In the spirit of the magnificent Bill Cunningham, I will be featuring a photo each week of a fashionable person I've spotted. Since I live in Santa Barbara, most of the folks will be photographed here. But you never know; I may be in your neighborhood one of these days so dress sharp!
I saw this woman in line at Folio, one of my favorite gift stores. My apologies for the poor lighting and blurriness of this photo; my next shot will be taken out of doors. Christa Lyons was flattered when I asked to take her photo. She is an artist which may explain her flair for fashion. Her shoes ( black and tan stiletto booties) caught my eye first, but Christa's whole ensemble is smashing. See how she dresses up a canvas at www.paintingsbychrista.net.
Tom Ashbrook, host of NPR's On Point, recently interviewed Dolly Parton. WOW! Go here to listen to the interview, see photos, and read an excerpt from her book, Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You.
My daughters were surprised to learn that I was a Dolly fan, knowing only about her big hair, made-up face, and skin-tight outfits. They knew I do not gravitate toward country music and prefer an understated, natural look. Like many people, my girls were not aware of Dolly's huge talent and generous heart, and did not know why she presents herself the way she does. After listening to the interview, they have nothing but awe and admiration for her.
During her talk with Ashbrook, Dolly mentioned the "town tramp" when she was a little girl, and how she marveled at this woman's style and looks. Dolly said she was "the prettiest thing" she ever saw and was inspired to look just like her. She said she feels comfortable and at her best when she is heavily made up, wearing form-fitting ensembles and her flamboyant wigs. I admire her greatly for knowing what makes her feel comfortable and for taking the time to look that way. I wish every woman had such a strong sense of herself and what makes her feel good. Dolly's prodigious song-writing talent and philanthropy makes her a role model in my book.
You can get a peek at her performing a song with Stephen Colbert (who had a huge crush on her as a boy) here.
I saw this silk " Angel" kimono. Ethereal!
Somehow, whilst doing a little gift shopping for others last weekend, I found myself making a couple of purchases myself. Lingerie designer Samantha Chang was at Purrmission Lingerie that day, showing her exquisitely beautiful undergarments and loungewear. In this photo, she is holding one of her most popular items: a silky smooth slip which also comes in black and white. We talked about the importance of good undergarments and what a difference they make in the appearance of an outfit. I would consider this slip a wardrobe staple.
I appreciate the fine workmanship of her designs and how well they fit. I love the color combinations she used, such as burgundy and navy in a lovely lace camisole. Chang is a true entrepreneur with a fine talent for creating delicate, feminine, wearable pieces. I suggest you check out Chang's designs for yourself or someone special.
Photo credit: vivafashionblog
Isabel Toledo is a Cuban-born designer who has been on the fashion scene since introducing her first collection in 1985. She is an original, designing distinctive, often architectural clothing making deliberate choices to live a certain way with her artist husband, Ruben Toledo. Her book, Roots of Style, Weaving Together Life, Love, and Fashion was an eye-opening read. This piece from Harper's Bazaar, offers a nice snapshot of Isabel Toledo and her husband. I learned a great deal about how Toledo lives as an artist, and how her dedication to her craft has paid off. This book also gave me insight into what goes into creating a clothing collection from the ground floor up.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book which go way beyond fashion:
Fashion design moves forward when people think for themselves and dress their own minds and moods.
A person with true style is displaying a fertile and thinking mind.
(This is what Wardrobe Wisdom is about!) People with style dress in harmony with their inner, most authentic selves.
Clothing can help the wearer give voice to her emotions, whether she is feeling vulnerable, sensual, confident, powerful, or playful. Choices in color, texture, materials, and the cut of our clothes can all add up to a composite portrait of our inner psychological makeup.
Fashion is much more than just clothes. It's about finding and defining yourself, and communicating your personality and individuality to other people through your outward appearance.
If you can stay in love and keep your enthusiasm for what you choose to do with your life, you are living well indeed.
Creativity stalks every profession. It is just waiting to happen.
[Couture garments] are masterpieces of engineering and craft that are not always evident from the outside, but created for the wearer's ease and comfort as well as the splendor of the total effect.
It is far easier sometimes to find an exquisite dress for a special occasion than it is to figure out your daily look.
