Comfortable and Chic Shoes

Images from Tieks.com

One of my alert and very fashionable blog readers sent me a note about some shoes she loved: Tieks. She said she has walked for hours in them and it was like walking on clouds. So now I am passing this information along to you. A bonus feature of these shoes is how they fold up neatly, making them easy to stash in your bag for a mid-day shoe switch. Go here to watch a video about this company; it helped me understand the price of the shoes.

Is This Black or Navy?

As a Santa Barbara Wardrobe consultant, I have entered a number of beautiful homes with equally breathtaking closets. I try not to gush over the design and decor of these closets too much but get right to work. What can make my job difficult is poor lighting. Some of the most thoughtfully laid out closets (drawers to hold sunglasses!) have dim lights. If you are moving or thinking about redesigning your closet, or if you are just frustrated by not being able to see what you have, go here to get some expert tips on lights. And, though this may sound obvious, make sure you have a full-length mirror in your closet or bedroom as well.

This photo is from Andrea's "closet." She has no problem seeing every accessory!

Cargo Pants Confession

I've never been a fan of cargo pants because they add bulk to one's body in all the wrong places and are generally unflattering. Cropped cargo pants are even worse in my eyes,  and if I had a penny for every man I saw in cargo shorts (thanks, Costco!), I would be a wealthy woman today. I am in good company. Tim Gunn considers cargo cropped pants:  "the single most unflattering item of apparel in fashion history. These are a fashion no-no. I’d like to say get them away or take them somewhere where they can be recycled, they’re too horrible. Use them to wash your floors.” Go here to watch Gunn give reasons why this pants is "too horrible."

Nevertheless, I purchased a pair for myself a few years ago in a dark olive linen since they were so comfortable. This comfort must be a major reason why people buy and wear cargos. Like other women during that time, I saw myself wearing them with cute tank tops and sandals.

Though I wore mine out and about at first, I have only worn them around the house in recent months. They are now baggy and even less chic than they were before (see photo!).  I put them on the other day, and my older daughter remarked, "Ha! You are wearing those pants you hate to see on others. What about Wardrobe Wisdom, Mom?" I stammered, "I am not going out in these. I am just wearing them to do chores." However, I got an earful later when I headed to Trader Joe's still wearing the pants. I did look ghastly, but I did not put them in a donation bag this week. Why? Because they are soft and pajama-like, and they cover me up. I am not proud of how I look in them, but I have a better understanding now of their appeal. Just don't expect to see me wearing them in public. I'd never hear the end of it from my daughters.

An Interview with Christian Louboutin

Image Credit: ChristianLouboutin.com

This interview is definitely worth a listen. I appreciate that Louboutin only designs spectacular shoes and handbags; he has not launched a clothing, perfume, or lifestyle line, nor does his face constantly appear in fashion magazines. He is low key.

Years ago I purchased a pair of black kitten heels with pointy toes at a consignment store. The shop owner excitedly showed me the red soles of the shoes (Louboutin's signature), and insisted I was getting a bargain. As I've said before, I am not a big label person, but I sure do like those shoes!

A Play

Image Credit: Daryl Roth Licensing's website

Last week I was fortunate to attend a small reader's theater-style performance of the late Nora Ephron's and her sister Delia Ephron's play, "Love, Loss, and What I Wore." This special event was in support of the Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Resource Center.

According to Daryl Roth Theatrical Licensing, ""Love, Loss, and What I Wore' is based on the best-seller by Ilene Beckerman as well as the recollections of the Ephrons’ friends.  The show uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories that all women can relate to, creating one of the most enduring theatergoing experiences domestically and overseas." There were many, many insights and stories I could relate to, and from the enthusiastic responses of the other audience members, I found I was not alone.

In short, this play is an excellent example of a common Wardrobe Wisdom theme: What we wear is important and says a lot about who we are.

Dry Cleaning

Thank goodness these days are over!
Photo Credit: Nationaal Archief

Having to regularly dry clean your clothing can become expensive. If you know you are a wash and wear person and your professional life allows for a casual look, stick with those kinds of garments. But if your clothing requires more care, there are some ways to reduce your dry cleaning bill each month.

