My friend Lisa and I spent a terrific day at the LA Farmers Market and the nearby Grove. For a mid-afternoon break, we drank delicious slushy tea drinks while sitting in the sun. At the table next to us were two dudes in their late 20s. They were casually dressed and did not strike me as particularly fashion conscious. So imagine my surprise when another 20-something man walked by the guys' table, turned around, walked back, and asked one of the men if he could "take a photo of your hair with my phone since my stylist totally screwed up last time. I want hair like yours." Lisa and I were incredulous! At the same time, we gave the guy points for owning up to a bad cut and wanting to do something about it. My own husband just whines about his awful haircuts until they grow out.
I think it is a great idea to ask people where they get their hair cut, where they buy their clothing, and what stores they like. Inspiration for dressing well (and not so well!) is all around us. Learning the resources of those whose style we admire can be enlightening and useful.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
What Shall I Wear Today?
Clearly this is not the most crucial question facing people around the globe. Other matters are far more pressing. However, since this is a wardrobe blog, I will pursue the topic of getting dressed on a daily basis.
This morning I opened my closet and stood there for 5 minutes, weighing my options. Looking outside at the gray, cool day, I imagined being cold in one of my cute summer skirts and tops. My fallback choice is jeans but they seemed too heavy for a June day. So I did something I've heard other women do: I chose an accessory and worked from there. This was a splendid solution to my dilemma.
Years ago I found a very cool belt at Melange Boutique. It is dark brown with a largish round silver buckle. The buckle is decorated with silver and blue. . . Oh heck, I will just take a picture of it.
Once I had chosen the belt, the rest of my outfit fell into place. I threw on a brown short sleeve v-neck T-shirt, my white jeans, and light brown wedge sandals. Since it was a bit nippy out, I topped my outfit with a denim jacket, too. Now that was easy!
This morning I opened my closet and stood there for 5 minutes, weighing my options. Looking outside at the gray, cool day, I imagined being cold in one of my cute summer skirts and tops. My fallback choice is jeans but they seemed too heavy for a June day. So I did something I've heard other women do: I chose an accessory and worked from there. This was a splendid solution to my dilemma.
Years ago I found a very cool belt at Melange Boutique. It is dark brown with a largish round silver buckle. The buckle is decorated with silver and blue. . . Oh heck, I will just take a picture of it.Once I had chosen the belt, the rest of my outfit fell into place. I threw on a brown short sleeve v-neck T-shirt, my white jeans, and light brown wedge sandals. Since it was a bit nippy out, I topped my outfit with a denim jacket, too. Now that was easy!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Valentino and The World of Luxury
My mom and I saw the movie "Valentino the Last Emporer" this month. It was absolutely glorious. What an artist, a perfectionist, and a genius. Some of my favorite scenes showed his seamstresses hand-stitching incredibly intricate beading onto gowns. Anyone who likes clothing and has wondered what the true meaning of "couture" is must see this film.
Valentino's loss of creative control over the company he founded brought to mind a book I read last summer, "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster." Journalist Dana Thomas states that "today luxury is simply a product packaged and sold by multi-billion-dollar global corporations that focus on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits." In addition to providing describing how designers' clothing is made and marketed today, Thomas lets readers know about the ugly world of counterfeit luxury goods. This book was a real eye-opener, and I wish more people would read it.
Valentino's loss of creative control over the company he founded brought to mind a book I read last summer, "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster." Journalist Dana Thomas states that "today luxury is simply a product packaged and sold by multi-billion-dollar global corporations that focus on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits." In addition to providing describing how designers' clothing is made and marketed today, Thomas lets readers know about the ugly world of counterfeit luxury goods. This book was a real eye-opener, and I wish more people would read it.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Fashion and the Recession
I am enamored with Kai Ryssdal's voice. He is the host of Marketplace on Public Radio International and though I don't always understand the finer points of the financial world, I can listen to his calm, reassuring voice all day. It helps that he does not take himself too seriously.
On June 11, he invited Kate Betts, editor of Time Magazine's Style and Design, to talk about fashion's reaction to the recession. He was baffled by the words, "poof skirts" but came to see that today designers are returning to classic, well-cut styles. I am encouraged to think that perhaps attempts to make women wear jumpsuits and stirrup pants are waning.
You can listen to the show by clicking on Marketplace and can read Kai's interview with Kate there as well.
On June 11, he invited Kate Betts, editor of Time Magazine's Style and Design, to talk about fashion's reaction to the recession. He was baffled by the words, "poof skirts" but came to see that today designers are returning to classic, well-cut styles. I am encouraged to think that perhaps attempts to make women wear jumpsuits and stirrup pants are waning.
You can listen to the show by clicking on Marketplace and can read Kai's interview with Kate there as well.
Is This Still in Fashion?
When I am editing a client's closet, she will often hold up an article of clothing and ask, "Is this still in style?" When she is holding up a pair of Candies shoes from the 80s or an oversized boxy t-shirt, I quickly answer, "No. Let's get rid of it."
Sometimes, however, a client wonders about a piece that is not featured as prominantly in the magazines as it once was. Such was the case recently when a client asked about her pile of pashminas. She wondered if anyone still wore them. Now, according to Harper's Bazaar, a magazine I am finding more ridiculous by the day, pashminas are "out" and capes are "in." However, in my view pashminas have become a classic. They look lovely worn with everything from an evening gown to a T-shirt and jeans. Moreover, they provide warmth!