Intelligent clothes earn a place of honor in your wardrobe, because these are the items you reach for again and again.
A great design has no expiration date.
She offers profound fashion and life advice throughout the book, but the conclusion is especially brilliant and useful.
Tom Ford seems to do everything right. His designs are clean and exquisitely tailored. Ford's first film, "A Single Man," was moving and brilliantly done. He is pictured here, demonstrating how a tuxedo should be worn. We can assume he has well-cut tuxedo trousers that break at the perfect point on his perfect black shoes. So if you men receive an invitation calling for black tie, follow Tom Ford's example and do it right. For those of you who want to get the complete story on formal wear, in meticulous detail, go to The Black Tie Guide.
2012 marks the Rolling Stones 50th anniversary! From the New York Times comes this slide show about the Stones' evolving style over the years/decades. Go here to listen to and read a recent interview with Mick Jagger on National Public Radio. He is pretty darn charming.
Photo Credit: Joachim Baan
If you have been reading my Wardrobe Wisdom blog or know me personally, you know how much I love denim. So it was a thrill to read about an upcoming exhibit devoted to this versatile, ever-popular material. Unfortunately, the exhibit is at the Centraal Museum in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, you can read all about it here, where I learned "Across various themes, the exhibition shows new work by renowned artists, combined with national and international loan pieces – showcasing both craftsmanship and innovative technology." I hope this exhibit finds its way to the US before too long.
Photo Credit: Ari Seth Cohen at advancedstyle
How refreshing to receive beauty tips from mature, lively, grounded women instead of from cosmetic companies or twenty something models in magazines. Go here to learn what a couple of 101-year old women have to say about beauty. I printed out their quotes and put them over my bathroom sink so I can read them each day.
Thank you again, Natalie Smith, for sending me your latest fashion articles from Foothill Technology High School's newspaper. The one I am linking to here covers the way some siblings dress, along with great photos.
I am reminded of the way my brother and I dressed in high school. I was pretty preppy and so was he for a time in the eighties. We are pictured in my blog post from Tuesday. Since we attended different schools in Newport Beach, we did not compare styles on campus like the siblings in this article. That would have been fun!
PBS has some fantastic videos that can be viewed on demand. One series I have been enjoying lately is called "The Mind of a Chef." In these shows, Chef and restaurateur David Chang travels around the world, talking to innovative chefs about their craft and culture.
Chef Chang's earlier time spent in Japan was clearly life-changing. He holds Japanese chef's and Japan's culture of food appreciation in the highest regard. So it makes sense when he upbraids his friend for dressing sloppily when they eat dinner at one of the best fine dining restaurants in Kyoto. The chef tells his friend he assumed he would know to dress up given their destination and the respect this restaurant is due. Sometimes the obvious is not obvious.
This weekend I received an email from a friend about an upcoming holiday party. She hoped I could guide her to some stores where she could find an outfit that fit the following dress code written on the invitation:
Festive winter cocktail is recommended. For men, this means add a festive accent to your cocktail attire (slacks and dress shirt with tie or jacket). Women might wear a cocktail dress, a nice skirt and top or a pants outfit along with a festive winter element.
How wonderful to receive specific suggestions on what would be appropriate attire for this event. Unfortunately, most invitations come with a vague or ambiguous dress code which leaves the invitee stressed and unsure about what to wear.
A big part of being a gracious host or hostess is making your guests feel comfortable. And being properly dressed goes a long way in making a person feel at ease. So if you are sending out invitations for a holiday party this season, I implore you to include a clear dress code. Thank you.
The photo above, from the early 1980's, was taken at the annual post-Christmas breakfast my family shared with our good lifelong friends. Note my festive sweater!
In late August my cousin sent me this photo--taken on the sly--of her very fashionable husband, Rainer. I kept looking at it, wondering how I could work it into a blog post. I've decided to let the picture speak for itself, along with this truism: adding color to your wardrobe makes it more interesting and shows you have confidence and style.
This image is from the Smithsonian, via Flickr. The woman is Carolina Amor du Fournier. She was associated with the Mexican journal La Prensa Médica Mexicana and was editor of Hummingbirds and Orchids of Mexico (1963).
