The 40-Year-Old Shopper

I recently read a nice article, whose title I stole for this blog post, in Esquire magazine by Mike Albo. Though he is writing from a man's point of view, many of his observations hold true for women as well. I found this statement particularly true: "It's not an easy transition, this turning-forty thing, but when you know where to find classic clothing with just enough originality to keep things interesting, it can get a little easier."

The only problem is in trying to find wonderful clothing! Jeez! Women in Europe, Japan, and Great Britain, among those in other countries, do not seem in a quandary about where to purchase clothing. They look chic and polished, season after season, without seeming to try very hard. Why does the U.S. have a dearth of clothing for the 40+ crowd? Yeah, we have a plethora of stores that cater to the frumpy, dowdy, matronly woman, and the "I want to wear what my daughter wears" crowd, but what about the rest of us?

Though the search for these elusive stores for 40+ women continues, we can aspire to the ideal in Albo's final paragraph: "In the end, a midlifer ends up becoming an expert shopper, whether he means to or not. . . He gives every article of clothing a ruthless look in the dressing room. . . He makes wise investments. And he does it all with a healthy sense of humor."

Leave It To The Experts

Part of my recent website update involved taking new head shots. Sure, I could have taken the easy way out and asked my husband or a friend to snap some photos on a day I felt attractive. But I've done that before with varying degrees of success. I decided to take my own advice and hire an expert, Rick Carter.

On the day we met, he put me immediately at ease, asking me what backgrounds I preferred and gently telling me how to stand and hold my head. Left to my own devices, I would have had little idea what poses to strike. This process can be very awkward, but Rick's professionalism and confidence made it comfortable and easy.

Another local expert is esthetician Roxanne Zbinden, at Cielo Spa. She is the one I turn to for skin-care advice. She is knowledgeable and gives outstanding facials in addition to other spa treatments. I could never receive such a level of expertise at my local drug store or from a department store cosmetics counter.

When people ask me why they should hire me instead of relying on themselves or their friends for fashion advice and wardrobe management, I tell them they should hire me because I am an expert. I spend most of my time reading about, shopping, and researching fashion and style. I know how to organize a closet and make efficient use of closet space; I know what colors and styles suit different body types, and where to tell people to find the clothing they seek, always remaining mindful of their particular budgets.

Hiring an expert, whether it is a photographer, esthetician, or wardrobe consultant, saves you time, money, and stress. It is worth it!

Jeans, Again

Among all the names that fly around in the denim world, one seems rather unsung: David Kahn. These jeans are pricey, but boy do they flatter a woman's figure. I have seen lean, curvy, tall, and short women in David Kahn jeans, and they all look fabulous, due to the various available styles. The one style that suits most women is called, eponymously, the Butt-Lifter. It works, truly!

These jeans are available at Patty Montana in Goleta and at Nordstrom in Paseo Nuevo Mall. Give them a try!

Wardrobe Inventory

I've worked in retail forever and every year I know the stores must take inventory, a dreadful chore. I always thought that taking an inventory of my own closet would be far less tedious, and so this year I tested my theory. Was it dull? Yes. Was it enlightening? Yes. Would I recommend it? Definitely!

My family kept asking me what on earth was I doing. My husband was not seeing the value in this time-consuming inventory exercise. Only later, when I described how I learned what NOT to buy, did he understand why I would write down everything contained in my wardrobe.

Here is what I learned:
I do not need more than 3 black skirts (casual, dressy, work).
Seeing so many black skirts in my closet clarified the foolishness of redundant purchases in general.
I don't like wearing blouses.
So I should stop purchasing them even though they are ALWAYS listed as must-have items.
I do not need to keep buying gray sweaters.
Though I love them, I only have one body to keep warm and I do not live in a very cold climate.
I do not wear shoes that hurt my feet (surprise!).
Wow! I had at least 4 pairs of shoes in my arsenal that have always hurt. Stop doing that, Lori!!!
I do wear dresses.
So I should spend money on these, since I feel good in them, as opposed to separates.

In the end, I had a large bag of clothing to offer a friend, and a clearer idea of holes in my wardrobe. Even if you do not spend an entire day writing down what your closet contains, do look at what you own and see if you discover any unhealthy buying patterns. I guarantee this exercise will ultimately save you time and money, especially if you follow up by making an appointment with me at Wardrobe Wisdom!

