Planning Ahead

Image Credit: kanatyler.com


This summer my family is going on a long vacation abroad.  We are all incredibly excited, but I seem to be the only one packing my suitcase in my head. Here is why: I like to know I have everything I need for my trip, including comfortable shoes, long before the plane takes off. I already know what I do not already own and would like to pack, and I am shopping accordingly. Of course I will encourage my husband and two daughters to do the same, but they don't always heed my Wardrobe Wisdom. Sigh.

A Reminder

Shoe by LK Bennett

I've been there: falling in love with a pair of shoes that are just right in terms of style, color, heel height, and material. Yet. . . they are killing my feet! Here is a reminder to:

"Never be rushed into purchasing a uncomfortable shoes, no matter how shiny the leather. Beauty is not, at least in this case, pain."

More Esquire Wisdom

Dress and shoes by Kate Spade

Shop for better clothes instead of more clothes. How do you know what's "better"? Look in your closet, decide which clothes make you walk the tallest, and then up the ante by purchasing only the threads that will have you walking even taller.

From Esquire Magazine

                                                           Will Ferrell in his "tight pants"


This week I will be posting some "New Laws of Fashion," courtesy of Esquire magazine, which can apply to men and women. I urge you to read these rules, learn from the ones that can apply to you, and then shop and dress your best.

"You wear the clothes, not the other way around."

A Good Idea

Image Credit: calleencordero.com

Lately I have been half-heartedly shopping for some summer shoes and sandals. What I have in mind are replacements for my cognac colored flats, black sandals and a silver pair of wedge sandals. In addition to checking out the shoes in Santa Barbara, I have been poring over websites.

But today I stopped hammering on my keyboard and realized I was looking for things very similar to what I already had instead of venturing out a bit and seeking something fresh. What was wrong with me? I get frustrated with my clients sometimes who have hired me to update their look yet cling to outdated styles. I am not an advocate of all things trendy, but it is important to see what is currently available and to broaden our vision.

With this in mind, I am now ready to get serious about shopping for shoes.  I love the ones above--which are different from everything I have--but they are a bit (read: way) out of my price range.

What a Find!

Photo Credit: demarcosfashion.com

A treasure appeared to me in the form of a window display featuring whimsical dresses (above), shoes, and bags. I crossed the street to get a closer look, and was waved in by the friendly, accomplished, and visionary director of De Marcos Fashion Academy, Jodi De Marcos. She seemed genuinely excited to show me around her space, introducing me to 2 students who were busily sketching designs. I got to see some gorgeous, exquisitely constructed garments and learned the history of the Academy and its programs.

I left feeling lucky to have happened upon this place and was very impressed with all the Academy has to offer, most notably an extremely knowledgeable and passionate director. She is serious about teaching fashion enthusiasts how to pursue their professional dreams. I cannot wait to see their next fashion show in August and will keep you updated here on my blog about upcoming events.

De Marcos Fashion Academy is currently located between De La Vina and Chapala Streets, on Mission Street in Santa Barbara.

Mindful Dressing

This week I am asking you to give some serious thought to your wardrobe and getting dressed. Can you think of one or two things you will definitely need for the upcoming spring and summer seasons? Make a list now and when you shop, zero in on your search for those items.

For me, a red skirt and some cognac sandals would make my wardrobe complete. I'd like one similar to the one pictured here. But I'd like it a little less full and with a red instead of black waistband. Of course there are a lot of other things I would like to buy, but I am determined to stick with my short list.

A Mystery Solved

Image Credit: tinaadamsconsulting.com

I received a question from one of my readers recently that I have been asked before but have not addressed in my blog:

I have a wardrobe question that is starting to freak me out. 
I have holes in my clothes! Not wool clothing, but cotton. Cotton t-shirts that are lighter in weight both cheapy Gap Ts and a couple of Anthropologie Ts. Today I wore a T-shirt from Banana Republic that I just got and have worn maybe twice. I looked down and sure enough two small holes! 
It could possibly be moths but the weird thing is #1 they're cotton, #2 they are always in the same spot- the front, in the middle, just at or below my belly button area. 
So, of course, I googled it and I got an article that first mentioned Silverfish (yuck), but then in the comments (there were lots of comments, so I know I'm not the only one with this problem) it was mentioned that perhaps it was caused by leaning against granite counters while doing dishes, etc. 
So my question would be, have you heard anything about this happening? 
I know it could be moths or even silverfish, but why would they only be in the same area of the shirt?
It's starting to make me crazy, so I thought I'd see if you had any wisdom about it.

