Trying on Clothing

Sandals shown are from Indian Summers in Summerland, California

(These are for women and are not the ones my husband finally purchased for himself!)

My husband offered some great Wardrobe Wisdom today. We were recalling the long time it took for him to find the ideal shoes for our trip to Europe 3 years ago. He must have tried on 25 pairs over several weeks, before settling on a pair that worked out beautifully and that he continues to wear today. He told me that if people took as much time and care in trying on clothing as most do when trying on shoes, they would make fewer regrettable purchases. I have to agree. 

Think about the way you try on shoes: You may have your foot measured, you walk around the store in them, sometimes on various surfaces, you envision them with different outfits, and you insist that they look good and feel good before taking them home. Having the same exacting standards will serve you well when you try on clothing. Ask yourself if the clothing feels good on your body. Does it fit just right (or will it after some tailoring)? And will it complement other pieces in your wardrobe? Move around in the clothing, sitting down, stretching, and taking a walk around the store. How do you move in it? Do you have to adjust the clothing, pulling it here or tugging it down there? If so, leave it in the dressing room. 

Careful shopping means fewer shopper's regrets. So take your time when you are trying on anything, from shoes to clothing.

Organizing and More

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I popped into my friend Sara Caputo's Adult Education class to say a few words about closets and clothing. Sara (middle), of Radiant Organizing,  had spent the morning listening to her students' concerns and dilemmas, dispensing valuable advice, and sharing her organizing and time management skills and experiences. When I arrived, students were writing out their organizing goals, sharing them with a partner, and making an accountability plan with that partner. Sara is a terrific teacher!

Another colleague and friend, Diane Anthony of Peace of Space Organizing, then spoke about her own need for a professional organizer over the past year, and what a humbling and ultimately enriching experience that was.  She reminded all of us that we can all use some expert guidance in our lives, and that we are always learning.

I think the suggestion that resonated most with the group that day was to think about and then write out their image goals. From there, they could go through their closets, editing out or moving to storage garments that no longer represent who they are or who they want to be. I try to do this myself every couple of years. How about you?

Reducing Outfit Anxiety

I do not recommend that you stay up, thinking of future events and attempting to put together appropriate outfits in your mind like I did between 2 and 4 in the morning recently. This sort of thing is better plotted out in the light of day, after a good night's sleep.

A friend of mine recently expressed her anxiety over joining an organization which holds many formal events throughout the year. She had not counted on the huge dent this could make in her clothing budget. I assured her that I had many nice outfits she could borrow and suggested she ask her other friends for loans as well. Consignment stores are also great places to find lovely formal wear for a fraction of what you would pay for new ones. 

This time of year means graduations, weddings, and summer parties. Think about the occasions you will need to get dressed up for, what you already have that will work (do some dry runs!), and then talk to friends before you panic and shop unwisely. You will sleep more peacefully afterward; I promise.

Fashionable Person

This photo is actually from a few months ago,  but I just unearthed it on my phone. I spoke with this fine gent one morning, complimenting him on his attire. Linen pants! A pastel graphic tie! He says he likes dressing up in Santa Barbara since so few make an effort. It makes him feel good when he dresses well. I agree. My apologies to him for forgetting his name.

More WW on Bathing Suits

Check out my column in this month's Coastal View News. It's on page 8!

Happy Mother's Day

Here is my mom, a woman who taught me, among other things,  a lot about clothing, how to shop, how to sew, and how to enjoy getting dressed. Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere!

Bathing Suits

Image Credit: Maliamills.com


"Oh, goody!" you are thinking, "It's time to shop for bathing suits again."  Here are my suggestions: figure out what styles are most flattering for your figure by going here. Then set aside at least 2 hours to shop for a swimsuit. I highly recommend seeing Linda and her staff at the Bikini Factory in Summerland, going to Sears and trying on their Lands' End suits or visiting Lands' End online, and checking out the bathing suits at Nordstrom and Macy's. Malia Mills in Montecito also has terrific (and pricey) bathing suits. Do not dally; the selection is only going to get slimmer and the weather is only going to get warmer (save for SB's icky gray days in June).

Upcoming Class

On Saturday, May 25, my friend Sara Caputo of Radiant Organizing will be teaching a class through SBCC's Adult Education Program. Go here for details. Sara will be providing attendees with concrete ways to get a handle on organizing their homes and offices in her dynamic, highly effective teaching style.  Last year I spoke to her class about how to do a successful closet clean out. I am looking forward to sharing more Wardrobe Wisdom on the 25th and hope you can attend.

Taking Stock

This week I challenge you to do the following: Take 5 items that you truly love out of your closet. Look at them critically and write down what you like about them. For example, one of my favorite things is my gray and white striped maxi dress. I love its fit (how it just skims over me), how I can wear it by itself or with a sweater or jacket; that is works from spring through fall, and that it is super comfortable. I wore when I volunteered at last year's Bread and Roses event for the Fund for Santa Barbara. My husband Don and our good friends Don and Kathleen Scott are in the photo.

Once you have your list and reasons for liking those clothes (or shoes and/or accessories), refer to it before you set foot in a store. This list can serve as a reminder of what you like and why and can help prevent you from buying clothing that is destined to sit unworn in your closet.

Magical "New" Wardrobe

Today a very gifted tailor came to my house and brought me the garments she had altered. To say I was thrilled is an understatement. Jennifer Johnson took on projects that other tailors rejected, saying they were too difficult, complicated, or not worth the effort of tailoring. Jennifer worked her magic, and now I feel like I have a new wardrobe. Some of my favorite garments had sat in my closet for a long time, just waiting for the right person to work on them. I am over the moon!

Jennifer can be contacted at 805.382.1700 or bewitchment2000@roadrunner.com.