I Love Easy Living

More than once I've posted a blog about Easy Living, my favorite magazine. Among all the fashion magazines on the rack, Easy Living stands out. The writing is intelligent and captivating, with varied and well-researched articles. In one issue I can read about upcoming books and movies, learn how to shop in second-hand stores, gain tips on living more green, and discover how the "other woman" feels. Each month Easy Living contains great fashion photos and practical advice on how to wear the current styles. I eagerly await every issue, having subscribed last year after not consistently finding it in Santa Barbara's bookstores.

However, I think more women are discovering this extraordinary magazine, and it now seems quite easy to find. Borders carries it and so does the Front Page, at 5737 Calle Real in Goleta. Too bad I already paid for my overseas delivery! Let me know what you think of Easy Living.

A Cry for Help?

I just laughed out loud while reading "One Man and His Ugly Shoes" by Michelle Slatalla in the New York Times. She writes about her husband's strange new shoes and other dubious clothing choices he has made during their time together. Of course I thought of my husband and his cycling knickers though I don't need any more Emails from his loyal friends.

Read it; it's funny!

Rebagz

I've had a hard time getting excited about the HUGE handbags being churned out for the past few years. Since I am petite, these enormous statement bags looked absurd on me. So it's rare that a handbag catches my eye in a positive way.

Enter Rebagz. These stylish, original bags are the brainchild of Mary Stevens-Heebner, who says, "Some carried rice and grains around. Others were fruit juice packs – the kind you stick a straw in and slurp from. But after those jobs were done, these packs and sacks were just too colorful to throw away. So instead they’re rescued and transformed into our whimsical bags, handmade especially for you, by a wonderful women’s cooperative in the Philippines.
Now just wear, enjoy - and recycle!"

Go to the Rebagz website now and see if you can resist buying one of these unique, sensational bags. Good luck!

True Service

I am revisiting this topic since questions seem to arise around it. Sometimes it is hard to know how to answer when the cashier asks, "Was someone helping you?" Though not all stores give commission to salesclerks, most have some sort of incentive or bonus program tied to what a particular salesperson sells on a given day. So being aware and sensitive to this is important. However, there is helping and there is true service.

Some salespeople must be repeatedly asked to look for certain sizes and express fatigue or irritation at the thought that they are there to help customers. These are not the folks whose names you need to give the cashier.

Other salespeople are superstars, checking in on you while you are trying on clothes without pestering, offering to find clothing in other sizes or styles, helping you put together outfits, etc. When you have such a person giving you such great service, do let the cashier know that person's name. He or she deserves to be singled out for her or his excellent attitude and efficiency and of course deserves to be compensated monetarily by management.

What Is Your Favorite Cheap Thrill?

The title of this post was ripped from a page in Lucky Magazine. Editors were asked what some of their favorite, inexpensive things were and the responses ranged from a McDonald's soft-serve vanilla ice cream to inexpensive Portuguese red wines.

Some of my favorite cheap thrills are going to the library and leaving with a bag full of books (cookbooks, novels, like-new $1 hardbacks, and interesting music CDs) and cute, long-lasting flip-flops from J. Crew.

What are yours?

Gap Jeans

Last week I spent an afternoon at the Gap, trying on their new 1969 jeans. Melissa was super helpful, finding all but one style (The Boyfriend) in my size and ferrying jeans to and from my dressing room. Did I like them? Yes. Was the denim similar to other premium brands' denim? Not quite. Did they fit? Some better than others. Would I recommend trying them on? YES!

Here are the different styles and my comments:

Perfect Boot: I liked the wide waistband and cute 2 button closure. The dark wash looked dressy and they were flattering from the back. These were as close to perfect as I got that day!

Sexy Boot: This one had a super low rise (not good on me with my long waist) and flattened out my bottom. Not pretty. Again, the dark fabric looked and felt good.

Real Straight: Indescribably bad on me. These would be good on a taller, leaner person who wanted to tuck them into boots.

Long & Lean: Inexplicably, I took a smaller size in this style. They had some distressed whiskering in the front and looked great from the back. I think it's funny that this style fit me as I am only 5' 4".

