I have been reading Tim Gunn's latest book, Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible, over the last couple of months. As usual, he dispenses brilliant, thoughtful advice about dressing one's best. In addition, he cites historical time periods and events to explain how we came to wear what we do. It's been a fascinating read and I plan to write more about it in the future. For now, here is a sample of Gunn's wisdom:
"One of my favorite dresses of all time is the Diane von Furstenberg patterned wrap dress. . . The wraparound dress style, which dates back thousands of years (think of the kimono!)--and was popularized in America in the 1960s--is still popular today. You just need to make sure you fit the shoulders, and the rest of the dress takes care of itself. It makes women look feminine, put together, and at ease in the world"
Photo Credit: Credit: Natalie Smith/The Foothill Dragon Press
Here is another terrific article from Ventura high school student Natalie Smith. This time she focuses on James Bull-Cecil, a student who has found his sartorial groove at a young age: " He thinks that people should wear more classy clothes because dressing fancy is fun and it makes you feel better about yourself. 'I feel like one hell of a classy guy when I dress nicely.'"
Bravo James!
Photo Credit: abercrombiekids.com
My daughters start to groan whenever I start a sentence this way. I am sure that I did the same when my mom spoke about how much things had changed from the time when she was growing up. Oh well. Today's post is about a very thought provoking article from the Conselle Institute of Image Management. The author argues that as standards of dress have declined in America, so have our productivity and individualism (and our morals!).
What follows are some excerpts from the article. To read the entire piece, go here.
Demanding to wear only what is "easy," we lose the ability to coordinate what is comparatively harder. We don't, can't, and then won't rise above the level of T-shirts and jeans—where anything goes. Fashion or wardrobe skills and creativity are lost and gradually devalued to make those without skills and creativity feel better than those who do.
When was the last time you got "dressed up" in something you really like. Think back on where you went and how terrific you felt. Did you step out on the town, visit friends, or go to a movie or a meeting with more than your usual enthusiasm and self-confidence? Were you pleased with the way you looked and felt? Did you stand a little taller? Did you speak with others a little more often or longer? If so, then your sense of self was getting some healthy exercise. Why should that experience be relegated to just a few times a year—if ever?
But, you say, getting dressed up is something you do only when you have to because it's uncomfortable, expensive, time consuming, or not really you. Nonsense. Dressing up doesn't mean giving up comfort or personal style. Common sense says that comfortable knits and softer fabrics are fine. Clothes that don't have to be ironed are okay, too. You don't have to sacrifice your values or your time for fashion or style.
Consider that when you give some thought and effort to dressing in a variety of ways for a variety of moods and occasions, you become more individual, creative, confident, and competent. Within the time available, you become more involved with more people, in more places, and in more pursuits. Life becomes more interesting. Productivity increases. You are more likely to become self-actualized and to accomplish satisfying goals.
What are your thoughts about this article? Please comment.
Oh, how I would love to zip over to England to see this glorious-sounding exhibition, "Valentino: Master of Couture." Through March 3, 2013, the Embankment Galleries at London’s Somerset House will spotlight Valentino’s extraordinarily glamorous career through pictures, film and a selection of the designer’s couture, two thirds of which has never been on public display."
If you cannot make it to London at this time, you can watch a magical film, "Valentino, the Last Emperor" It left me in awe of this designer's artistic talent and the people who bring his ideas to fruition. Masterful!
Photo Credit: bananarepublic.com
Last week I spent an hour at UCSB's Career Center, talking to students about how to dress professionally for job interviews and beyond. It's an important topic, and I will be giving similar talks in other departments this winter and spring quarter. It is always interesting to hear the students' questions about appropriate dress, and I come away with information on what to add to my presentation.
To read a beautifully written and detailed article on my presentation, by Grad Division Senior Writer Patricia Marroquin, go here.
I wish I could say these were all mine, but the great tips which follow are from Style Bakery. We can all learn something from them. Once again, my notes are in italics. I cannot help myself! (I also couldn't help using the photo above from Downton Abbey. These two know how to dress and need no tips!)
