The Baguettes of War

Sometimes my interest in food supersedes my interest in what we put on our bodies. And sometimes two of my passions show up simultaneously in unusual ways. A moving and enlightening article, The Baguettes of War, written by Anna Badkhen, appeared in Foreign Policy magazine this month. This following quote helps to explain the photo above: "Snapshots of men wearing their kitchens -- and, indeed, their food -- to confront tanks and tear-gas cannons offered a genuine glimpse into what it is like to live in the ragged margins of the world, not just to die there."

Best Rant Yet on Questionable Footwear Choices

A great piece, posted on Zulkey, made me laugh so hard. I know some of you love Crocs and "barefoot shoes" but I cannot endorse them from a style standpoint. I cannot even muster a sincere apology for my intolerance. Aren't the above shoes creepy-looking?

Another List!

Style Bakery recently created a list called "10 Classic Pieces Every Woman Should Own" As usual, I read the list with some skepticism. Every woman? How about women like my friend Amy, a marine biologist who spends her days mucking around in swamps and testing water in a lab? How about my cousin Gina, a decorative artist who sands, paints, and builds furniture and smaller pieces for people's homes? Does she "need" a pair of pumps?

Still, such lists can be instructive so let's go over this one before you head to the stores.

1. Pencil Skirt: Designed for non-curvy women who like their legs. Wear with a t-shirt or pretty blouse to work or business events.

2. Blazer: Can pull together many outfits, and can give the illusion of a waist and is flattering on most women. Often needs tailoring to fit just right (get it to fit your shoulders and tailor elsewhere if needed). I feel confined in blazers and rarely wear them. Not that you asked!

3. Trench Coat: This looks sharp and can keep you from getting wet. If you are large busted, avoid double-breased ones. Don't rely on a trench to keep you warm.

4. Cardigan: This piece can keep you warm! Comes in all kinds of styles, materials, and colors. Natural fibers can pill and need a good combing after a few wears. Store your wool and cashmere ones with cedar and hand wash them.

5. Feminine Blouse: Can take the edge of a masculine outfit and looks great under a blazer or cardigan at work. Too many ruffles or large prints can look fussy. A dressier alternative to a knit top.

6. Little Black Dress: Only if you look good in black. Sheesh! How many times does the LBD appear on lists with no mention of how ghastly many women look in black? How about a little brown dress, a little teal dress, a navy dress. . . If you like wearing dresses, invest in a solid colored one that is flattering to your skin tone. It can be worn almost anywhere!

7. Dark Jeans: Wear these with a nice blouse and feel fairly dressed up. Dark jeans are more figure flattering than faded ones.

8. Statement Necklace: This means a bold piece of jewelry. If you don't like big pieces around your neck, skip this one. Opt for eye-catching earrings, a ring, or a bracelet instead. Remember that one statement piece of jewelry worn at a time looks best.

9. Classic Pumps: Wear these if you can walk comfortably in them. Of course, some foot experts will tell you never to wear heels, but they do dress up an outfit and are a must with a pencil skirt or fitted dress. I wear pumps only when I know I will not be standing for a long period of time. Darn that bunion!

10. 24-Hour Handbag: Not really sure what this means. The one in the photo looks big to me. Is this something I would bring on a plane? On a long car trip? When I leave my house in the morning and won't return until late at night? I am confused.

From Nick Sullivan

Nick Sullivan is the fashion director at Esquire magazine. The following is included in his ten essential truths of men's style:

"Most people, most of the time, judge you by what you're wearing, and if you care what people think, you should care about what you wear. Life doesn't get much simpler than that."

Four Fit Factors

I am a bit behind in my magazine reading but was happy to come across a section on bras in June's In Style. The following fit guidelines should seem obvious, but most women don't pay enough attention to them and end up with bras that are uncomfortable and do nothing for their figures.

1. The Band: "It should sit snugly around the rib cage. As your bra stretches out, move the clasp inward."

2. The Cups: "Signs of an ill-fitting cup include puckering, gapping, wire that digs, and--of course--the dreaded double boob."

3. The Straps: You should be able to put two fingers comfortably under your straps. The band, not the straps, should be holding up your bra.

4. The Style: Branch out and try some new styles when you go bra shopping. Your old standby may be great, but there could be others out there that are just as great if not better.

Check out this nifty video on Nordstrom's website which shows how to find a good-fitting bra.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

What a splendid quote from Esquire's fashion director, Nick Sullivan: "If you like something, respect it. Hang your pants."