Curvy: I really liked the feel and leg of these though the pockets hit me low in the back. I am not very curvy.

Always Skinny: See Real Straight above.

The 1969 Jeans are definitely worth trying on, and I would suggest trying all the styles. Buying jeans in a current style is a foolproof way to update your wardrobe. My body shape (rectangle) did not match up with the style for which it was designed. Every pair but one was a bit big in the waist which is highly unusual for me. So give yourself time in The Gap--you may find your dream jeans there.

P.S. There are some super cute, reasonably priced T-shirts at The Gap these days!

Good-Bye to Longs

I have written before about Longs Drug Store and what a pleasure it has been to shop there. Now that my favorite drug store has officially become CVS I am devastated. What a completely different and dry, unsatisfying experience is is to go there now.

In the past, I could kill a lot of time going up and down Longs' aisles. Even if I just wanted to buy some fun lipstick, I would check out the stationery aisle, the shampoo aisle, and the wine aisle. I so, so loved the big section set aside for natural beauty products by Kiss My Face, Burt's Bees, Alba, and others.

Now that section, and the wonderfully informed woman who managed it, are gone. In its place are row upon row of cheap CVS brand products, and sterile, empty-looking shelves along every aisle. Ugh.

I never thought I would pine for a drug store. But I do.

How May I Help You?

An acquaintance at the gym walked up to me yesterday while I was on the Treadmill. She told me she was going on a trip and asked, "Do you offer packing services to your Wardrobe Wisdom clients?" Eager to line up an appointment I answered, "Yes, I do. When do you leave for Turkey?" As it turned out, she said she was going to pack herself, but she reminded me that people may not really know what specific wardrobe services I offer.

How may I help you?
Can I help you determine what clothing in your wardrobe is most flattering in terms of color and style, and what is outdated and does not make the most of your features?
May I help you figure out what clothing you will need for your new job, change in lifestyle, weight loss or gain, or move to a different city?
Can I help you shop for clothing and accessories, with you or on my own?
May I help you figure out ways to make the most of your current closet space?
Can I offer suggestions for storing and caring for your clothing and accessories?
May I help you select clothing for a special occasion or job interview?
Can I speak at a community event or organization you are involved in?

I think that covers everything--at least for now!

Considering Dresses

As you readers know, I love wearing dresses. However, many of my Wardrobe Wisdom clients find shopping for dresses to be a challenge. What suits them? How do they know what dresses will flatter their figure? What should they look for in a dress?

Today I came across a great blog post on how to shop for a little black dress, but all of the advice applies to dresses in any fabric color or print. Questions answered! Thank you, Cynthia Nellis at About.com: Women's Fashion.

From My Newsletter

Consignment Stores and Jewelry Events

Most of my favorite skirts and an unusual, beautiful necklace I own were purchased at consignment stores. Whenever I receive compliments on what I am wearing and tell people where I shop, they are baffled. I have learned that a lot of mystery and confusion surrounds such stores. For this reason, I am teaming up with Renaissance Consignment Store to demystifiy this form of shopping. In addition to getting a personal tour of their fabulous store, Renaissance experts will share their insiders' knowledge. I will also offer tips and suggestions for consignment shopping, and I'll talk about the value of having a "running" shopping list. You will have time to enjoy some refreshments and shop to your heart's content. The store will be open only for us! This special event will be on Wednesday, October 14, from 7-9 pm. Many of you know my fondness for Hammered Hoops jewelry. Over the years I have watched jewelry designer Rachel Kett produce beautiful hand-made gold and silver necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Her jewelry is sold in various boutiques on the Central Coast. On Friday, November 6, I am hosting a Girls Night Out, where you can meet Rachel and see her superbly crafted line of jewelry while mingling with friends and enjoying lovely drinks and bites to eat. Mix and match chains, stones and styles to have her create the perfect piece for you or someone else (think early holiday shopping!). This lively event will be held at 5258 Rhoads Avenue, Santa Barbara, from 6-8 pm. Please let your friends know about these events and RSVP soon to one or both at 805.680.2640 or by emailing me at loricooper@wardrobewisdom.com.