Target-Deprived

Since there is no Target in Santa Barbara, I have sadly missed out on Liberty of London's debut in that beloved store. Magazines and Target's website have featured adorable dresses, hats, and tops made by this floral-obsessed company. In addition, cute bags, men's ties, and even a bike in Liberty's iconic prints are for sale at Target right now.

Anything you buy from Liberty at Target will instantly update your look for spring and summer. So get in there! Maybe I will see you in the aisles.

Kicking Your Old Jeans Out

Many, many years ago I had a pair of 5-pocket jeans from Et Vous. I loved everything about these jeans: the fit, the wash, the feel of the denim, the basic Levi's 501-ish style, and the way they made me feel good about myself each time I wore them.

Sadly, after they had holes in the knees, and I had turned them into first Bermuda-length and then shorter shorts, I had to bid them farewell. Even sadder was having to part with a pair of incredibly cute and heretofore comfortable Calvin Klein jeans. Once I ballooned in college, I could no longer wear these favorites unless I left them unbuttoned.

So I could relate to and appreciate the article by Easy Living's Francesca Zedda, "How to Shed. . . Your Too-Tight Jeans." I work with clients who think leaving too small clothing in their closets will motivate them to exercise and change their diet. But as I've said before, these small clothes simply take up space, taunting the women who once wore them.

This is why Zedda states, "it gets to the stage when you have to accept that your body has changed." And here is the important message: "In fact, you'll look much better [in jeans] if you ditch that size too small. And if you look better, you'll feel more confident."

Of course it is easier said than done, but I encourage you to embrace the body you have now. Sizing is arbitrary, so try to ignore the labels and try on jeans until you find the pair you feel GREAT in. Ridding your closet of those too-tight jeans will take a load off your mind. I promise!

Mixing Prints

There are women who mix prints boldly, who look chic and fun instead of merely daft. I know there is a science behind this and have marveled at those who master it. Now Anita Leclerc from the New York Times has provided guidelines for those who are a bit more challenged in the art of mixing and matching. I feel inspired by her article to take more chances when I get dressed. Hopefully I will not look demented.

The Thoughtful Dresser

Every once in awhile a truly great book about fashion comes on the scene. I recently read an excerpt of "The Thoughtful Dresser" by British writer Linda Grant and eagerly await its publication.

I like how Grant, like me, grapples with the perception that "fashion is lightweight, trivial, and obsession with appearance the sign of a second-rate mind." I find myself defending my Wardrobe Wisdom work sometimes, rushing to tell someone that I have a master's degree and have been a teacher, that I care deeply about important issues, that I read serious books and the newspaper every day. . . Reading her thoughtful words was reassuring, confirming that what I do is not superficial.

She takes the time to point out that "There are no known societies who do not adorn the human body, whether with clothing, jewelry, or tattoos" and "People have twin desires for pleasure and for change." Grant goes on to state "There is something shallow about asserting it doesn't matter how you appear to others, because in your heart of hearts you know it isn't true. People want to look the best they can."

Grant also insists that designers are "no less artists than the people who bring us films and novels and paintings." This assertion strikes me as being accurate, and is something I felt acutely while watching the film "Valentino: The Last Emporer."

The author tells the reader, "The purpose of this book is to explore what is already known but rarely thought about by the ordinary mass of humanity who is interested in fashion and might, quite wrongly, feel a little ashamed of this passion."

I just cannot wait to read this book and will buy it when it comes out on April 20.

Keep It or Toss It

There were a great many helpful articles in March's "O" magazine. The theme of the issue was de-cluttering all areas of one's life. I appreciated the simple, concise piece by Catherine DiBenedetto which can release you from your "should I keep it or toss it" dilemmas.

Here are the main points which mirror the criteria I use in my Wardrobe Wisdom work:

Toss it if:

You have twice as many as you need.

It's a gift you don't love. Just yesterday I was working with a client who told me she was keeping a particularly hideous dress her mother-in-law had given her. We decided that this client never wore the dress, her mother-in-law never asked about it, and it was just taking up space in her closet. Good-bye!

It's not worth repairing. If your item's current value is less than the cost of repairing it, then toss and replace. If you don't get around to repairing within six months, let it go.

Your gut says lose it.

You don't know what it is. You'd be surprised how many things I uncover in people's wardrobes that they cannot identify!

On the other hand, below are some guidelines for when to keep items. Keep it if:

It's sentimental gold. I keep my beloved grandma's butter dish and wooden spoon, not her old, musty dresser that had terrible drawers that would not easily slide.

It fits your life TODAY. Your possessions should support who you are right now, not who you were five years or five pounds ago.

You think it's gorgeous (even if no one else does).

You'd buy it again. I think this is great advice. When you come across something in your wardrobe that you are unsure of, ask yourself if you'd buy it if you saw it in a store.

You'll find a place for it. Any item worth keeping is worth creating a space for.

Of course "toss" may mean consign, donate, give to friend, etc. It does not necessarily mean throw in the trash bin!

Take Care of Your Stuff!

When I was walking down State Street in Santa Barbara last weekend, something stopped me in my tracks: a woman was carrying a pricey, new designer handbag by its handles, letting the longer strap drag on the ground next to her! I was tempted to do an intervention, or at the very least, lift up the poor strap and walk discreetly behind her, like a doting bridesmaid does for the bride with her train.

It is distressing to see people take poor care of their clothing and accessories. All that woman had to do was tuck the strap into her bag, or simply remove it for the day if she were planning on using the shorter handles. Taking care of your belongings is a sign of respect, for the item and for yourself. Few things say "I'm a slob and don't care about myself" more than wearing stained, holey clothing, shoes with obvious scuffs and tears, and broken jewelry or handbags. So at the risk of sounding like a nagging mother, I urge you to take care of your stuff!

The Year of Dressing Formally

A year or so ago, I read an excellent essay by a university professor. In it, he chronicled his year of dressing better, the effect it had on him, and the effect it had on his students and others' perceptions of him. A great deal can be learned from his essay, and I hope you take the time to read it.

Happy Feet

One of my clients, scientist Katy Bowman, is an expert on "optimizing human body function." Her most recent post describes four simple ways to make your feet feel better. Even though I think a heel is necessary sometimes from a stylish point of view, her advice is brilliant and well-founded.

Extreme Fashion Trends

Whenever I see women teetering on 5 inch heels, buying layered Spanx undergarments (!), sporting harem pants or short shorts, I worry about the sanity of my sex. It is comforting to learn that women have always followed wacky trends and usually found their way out of them. Today I read about "The 10 Most Extreme Fashion Trends Ever." Some of the fun facts were shocking and others were just bizarre. Enjoy!

Interview Dressing

I often get asked what is appropriate interview attire these days. Casual Friday wear is definitely out, but what if the person is applying for a position in a creative field? The experts at Style Bakery address this question in their latest newsletter. I find this part of the website helpful and informative. You can look up other fashion/style questions and read their responses.