My youngest daughter tends to do what I like to call "stop and drop." This means she simply leaves her clothing on the floor, wherever she has taken it off. A cursory glance around her room gives me a pretty good idea of what she has worn in the past few days. She is not bothered by the mess or clutter at all. Since I am, I ask that she leaves her door closed.

However, Sullivan's statement is a motto I value. I plan to pass his words of wisdom on to my daughter. I have said as much to her before, differently, and hope that someone else's words will have a greater impact.

Do you like your clothes? Think about this. They cover you, make you feel terrific, cost money you have worked hard for, and make a difference in how you are treated. Your clothing deserves your respect, so treat it well!

Makeup Advice

I like the idea of Makeupalley.com, a site featured in a New York Times article on July 28. This website "has a library of well-cataloged, super-specific criticism that allows women to do their prepurchase research among peers they trust, despite or perhaps because of their pseudonymity."

Perusing this site seems like a good way to learn about different makeup products from people who have used them and have nothing to gain or lose by describing their experience. On the other hand, whenever I read about the newest or greatest new product in a magazine, I am skeptical. I know that the beauty editors get sent boxes of free products to try out every week. They are paid to review and judge the products they try, even if they only use the product one time and do not necessarily like it.

I recently worked with a client who was cleaning out her closet. We kept unearthing makeup samples and it seemed there was a lipstick tucked into the pocked of every purse (and there were many) that she had. I suggested she toss out any makeup product that she did not currently use or like and that she begin making a shopping list for makeup. Using the recommendations on Makeupalley.com could be an incredibly helpful resource.

Airline Upgrade

When people first started to board flights in order to travel, they dressed up. It was a big deal! The occasion required serious, classic clothing, including suits for men and well-tailored dresses or skirts for women.

Today most people complain about their upcoming flights even when they are heading for a fantastic place. "Ugh. I have to go through security where I have to take off my shoes, and the airplane seats are uncomfortable, the food is terrible. . ."

Of course I would be happy if people would dress up a bit more on airplanes. Sharing a flight with people in sloppy sweats and Uggs does not make me feel like I am on an exciting adventure. So I was tickled to read an article about those who are chosen on the spot for upgrades into first class airline seats. The reason? They were well dressed!

Go here to read the entire article.

From a Surprising Source

Ann Patchett is one of my most cherished authors. Her exquisitely written novels transport me to different places and introduce me to complex, fascinating characters. While reading her most recent book, "State of Wonder," I was not expecting to find a passage for my blog.

But here it is, a description about a character's high heeled sandals she was ill-advised to wear in hot, muggy Brazil:

"[Doctor Swenson] motioned for Easter to hand her one of the shoes and she looked at it as if it were a rare archeological find. 'It's difficult for me to understand why a woman would choose to do that to herself.' She returned the silver sandal to its mate.

'It is a mystery to me as well,' Marina said. She would not try to defend the shoes. They were indefensible. She would walk barefoot for the rest of her life before she'd put them on again."

Indefensible shoes. I love that description!

How to Wear It Well

In Sunday's Los Angeles Times' Image section, an article on the new movie "Crazy, Stupid, Love" appeared. The article gave a brief summary of the film, and then focused on the makeover given to Steve Carell's character. This sounds like a refreshing twist on the tired theme of women getting an entirely new look.

When I work with Wardrobe Wisdom female clients, they often sigh, "Oh, I wish you would help my husband with his clothing." Of course I tell them I would be delighted to be of help. However, the women give a litany of reasons (excuses) their husbands have for not getting rid of old, outdated clothing, and of not wanting to update their style. How frustrating!

Dayna Pink, who was the movie's costume designer, offers some basic guidelines that any man wanting to look sharp could easily follow. A lot of his advice could apply to women as well.

1. Fit is Foremost: "If you go shopping, take the extra time to make sure you get something that fits you. That means you may have to get a tailor."

2. Lead with the Shoulder: The shoulder is everything and cannot be tailored, so make sure it fits correctly. The rest of the shirt or jacket can be tailored.

3. Simplicity is Key: Dress in clothing that you feel good in--not just clothing that is trendy.

4. Choose the Right Shoes: Purchase classics for work, such as loafers or brogues, and leave the white gym shoes behind when you go casual with khakis. Converse and Puma make cool, simple sneakers that would "be perfect with a pair of jeans or khakis."

