Image credit: NPR.org
I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR recently about the robe volante, a complete departure from what women had been wearing during pre-French Revolution Versailles. This dress was a revolution in itself: "Down with the corsets and cages! Up with the robe volante! Full and comfy, in fancy fabrics or simple cottons, everyone could wear it — and they did. The 'revolutionaries' were young women of the court, merchants and dressmakers; the robe became a social leveler." (NPR.org)
The historical fiction novel, Madame Tussaud, which provides deep insight into the French Revolution, is a terrific read. The writer describes what led to this monumental event and the meaningful role that clothing played.
Image credit: nordstrom.com
My husband needed a new blue blazer, and I found a very smart one at Nordstrom during its Anniversary Sale. He also needed some slacks for work, so I enlisted the help of Drake Johnson at the Santa Barbara store. Drake was immensely knowledgeable, helpful, and fashion savvy. He is the man to see! Contact him at 805.564.8770, ext. 1220 or at drake.p.johnson@nordstrom.com. Full disclosure: I receive no monetary payment or merchandise from Nordstrom or any other store when I recommend them.
Sometimes I feel like a restaurant critic (my not-so-secret dream), reluctant to reveal a favorite store or item out of fear that its appeal will then decrease or others will disagree with my opinion. However, I feel compelled to pass on information about a fantastic shoe. It is one of those coveted, perfect combinations of comfort and style. A client of mine had these shoes, and after determining they went with nearly every outfit we created, I deemed them quite perfect.
So here they are, Petrina Lulu dark denim wedges by Clarks.
You're welcome!
Photo credit: ecouterre.com
Jon Oliver covered the topic of sweatshops, fast fashion, and the world's unhealthy and deadly addiction to cheap clothing very well on his show "Last Week Tonight." Oliver's words from this video are the title of today's blog.
Obviously, I love clothing and like a bargain. Am I aware of how many clothing companies use child labor and allow people to work in inhumane, dangerous conditions to produce garments? Yes, but have I chosen to spend my money responsibly, and thoughtfully, by not supporting such unethical companies? Not always. Oliver's story put this issue on my radar again. It should be on all of our radars and we should shop or not shop accordingly. Go here to learn more about child labor.
Like many of you, I love shopping in consignment stores. There are bargains to be had on one of a kind garments and accessories, and I like the idea of recycling instead of always buying new.
Today there is a sale at a local haunt in Santa Barbara: Jessica Consignment. Maybe I will see you there!
Photo credit: Associated Press
I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR's On Point about workplace dressing today. I've never had a job that required me to dress a certain way, so it is sometimes hard for me to relate to people's struggles over what to wear to work. However, I do understand there are complicated and often mixed messages people get from their employers about what is appropriate and what is not.
Go here to read an excellent New York Times article on this topic. Times are different from the 1970s, when women dressed like Mary Tyler Moore in her eponymous TV show (pictured above).
Image credit (both): Simoneperele.com
I require a lot of lift from my bras. For this reason, finding just the right brassiere can be a challenge. So it was with the usual dread and excitement when I went bra shopping this week. Happily, I left Purrmission Lingerie, in Santa Barbara, with two new bras that fit great, are comfortable and give me plenty of lift.
No matter what you is shopping for, it is important to remember what your goals and preferences are. Even though I was offered a number of demi and balcony bras to try on, I stayed the course, asking the saleswoman to show me only full coverage, contour bras. Since Purrmission is known for its gorgeous lacy and fancy bras like the one below, the saleswoman could not resist bringing some stunningly beautiful ones as well. Sure, I tried them on. But in the end, I found two contour bras--one in black (above) and quite pretty, and one in nude, utilitarian.
I saw many, many lovely bra and panty sets, nightgowns, and slips at Purrmission. If you have not been, the trip is well worth it. I also picked up a bottle of Forever New, my favorite hand wash fabric soap.
Here are some fun facts from The One Hundred by Nina Garcia:
60% of Americans claim to have owned at least one pair of Converse in their lives.
Converse high-tops are also called Chuck Taylors, because in 1918, a high-school basketball star, Chuck Taylor, began wearing them. He later promoted and lent his name to the sneakers.
I think Converse sneakers are terrific. These days my favorite version is the white Jack Purcell (above). They go with jeans, shorts, summer dresses, and casual skirts. Love them!
