Don't Try This at Home

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.

Speaking Engagement at UCSB

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

Wardrobe Wisdom from Lloyd Boston

"Make sure you look good coming and going."

Image Credit: amazon.com

 

Wise Words to Start Your Week

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.

Rachel Roy

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

Wise Words

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.

Perfection

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.

Wardrobe Wisdom

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."

Just the Right Thing

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.