Shapewear for Men!

Women either love or detest shapewear such as Spanx. Some swear by the smoothing, flattering silhouette it provides. Others feel they cannot move or eat in confining shapewear. Now men are getting into the act and are wearing body-smoothing garments, called compression t-shirts. I'm not sure what I think about this new phenomenon.

Not surprisingly, many men are ordering this product online, feeling a tad self-conscious about wanting to look slimmer, their man-boobs, soft bellies. . . Of course there are other men who embrace every fashion trend and march boldly into stores, asking for Spanx.

The New York Times has a great article on this topic. For some reason I kept giggling while I read it.

Cardigans

Cardigans are one of my favorite articles of clothing. They offer warmth, comfort, a dash of color, and can complete an outfit beautifully. Though I try to wear jackets or blazers, and know they can be very flattering and chic, I always feel constrained in them. Cardigans, on the other hand, are always soft and cozy.

The wonderful Bill Cunningham has a great new video featuring---yes--cardigans! Enjoy.

Donating and Shopping

In my garage there is always a "donations" bag. Every time a charity calls, I can honestly say, "Yes, I do have some things for you." In addition, I often donate and consign things for my clients. As a result, I have frequented some great thrift stores which are doing very important work.

Here are some I recommend:
Alpha Thrift
Assistance League of Santa Barbara
Casa Esperanza
Music Academy of the West
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
St. Vincent's Santa Barbara
Unity Shoppe (including Job Smart)
Ventura County Rescue Mission


Some incredible clothing can be found at the Music Academy's The Rack and at the Assistance League store. If you haven't worn or used something for a year, it is probably time to donate it. Someone will appreciate your kindness.

HOT

A woman the other day asked me to identify "the hottest tops" of the season. She sort of caught me off guard, and I ended up feeling inadequate for not being able to rattle off a litany of trendy tops. Then I realized that her question went against the way I look at clothing.

Sure, I read the magazines and blogs, and I shop all the time. Being highly aware of the season's trends is part of my job. But I am always looking at the overall picture, asking myself what I like, what works, what doesn't suit me but is something I understand and can appreciate. I am also thinking about my clients and considering what clothing would be good for them. What I don't do is seek out the latest "hot" looks.

Is this because I'm over 40? I don't think so. I think my aversion to only looking at the latest hot looks has more to do with knowing my style. When I am in stores I like to try on things that will complement what I have first. Then I may add a piece or two each season to update or spice up my wardrobe (hence the silver belt last fall and the maxi dress this spring). I'll leave the emphasis on the latest trends to other stylists and bloggers.

Bathing Suit Wisdom

Shopping for bathing suits takes time. It is not always a joy, but you must wear something decent to the beach or pool, right?

This year I needed some simple bathing suit bottoms, so I headed to the wonderful Bikini Factory in Summerland. Megan asked me what I was looking for and brought suit after suit for me to try on. We assessed what worked and what did not look good, and why. She was tireless, and I finally found something that was just right.

Besides taking the time to find a suitable suit, it is important to know what is flattering for your body. I know this sounds radical, but I must say that in general a tankini is not a flattering option. Sure, it conceals a soft belly and is more modest than a bikini, but for the most part tankinis look frumpy. I know, I know there will be many who disagree. My friend Stacy has already told me (rather passionately) she disagrees and defended the tankini.

Still, I believe a stylish one-piece is a much better option. I am also fond of swim skirts if you are not keen on showing your hips, bottom, or upper thighs.

Besides heading to the Bikini Factory (which sells great one pieces as well), check out the bathing suits at Land's End. They have done exhaustive research on body shapes and issues women have with bathing suits. Their styles are cute and varied.

Shopping for suits with a fun friend can make the experience less of a chore. You two can celebrate your search being over with coffee and dessert afterward.

Fun Looks for Khaki Pants

More than one of my clients is always on the lookout for the perfect khaki pants. I like Audrey's, of Mom Generations, suggestions for fresh ways to wear your khakis. Thanks, Audrey.

Travel Packing

I am going to Europe this summer with my family! I am so excited I can hardly sit still. This trip is one I've been dreaming about for years.