It has been a long time since I posted here. Sure, I spent a couple of weeks away from home, but my absence from Wardrobe Wisdom has been more about feeling uninspired. The clothes in magazines and stores had not thrilled me in awhile, and I could not seem to find wardrobe-related topics that fired me up.
However, now I have a short list of topics that I would like to cover, and I have some observations and suggestions to share. Today I am going bra shopping today which I am sure will lead to a blog post (or two!). I'm wearing an uncomfortable and ill-fitting bra in this photo from Emmett, Idaho. On the upside, the cherries were terrific.
Image Credit: pinterest.com
From the original "What Not to Wear" team, Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine:
"We incorrectly believe the notion of becoming stylish is a feat way beyond our grasp. Style isn't something you are born with, but something any one of you can learn."
So. . . enlist me for help with your wardrobe and closet woes;
use a free styling service at Nordstrom;
shop with a friend whose fashion sense you admire who can help you find clothes to suit your taste and lifestyle;
start weeding out clothes that don't make you feel good to make space for those which will
Read: What Not to Wear by Woodall and Constantine and/or Kelly and London
Photo credit: renttherunway.com
I recently described my anxiety-filled experience while shopping for my daughter's prom dress on the day of the dance. What I had tried (unsuccessfully) to do was urge her to begin looking for a gown a few weeks prior to prom. Deciding to ignore my advice, she did spend some time on Rent the Runway's site the night before the dance.
Something Rent the Runway does, which I think all shopping websites should mimic, is showing real women, instead of models, wearing the clothing. These photos were immensely helpful in demonstrating how the dresses really fit and how women with similar or different figures looked like in the dresses. I know that shoppers would be a lot more inclined to trust a site that showed how other customers wear the clothing and would be thrilled to possibly get some accessorizing ideas from them as well. Rent the Runway should also be applauded for the long, detailed reviews it features from its customers. Online retailers, take note!
Here are some wise words from "Visual Therapy" gurus Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo:
Editing your wardrobe is not about throwing things away needlessly, but "clarifying." It's about reading the clothing in your closet like tea leaves to find out what works, and establishing a life cycle for your wardrobe.
My older daughter's prom was last weekend. Deciding not to heed her Wardrobe Wisdom mom's advice, she began her search for a dress a mere week prior to the event. Then, one day before prom, she told me she did not really like her dress and wanted to shop the next day. I tried to remain calm, knowing it was not the time for I-told-you-so even though I was thinking it!
This story does have a happy ending. We arrived at the Assistance League's Operation Prom shop when it opened at 10, and after trying on several dresses, one stood out. Not only did my daughter get to wear--at no charge!!!-- a gorgeous gown, she was given shoes to wear with it and offered jewelry and a bag as well. The lovely women at the Assistance League could not have been more helpful and gracious. Other girls were there, shopping for their proms which were coming up in a couple of weeks. The atmosphere was friendly and casual (my high blood pressure notwithstanding).
I am not suggesting that anyone wait until the last minute to purchase something for a special event. Ever! I do, however, strongly suggest you tell everyone you know about Operation Prom. Here is the scoop from the Assistance League's Facebook page:
Operation Prom Dress has begun! Calling all girls attending their High
School Prom! Come BORROW a dress from our beautiful Prom Boutique,
Choose from over 500 dresses in all sizes! School ID required.
Saturdays 10-2 April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, and 21. Wednesdays 3-5,
April 20, 27, Ma 4, 11, 18, 25. Assistance League
of Santa Barbara, 1259 Veronica Springs Road, Santa Barbara (off Las
Positas).The girls you see modeling the Prom Boutique Dresses at our
March meeting are members of our wonderful Assistance Volunteers.
Last week I was fortunate to speak at UCSB during a joint Latino
Business Association and Sigma Lambda Gamma meeting. These groups had
asked my husband and I to talk to them about appropriate professional attire since
they will soon be launching their first careers after graduating from the university .
The students were curious, intelligent, serious,
and delightful to talk to. I went over what the norms are for dressing
in various business environments and suggested some basic wardrobe items
to get them through a week of outfits. Few young people today have the
resources to fill their closets with expensive clothing; I suggested where to find quality, inexpensive pieces at consignment stores in town as
well as some thrift stores which carry nice clothing.