1. Go nude
You can’t go wrong with a pair of nude pumps or a nude bra and panties. Nude pumps work with everything in your closet (except black tights) and will elongate your legs; nude lingerie ensures a seamless no-show-through look in your clothes. Always wear a nude bra under white tops.
2. Get professionally fitted for a bra
A properly fitted bra will instantly improve and transform your figure. Go to Purrmission Lingerie in Santa Barbara or Nordstrom.
3. Ignore trends and wear only what looks good on you
Okay, you shouldn’t ignore trends completely — we all want to look stylish and current. But it’s more important to wear clothes that fit well and flatter you. If the latest “it” trend just doesn’t look good on you, don’t wear it. Amen! At the same time, give yourself a few weeks to get used to the latest trends; sometimes they will grow on you.
4. Edit your closet
When it comes to your closet, more isn’t always more. Pare down your wardrobe and leave only those items you absolutely love and look great on you. A finely edited wardrobe will leave you ready for any style situation. I can help!
5. Don’t succumb to “sale psychosis”
This is StyleBakery’s term to describe the temporary insanity that takes over when women encounter a deeply discounted item. If it’s not something you are willing to pay full price for, then don’t buy it just because it’s on sale. Period. Double the sale price in your head. Do you still want to buy it? Do you still love it?
6. Own something animal print
Animal prints like leopard and python are the ultimate in chic when used sparingly. A well-placed animal print accessory can make almost any look instantly glamorous. Hmm. This tip contradicts #4. If you like animal prints, do get something in an animal print.
7. Invest in accessories
Nothing elevates your look like a statement piece of jewelry or a luxe handbag. Having a selection of interesting accessories can turn even jeans and a t-shirt into something special. Yes!
8. Show off your assets
Whether it’s a sexy collarbone, slim legs, or a curvy hourglass figure, choose clothes that flatter the best part of your figure. Take stock of your figure; this means naked in front of a mirror. We all have assets to highlight.
9. Embrace color
While it’s nice to pay attention to the color of the moment, it’s even better to stick to colors that flatter your skin tone. Even if your wardrobe is filled with mostly neutrals like black, gray and brown, incorporate at least one pop of color to energize any look. Don't opt for a trendy color on top if it does not look good close to your face.
10. When in doubt, overdress
If you’re not sure what to wear for an event or outing, it’s always better to overdress than to be caught underdressed.
11. Stock up on quality classics
The majority of your wardrobe should consist of quality classics that fit impeccably: a pencil skirt, blazer, jeans, etc. Once you have a reliable foundation, you can mix in a selection of trendier items for a fresh update each season. Quality classics which suit your lifestyle are worthy investments.
I didn't exactly encounter this woman during a stroll down State Street. Instead, my cousin in Germany sent me this picture of a fashionable lady, and I had to share it.
Grace Kelly--Timeless Glamour
Modern Glamour--Clare Danes
Around the holidays I received a lot of calls and emails from friends who wanted advice on how to look dazzling for their special events. I had several ideas for them and loaned a few friends fancy clothing and accessories, but I wish I had had this following list of suggestions from Glow Skin and Beauty handy. My comments are in italics.
1) Red Lipstick
Channel your inner screen siren with a coat of red lipstick. I find that 99% of the time a coat of red lipstick can make me feel instantly glamorous. Choose a true red rather than an orange-red hue to really achieve that old-school glamour. If the idea of wearing red lipstick scares you, try a more subtle red lip gloss instead.
2) Bold Accessories
Break away from the norm and choose an unpredictable accessory. Be it leopard print hoops, a loud and colourful clutch, or a soft silk scarf, dare to be different and expressive with your outfit. However, you should be careful to never try and put together an outfit that showcases all aspects of your personality as that’ll cause confusion. Instead, choose one aspect and learn to bring it out through fashion storytelling. I think an eye catching accessory is an easy way to glam up an outfit. Try shopping at stores aimed at a young crowd (such as Forever 21) for fun and inexpensive accessories.
3) High Heels
One guaranteed way of making your outfit more glamorous is with the addition of a pair of pumps. Choose a pair with a patent finish to really take your outfit to new heights. Then again, if pumps make it hard for you to walk in a graceful way, opt for some great flats or wedges with elegant details.
