is underneath your clothing is providing great support while being pretty, pretty, pretty!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Shopping in Tough Times
Blogging about the finer points of clothes shopping during this recession has been on my to-do list for weeks. Tonight I read someone else's excellent post, from Me in Melange, on this topic and realized I could not have done any better.
Read this post, absorb its wisdom, and shop accordingly!
Read this post, absorb its wisdom, and shop accordingly!
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Great Shoe Quest
Here are two common Wardrobe Wisdom queries: Where can I find size 5 shoes? How about finding size 11 shoes?
Unfortunately, in Santa Barbara the choices are rather limited. Saks and Nordstrom can probably order you the shoes you want, but they do not have very many small or size 11 and up sizes in stock. Well-Heeled on State Street has larger sizes in stock but not so many of the smaller ones.
While I prefer to shop locally, sometimes I must help my clients find what they want via the Internet. Two great sites are petitefeet.com and barefoottess.com.
I would love to know where you've had good luck finding shoes, in person or online.
Unfortunately, in Santa Barbara the choices are rather limited. Saks and Nordstrom can probably order you the shoes you want, but they do not have very many small or size 11 and up sizes in stock. Well-Heeled on State Street has larger sizes in stock but not so many of the smaller ones.
While I prefer to shop locally, sometimes I must help my clients find what they want via the Internet. Two great sites are petitefeet.com and barefoottess.com.
I would love to know where you've had good luck finding shoes, in person or online.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
How Do I Look?
It is important to shop with someone who knows your taste, budget, and style. When these qualities are not present, shopping can become frustrating and a waste of time.
Of course shopping with a good pal can be a ball. However, if you consistently end up buying things with that friend that you don't wear, find another activity to do with her or him.
My friend Stacy, also known as the Serial Returner, is the perfect shopping pal for me. She lets me know when I look good, ridiculous, or if something does not fit properly. Even though our personal styles may differ, she knows what suits me and will bring clothing into the dressing room for me to try. Stacy is brilliant.
Another reliable source for fashion feedback and inspiration is my 7 year old daughter. I think this is called karma: I used to give my mom "helpful little fashion tips" all the time when I was growing up. Now my daughter will look me up and down, suggest different shoes or accessories, and will sometimes just point at an article of clothing and say, "No, it's just not right." The other morning I was heading off for an important presentation and could not decide which shoes to wear. I actually woke her up to get her opinion and she saved the day.
So think carefully before suggesting a serious shopping outing to just any friend. Bring along someone whom you can trust, who will steer you in the right direction, and will help you to look your best.
Of course shopping with a good pal can be a ball. However, if you consistently end up buying things with that friend that you don't wear, find another activity to do with her or him.
My friend Stacy, also known as the Serial Returner, is the perfect shopping pal for me. She lets me know when I look good, ridiculous, or if something does not fit properly. Even though our personal styles may differ, she knows what suits me and will bring clothing into the dressing room for me to try. Stacy is brilliant.
Another reliable source for fashion feedback and inspiration is my 7 year old daughter. I think this is called karma: I used to give my mom "helpful little fashion tips" all the time when I was growing up. Now my daughter will look me up and down, suggest different shoes or accessories, and will sometimes just point at an article of clothing and say, "No, it's just not right." The other morning I was heading off for an important presentation and could not decide which shoes to wear. I actually woke her up to get her opinion and she saved the day.
So think carefully before suggesting a serious shopping outing to just any friend. Bring along someone whom you can trust, who will steer you in the right direction, and will help you to look your best.
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