I got a lot out of a recent post on the blog IvyStyle. In it the author edits his wardrobe, explaining why why he is getting rid of them after identifying his preferences. This was clearly a valuable exercise for the author, and I think we can all benefit from such a mindful purge.
Here is what he says about his decision to purge:
I’ve always kept my wardrobe tightly edited as I’m pretty sensitive to things that just don’t feel “me.” Alas, what feels me is always in a state of flux (I prefer to think of it as refinement), and even with a close eye on superfluity I’m always catching myself with stuff I don’t wear.
So now that cold weather is here, I went through my closet and found all sorts of things I can’t believe I was holding on to.
Perhaps we’re all victims of variety, or at least the idea of it. This latest purge was motivated by the realization that I just have pretty strict tastes, almost a formula, and why fool myself that I don’t.
What follows is his thought process. He details what he likes and consequently what he purged:
• I like white and blue solid shirts, plus the occasional pink shirt or blue stripe. I tried yellow and it didn’t take. Never been tempted by tattersalls or burgundy stripes. And I like them to fit well. The purge: Tent-sized regular-fit shirts.
• I always reach for the same half dozen pairs of socks that work with my pants and shoes. The purge: Colorful argyles.
In my Santa Barbara Wardrobe Wisdom work I often get questions about wearing ballet flats. Many women like the look of these classic flats but cannot find ones that are comfortable. Others like the concept of the shoe but not the look of them on their feet. What are some alternatives to ballet flats? This season there are several.
I like the oxfords that are showing up everywhere. They look terrific with slim legged pants, from wool to denim to corduroy. There are also pointy flats, which I talked about in a recent post. Another option is a loafer. This year they take the form of a slipper style or a moccasin style from the 1980's. I think once you try on some alternatives to ballet flats, you will find one that is just right for you.
The top two are from Madewell.com; the rest are from Nordstrom.com.
Shoe photo credit: Nodrstrom.com
Thanks to an alert Wardrobe Wisdom blog reader, I learned of an eye-opening trend in article from the Wall Street Journal. Power flats are being worn more frequently by professional women, who cannot always wear pumps when they need to walk quickly, run from meeting to meeting, or simply desire some foot comfort. In this article, power flats are considered shoes for serious, fashion forward women.
This part of the article intrigued me:
"One quality power flats share: They look like if they were used to kick someone—it would hurt. Pointy toes, metal toe caps and embellishments, including spikes, are some of the details that give these flats power. They also call attention to themselves with strong colors, shine or vivid patterns like leopard."
So, now women not only have to fight the usual stereotypes and assumptions about their gender in the workplace, their shoes are being perceived as possible violent objects? Great.
 My cousin Gina lives in a beautiful town in northern Germany, Herford. She is a decorative artist and shows her wares at her home and in a lovely store called Salsa. Gina couldn't help herself and asked this chic woman, Annette, if she could snap her photo at Salsa.
Here is what I love about Annette's ensemble:
All of her clothing fits her well and suits her figure beautifully. The red in her skirt and tights is highlighted in her scarf which features a fun pop of blue and some black too which ties in with her boots and sweater. The chunky chain is also interesting and adds some texture to her outfit.
My Wardrobe Wisdom clients frequently ask how they can make their outfits look complete. I tell them accessorizing is the way to go. Clearly, Annette took a little time to accessorize and her outfit is fabulous!
Accessorizing doesn't have to require drawers of jewelry, scarves, or belts. But it does require a bit of thought and some simple, versatile pieces. I always suggest a chunky scarf in a neutral color that just needs to be wrapped once around the neck. This can be worn with almost any sweater or top and jeans. Another scarf in a pattern featuring colors you often wear is an easy way to accessorize. A long necklace in gold or silver tone that can be worn as is or doubled and some hoop earrings are some other basics. A fun, colorful ring, cuff bracelet, or brooch is also adds zip to an outfit. In terms of belts, I suggest having a black one, a medium brown one, and a patterned one, such as leopard, or a colorful belt as well. Once accessorizing becomes a habit when you get dressed, you will find how easy it is to look polished!
Scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Photo credit: Jason Sheeler
What a fascinating story I heard on NPR the other day about an Hermes scarf artist--the only American to ever design scarves for that renown, iconic brand. You can read or listen to the captivating story here. And to read more about this incredible and humble artist, Kermit Oliver, go here.
Photo Credit: Kurt Wilberding/The Wall Street Journal
Well, it looks like my second post on this subject proceeded this one. Sorry about that!
I am enjoying the series featured on the Wall Street Journal blog about what people wear at their jobs. The most recent one features photos and descriptions of the people who work at The American Museum of Natural history in New York. Go here to read it and see the pictures.
It's so interesting to learn why people wear certain clothing and how they feel about their clothes and careers. Some of the quotes I liked the most are:
Laurel Kendall "When I started work, I probably dressed more conservatively than I do now," she said. "I didn't want to take risks. And then I realized that people seemed to enjoy the way I dressed when I edged over into the exotic, and life is too short to dress in a boring way."
On having an "anthropological license" to dress: "I think that because I'm an anthropologist, I can be a little bit more outrageous than if I were, say, an administrator. People expect me to be a little exotic, or they at least tolerate it. I came of age in the late '60s, early '70s, and at that moment in time, suddenly there was Indian embroidery out there, there were Afghan fur coats, Mexican smocks, Indian mirror work. It was a way of shaking off a conservative way of being that had dominated my childhood. And I think for a lot of us who came of age then, how we dressed also reflected a worldview that was suddenly open to possibility."
Monique Scott "I like to reflect my geeky side but also with a hint of cultural inspiration," said Ms. Scott. "So I wouldn't wear those houndstooth pants if I didn't have the Indian bracelets or the necklace from the Harlem Arts Alliance to complement them."
She said she typically wears black every day, along with flats. "You can cover enormous distances traveling from one end of the museum to another, so I always tend to wear pretty comfortable shoes."
Ms. Scott started working at the museum as an intern in 1994. "I elevated myself from jeans to houndstooth, I suppose," she said. "I've tried to mature along with the position."
Photo Credits (both): Kurt Wilberding/The Wall Street Journal
Okay, so now I am fixated on the Wall Street Journal's "Office Style" blog series. This one features what employees at Scholastic, the children's book publisher, wear and how they think about clothing. Love it!
Photo Credit: The Curvy Fashionista
What follows are the shopping tips I have on the back of my business card. I hope they will save you from making unwise purchases and will lead you to make splendid ones.
1. Make sure the item will go with 3 things you already have.
2. If it's on sale, mentally double the price. Do you still love it?
3. Will it reflect your desired image?
By the way, the site where I found the image above is full of informative and insightful blog posts.
When I was in high school, I took a speech class, hoping it would help me overcome my shyness about speaking in public. Nope! Years later, before I entered the teaching profession, I took an acting class at Orange Coast College, in Costa Mesa, California. Boy did that push me to leave my comfort zone. By the end of the semester, I felt a lot more comfortable about standing in front of students.
Today one of my favorite aspects of Wardrobe Wisdom is public speaking. Sometimes I am hired by a company's human resource department to remind employees of the dress code and what professional clothing means. Other times I talk about the season's trends, how to edit a closet, how to shop more wisely, and how to get out of a clothing rut. I have also spoken at clothing swap parties, advising women about what to swap and what to pass on. These talks always include lively discussions, and I invariably learn something important.
Last month I spoke with Vickie (pictured above), from Renaissance Fine Consignment, about holiday wear. We were at the University Club in downtown Santa Barbara and brought along some lovely clothing to display and use as examples. On November 15 I will be speaking about dressing for different body shapes at Encanto in Santa Barbara from 2-6 pm. I will share more details this week. You can contact the store at 722-4338.
Please contact me if your club or organization is looking for a speaker. I can honestly say that I love it and do it well!
Photo Credit: Levi's website
I am a bit of a skeptic. When I see the young women at Victoria's Secret approaching me with measuring tape around their necks like stethoscopes, I question their ability to accurately measure me for a bra. Is it because the measuring tape seems so flimsy, tissue paper thin? In any event, except for my favorite tailor, Kim at ZipKleen, I don't put much stock in people's measuring skills.
