A Surprising Read

Just when I was congratulating myself on not renewing my subscription to Harper's Bazaar, I came upon three insightful articles. How refreshing it was to find useful information after dozens of pages with outrageous-looking, pencil-thin models wearing preposterous clothing. I had a hard time relating those photos to Wardrobe Wisdom.

However, I enjoyed reading two pages describing clothing designer Alberta Ferretti's lifestyle and home. What caught my eye was this jet-setter's statement that she travels with only her "jolly pieces." She goes on to say, "You know, the outfit that always, no matter how tired or stressed you are, makes you feel better." What fantastic advice! We should all determine what clothing qualifies as "jolly" in our closet; then we should make sure to pack them when we travel; I would add that knowing what pieces make us feel extra good can lead us to put such clothing on when we need a lift. These happy pieces also remind us the qualities we should look for when we shop.

Another article, titled "What Your Clothes Say about You" gives a clear message in its subtitle: "Your Style May Be Sending All the Wrong Messages." Though it sounds superficial, "what we wear sends powerful signals." Furthermore, "now is always a good moment to fine-tune."

The article seeks the advice of designers, including Tory Burch and Michael Kors, but such experts are not necessary. What we need to consider when assessing each piece in our wardrobe are some basic questions: Does it fit? Is it current? Does it flatter my figure? Does it convey the current image I want to project? Remember: it's the current you, not the you of five or ten years ago, that your clothing can and will reflect.

What did not come as a surprise to me was the smart clothing philosophy of Christiane Amanpour. For this committed journalist who has traveled to and written about some of the most conflict-ridden places on the globe, a preoccupation with fashion is not part of her makeup. Instead of being fashion-obsessed, Amanpour has "crafted for herself something that can make life a lot less complicated: a uniform." She consistently wears clothing that works for her, knows what suits her and, importantly, what does not suit her. She says, "I don't look good in frou-frou. No puffs and no plunge."

Creating personal uniforms is what I suggest my Wardrobe Wisdom clients do. Once we discuss the client's lifestyle, clothing preferences, and budget, I help her or him put together go-to outfits. Having such staples makes getting dressed a breeze.

The lessons I learned while reading these three articles makes me question my decision about no longer receiving Harper's Bazaar every month. Perhaps I will peruse it at Chaucer's and buy it when other such astute articles appear.

Helpful Salespeople!!!!!!

On a recent shopping expedition I was pleased to find friendly, helpful salespeople at every turn. This makes the retail experience so much more pleasant. Instead of feeling like I was interrupting a personal conversation or phone call to have a dressing room opened, I received diligent, polite service--the way it should be!

At the Gap, a woman unlocked my dressing room, checked in on me every few minutes, and looked on the entire floor, including the back stock room, for a T-shirt I wanted. The cashier was equally cheerful and we had a nice conversation about necklaces before I left the store.

At the Swatch store, the manager was terrific. He let me try on a number of watches until I found the one I liked. Then he worked on taking links out of the band until it fit me perfectly. My friend was curious about some watches for her young boys, and he had a lot of suggestions and tips to offer. Not once did we feel rushed or pressured to buy anything.

We also went to J. Crew, where a quiet but very competent salesman brought me a beautiful pair of shoes in two sizes and some T-shirts that I was unable to find. He did not hover, but he did let me know he was there if I needed anything.

Stacy and I had a marvelous shopping day, largely due to the service we received. I am hopeful that this kind of service is becoming the norm, not the exception.

Gap Jeans

The Gap and its executive vice president of design, Patrick Robinson, are marketing the heck out of their new jeans line. Extensive, pull-out ads appear in several magazines this month. In a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, Robinson says about the new 1969 jeans, "And what we give them now is an even better [than more expensive jeans] rock-star butt -- at $59 . . . And that's Gap.". Hmmm. Seems like I need to get down to the Gap and check these jeans out, especially since my oldest daughter informed me that I have "a flat bottom."

Of course the Wardrobe Wisdom advice I give regarding jeans is to try several pairs on until you find ones that fit fantastically and make you feel good. This may take more than one shopping trip so allow time and be patient. You should also be open to tailoring the jeans if necessary. For example, if the jeans fit well everywhere save for a big waist, have some tucks taken in along the back of the waistband. While I am in love with my one premium pair of jeans, I still don't feel good about what I spent on them. Jeans do not need to cost a fortune to look great which is why I also own some wonderful, reasonably priced J. Crew jeans. Remember to buy two pairs, if your budget allows, once you find your dream jeans.

Fall Colors

Every season different colors are considered "in." Stores feature these colors prominently and salespeople often push them even if they do not flatter a particular customer. I won't get started on my pea green diatribe. (But why, oh why, did so many women try to wear that challenging color?)

The colors you will see in the stores from now until winter are featured in CAbi's blog, which is a good source of fashion information. Wear them as you wish, IF they look good on you. If you look pale and deathly in one of the colors but it still speaks to you, wear it on the bottom portion of your body, away from your face. Or choose shoes or a handbag in that color.

The (Almost) Perfect Shoe

I've been seeking the perfect pump for two years. All I want is one in a neutral shade, more on the pink than the yellow side, with a reasonable (1 1/2"-2 1/2") heel--and now for the tough part--this shoe needs to be comfortable. I envision myself wearing these pumps with skirts, dresses, and pants. They would elongate my legs and add a touch of elegance to my outfit.