The groups were taking donations of gently used clothing for Job Smart,
a terrific non-profit in Santa Barbara. Job Smart provides clothing for
low-income people looking for work and "helps people learn to project a
positive attitude, a
professional image and a willingness to learn so they are more likely to
succeed!"
Image Credit: unityshoppe.org
"Make sure you look good coming and going."
Image Credit: amazon.com
From Style Evolution by Kendall Farr:
"The pleasure you feel in wearing certain colors, fabrics, textures, and shapes should guide, to some degree, your choice of new clothes."
My daughter, pictured above, found great pleasure in her spring outfit.
Photo Credit: wsj.com
I appreciate what fashion designer Rachel Roy (above) had to say recently in a Los Angeles Times article: "You just have to be aware of what makes you happy, and it's the same for clothes. . . if I want to feel a certain way, I will start with what to put on my body, and it helps get me there. And I think that's the great thing about fashion, that it can elevate your mood and then your confidence and then hopefully your intelligence."
I also applaud Roy's designs for plus-size women (below) instead of ignoring this demographic like most of the fashion world. Her Rachel Roy Curvy line debuted this spring at Macy's.
Photo Credit: wwd.com
Image Credit: davidlebovitz.com
David Lebovitz' blog is one of my very favorites; I look to him for guidance on food and travel in France and beyond. His recent newsletter contained this solid, all-around advice:
"Craziness prevails in the world, but the good news is that we can turn off the television, and go for a walk to a market or wine (or cocktail) bar, and take a break from it all. In doing so, it's easier to see the good in the world that's around us. If you go into your local shop, café, or restaurant, you'll see how nice most people are in everyday situations, and you realize why human interaction is so important."
I couldn't have said it better. Thank you, David Lebovitz.
Photo credit: Renaud's Patisserie and Bistro
When I eat something I like, I am the happiest person around. I savor each bite, insist others try it, smile contentedly, like the Cheshire Cat, and talk rapturously about it for days. This happened the other night when my friend, Will, brought an exquisite chocolate cake from Renaud's for dessert at my house. It was absolutely perfect in every way: rich, yet light chocolate mousse sandwiched between layers of light chocolate sponge cake, enrobed in ganache. PERFECT.
How many things in your closet are perfect? Do your clothes fit just right? Do they go coordinate with other garments you own? Do they make you feel confident and comfortable? Understandably, it is too much to expect everything you own to be perfect, but you should not settle for things which are just okay. You don't need many clothes if each one works beautifully for you. I have a pair of gray sandals that are flawless: They are comfortable, are in a color that goes with most everything, and are in a simple style that looks great with dresses, skirts, jeans, and shorts. Such items become workhorses and are worth investing in.
More words of wisdom from Tim Gunn:
"With very few exceptions, I dress to meet and greet and engage without feeling underdressed or overdressed for the occasion. We engage with someone when we pay for something, so merely leaving your home is a set-up for engagement."
Image credit: en.wikipedia.org
You know that feeling you get when you find just the right tool for the job? Your daily routines become easier, more streamlined, and you wonder what you did without that special tool.
After complaining for more than a couple of years to all who would listen (including my clearly disinterested cats), I purchased a new hair dryer. What a difference its made. I dry my hair in half the time and it never turns out frizzy. What on earth took me so long to get this dryer?
Is there an item of clothing or an accessory that would make getting ready a more efficient process for you? Think of a belt, a pair of shoes, or a versatile top that would make your outfits complete. When you get dressed, what are you missing? Make a list, and then look for what you need when you are out and about.
Image Credit: saveamericascinemas.org
From Isaac Mizrahi's book How to Have Style:
"Go to stores and look, but don't look at price tags and don't buy a thing. Go to a store's or designer's website and look at photos. Pick up a fashion magazine or two and clip photos and ads that speak to you. Spread your images out and study them while shopping in your closet."
Mizrahi says that by shopping, looking, evaluating, and giving your own closet a critical once over, you will discover what you truly want, need, and will wear most often without spending a penny. Then you can make a list of what you need and shop, little by little, to complete your wardrobe. Good advice!