What a welcome surprise it was then to have my skepticism challenged and obliterated at the Levi's store on State Street in Santa Barbara. I had been hearing about Levi's "Curve ID" jeans and noticed their ads throughout my fall fashion magazines. Growing up, Levi's had never fit me and I sort of gave up on trying to wear them. But this recent campaign piqued my interest in Levi's denim.
Upon entering the Levi's store, a young woman asked if I needed help. I told her I was interested in finding my Curve ID, and she asked another young woman to measure me. "Oh, boy", I thought, "Here comes the smoke and mirrors." Once I was measured, I was given two pairs of jeans to try on, the Slight and Demi Curve styles. The first pair seemed custom made--just for me! They (pictured above) were an absolute dream, hugging me where I wanted a closer fit and skimming over other parts of my legs. PERFECTION! The Demi style also fit well but could not compare to the Slight Curves.
I noted the style number and color, and then told the salesperson that my husband needed new jeans more than I did. I asked if they measured men and had the same system for determining what jeans would best suit them. No, they did not offer this service for men, but I was assured that my husband would be steered in the right direction. I am very eager to return to the Levi's store--for him and in the future, for me!
One of my favorite blogs, PutThisOn, recently posted a very good piece on shopping. The writer suggests shoppers go to high end stores: "This is useful even if you can’t afford such things, because by handling the best of what’s out there, you’ll get a better sense of how other items compare. When you’re out doing your real shopping, you’ll have a better eye for how to spot quality and know what things you value."
I have done this before, when I tried on an exquisite jacket at Saks Fifth Avenue in Santa Barbara. You can read about my experience here. I think about that jacket and its fit and feel whenever I try on other jackets. And I remind myself of what true quality is by heading to Saks or other high end stores on a regular basis. This has saved me from making unwise purchases.
While combing the internet to find a vintage photo of a Saks department store, I made a very exciting discovery! There is a department store museum. Who knew? Go here to learn more but note that the site is being renovated.
Photo Credit: LA Closet Design
I was intrigued to read about "closets as boutiques," a concept that has become more common recently, according to this article in Forbes magazine. The photo gallery of huge, insanely organized closets made my jaw drop. I can only imagine what the bathrooms look like in such houses!
Naturally I am all for organized closets, containing only items you love to wear. But I find the closets in Forbes to be a wee bit over the top. I would like to know what you think.
I recently posted on Facebook that my friend Katherine and I found a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps at Goleta's Alpha Thrift Store for $9.99. Katherine wondered why I was nearly apoplectic and I mentioned that Louboutin's shoes retail for hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. She just thought they were cute, and since they were her size, I insisted she buy them.
Clearly the shoes were an incredible deal, but were they a bargain? Yes! I am reminded of Nina Garcia's following definitions:
Cheap: The characteristics of the garment rather than the price defines the quality of clothing. A cheap garment makes people wonder how little you spent on it if it is poorly made, looks too risque, or the material looks too synthetic. Avoid anything that looks cheap.
Inexpensive: This means well-made but low-cost clothing in wearable fabrics.
Bargain: Well-made, expensive clothing. . . found at a fantastic discount.
Last weekend I shared a number of tips in Sara Caputo's continuing education class. (She has another class coming up on October 20 on time management. Go here for more information.) People were eager to hear how they could have a wardrobe they truly loved and how to be more savvy shoppers.
Here are my top tips for helping you edit your closet:
1. Write down your image goals. How do you want to look and be perceived by others? Do this exercise and reflect upon your goals at least once a year. Do not wear or purchase items that do not match your image goals.
2. Get rid of anything stained, outdated (that you no longer feel comfortable wearing), ill-fitting, torn, and those garments or accessories that simply do not suit your current lifestyle.
And here are my 5 tips for helping you update your wardrobe and shop wisely:
1. Get a new, updated pair of jeans. You may have to try on several so make sure you do this on a day you have a lot of energy and plenty of time.
2. Don't limit yourself to sale or outlet shopping. Shop for things you truly love, not simply things that seem like a bargain. Ask yourself if you would still want to buy an article in question if were twice or three times its listed price.
3. Try shopping somewhere new. We all get in ruts. Though it is helpful to know what shops you can always count on to find something you like, branch out a bit. You may find new styles and colors that suit who you are today.