As usual, J. Crew pulled through with my sartorial ideal. I tried it on over the weekend and fell in love. My friend and best shopping companion, Stacy, announced that they were "flawless." Yes, this was true except when I tried to walk a bit. They were not comfortable! Sure, I could wear them out to dinner or to do a talk, but could I stand on them for hours while working on a client's closet? No. Wardrobe Wisdom tells me that if they go on sale, I should snatch them up. After all, at a sale price, they would be worth having for certain occasions. However, for me to pay full price, they would need to be as comfy as the flip-flops I've been wearing all summer. I am hoping for a BIG sale soon.

A Happy Accident

While visiting family and friends in Orange County last weekend, I grazed a snazzy BMW with my vehicle. Damn! I hopped out of my car and looked the other one over. The only marks were a few horizontal ones where my white paint had met with the BMW's lovely gunmetal gray. I scribbled a note to the car's owner and left it on the windshield, cursing myself for being distracted while I was hunting for a parking spot.

The following day I received a call from Anita, thanking me for leaving the note and wanting me to meet her at a nearby car wash. She was hoping that the car washers could rub out the marks. Relieved that Anita did not seem angry, I explained the situation to my two daughters, and they looked confused but understood we needed to make a side trip on our way back to Santa Barbara.

At the car wash, I was met by friendly Anita. We began talking and I learned that she was the owner of a boutique in Newport Beach called Maison Saint Marie. When I told her that I was a wardrobe consultant, she began to describe her boutique and invited me to see it. At the end of our conversation, we learned that the car looked like new and she was pleased with the result. Whew!

I zipped down PCH and walked into Anita's store. What a gem! She carries one-of-a-kind gowns, cocktail dresses, gorgeous purses, and beautiful jewelry. Immediately I began thinking of clients who would be drooling over her wares and I am anxious to share my find with them. We both felt that our meeting was meant to be!

Sheer T-Shirts

I've been enjoying reading Audrey's blog, from Momgenerations.com. Her most recent post addresses the question of what to wear under sheer T-shirts, and I think her response is great.

I would like to add, to any designers out there, that women are getting tired of having to purchase additional foundations to wear under simple pieces like T-shirts. Yes, I get that you will sell more if women are compelled to layer everything from a tank top to a hoodie, but we do not appreciate your skimping on cost by using cheaper, thinner fabrics.

The White Top

I followed my own Wardrobe Wisdom advice yesterday and wore a white knit top that had been hanging, unworn, in my closet for over a year. Wearing it would tell me if I loved it and would wear it again, or if it did not feel right and needed to be given away.

Buying the top seemed like a no-brainer: I fall hard for spanking new white tops with their almost-blue color and their clean look. This one had a lovely v-neck and fell nicely over my bust and tummy. It was also a great deal--costing under $20. Why I had not worn it was made clear moments after putting it on yesterday. In short, it made me feel frumpy. When I arrived at my friend's house in the afternoon, I complained about my top, and she said, "Yeah, it doesn't really look like you."

So, once I wash this top, it will go straight into my donations bag or be given to a friend. Think of doing what I did whenever you look at but don't put on certain pieces in your closet. Wear them for a day, and you will either discover new things you love or insight into why those things don't work for you.

After writing this I offered the top to my sister-in-law. She put it on right away and looked darling. We were both happy!

Bras. Panties, and More!

On Monday, July 27, a number of women gathered after hours at Purrmision Lingerie. Miss Kitty, aka Melanie Doctors, is the owner of this fine local store and takes her work very seriously. Thank goodness because getting the right undergarments is serious business! She and her very efficient and knowledgeable bra fitter, Tiger, offered to fit my Wardrobe Wisdom clients and friends. Most learned they were wearing the wrong size and were thrilled to discover pretty bras that truly did their jobs.

Miss Kitty and I agree that building a bra wardrobe has a great deal in common with building your outer wardrobe: spend the most on the bras you will wear the most, in accordance with your lifestyle. For example, if you wear knit, body-skimming tops several times a week, invest in a couple of t-shirt bras, one in nude and one in a darker color.

We also talked about getting away from black bras. They tend to be the go-to item when we are wearing dark colors, but why not get a bra in red or bright green, or a beautiful purple? Why indeed? Putting such a lovely thing on first thing in the morning can and should be uplifting in every sense of the word. In fact, wearing great-fitting bras, underwear, and slips just make us feel good and we are SO worth it!

Riding Knickers

Whenever my husband is walking out the door in a questionable outfit, I tell him, "Please don't identify your wife as the founder of Wardrobe Wisdom." This plea is met with a chuckle and I feel a bit uneasy for the rest of the day.

The week before his birthday, a package arrived. When I asked him what it contained, he said, "Oh, it's a gift from Maryellen that I picked out." Minutes later he emerged from our bedroom, modeling his knew biking pants. Now, I have never been a fan of spandex riding shorts. Still, they are fantastic-looking compared to what met my eyes: black knickers. My husband fancies himself a retro-bike rider, and says he and his friends will ride their vintage bikes together, sporting their knickers and pocket watches. What on earth? When will they do this? On Halloween? How many guys are in his wacky riding club? My mind was filled with many more questions.

Yet in the end, I just sighed heavily and said I was glad I had kept my name when we got married. HELP!

Men on the Street

Bill Cunningham, my favorite photojournalist from the New York Times, shows how men are dressing in diverse ways as they head to work. His new "On the Street" video has great examples of different looks, from snazzy suits, to neat pants and vests, to white pants (!), and everything in between. I loved it!

Hats On

Bill Cunningham from the New York Times features hats in one of his recent video slideshows. He states that the streamlined, unembellished hats represent the simplified, paired-down fashion sensibility for these times.

Enjoy!