4) Eye Makeup
Another effective way to add glamour to your look is to embrace eye makeup. You can either go glam with a seductive winged eyeliner look, which, despite it being almost impossible to prefect, can add timeless glamour to your look. Or you can play with the eyeshadow effect to get strong eyes. Use dark shades and mascara to get the mysterious smokey-eye look. Please get help from someone knowledgeable at a makeup counter unless you are, unlike me, a masterful makeup artist. In the wrong hands, glam makeup can quickly devolve into a goth or prostitute look.
5) Diamond Earrings
Nothing says glamour quite like dripping in diamonds. Add a bit of bling to your ensemble with some dazzling diamond earnings. If you can’t afford the real deal, Swarovski crystals or cubic zirconia will do the trick just fine. For goodness sake, sparkly earrings in all colors can be found everywhere from Sears to Claire's. I love the earrings at Lewis and Clark in Santa Barbara.
6) Hairstyles
Think of your hair as the finishing touch to any outfit. Experiment with styles like half-up-half-down styles, cascading curls or the pompadour look. If you have short hair, glam up your appearance with a sexy pixie cut or a flirty bob cut. I don't think you need a new haircut for a special event, but styling it in a different way can dress up your outfit. Ask your hairdresser if she can style your hair for a night.
Image of pearls from Tiffany&Co.com
A few months ago I was in a local jewelry store, looking for a new watchband. While waiting for the owner to finish talking to a customer, I could not help overhearing them discuss pearls. What I heard was, "And you should always, every time you take them off, wash them with a moist cloth before putting them away." This advice astonished me, so I piped in, asking if I had heard correctly. The jeweler insisted this was proper pearl protocol but I was skeptical.
It was time to talk to Calla Gold, renown personal jeweler in Santa Barbara County and beyond. Her knowledge of fine jewelry is vast, and she assured me that moisture should be kept away from pearls. She recently posted an excellent piece about pearls that I encourage you to read. I also encourage you to wear your pearls regularly instead of saving them for special occasions. The other day I wore a denim top with a silver necklace and a pretty strand of pearls. It was a great look!
Photo Credit: NYmag.com
Here is what the trend watchers from Style Bakery are forecasting for our new year. As always, take the list with a grain of salt and decide for yourself what looks you'd like to try. I am happy that the peplum trend is continuing (though I have yet to purchase a peplum top), but think I will pass on the "Sci-Fi Holographic" fad. I am not even sure what that means!
Photo Credit: GQ
Bill Cunningham from the New York Times is always insightful. I love his take on how men are dressing these days. He thinks the trend is to dress up more, and I am thrilled. Of course Santa Barbara men may never dress the way these New York City men do, but I can dream, right?
This brief video is from one of my very favorite blogs, Advanced Style. Ilona is a role model!
Photo credit: Levi's website
A friend sent me this remarkable post in which a woman tries on various Old Navy and Gap jeans, painstakingly comparing them with other brands to see which fit the best. I recommend you read the entire piece and carefully peruse the great accompanying photos. I appreciate her pointing out why they look good or not, though I don't agree with her assessment of the Long and Lean style. I thought they looked alright and not Mom-jeany at all on her.
Is it time for a new pair of jeans? I had great luck at the Levi's store in Santa Barbara recently. And I have purchased some fabulous fitting designer jeans at a number of consignment stores ( Renaissance, Lola, and The Closet). I love denim but cannot justify spending $200 on a pair of jeans. Still, I don't think the denim in Old Navy and the Gap jeans wears well.
Photo Credit: Glow Skin and Beauty
I hope that you have enjoyed a splendid holiday season, and that 2013 is a magnificent year for you! I sure enjoy writing my blog and appreciate the ideas you give me. I am on the lookout for a stylish person of the week, feeling disappointed that no one stood out to me last week.
A friend sent me this great link to "The Neckline Cheat Sheet." I am going to keep this handy, near my necklaces. The site its from, Glow Skin and Beauty, is one of my new favorites.
Thank you for helping me spread my Wardrobe Wisdom!
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