4. Alterations. If you purchase something you love but that needs a bit of tailoring, take it to a tailor! Do not let it languish in your closet. And if you have garments in your closet that you like but don't wear because they need some fine tuning here and there, take them to a tailor!
5. Make a list. Always, always shop with a list, and make sure anything you are considering buying will go with at least 3 things you already own. Keep your list in your wallet, along with your image goals.
Give me a call if you would like some personal Wardrobe Wisdom. I would be delighted to help you achieve your image goals.
Photo Credit: Flickr, The Commons
I was honored to be a guest speaker in Sara Caputo's adult education class last weekend. She expertly covered the topic of organizing one's home and office, giving useful, clear advice on how to become more productive.
Then it was my turn to talk about wardrobe organization. I told the class that thinking about one's clothing is more than just a superficial exercise. Since we all must get dressed everyday, why not look our best, and make sure our clothing reflects who we want to be and how we want the world to see us? Therefore, I spent a few minutes talking about image goals--how we want to be perceived. I then asked them to think about their personal image goals and to write down a few descriptive words for them.
Sara got the sharing started and revealed that she was a bit surprised by her word: polished. We talked about what that meant to her and how to achieve a more polished look. Then I asked for others to share their image goals and we discussed the deeper nature of this kind of exercise. It was an illuminating session for people.
I recommend that you give some serious thought at least once a year to your own image goals. Does your wardrobe reflect how you want to be seen? How can you make this happen? I would be interested in your results so please let me know if you want to share!
I learn something each time I re-read my fashion and style books. Lately I have been looking over Nina Garcia's Style Strategy. Here are some of her tips that I find particularly useful:
1. Any [clothing] you know that accentuates your best physical trait also accentuates your self confidence.
2. A great shoe can make a $20 outfit look like couture, and a poorly constructed shoe can make couture look like a cheap knockoff.
3. When you love what you are wearing, it shows.
4. Splurge on tailored classics; indulge in inexpensive trends.
5. Comfort in your own skin is the core of style.
6. The belief held by most nutritionists--that if you deprive yourself, you will fall off the wagon and binge--holds true for shopping, too. Shop smart!
7. Playfulness and humor are just as vital to fashion as good taste.
I applaud Garcia's inclusion of this quote from Tim Gunn: "Fit is the most neglected aspect of how we dress: that is, most people wear clothes that are too big or too small or a combination of both."
Photo Credit: Never Been Kissed movie still
Admittedly, I do mental makeovers all the time. At my girls' back to school nights, I saw some well-dressed teachers and several who looked pretty sloppy. I could not have been the only parent who paid the latter group less attention than the former ones who looked like they took their jobs seriously. Clothing does send a strong message.
Natalie Smith, from Foothill Technology High School in Ventura, sent me this super article about the way teachers at her school dress. I think the video is also great.
Let me add that I have nothing but respect for teachers, having been one and having grown up in a family of educators. I simply think there is value in dressing well, regardless of one's profession. And I realize that while Michael Vartan, pictured above, is not exhibiting notable fashion sense as a teacher here, he is handsome.
Photo Credit: BodenUSA website
Photo Credit: BodenUSA website
Photo Credit: L.K. Bennett website
Photo Credit: AnyiLu website
I like this post from Diana Pemberton-Sikes about colorful shoes. The ones pictured above are ones I fancy though I realize the sparkly ones are not super practical. However, I can imagine wearing the leopard print flats all the time. Think of shoes in a color or pattern that could jazz up your wardrobe. Then hit the stores!
Photo Credit: StyleBakery website
StyleBakery does a great job of breaking down this season's shoe trends. Go here to read about them and to see great examples. I do not understand the wedge sneaker category (above) but I really like the T-strap style. Are there some shoes that you are coveting right now?
Image Credit: Full of Life Foods website
Why not speak of food, one of my very favorite topics? The trip to SLO included several memorable culinary experiences.
On the way to my friend's house, I stopped in Los Alamos to check out bell street farm, a cafe I had read about in Edible Santa Barbara magazine. What a darling place! The cowboy hat wearing owner charmed my daughter and me with his enthusiasm for good food and a pretty setting. He led us to the lovely outdoor patio area and we saw some very tasty-looking sandwiches and salads being eaten by happy customers. I wish we had not eaten such a big lunch prior to our drive; we contented ourselves with coffee (for me) and freshly made lemonade (for my girl).