Of course one of my first considerations is what I am going to pack. We are spending a week in Paris, and after that we'll be with family in small towns and villages. Europeans are famous for looking great while repeatedly wearing the same clothing. In that spirit, I don't need several weeks' worth of chic city clothing. In addition, since I may be compelled to do some Wardrobe Wisdom research that involves shopping, I must leave ample room in my suitcase for any necessary purchases.

My plan is to pack clothing in primarily 3 colors, gray, navy, and white. This may not sound like a thrilling wardrobe, but I can make several outfits out of the following:
2 gray short sleeve t-shirts
2 navy t-shirts, one long and one short sleeve
navy skirt
black knit dress
jeans
red and white print skirt
gray sweater
pink pashmina
red, white, and blue scarf
gray sandals
gray ballet flats
gray flip flops
black bathing suit and navy cover-up
2 white tank tops
bras and panties
nightgown

The idea behind packing just a few colors is the ability to create easily coordinating outfits. In addition, I've grounded my outfits in navy, a color that will not require frequent washing to look spiffy.

Last weekend I did a practice pack, showing it off to my two girls. My youngest took one look at my rolled up, compact packing and remarked, "There is no way all my clothes will fit in my bag like that." She loves getting dressed and values variety. On the other hand, my older daughter dresses very simply these days so she will probably pack less than me. She will undoubtedly pack less than my husband, who likes to have clothing for any possible situation and/or disaster.

Spring Cleaning

We often throw on clothing, not stopping to look closely at ourselves or to determine if we even like what we have on. This can lead to an okay wardrobe: clothing that covers or body but does not make us feel special or chic.

I suggest the following exercise which will help you learn what you really love in your closet and why, and what things you can do without. It may be more fun to do this with a friend, but make sure that friend has a good eye, can be trusted, and is not a hoarder!

1. Put a full-length mirror in a well-lit place.

2. Take an outfit out of the closet that you feel terrific in. Determine what you like about it: the fit, the color/s, the style, the way it flatters your figure? All other pieces should be compared to this one. In other words, you should feel terrific in all of your clothing!

3. Do a color analysis to determine if you are "warm" or "cool." Hold up different colored fabrics to your face and compare how they make you look. Do the "warm" tones, such as caramel, olive green, ivory, and sienna make your skin glow? Or do the "cool" tones of navy, lavender, cobalt blue, and white flatter you? This is a very simple way to figure out what tone works best for you. I can always refer you to someone in town who will do a much more complete, and instructive color analysis, but the above is a good start. You can also look at "Color Me Beautiful," a newly updated excellent resource for color analysis. Finally, once you've figured out what tones are best on you, get rid of clothing in tones that do not flatter you, at least the clothing that you would wear close to your face, such as tops, sweaters, and dresses.

4. Go through your closet piece by piece, asking yourself if you feel good in it, does it flatter you, and does it support an image you want to portray.

5. Make 3 piles:
Clothes that you like but need altering or cleaning
Clothes you can give to friends or donate
Clothing you can consign

5 Rules You Should Never Break

I've expressed my admiration of Clinton Kelly before. He is so on target, so funny, and so darn smart when it comes to clothing and style. I just came across his 5 rules from In Style magazine and thought I would pass them on.

1. Never show visible panty lines (VPL). I (Lori) was not an early adapter of the thong but have learned that it is necessary at times. Fortunately, there are other alternatives that hide the VPL just as well: seamless underwear and boy shorts. "If lines are still visible, your pants are too snug."

2. Just because it's a trend doesn't mean you should wear it. "Never participate in a trend at your own expense." This is why I am staying far away from short rompers this season!

3. Don't bare your midriff unless you're at the beach. Here is where Kelly's humor comes in: "If you're sporting a flesh belt unintentionally, it means you're wearing shirts that are too small or you're really bad at doing laundry."

4. Never buy shoes that don't fit. I'd like to add never, never, never!

5. Don't pay attention to sizes. I've mentioned this again and again, but here is Kelly's take: "Each label will fit you differently, and you will drive yourself crazy if you declare you will never wear anything above an 8. Always take 2 sizes into the dressing room and relax. "