And here is my answer:

I have experienced this problem and so have many of my friends and clients. It seems to be an issue with the seat belt! Try putting a soft piece of fabric between your top and the belt and see if that helps. How frustrating! I, too have lost many a top (inexpensive and not) to this culprit. 

I hope this helps!

Correction

My column is on page 25 in Carpinteria's Coastal View News. My apologies!

Thrifting Wisdom

Image credit: sanddollarthrift.com

I am sorry for the difficulties readers have experienced while trying to read my monthly Coastal View News column. This time I offer some tips on thrift store shopping.  Here is how read my piece online: click here and then click the blue button on the site. Follow the arrow to page 26. Finally,  click the magnifying glass icon to get a larger font. Phew! I will try to put the PDF version up next week.

Esquire Magazine Comes Through

Image Credit: esquire.com

As I have stated before in my blog, I get exasperated periodically with Esquire magazine. I appreciate that it's a men's magazine, but the sexist language and exploitative photos of women get old. Still, Esquire does keep me up to date on men's fashion, and I love the "Ask Nick" column by fashion director Nick Sullivan.

In this month's issue, a lot of advice is doled out regarding denim. Here are some highlights that apply to jeans for both sexes:

1. Wash only as needed. Try a vinegar spritz which means spraying a light spray in white vinegar or on problem areas to neutralize odors.

2. Fold your jeans, put them in a plastic freezer bag, and leave them in the freezer overnight. The cold "can kill some of the stench-causing bacteria.

3. When the washing machine can be avoided no longer, use a little detergent, wash the jeans inside out and always HANG DRY!

Time to Start Fresh

Photo Credit: ownyourhome.streeteasy.com

One of my delightful co-workers is a new mom. She pulled me aside the other day to obtain a little Wardrobe Wisdom. Once she returned to work, a lot of what she she purchased during her daughter's early days is too big and was cheaply made. She described feeling "yucky and frumpy" in those garments. Clothing she wore pre-pregnancy just looks tired.

I suggested she get rid of both categories and start fresh. This means she will hold on to only what works for her now and that makes her feel good, even if it is only a few pairs of jeans, 5 tops, 3 sweaters, and some skirts and dresses. I suggested that she slowly begin to buy some replacement pieces for the ones she used to love, and to invest in some good shoes that are comfortable, versatile, and chic. The idea of purging her closet made her smile. Furthermore,  she said it would be so nice and less stressful to only have garments she liked to choose from each day.

Most of us only wear 20% of what we own. It's time to wear and love everything in our closet. Are you ready for spring cleaning?

Pretty Frocks

Image Credit: mediarundigital.co.uk

Here is a very cleverly created poster-like image of Oscar dresses worn by Best Actress winners. I would like this in my bedroom. Go here to learn more.

Thanks, Dad

My dad does not give a hoot about fashion. When I was growing up, I would dread our trips to the neighborhood hardware store. Inevitably, we would run into someone from school who would see my dad in his weekend uniform of strange shorts, a much-loved UCLA T-shirt, tube socks, and sneakers. The photo above is recent; his uniform is eerily reminiscent of past ensembles.

His interest in clothing and style has not changed over the years which is, of course just fine. He has many other wonderful qualities, including an ability to build most anything and devise clever solutions for difficult problems. Years ago he meticulously measured my closet, asked how I wanted to store my clothes, made many sketches on draft paper, and then built me a spectacular closet. Though he may not be a verbally expressive man, he shows his love by doing things to make his family's life easier.

I was reminded of my dad while reading Chris Erskine's column in today's Los Angeles Times. Erskine writes about spending quality time with his daughter, however he can get it. On this day, he helped her organize and create closet shelving. Go here to read this touching article.