Revolutionary Models

Any glance at a fashion magazine reveals few non-Anglo models. This homogenous state of affairs surfaces in editorial pages every now and then, but things don't seem to change much.

However, I had my ear glued to the radio the other day, listening to a riveting story about black models in the 1960s. Go here to listen to the show or to read the transcript.

A Serious Duty

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is known for his commitment to organic farming and now his passion for sustainability has spread into fashion. In a recent edition of Vogue magazine, the Prince himself (supposedly) wrote "I believe fashion has a role to play in helping to confront some of the environmental challenges we face."

Prince Charles is placing an emphasis on what can be done to use less or re-purpose materials instead of restating what "we should not be doing." Promoting wool is one facet of the Prince's efforts. He wants to "persuade people that this natural fiber is infinitely more 'sustainable' than artificial fibers made from oil derivatives." I think is is terrific that he has started a project, Start, to push designers and consumers to be more mindful of what they create and buy to cover their bodies. My hat is off to you, Prince Charles!

Yes, of course I realize the featured photo is of Prince William. He is just so darn cute that I couldn't resist.

Farewell to Skinny Jeans?

Not so fast. Though spring fashion will bring flare and bell-bottom jeans to the forefront, it looks like skinny jeans are now here to stay. Click here to read more.

Like any trend, adopt it if it suits you and your lifestyle. I finally got a couple of pairs of skinny jeans, but they take some planning to wear. They require certain shoes, boots, tops, and I really have to be in the mood for them. On the other hand, I can put on my straight or slightly boot cut jeans on any day and feel just great. They go with any top and shoe and make getting dressed a snap. Bell bottoms have the potential to make my 5' 4" height even shorter. I won't say I'll never wear them, but I will be cautious about this denim trend. Style Bakery offers some tips on how to wear the wide-legged style.

P.S. The photo of Farrah Fawcett is from one of my very favorite Charlie's Angels episodes. I remember my brother and I howling with laughter while we watched Jill Monroe navigate obstacles on her skateboard.

Fragrance Counter Myth

I always wondered about the shot glasses of coffee beans at perfume counters. The saleswomen recommended I use them to clear my nose of smells between sniffing fragrances. I went along with this but felt sort of silly. Will Andrews, fragrance scientist at Proctor & Gamble, let me know why I felt duped. He explains, "Watching sales assistants offer up coffee beans to refresh their customer's sense of smell is a great piece of urban theater. The odor is likely to confuse you more." Aha!

Instead, Andrews recommends "sniffing the crook of your arm as one's own smell acts like a reset button. Anything familiar is recalibrating and gives your nose a break, whether it's washing powder, the sleeve of a cardigan or a swatch of linen." Good news! Now I will just look silly, but at least I know it will not be in vain.

Lola in SB

One day while reading our local paper, my mom let out a groan. A reporter had written about "her" short cut to work and she worried that now everyone would be using her same secret route. Deciding whether or not to expose something unknown by the masses should be given serious thought.

Then again, the more people know about something, a new consignment store in SB, for example, the more great clothes will be taken there. So, I am letting the word out: Lola, at 1221 State Street, #13 (formerly the SB Basket Company space) has come to town. First there was Lola, in a hard to find spot in Carpinteria (871 Yucca Lane). Now we have our own Lola, and it is a lovely spot.

The store is light and airy and the clothing is carefully chosen and displayed. There are a number of great jeans, super cool shoes and boots, pretty original jewelry, luxury brands (Marni, DVF, Elizabeth and James), as well as relaxed Santa Barbara staples such as cozy sweaters and chic knit tops.

If you take good care of your clothing and accessories but have tired of some current pieces, bring them to Lola. You will get a percentage of what your items sell for, and you can then purchase new clothing. Or you can put your money in the bank!

E-Bay

I've never been an E-Bay person. Sure, I've popped onto the site once in awhile when I've become obsessed with a certain garment or shoe I cannot justify paying retail for. But I rarely think of myself as an E-Bay stalker. That is until I discovered Anyi Lu shoes.