First, determine which clothes need to be dry cleaned and which can be safely hand washed (with your two hands or on your machine's hand wash or gentle cycle). Of course my husband's suits, my wool skirts and coats, and my dresses with complicated pleats get dry cleaned. But I hand wash all of my sweaters and silk tops. My favorite gentle soap is Forever New, available in Santa Barbara at Purrmission Lingerie and online. This site offers useful advice on laundering clothing. 

Even though that place by your office or home may be convenient, it may not be the least expensive dry cleaners in town. So do some price comparing. In Santa Barbara, my favorite dry cleaner is Ablitt's. I appreciate their efforts to make this historically toxic service less so. I also like that they will pick up and deliver my items, even if I only dry clean once a month or less. Go here to read here about their practices. 

InStyle magazine recommends that when you "find a cleaner you like, befriend him or her. Then, after a few months, ask for a bulk rate or another deal, such as a discount for returning hangers." 

Gift Giving

Photo Credit: Sandcastle Time's website

I've enjoyed exploring the shops in Carpinteria, Summerland, and Santa Barbara to write this month's Coastal View News column. Go here and then to page eight to read about gift giving ideas for the women in your life.

Follow Up to Fragrance Post

It sure is a drag (for you and those around you) to put on too much perfume or to apply a scent in a department store that you later find repulsive. To tone it down, dampen a towel or paper towel with warm water and rub it over the perfumed areas. According to InStyle magazine, you will need to work up a lather "to get rid of the aroma completely." An oil-based makeup remover works as well. Apply it to a tissue or cotton ball and rub it lightly over your perfumed skin. Crisis averted!

Fragrance 101

Putting on a scent has become part of my morning routine, along with moisturizing my face (with SPF!). I like to wear the light, fresh J'adore by Dior and when I need a touch-up later in the day I use Trish McEvoy's #9 Blackberry and Vanilla Musk. In the evening I wear Chanel No. 5. I love it when my daughters tell me that they like recognizing my scent on my clothes. And I still remember my mom's scent when I was growing up: L'Air du Temps.

What follows is a primer on the different forms fragrance comes in, thanks to InStyle magazine.

Parfum: You will pay the most for this most pure and concentrated form. It is also the longest lasting and most intense.

Eau de Parfum: It is a bit less expensive than parfum, and has about a 16 to 18 percent concentration of fragrance.

Eau de Toilette: This is usually sold as a spray and has a 12 to 15 percent concentration. This lighter scent can be used more liberally than those above.

Cologne: The lightest of the fragrances with a 6 to 8 percent concentration. You can apply this generously and will need to apply it throughout the day as the scent does not linger.

Time to Pack

When friends and clients ask me for packing advice, I first ask where they are going and then tell them I would be happy to pack for as well as accompany them.  I love to travel but know a lot of people become stressed and vexed when faced with an empty suitcase. Here is a past Wardrobe Wisdom blog post regarding packing. And go here to read some great packing tips from Melange for Women. I have helped clients pack for trips to weeks in India, Europe, Africa, and Egypt and more. Let me know if I can help you get a handle on packing for your summer travels.

Waxing Poetic

Today I took a stroll down Lillie Avenue in Summerland. Besides getting some lovely soaps at Indian Summers for my daughters' teachers, I spent time looking in shops. For the first time I visited Waxing Poetic, where I met store manager Ellie Olsztynski (above), who could not have been friendlier.

Waxing Poetic started several years ago with vintage and historically inspired pendants designed by Patti Pagliei Simpston. Today her stores in Summerland and Los Olivos carry her renown pendants, as well as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and gorgeous silk and modal scarves in breathtaking patterns. I showed impressive restraint by walking out of the store without a scarf of my own, but I may not have such willpower next time!

Skirt Lengths

Skirts are from Bodenusa.com


When I am giving talks to women about proper dress for a job interview and work, I often get asked what length skirts are appropriate. Style Bakery handles this question quite well here. The most flattering skirt length shows off the curve from the back of your calf to your ankle. Hence, skirts which hit just at, just above, or just below the knee are best in terms of being flattering. They are also appropriate for the working world.  The second skirt from the top would work fine in a creative field or in a casual working environment.