Gone Missing

I apologize for being an inconsistent blogger recently. The holidays have left me breathless. Today I am setting off for San Francisco with my oldest daughter. We plan to spend a few days shopping, eating wonderful food, exploring the city, and discovering some consignment stores. She loves to take photos, and I know she will find some great places to shoot in the city.  I am hoping to post some photos on Instagram, too. Look for some new Wardrobe Wisdom posts in early 2014 and thank you for reading my blog!

Gift Cards

I've always felt uneasy when I return an item and get handed a plastic gift card, even when I plan to spend my credit that day (probably within a half hour). It has always seemed so wasteful, knowing I  will have that card for a very short time before it ends up in the trash. Why can't they just hold on to my returned item until I come back with something else? Or give me a receipt which shows my credit?

When I got the real scoop on the wastefulness of those gift cards from this story in the Los Angeles Times today, I decided not to give gift cards anymore. And I was pleased to learn that Sustainable Cards, which are made with 30% less energy than plastic cards and are compostable, are becoming more available. I also learned about companies turning to cards made from wood from sustainably managed forests.

Sure, this news is hitting many of us after we have done our holiday shopping. But armed with the information about plastic gift cards may cause us to rethink giving plastic gift cards in the new year.

I wish all of my Wardrobe Wisdom readers a very happy holiday!

A Little Sparkle

Image Credits: JCrew

Sometimes I am flummoxed: Will this accessory or garment I want to wear make me look matronly? My fashion sense is evolving as I get older, and some things I used to love seem too young for me now while other things seem too mature. I wonder why Talbots speaks to me now, having not shopped there a few years ago. I tell myself it's because their offerings are more hip today, but it could just be that I am nearly 50. I am their demographic!

In any event, such thoughts went through my mind the other day when I pinned a sparkly brooch to my sweater. Do I look like a grandma? I wondered. Is this brooch beautiful or over the top? But I really like it and decided it made me feel festive and cheerful.  I wore it all day, smiling whenever I noticed someone taking note of it. Did any of the junior high kids comment on it? No, but that may be a good thing!

My point here is that if you have something in your wardrobe that makes you smile, for goodness sake wear it. Moreover,  it is definitely the time of year to wear things that sparkle and shine.

How to Wear Belts

This month I worked with a client who described herself as "belt challenged." Although had purchased some lovely, chic belts, she was unsure of when and how to wear them. I assured her that belt savvy is a learned skill, and that I use a cheat sheet (photos of nicely belted ensembles discreetly displayed in my closet) to remind me of ways to wear belts. This is a pretty nifty cheat sheet from Nordstrom.

Here are some websites and blog posts that have photos and descriptions of belted looks:

http://fashion.about.com/od/latesttrends/ss/How-To-Wear-A-Belt.htm

http://www.ebay.com/gds/b-8-Tips-for-Wearing-Belts-With-Any-Outfit-b-/10000000177630943/g.html

http://www.merelymothers.com/2012/12/07/fashion-friday-put-a-belt-on-it/

When I want to buy a belt I go to Lovebird, Anthropologie, or Talbots. The saleswomen in any of these stores will be happy to help you add a belt to your wardrobe.

Be assured that belts are a foolproof way to pull together a complete look. Plus, they give you an air of cool glamour.

 Top 3 from Anthropologie

 Middle 3 from Talbots

 Bottom 2 from Nordstrom

This Year's Styles

Here is my monthly Coastal View News column, featuring my daughter's sketches:

I hope you enjoy reading it and learning more about current trends. Remember that it takes some time for your eyes and mind to adjust to new styles so try not to dismiss them too quickly.

Since the resolution on this image of my column is not optimal, I'd be happy to send you a more easy-to -read copy. Simply email me at loricooper@wardrobewisdom.com.

The Little Black Dress--and Beyond

Image Credit: Jigsaw London

Most "must-have" clothing lists for women include a little black dress. I have several black dresses, including a long one and a couple of casual short cotton ones for summer. However, I know not everyone looks great in or even likes to wear black, so when you think of this sort of must-have frock, expand your imagination. A perfect dress for you could be one in a jewel tone (such as ruby red, emerald, or sapphire), a rich brown color, or a winter white one. Jigsaw London, one of my favorite websites to peruse, features several little black dresses here. Give them a look and keep in mind the styles you like best, and then look for them when you shop for a dress--in any color.

Silly Words

Image Credit: Dr. Seuss


The fashion world, like all other microcosms, often takes itself quite seriously. But it is hard for me to say some terms without cracking a smile. Such is the case for a current shoe heel, called a pancake heel. At least the name describes the heel accurately: it's a small round disc on the bottom of the shoe.

Another term that makes me laugh is the "micro trend." This suggests that a trend is going to have an even shorter run than usual.

I appreciate talented designers and fashion folks who can see the humor in their business. Clinton Kelly, Diane Von Furstenberg, Isaac Mizrahi, and Tim Gunn come to mind.

Where Do I Shop?

I get this question pretty often, and here are my answers:

For shoes, makeup, and clothes for my girls--Nordstrom

For clothes that fit just right and that I end up loving: J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Boden.

For clothes that are unique and to support local businesses: Lovebird, Indian Summers (in Summerland), Lola, Renaissance, Jessica Fine Consignment, and Lewis and Clark (for jewelry).

Once in awhile, for jewelry or other nice things, and when I just want to splurge: Encanto, Diani, and Hawthorn (Santa Claus Lane).

And lately, thanks to my very fashion-savvy boss: Ebay. Yes, I have embraced watching and purchasing clothing on Ebay (mostly Anthropologie skirts).

I shop an awful lot, and the more I shop, the more I know what I like and don't like, both in clothing and accessories and in the overall shopping experience. I really appreciate friendly, helpful salespeople and find them in some surprising places sometimes. I have met lovely people at Forever 21 and Tilly's (thank you for training your employees so well!), and at Talbots--always.

What are your go-to shopping places?

Opulence

This holiday season's fashions are carried over from some luxurious fall looks. Besides all kinds of velvet (which I covered in this post), designers are using luxe fabrics to convey a festive, rich mood. Below are the definitions* and examples of a few of these royal treatments. I hope you include one or more in your ensembles when you are thinking of what to wear to holiday events.

Jacquard: A fabric with an intricately woven pattern.

Brocade: A heavy fabric interwoven with a rich, raised design.

Satin: A smooth fabric, as of silk or rayon, woven with a glossy face and a dull back.

Lace: A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern.

All the trimmings: embroidery, fringe, feathers, beading, sequins, and fur.

I think this is the most beautiful bag I have ever seen (by Dolce & Gabbana)

*Thanks to the Free Dictionary by Farlex.