Photo Credit: theseams.orghttp://www.theseams.org
Listening to NPR's "The Seams" podcast is one of my favorite pastimes. In this episode, I learned about current Irish fashion labels as well as Ireland's notable history in weaving wool into beautiful sweaters and tweeds fabrics. Margaret O'Leary is a well-known designer who started out knitting sweaters and now has a complete line of women's clothing and several boutiques. I remember coveting her lovely, unique sweaters when I worked at Patty Montana in Santa Barbara many years ago. I hope you will give "The Seams" a listen; you will not be disappointed!
From the brilliant, kind, classy, and wise Tim Gunn:
"Fit is the most neglected aspect of how we dress; that is, most people wear clothes that are too big, too small, or a combination of both."
Clothing should not pinch, bunch up, pucker, gap, or droop anywhere. If it does, consult a tailor or get rid of it!
Photo credit: howtostartagardeneasy.com
The first day of spring on March 21 is just around the corner and is an ideal time to go through your closet and do some weeding. Remove any garments that don't fit you currently, need tailoring to fit well, or are too worn out to wear in public (the latter can be discarded or demoted to gym or garden or dog walking activities).
I did this over the weekend and filled a bag with fall and winter (by Santa Barbara standards) clothing and shoes that I had not worn in 2 years. I plan to bring them to my cooking group on Friday night to see if my friends are interested in anything. If I had planned ahead, I could have suggested we set aside some time on Friday to do a real swap, where each person brings gently worn clothing, shoes, and accessories they no longer wear. Maybe we can do this next time. Weeding is liberating!
Image credit: goodreads.com
The Thoughtful Dresser, by Linda Grant, is one of the best books I've read about clothing and its importance in our lives. I cannot recommend this book enough. Though Grant does not suggest we keep every article of clothing we've ever owned, she acknowledges the role they play in telling our stories:
"If you were to gather together all the clothes you have every owned in all your life. . . you would have your autobiography. The clothes we wear, they comfort and protect us; they allow us to be who we want to be. They tell others what we want them to hear. We come to understand whether or not we can depend on them."
I am not the first one to endorse wearing pantyhose, given the always-casual dress code in Santa Barbara. However, as Kate Middleton has shown us, wearing sheer, non-shiny, natural-looking nylons results in a chic, pulled-together look. I wrote about Kate's nylons in a past blog post, and am surprised she has not influenced more women to wear pantyhose. Take a look at how great my friend looks in her sheers, which her young daughter called " odd ballet tights."
Photo credit: mtv.com
France, Italy, Israel, and Spain have passed laws designed to make the modeling world healthier. The laws include requirements that models to provide doctors' notes, proving they are healthy and not "dangerously underweight." Has this led to designers waking up and making clothing for women who are not toothpicks? No, but I am encouraged. Go here to listen to a story about a British clothing line whose contract for models includes a clause that they will eat a lunch during the shoot. This clause is a result of having models refusing to eat for many hours and then being very fatigued and unable to do their job properly.
Photo credits: itvnews.com
I sure have enjoyed watching "Downton Abbey" and feel sad about it being over. The storytelling was wonderful, the cast was terrific, and of course the clothing, which evolved along with the times, caused me to me swoon.
Reading about the show's historical advisor, Alistair Bruce, in a Los Angeles Times article made me appreciate the care that went in to making "Downton Abbey" so special and precise. And I sympathize with him getting riled up about "slouchy, modern-day posture." Bruce elaborates: "If only we could take one lesson out of this otherwise terrifyingly starched era and just stand up straight. . . All men would be more handsome and all women more beautiful."
This week's wisdom is from Stacy London, in her book, "The Truth about Style" :
The goal should always be to look good for your age, not to look as if you are chasing your youth.
I can't resist adding this from Gloria Steinem, when she was told she looked good for her age: "This is what forty looks like."
People should dress the
way they want. Any rules for age or shape are silly. If you walk out
the door feeling good about yourself, that’s what counts. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/631214
People should dress the
way they want. Any rules for age or shape are silly. If you walk out
the door feeling good about yourself, that’s what counts. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/631214
People should dress the
way they want. Any rules for age or shape are silly. If you walk out
the door feeling good about yourself, that’s what counts. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/631214
People should dress the
way they want. Any rules for age or shape are silly. If you walk out
the door feeling good about yourself, that’s what counts. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/631214
People should dress the
way they want. Any rules for age or shape are silly. If you walk out
the door feeling good about yourself, that’s what counts. Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/631214
I suppose I am officially out of the clothing doldrums now. Bodenusa is one of my very favorite online sites, and its new spring collection, especially the dresses, has left me tingling all over. Go have a look here.