As long as something is in good shape and suits your personality and style, wear it! Do not fret about it being in or out of fashion if the article in question makes you feel good.
Sometimes, however, a client wonders about a piece that is not featured as prominantly in the magazines as it once was. Such was the case recently when a client asked about her pile of pashminas. She wondered if anyone still wore them. Now, according to Harper's Bazaar, a magazine I am finding more ridiculous by the day, pashminas are "out" and capes are "in." However, in my view pashminas have become a classic. They look lovely worn with everything from an evening gown to a T-shirt and jeans. Moreover, they provide warmth!
As long as something is in good shape and suits your personality and style, wear it! Do not fret about it being in or out of fashion if the article in question makes you feel good.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Try This!
This month I was fortunate to spend a few days with one of my oldest and closest friends, Stacy. We never run out of things to talk about and were sad to say good-bye.
She likes me to help her go through her closet when I visit, and I am always happy to oblige. This time Stacy asked me to help her put outfits together and to give her accessorizing ideas. I looked in her closet and was thrilled to see Stacy had added some color since the last time I visited. Warm tones look great on her and along with the creams, browns, and corals were now some beautiful bright blues.
I started with the basics she wears all the time, such as jeans, khakis, and white shorts and jeans. Then we pulled out some interesting tops and added a cardigan or we took a plainer top and added a fun belt or layered a couple of necklaces. I also made some suggestions for ensembles she had not tried before. We talked about a few pieces that seemed to be missing from her wardrobe and where she could get them. Finally, I went through her shoes, some of which gave us both a good laugh. Why, oh, why do we all hold on to some things?
Once we had finished up in her closet, we did a little shopping, and then worked her new pieces into her wardrobe. Stacy was delighted to find she had a number of new outfits and a couple of new styles to try.
Stacy's shopping habits have changed since I've been giving her some serious Wardrobe Wisdom. She has become a lot more thoughtful about her purchases, considering how often she would wear the item, if it fit perfectly or would fit perfectly when tailored, and if she really, truly needs what she is considering.
This is the kind of consultation I do quite often these days. My clients are very pleased when I inject new life into their wardrobe without insisting that an expensive trip to the mall is in order. Are you in need of an update? Let me know!
She likes me to help her go through her closet when I visit, and I am always happy to oblige. This time Stacy asked me to help her put outfits together and to give her accessorizing ideas. I looked in her closet and was thrilled to see Stacy had added some color since the last time I visited. Warm tones look great on her and along with the creams, browns, and corals were now some beautiful bright blues.
I started with the basics she wears all the time, such as jeans, khakis, and white shorts and jeans. Then we pulled out some interesting tops and added a cardigan or we took a plainer top and added a fun belt or layered a couple of necklaces. I also made some suggestions for ensembles she had not tried before. We talked about a few pieces that seemed to be missing from her wardrobe and where she could get them. Finally, I went through her shoes, some of which gave us both a good laugh. Why, oh, why do we all hold on to some things?
Once we had finished up in her closet, we did a little shopping, and then worked her new pieces into her wardrobe. Stacy was delighted to find she had a number of new outfits and a couple of new styles to try.
Stacy's shopping habits have changed since I've been giving her some serious Wardrobe Wisdom. She has become a lot more thoughtful about her purchases, considering how often she would wear the item, if it fit perfectly or would fit perfectly when tailored, and if she really, truly needs what she is considering.
This is the kind of consultation I do quite often these days. My clients are very pleased when I inject new life into their wardrobe without insisting that an expensive trip to the mall is in order. Are you in need of an update? Let me know!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Cruising Longs
I could spend hours in CVS (formerly Longs) in Goleta. I like the store's wide, well-lit aisles, its vast inventory of products from Burt's Bees and other natural brands, the fun foods (amazing, very tasty eggplant relish in a jar), and all of the things I do not realize I need until I am there, cruising. I know a lot of people get this same little high from shopping at Costco, but I just get cranky and overwhelmed there.
Today a couple of friends and I passed some time at CVS. It was an educational experience. My friend, Sofi, was a font of information about cosmetics and natural beauty products. She knew almost as much as the wonderful woman who is in charge of that section.
After the makeup and haircare aisles, Sofi, Sunny, and I looked at toys, office supplies (one of my favorite aisles), and of course the stationery aisle. We were a bit rushed so could not cover the entire store.
While we were there I thought of one of my clever Wardrobe Wisdom clients. She always buys novelty purses at CVS. Of course they only last for one or two seasons at most, but they are trendy so it doesn't matter. Without fail her handbags and clutches are stylish and add some zing to her outfits. So when you have exhausted your search for bags at Ross and Payless, I suggest you hit CVS. See you there!
Today a couple of friends and I passed some time at CVS. It was an educational experience. My friend, Sofi, was a font of information about cosmetics and natural beauty products. She knew almost as much as the wonderful woman who is in charge of that section.
After the makeup and haircare aisles, Sofi, Sunny, and I looked at toys, office supplies (one of my favorite aisles), and of course the stationery aisle. We were a bit rushed so could not cover the entire store.
While we were there I thought of one of my clever Wardrobe Wisdom clients. She always buys novelty purses at CVS. Of course they only last for one or two seasons at most, but they are trendy so it doesn't matter. Without fail her handbags and clutches are stylish and add some zing to her outfits. So when you have exhausted your search for bags at Ross and Payless, I suggest you hit CVS. See you there!
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