A very insightful article came out in the New York Times today, called " Tales from the Back of a Closet." In it, the author describes a wardrobe intervention her fashionable friend instigated. The author writes, "I’m haunted by the suspicion that there exists, in the depths of my closet, sufficient raw material to put together several attractive, fashionable outfits — if only I could jettison preconceived notions about how to wear what I already own."
I think "raw material" is a refreshing way to consider the basics in our closet. They are what I look for first when working with my Wardrobe Wisdom clients. Once we have established what basics are there and where the gaps are, we can play around with outfits. Not a session goes by that I don't hear, " I never would have thought of that. I love those things together!" A pair of objective eyes helps to see the possibilities for "new" outfits and looks.
So once you have identified the raw materials in your own wardrobe, get me (or a trusted, stylish friend) in there to suggest different ways to wear your clothes. Chances are you will be delighted with the results and you will begin shopping for clothing with a fresh outlook on your own style potential.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Bathing Suit Shopping
Hmmm. Should I shop for a bathing suit today or have a root canal? Given the choice, a majority of women would opt for the latter. Still, there comes a time when one must be strong and shop for swimwear.
Before setting out with the objective of finding something to wear at the beach or pool, keep the following in mind:
the mirrors in dressing rooms are notoriously horrible;
you will have more color and feel more comfortable in a bathing suit after the first few wears;
and finally, looking for a great-fitting and looking suit has never been easier.
Yes, it is true! From getting a custom-made suit right up the coast at the Bikini Factory in Summerland, to ordering one from Lands End after talking to their super helpful staff over the phone, anyone can find a bathing suit these days. Linda, who has been at the Bikini Factory for many years, is a fantastic swimwear specialist. Sure, it may not be fun, but it is definitely possible. Try J. Crew online, Nordstrom, and Athleta (a favorite) for a variety of terrific bathing suits.
Let me leave you with my own, real-life bathing suit story. I was at Macy's and was determined to find a suit that day. So I loaded my arms with at least 15 suits and took them into the dressing room. Because no salesperson was around to help me find my size or to suggest brands or styles, I was on my own. This became glaringly clear when the following nightmare ensued. After trying on each suit and becoming more and more exasperated and depressed, I decided to make one more round of the racks. Since I was pooped, I simply threw my black pashmina around my waist and wore a bikini top out of the dressing room. Heck, I thought, I will only be gone a minute.
Unfortunately, the door locked after me and there I was, half-naked with no salesperson in sight. I briefly considered trying to slip under the locked door, but I figured getting stuck would be worse than cruising around half-dressed at Macy's. After 10 minutes of searching in vain for someone, anyone to unlock my door, I located a salesgirl. She then had to page another saleswoman who had the key to the door. Tick, tock, tick, tock. When I at last made it back into my room, humiliated but more determined than ever to find a suit, I tried on the ones I had found with all the time I had had to peruse the racks. Eureka! I did find one that fit beautifully and covered me just where I wanted to be covered. I am pretty sure that Macy's sales staff was very happy to see me leave (fully clothed again).
Before setting out with the objective of finding something to wear at the beach or pool, keep the following in mind:
the mirrors in dressing rooms are notoriously horrible;
you will have more color and feel more comfortable in a bathing suit after the first few wears;
and finally, looking for a great-fitting and looking suit has never been easier.
Yes, it is true! From getting a custom-made suit right up the coast at the Bikini Factory in Summerland, to ordering one from Lands End after talking to their super helpful staff over the phone, anyone can find a bathing suit these days. Linda, who has been at the Bikini Factory for many years, is a fantastic swimwear specialist. Sure, it may not be fun, but it is definitely possible. Try J. Crew online, Nordstrom, and Athleta (a favorite) for a variety of terrific bathing suits.
Let me leave you with my own, real-life bathing suit story. I was at Macy's and was determined to find a suit that day. So I loaded my arms with at least 15 suits and took them into the dressing room. Because no salesperson was around to help me find my size or to suggest brands or styles, I was on my own. This became glaringly clear when the following nightmare ensued. After trying on each suit and becoming more and more exasperated and depressed, I decided to make one more round of the racks. Since I was pooped, I simply threw my black pashmina around my waist and wore a bikini top out of the dressing room. Heck, I thought, I will only be gone a minute.
Unfortunately, the door locked after me and there I was, half-naked with no salesperson in sight. I briefly considered trying to slip under the locked door, but I figured getting stuck would be worse than cruising around half-dressed at Macy's. After 10 minutes of searching in vain for someone, anyone to unlock my door, I located a salesgirl. She then had to page another saleswoman who had the key to the door. Tick, tock, tick, tock. When I at last made it back into my room, humiliated but more determined than ever to find a suit, I tried on the ones I had found with all the time I had had to peruse the racks. Eureka! I did find one that fit beautifully and covered me just where I wanted to be covered. I am pretty sure that Macy's sales staff was very happy to see me leave (fully clothed again).
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Timeless Style for All
When working with plus-size clients, I direct them to a fabulous website: Gayla Bentley. "The Houston-based designer uses what she calls 'basic, but sassy' versatile pieces -- sized 2-28 -- that look great on real women's bodies and work well with women's hectic lifestyles." In short, Gayla understands what clothing women of all sizes want.