In SLO, Heather and I lunched at one of our very favorite places: the Big Sky Cafe. We split the delicious Middle Eastern platter and a delectable banh mi sandwich. Heaven! The night before I had dinner with Heather and Mark at a place in town that was new to me: Sidecar. The attitude was a bit on the Portlandia side, but the food was creative and divine. We savored every bite of the beet salad, and gobbled up the insanely good roasted brussel sprouts.
For years I have been reading and hearing about Full of Life Flatbread restaurant in Los Alamos. But I could never successfully time a meal there as they have very limited hours. However, we hit Los Alamos just around dinnertime on Sunday evening, and I convinced my daughter that this would be a meal she would remember.
We were immediately seated in the back dining room, where we could watch the cooks baking the pizza in the huge oven. We chose to share the Kalamata pizza and a crisp house salad. On top of a very thin, slightly charred crust sat a film of tomato sauce, covered in kalamata olives, mozzarella and feta cheeses, sweet peppers, herbs, and garlic. YUM! What really won Jane over was the dessert: a dense hunk of rich brownie (no nuts--yeah!) served with vanilla ice cream. It was perfect!
What an ideal weekend: good times with friends, sharing Wardrobe Wisdom, and terrific meals.
When my friend asked if I could help her son and husband update their looks, I was up to the challenge. At the end of our sessions, they seemed relieved and happy, especially Mark, who was eager to return to watching the U.S. Open. I appreciated how they prepared for our appointments, making piles of questionable items and filling out my questionnaires.
I started with 15-year old Drew, whose looks had evolved from his junior high skater style. He wanted to wear clothing that had a vintage vibe but wasn't costume-y. He is also a musician, as obsessed with music as I remember my brother being at that age. I looked at his collection of thrift store sweaters and we discussed which ones fit well and which ones did not, and why. Both Drew and his dad, Mark, are tall and lean. Clothing is made for them! I suggested Drew purchase another pair of the Levi's he found that fit perfectly (508s). He has some cool blue suede desert boots and nice-fitting t-shirts in faded colors. All he needs are a couple of good quality cardigans or pull-overs (cut longer for his body) to complete his wardrobe.
Mark and I began our time together by looking at some magazine photos of clothing I thought would appeal to him. We were quickly able to identify what styles he liked and would feel comfortable in. Since he is in management, Mark wants to look professional and approachable. This meant getting rid of any shirts that were tired or outdated. He had several that were cut way too generously for his body. I suggested he get a few classic, slim cut dress shirts, a new brown belt and black shoes (perhaps a low boot) and that he have a pair of nice dress slacks and a jacket tailored. We then looked at websites for the perfect jacket, finding one at JCrew.
Working with men is not so different from working with women. Both need some feedback on what styles, shapes, and colors look best on them, and what items no longer work. I was pleased and a bit surprised at how easily Mark and Drew parted with their clothing. In the past, I have found my male clients have an extremely difficult time letting go of clothing. I guess they were ready for a fresh start!
Photo Credit: Evan Sung for the New York Times
I laughed out loud reading journalist Henry Alford's account of his recent experience (experiment?) as a model during New York's Fashion Week. I hope you enjoy this as well.
It sure took me a few years to get on board with this trend. Just last weekend I took the plunge, purchasing a pair of black suede booties (pictured). I plan to wear them with tights and dresses, leggings, and with skinny jeans. What held me back for years was the how since I saw so many "what not to wear" examples of short boots on the street. However, the web came to the rescue, offering many tips and suggestions on how to pull off this style.
Style Bakery did a great piece on how to wear them when they first started showing up a few years ago. About.com's fashion site also offers some tips and photos on how to wear ankle boots. And here is a video from About.com. And another!
Last but not least, here are some tips directly from Stella Kae, former About.com guide:
There is a right way to wear these for every figure type.
If you are:
Tall & Slender - You look best pairing ankle boots with leggings or skintight denim.
