Consignment Shopping

Last weekend I had the pleasure of working at Renaissance Fine Consignment in Santa Barbara. The store was full of beautiful clothing and the prices were, as always, reasonable. I recently came across an excellent blog post from one of my favorite stores, Recycled Rags, in Corona del Mar. Whenever my family heads south to visit friends and relatives, I make a point of heading there.

I like to remind my Wardrobe Wisdom clients that shopping for clothing does not need to be a budget blowing proposition. Going to thrift stores, consignment stores, and second-hand stores, such as The Rack in Montecito can save you a great deal of money. Go here to read the post, "The Top Ten Reasons to Shop Consignment."

Freshen Things Up

I think this piece from Style Bakery, "10 Pieces to Refresh Your Work Wardrobe" has some great ideas. Naturally you need to think about your work's dress code and what you feel good in while you are looking at the suggestions. The stylish look shown here is from Ann Taylor.

Off to Paris

My daughters and I in Paris, 2010


I leave for Paris in 6 days and cannot wait! For a week I will visit my cousins there, and a good friend from Greece will join me. For the second week,  my super fun cousin Gina will join me, along with her close French friend. For the past few months, I have dreamt of little else.

Of course I have given a great deal of thought about packing. I tend to be a light packer and this trip is no exception. For the most part, I will be walking a lot, sightseeing, going out to eat, and shopping. Therefore, my outfits need to be practical and comfortable but also chic since it is Paris after all. On the plane I am wearing leggings, a long sleeve knit top with a silk tunic over it, ballet flats, and my trench coat.

In my suitcase will be jeans, a black silk top and a white one (they will dry in a snap), two black knit tops,  two gray knit tops, a long sleeve navy blouse and a long sleeve navy and white blouse (silk again). I am also packing a simple black knit dress, a black skirt, dark brown sandals, gray comfy flats, a gray cardigan, a silver belt, a dark brown cinch belt,  a magenta pashmina, and a magenta printed silk scarf. I may bring a simple black jacket , too. All the separates coordinate well. There should be plenty of room left in my bag for any purchases I will be obliged to make in the name of Wardrobe Wisdom research.

I am hoping to check in on my blog and my Wardrobe Wisdom Facebook page during my trip. I hope you check in with me, too!

Champagne!

Yes, I am off topic today with a post on champagne. My mom's relatives make champagne in Bouzy, France and for the first time their bubbly, Tornay Champagne,  is now available in Santa Barbara. I am thrilled! You can get it at Vino Divino. Cheers!

The photo is of my cousin Rudy Hutasse, his son, Remy, and my daughter, Camille, in one of their vineyards. We visited them in 2010.

The Right Bra!

            Photo from Bounce's catalog

One of my favorite websites, Healthy is the New Skinny, posted this very instructional and informative video on what to expect at a bra fitting. My recommendations for places to get a proper fitting in Santa Barbara are Purrmission and Nordstrom. Once you learn your current size (which may bear little resemblance to the size you have been wearing), great, reasonably priced bras can be found at Sears. I also think the Bounce catalog and website feature some cool bras. If the customer service is as excellent as that of Bounce's mother company, Title 9, then you can expect superb guidance and help over the phone.

Martha at Macy's

Usually I approach shopping at Macy's in Santa Barbara with some dread. In my experience, the salespeople seem poorly trained and uninspired, the merchandising is confusing and cluttered, and the I don't see many things I like. However, I had a very pleasant experience at the makeup counter last week, thanks to Martha.

As I have mentioned before, makeup savviness is not something I can brag about. I needed some new foundation and was ready to something different after reading about several products and reviews online. Since I did not have much time,  I headed to the nearby Macy's at La Cumbre Mall. Not only did Martha take her time to carefully match a foundation with my skin tone, she provided me with a free sample of the foundation and did not push me to purchase anything else that day. I look forward to returning to Martha to buy my makeup and am happy to have my previous unfavorable impressions of Macy's changed for the better.

Wearing Color

Here are some tips from the Shopafrolic sisters on how to wear color. I encourage you to have fun with this season's vast array of bright and pastel colors.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton always looks stylish to me. Check out what she wore (above) for a recent appearance on the Colbert Report. I think the fact that she laughs a lot adds to her beauty and appeal.

It Takes a Village

Bracelet from Saks Fifth Avenue

When my book group met the other night, Janet expressed some concern over her outfit for an upcoming special event. She had already borrowed a dress from a co-worker but did not have shoes or accessories. Within minutes, her outfit was almost complete: Kathy could loan her earrings and a bracelet, and I told Janet that she could borrow a shawl and a evening bag. All she needed now were shoes. I advised her to hit Ross or Payless since she probably would not be wearing them more than once.

The moral of this story is that your friends are happy to loan you what you need for a special event. Just ask! (And remember, if you are the borrower,  return the loans in tip-top shape.)

Jewelry Storage

Earrings from Hammered Hoops


I came across this video on jewelry storage and found it quite educational. The organizer talks about storing your jewelry to display versus storing it out of sight. Since I have already greedily taken up our generously sized closet with my clothing, I am an out of sight jewelry storage person. I like the clear plastic trays the organizer recommends.

"Nice Stuff, but Not for Me"

What an educational post on personal style from Jesse Thorn of Put This On. He says, "One of the most important skills you can learn as you develop your own sense of style is how to judge whether something fits you."


I know this sounds basic: we should all know when clothing suits us or not. However, Wardrobe Wisdom teaches me that developing one's style can be a life long endeavor. And since our lives change over the years, our style sometimes evolves as well.  


Of all people, I should be well aware of my own style. However, I was seduced by the beautiful craftsmanship and quirky style of a black and white checked dress. $75 later I have something that fits me okay (my first clue that it was not for me) and does not suit me. I am more of a flower print person than a gingham person.  I should know better! In any event, I highly recommend you read Jesse Thorn's post. I wish I had read it yesterday!

Role Models

I recently came across this fantastic blog, Advanced Style. It is filled with mature women and men who love clothing and dressing up. I find this blog's photos and descriptions inspiring for people of any age and am looking forward with great anticipation to a new documentary about fashionable women in New York. Go here to see the preview. Delicious!