5. Accessories After the Fact: Pay attention to your belt, briefcase or work bag, and any jewelry you wear. "Knowing when to forgo the accessories is equally important." In short, keep it simple.

I am pretty excited to see "Crazy, Stupid, Love" and look forward to seeing Steve Carell's character's makeover. To me, Carell is an ideal combination of intelligence and wit. Add a handsome style and he is just about perfect!

Go Gauchos! SB shopping #4

Every time a college buddy or visiter is in town, we end up roaming around UCSB. My husband works there and relishes his role as campus tour guide (that is his hobby, not his job!).

I took my girls to UCSB's bookstore the other day, looking for new school lunch boxes. We were distracted by many enticing things en route to the bag section. When I was a student many moons ago, there were about 3 sweatshirt and T-shirt designs available which featured UCSB letters. Now there is a mind-boggling number of logo wear, from baby shoes to workout bras. Truly, there is something for every member of the family who wants to wear something Gaucho.

We were close to the backpack section when my daughter detoured into the boutique area. Here are darling bags and accessories by Vera Bradley, stationery, scarves, jewelry, and all sorts of gift items. I picked up a pretty little makeup bag for friend's upcoming birthday present.

Finally we reached the desired lunchbox area. What a selection! I found a roomy one for myself in a cute design, and my daughter found a simple blue one that folded down like a paper bag. Once we made our selections, we continued to shop.

If you need an iPad case, a case for your cell phone, a good-looking tote bag, a leather bag, a purse. . . In short, if you need any sort of vessel to carry your stuff in, you should check out UCSB's bookstore.

What Is a Southern California Woman to Do?

Even I use a personal shopper sometimes. For example, I am forever on a quest for something warm yet summery-ish to wear from May through September. Jenelle at Nordstrom is still looking for that perfect piece.

Many women I talk to share the chill I feel in the evenings in Santa Barbara and feel like they have to change clothing several times a day to be comfortable. The mornings can be foggy and cool; the afternoons are downright gorgeous and sunny; and when the sun starts to go down, it is cold (no, not cold, cold, but relatively cool again.

Below are some things I do when the weather is not in my ideal zone (which my husband mockingly describes as between 72 and 76 degrees). He thinks I am a bit wimpy.

1. Carry a shawl: I have a lightweight but warm (cashmere or wool) scarf in my car or in my bag to wrap around me when it cools down. Even putting it around my neck can make me feel cozy.

2. Change shoes mid-day: I may start off in ballet flats or cute sneakers, and then change to sandals.

3. Roll up pants: When I leave my house in the morning, my white jeans are full-length. But when I start to warm up, I roll them up for a great summer look.

4. Layer, layer, layer: You may hear this all the time, but it is good advice. I make sure that every layer I have on looks okay by itself. For example, if I wear a tank under my sweater, I make sure to have on a strapless bra so the tank looks good when the day gets warmer.

I realize that those reading this blog who live outside of Southern California are not crying any tears for me or my neighbors. They regularly have to contend with blazingly hot days and nights and humidity that makes me weep. I admit we are quite spoiled with our weather here, but that doesn't mean we can't complain!

The Three B's

My dad cracks me up. He could not be less interested in fashion, yet he comes up with some sartorial tidbits for me every now and then. He also comments on styles he sees on the street with wonder and curiosity. A funny man.

Recently he cut out a Dear Abby letter from "Reformed Frump in Texas" and gave it to me. I will quote the entire letter here as I found it inspiring and wise.

"Dear Abby: I empathize with 'Loose and Baggy.' When my mom and I would go shopping, it always ended in a big fight with me in tears, I was teased mercilessly by the other children for dressing alike a '40-year-old' and never had the cool things the other kids were wearing even though my clothes cost just as much.

I vowed never to do that with my daughter, and by the time she was 12 she was shopping for her own clothes. Our only rule was that she had to follow the three B's--no butt, no boobs and no belly. At 16 she has an amazing sense of fashion and is often emulated. 'Loose and Baggy' should be given some boundaries and then be allowed to buy what she wants."

My, how wonderful it would be if everyone would follow the three B's. Maybe that could be my new mission in life--to educate people about the B's and enforce their compliance. Such a thing would delight me and save me from sights like yesterday's. My 12-year-old daughter nudged me to look at a girl walking in front of us. She had on a very, very tiny string bikini bottom, a loose top, and sandals. We were far from the beach so what on earth was she thinking? I wanted to cover her up!