Not Quite

Image credit: W. Cade Gall in the Washington Post

A friend just sent an article from the Washington Post in which some "fantastic visions of what fashion would look like in the future were published by W. Cade Gall in The Strand Magazine in 1893. The ideas, which were recently featured in The Public Domain Review, are based on the principle that fashion had moved in "waves" over the 19th Century, and would do so in the 20th."

The images are outrageous and the artists' visions did not come to be. Take a look here.

Great Tips for Cleaning White Sneakers

When my brother and I (above) were growing up, we could not wait to go to the Vans shoe store for our new tennis shoes each fall. I would get so upset when they got their first stain. I've been a big fan of Jack Purcell tennis shoes for years, and I still get bummed when they get dirty. So imagine my joy upon reading whowhatwear's tips for keeping white sneakers clean. Yeah!

Owning It

Image Credit: publicradiointernational.org

I've been listening attentively to the series "Owning It" on Public Radio International. Each story is inspiring, as are the women who are starting businesses out of nothing in sometimes very challenging circumstances. Bravo to these women--from a yoga teacher in Africa to two mothers in Prague making handbags-- and to PRI for covering important topics like this.

Formal Wear Advance Planning

Image credit: wardrobeoxygen.com

I just read another another brilliant "capsule" wardrobe post from wardrobeoxygen. It's always a good idea to plan your fancy outfit in advance--for an occasion you know is coming up or one that surprises you. Shopping in a panic rarely ends well. So think about putting together your own formal wear capsule wardrobe now.

Beauty

Photo credit: telegraph.co.uk

Dita Von Teese, today's "paragon of pinup style," has confused me. But I've always appreciated the care she takes to present herself as well-groomed and confident. Her new book, "Her Beauty Mark," just hit the shelves, and I read a bit about her views on beauty in Sunday's Los Angeles Times.

Here is my favorite part of the feature, when Von Teese is asked about her view that "beauty is duty":

"I look at it [beauty] as natural as brushing my teeth. And it doesn't have to talk a lot of time. I can narrow it down to a few little things, like having my lips on, and my hair pulled back in a neat chignon. I choose little things that make me feel better and give me confidence."

What are the "little things" that you regularly do to make you feel your best? These "little things" can make the difference between us having so-so and terrific days.

Go to page 21 in this month's Coastal View News to read my column. I offer tips on how to make shopping for clothing easier and more enjoyable. I've found that I am enjoying myself quite a bit--finding things for me in the process--as I shop for others this holiday season. I'm taking a break from writing this monthly column, but you can still look for Wardrobe Wisdom on my blog and on Facebook.