I described in a past post my love affair with the brown wedges I saw and then coveted at Souliers in Montecito. Soon I began perusing E-Bay about once a month, looking for those sublime shoes. Alas, no one was willing to give hers up, but someone was selling a pair of Anyi Lu black pumps that were just lovely. I considered my other black pumps: One is outdated and a bit shabby, and the others (Louboutins from a consignment store) are beautiful but not comfortable. Once I convinced myself that I needed the Anyi Lu shoes, it was mere moments until I had bid on them and got them. They were only $100!

The moral of the story here is: Shop with purpose and a vision, and you can get what you want--sometimes for a deal!

A Few Words about Men's Feet and Hands

Esquire's articles on grooming are at once informative and humorous. Here is a typical example, found in the article, "The Thoughtful Man's Guide to Hands and Feet": "You are allowed to have long fingernails only if you are a flamenco guitarist. And even then, it might not be worth it. Long fingernails on a man evoke images of reclusion and wizardry."

Though Esquire's readers are largely male, I often find its advice pertains to both sexes. I was moved to include the following rules as I have witnessed some appalling public grooming lately by the "fairer sex." So here, men and women, are unacceptable places to trim your nails:

On the bed.
Near a baby.
At the dinner table.
At a friend's house.
Over shag carpeting.
Anywhere on the Sabbath (Jewish readers only).
On the subway (system).
At Subway (restaurant).

60 and Sensational

The site 60andsensational.co.uk is quite impressive. I especially like its blog. Looking at this site made me ponder, once again, why American designers ignore the huge 40+ demographic when designers in other countries make beautiful, decidedly non-frumpy clothing for women.

I am happy to report that someone is making a real effort in the U.S. In the past 2 years, Talbots has revamped its image, offering stylish, well-made, and--dare I say--hip clothing. Just look at the accessories above, which they will be carrying this spring. Furthermore, the service at Talbots is exceptional. When I suggest to some of my Wardrobe Wisdom clients that they shop at Talbots, they often check to see if I am kidding. I assure them that not only will they be delighted by what they find at Talbots, but they will LOVE the personal attention and help they receive there. Every time.

Five Lingerie Myths Busted

I just realized the pun in that title, though it was not aknowledged in the Easy Living piece I lifted it from. What a shame.

Anyway, here are the myths and the real scoop:

1. White underwear is the best under white clothes.
Undergarments as close to your skin tone as possible, such as nude, will be genuinely invisible.

2. Bra sizing is universal.
Bra sizes depend on the brand, so always try a bra on before purchasing it.

3. Wearing a bra that is too small will enhance your cleavage.
"Wearing a bra where the cups don't adequately cover the breast will create the apearance of the 'double boob,' where your bust is pushed up above the top of the bra: never a good look."

4. You only have to get fitted every 10 years.
Get measured at least once a year, as your size may fluctuate for a variety of reasons.

5. Good bras are expensive.
Once you learn what style of bra gives you the best shape and support, you can seek it out in many mid-range brands.

This same Easy Living article featured an "at home lingerie consultant." Ha! People say Americans come up with the craziest jobs. Actually, this is a brilliant niche: a woman who will come to your home, go through your lingerie, and help you figure out what styles suit you best and what you should get rid of. In the end, I imagine that she, like Wardrobe Wisdom, will save her clients a lot of time, money, and stress.

Polka Dots

Since certain trends will soon appear in the stores and magazines, it's helpful to get some guidelines in advance. According to Melissa Magsaysay, "Your Stylist" in the Los Angeles Times, polka dots will be a major trend in 2011. Some of you think "oh goody" while others, including my friend Stacy's husband, groan loudly. As usual, my advice is to wear what you like and what feels good on you. Small polka dots can look too girly for some, so wear them with jeans or edgier other pieces to tone that feminine part down. I like Magsaysay's suggestions: "stay out of the cartoon territory, wear them on garments they complement--such as sweaters, '40s-style dresses and feminine blouses--and avoid those they don't--such as mini-skirts, leggings, or tights."