Petite - You look best pairing ankle boots with bubble skirts or cuffed shorts and fitted tops, ala Ashlee Simpson.
Tall & Curvy - Layering long tunics and footless tights with ankle boots is your best bet.
Plus Size - Wear your ankle boots with a funky, a-line dress and opaque tights for the most flattering results.
When I t my new boots, I received disapproving looks from my girls: "They don't look like you." So true! They are not consistent with my usual look--more edgy and trendy. I told them I am updating my style, and that they will have to get used to them on me. We shall see!
Photo Credit: Gap.com
I was delighted to come across this column, written by a Ventura high school student (and the daughter of one of my clients!). She observed what her peers were wearing, took photos, and described current trends. Well done!
Photo Credit: From CNN's website
Fashion Week has been all over the style sections of newspapers, and front row photos of attendees and the designers' creations have been featured on numerous blogs. I appreciate Diana Pemberton-Sikes description of fashion week. I think I would like to experience it one day, perhaps in Paris!
Santa Barbara has always prided itself on its exceptional continuing education program through Santa Barbara City College. My colleague and friend, Sara Caputo of Radiant Organizing, teaches 2 very popular continuing education classes on organization and time management. I feel honored by her request that I speak in her class on Saturday, October 6. In this class, you can get motivated and learn practical skills on how to manage your time and tasks. As a bonus, you will get to hear me speak about editing your wardrobe, and hear another colleague, Keri Dickerson of KMD Organizing speak on the nuts and bolts of organizing your wardrobe. Go here to get all the details on the class.
Photo Credit: Julian Scott, Getty Images (The Commons)
I don't just mean that coveting a gorgeous dress can make you crazy. What I am talking about is a study led by Adam D. Galinsky on the effects of clothing on cognitive processes. Joshua I. Davis, an assistant professor of psychology who was not involved in the study said, "I love the idea of trying to figure out why, when we put on certain clothes, we might more readily take on a role and how that might affect our basic abilities." An article on this study appeared in the New York Times this spring.
The study is rife with plural forms of the words "may" "might," "appears," and "could be," making it clear that no definitive results were found. However, in three experiments, those students who wore white lab or doctors' coats, as opposed to street clothes, "showed the greatest improvement in attention." Furthermore, Galinsky stated "Clothes invade the body and brain, putting the wearer into a different psychological state."
In short, this study confirmed what many of us have known all along: clothing has a deep and profound influence on how we think. Do not underestimate the power of clothing.
Fun facts about the woman pictured above: She is Mary Van Rensselaer Buell (1893-1969). In 1919, Van Rensselaer Buell (1893-1969) became the first woman to earn Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin.
Jumping off a dock on Balboa Island with friends and my youngest daughter. Stacy (in red) wins for best dive!
When I am asked to bake something, I leaf through my
cookbooks, searching for a special recipe. Pride keeps me from bringing a
store bought item to a potluck or school bake sale. This obsession over homemade gets me in trouble sometimes. Staying up late to make a treat, fueled by my
refusal to stop by Vons on the way to an event, does not make me the most fun
person at the party.
This reluctance to take shortcuts made me reluctant to go
beyond the cover of a cookbook my daughter bought at a school fundraising
event: The Best Bake Sale Cookbook Ever. I scoffed at the blurb on the back,
skeptical of its claims to make easy, delicious treats. However, every recipe I
have made from this book has been quite spectacular and incredibly simple. This has
re-taught me that lesson about not judging a book by its cover.
This lesson extends to clothing. Most of the time I advocate
saving up to buy quality items, whether a client needs shoes or a cardigan.
When people tell me they can get a lot more for a lot less at Ross, Marshalls,
or a thrift store, I think of the time it takes to hunt in those places, and
the small chance of finding something I really love. Still, I love a good deal
as much as anyone and am always thrilled when something inexpensive becomes something
I adore.
For example, for the past 4 summers I have worn a wonderful
cover-up to the beach. It is a simple blue tunic from H & M and could not
have cost more than $15. I am also very keen on my new purse, bought for $40
from a little shop on Balboa Island. You would not believe how many compliments
I have already received on it. I guess the moral of the story, when it comes to most things, is to look beyond your biases which can open up surprising possibilities.
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