Photo credit: pbs.org
Last night I discovered a delightfully quirky program called "Tales from the Royal Wardrobe". PBS states that in this show, "Dr. Lucy Worsley, Chief
Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, will peek under the robes of Kings
and Queens past and present, asking what their chosen garments reveal
about their reigns, what message they were trying to project with their
selected attire and how their majesties’ sartorial choices influenced
the fashion of the day."
My younger daughter and I got a kick out
of the obvious glee Dr. Worsley had in describing what royalty wore
and why. Most of all, we loved watching Dr. Worsely dress up in royal
attire and glide around like a queen or king or just a fancy lady. We learned about whalebone undergarments, codpieces, and the symbolism found in Queen Elizabeth's gowns. Great fun!
Image credit: vectorstock.com
From Clinton Kelly in his book "Freakin' Fabulous on a Budget":
Have you ever looked at the backside of a mannequin? The clothes are all completely pinned up, twisted, and pulled to look perfect. So, if the clothes on the rack don't even look good on the proportionally "perfect" mannequin, how will they ever look perfect on you? All I'm saying is: Be aware. Nothing is as perfect as it seems.
I find it refreshing to have a very small, precise shopping list. Right now, the only item my wardrobe seems to lack for spring and summer is a white dress. Although this may sound like a simple garment, what I am looking for is quite particular in terms of fabric, fit, and style. I sure wish I sewed well enough to make exactly what I seek. I like the one above, but would want a less puffy version.
It's not to early to consider what you may be looking for this next season. Were there any voids in your wardrobe last year that you would like to fill? Start making your list now and do some mindful, specific shopping. It is much easier to be disciplined when you know what you are looking for.
Photo credit: www.thesun.co.uk
Musical artist Florence Welch has so many admirable qualities: she's smart, has a gorgeous, powerful voice, is a spectacular performer, is smart, and seems very in touch with herself and her goals. Reading in Sunday's Los Angeles Times about Welch's thoughts on fashion made me admire her even more. I love what she had to say when asked about work clothing:
"When I’m working really hard on a project, like making an album, I
can't get dressed. I have to put on the most simple pair of leggings
and a black T-shirt, because actually getting dressed up is a form of
creative expression, it’s a form of using your imagination, and when I
have to make a record I have no other thoughts left. ... If I need to
get from [point] A to [point] B without getting noticed I put on full
sports gear. No one thinks it’s me at all because they can’t put those
two things together. I can hide [that way] if I need to."
Image credit: sparkonit.com
and sometimes it does not. In the past two weeks, I have not written a blog post and have been trying to figure out why I feel so uninspired. Have I not been in stores enough recently? Am I tired of my own wardrobe? Why haven't the magazine articles, newspaper fashion columns, and other bloggers posts not sparked an idea for a post? What is my problem?
When I look back on recent weeks, I see that my days have been very full and quite stressful. Focusing on clothing and fashion and developing thoughtful insights into them takes energy, and I simply have not had it. I realize that my eyes have zoomed in on particular tasks and have not noticed what people are wearing around me, something I normally do all the time. When I have picked up something to read about fashion, I've ended up skimming it quickly instead of folding corners of pages over, highlighting words I like, and tearing out pictures that strike my fancy. In short, my mind has been full of too many other things to add Wardrobe Wisdom to it.
However, it's a new week. My life has slowed down a bit and I'm breathing more easily. I am ready to be conscious of what people are wearing around me and can keep my mind on what I am reading. Moreover, I feel giddy about checking out what is new in Santa Barbara's stores this week and will be doing some serious people watching. Look out!
Image Credit:mareseosullivan.com
Whenever I try to explain what I do in my wardrobe consulting work to my relatives in France, they always ask me why American women have so many clothes. There are some shopping tips to be gleaned from the French. So read this post from Verily about Frenchwomen's shopping habits.
Photo credit: nytimes.com
Someone whose clothing style always makes me smile is chef Marcus Samuelsson. I have his new cookbook, Marcus Off-Duty, and while the recipes and stories are enticing, the photos of Samuelsson stand out. Here is someone who likes color, knows what styles suit his body shape, and has fun with clothing. And he can cook! Bravo.
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