Today I came across a super article that references Gayla Bentley: "10 Secrets to Timeless Style" by Cynthia Nellis of About.com. The article includes photos and descriptions of how the looks come together and why they work so well. An instructive read!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Letting Go
When I am going through a client's closet and come upon a questionable garment, I do not shout incredulously, "Why on earth are you still holding onto that terrible shirt? It's outdated! It doesn't fit you anymore! It's just ugly!" These things are not said because we all have reasons for holding onto our stuff and the last thing I want to do is make someone feel defensive or ashamed about this very human impulse. The simple fact that someone has hired me to weed out a closet is an acknowledgment that he or she does not want to continue living in the past.
Sara Caputo, founder of Radiant Organizing, works with people ready to become more organized and teaches them how to be more productive. She works in all areas except wardrobes, but what she has to say about holding on to our belongings applies to wardrobes as well. I found one of her most recent blog entries on the topic of letting go extremely insightful and want to share it with you.
Sara Caputo, founder of Radiant Organizing, works with people ready to become more organized and teaches them how to be more productive. She works in all areas except wardrobes, but what she has to say about holding on to our belongings applies to wardrobes as well. I found one of her most recent blog entries on the topic of letting go extremely insightful and want to share it with you.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Yep, I Got a Girdle
I tried on a cute, simple jersey skirt the other day that I thought would be perfect for easy summer days. It is navy cotton with a rolldown waistband. When I brought it home, however, I realized that it showed every little imperfection. So now I am the owner of a Spanx slip which creates a beautiful, smooth appearance in any of my body skimming skirts. Thus I have completely nullified the whole "easy summer days" concept of skirt-wearing. When I was whining to my mom about wearing the Spanx girdle, I got to hear what girdles were "really like" in the 1950s and was told I had no idea what true discomfort meant. Oh well.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May Madness
Every year the Music Academy of the West holds a huge sale of furniture, clothing, and household items on its grounds in Montecito. Every year I have missed it until today.
As Jen and I sought a parking space, we saw women leaving the sale carrying a lot of plastic bags filled with stuff. I couldn't help noting the women's sizes and styles, hoping they did not snatch up things that would have fit me. My friend and I split up, meeting again at the Rack (the Music Academy's consignment store) an hour later. Yes, there were a lot of clothes: some were fabulous, a lot were not.
The pros really scored though. You could tell them by their focused vision, their aggressive method of going through the racks, and their cries of joy when they found a particularly great garment or accessory. You know what they say about one man's trash, right? This was the place to witness that truism to an extreme. I saw a sweater in a garish print my oldest daughter would call "pollution" and was just about to make a snide comment about it to my friend when a woman ran over to it, grasped it ecstatically, and paid for it without even trying it on. Wow.
I ended up finding a stunning pair of gray python pumps for a mere $25. My friend almost bought a vintage vinyl black purse but did not think it was worth the price. I watched a woman pay $45 for an Escada sequined top that was priced at $250. I am not sure how that happened, but when I raised an eyebrow at the buyer, she gave me a look that said, "Don't you dare say anything [to the clerk]."
If nothing else, May Madness is a fantastic people-watching venue and I imagine there were special things for sale the minute the doors opened. Maybe I will get there early next year.
As Jen and I sought a parking space, we saw women leaving the sale carrying a lot of plastic bags filled with stuff. I couldn't help noting the women's sizes and styles, hoping they did not snatch up things that would have fit me. My friend and I split up, meeting again at the Rack (the Music Academy's consignment store) an hour later. Yes, there were a lot of clothes: some were fabulous, a lot were not.
The pros really scored though. You could tell them by their focused vision, their aggressive method of going through the racks, and their cries of joy when they found a particularly great garment or accessory. You know what they say about one man's trash, right? This was the place to witness that truism to an extreme. I saw a sweater in a garish print my oldest daughter would call "pollution" and was just about to make a snide comment about it to my friend when a woman ran over to it, grasped it ecstatically, and paid for it without even trying it on. Wow.
I ended up finding a stunning pair of gray python pumps for a mere $25. My friend almost bought a vintage vinyl black purse but did not think it was worth the price. I watched a woman pay $45 for an Escada sequined top that was priced at $250. I am not sure how that happened, but when I raised an eyebrow at the buyer, she gave me a look that said, "Don't you dare say anything [to the clerk]."
If nothing else, May Madness is a fantastic people-watching venue and I imagine there were special things for sale the minute the doors opened. Maybe I will get there early next year.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Hem Mishap
My husband and I arrived at a fancy event the other night looking quite spiffy. I wore my lovely Nanette Lepore jacket with a gray pencil skirt and black pumps. Sadly, a mere 10 minutes into the event I noticed the hem was coming out of my skirt. It looked so tacky!
I panicked, sending my husband across campus to his office to fetch me some tape. Normally I carry Hollywood Fashion Tape wherever I go, but I had changed purses at the last minute and left it out. What a mistake! While the generic tape my husband handed me did the trick, it never felt very secure and I checked the hem throughout the evening. From now on, my tape will be with me at all times!
I panicked, sending my husband across campus to his office to fetch me some tape. Normally I carry Hollywood Fashion Tape wherever I go, but I had changed purses at the last minute and left it out. What a mistake! While the generic tape my husband handed me did the trick, it never felt very secure and I checked the hem throughout the evening. From now on, my tape will be with me at all times!
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