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!
I snapped quite a few photos of people on the streets of Paris during my recent trip. What I like about this young woman's outfit is the way her coat hits her just right at the waist and looks so chic with her simple flats. Sure, the sleeves need to be hemmed, but nobody's perfect!
Image credit: pinterest.com
I believe I revealed in a past blog that I have wanted a fringe jacket (see above) for over 10 years. Where will I wear it? I am not sure. Do I look good in that color? No. Is this an item that will go with many things I already own? Besides my jeans, no.
Fringe has been on my mind lately since it is all the rage right now (see below). My fantasy fringe jacket is an example of an item on my dream shopping list. I definitely don't need it, but if I ever come across in a consignment or thrift store for under $25 I will snap up. Until then, it just remains a little fantasy. Do you have a dream shopping list? What is on it?
Image credit: stylebakery.com
Image credit: Fillmore & 5th
When people are unwilling to share their recipes I get annoyed. What do they think I am going to do? Steal the recipe and make a profit from it? Will their aunt or grandma or great uncle disinherit them if they share the recipe? Sheesh. It burns me up.
At the same time, I can be reluctant sometimes to share recent shopping finds, thinking selfishly that there will be less things for me if the place gets popular. But since the spirit of Wardrobe Wisdom is to be helpful, I have another tip to share.
Last weekend I discovered a FANTASTIC, A+, EXTRAORDINARY consignment store in Westlake Village. It is called Fillmore & 5th and has shops in other cities as well. The merchandise was very well organized, clean, and of the highest quality. The prices were fair, the dressing rooms were roomy and well lit, and staff was helpful without being pushy. I left with a dress, a skirt, and a top, all at a fraction of their original prices. I may have to go there every month!
Photo Credit: Emilyrecommends.com (Dickies t-shirt)
It shouldn't be so hard to find a simple white T-shirt that fits well and does not require a bra and camisole underneath to make it wearable in public. Yet I have tried on $10 shirts from Old Navy and $75 ones from Michael Stars and James Perse, and ones at every price point in between to no avail. Why is this so hard? If you have reached T-shirt Nirvana, please let me and Wardrobe Wisdom followers know (unless it was a long time ago and/or you purchased it in a far-away locale). Then no gloating, please.
Image credit: www.fanpop.com
The advice below has been attributed to Audrey Hepburn repeatedly, although she always let people know the words were those of Sam Levenson. In any case, the sentiments are lovely, and I think Audrey Hepburn was the embodiment of loveliness and grace.
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives and the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.
Photo credit: Kickstarter.com
When we were teens, our moms used to shamelessly try on pants and skirts under what they were already wearing, right in the middle of department stores. These brazen acts made us blush and swear we would never do something so outrageous and embarrassing. Now, more than once over the decades-long years of our friendship, Stacy and I have changed clothes in public. Oh, we tell ourselves and each other that these quick changes are not at all like the ones our moms used to do. We are much more subtle and discreet. It's never really okay though, right?
Enter the "Undress." Some clever, thoughtful designers have come up with a completely presentable halter dress that will allow a woman to get out of one outfit and into another without exposing herself! Go here to see the video and learn all about this rather miraculous dress. (I am not asking you to give to the company's Kickstarter campaign; this link is simply the most informative one about the Undress.)
While listening to a story on NPR recently, I learned of a very thoughtful and thought-provoking blog about fashion history, called "Threaded," from the Smithsonian Museum of all places! Go here to read some fascinating posts.
George Clooney looks quite perfect in his T-shirt (image credit: listal.com)
When my husband and I first began dating, he expressed shock and some alarm at how many white T-shirts I owned. I repeatedly explained how I wore them all the time and therefore needed multiple ones, and how they were timeless and made me feel good without fail. We have been together over 20 years now, and he finally understands my T-shirt love. Or at least he no longer questions it.
He also understands my frustration in my quest for the perfect T-shirt, knowing I have purchased some losers over the years. Ones I have liked are from the Gap, Boden, Anthropologie, and Allen Allen. This piece in the Wall Street Journal shows that I am not alone in my love and search for this iconic American garment. It also sheds some light on why certain T-shirts cost over $100. Some even cost over $200! To me, that is pretty alarming.
I felt underdressed in my casual maxi dress and flip flops when I entered the glorious A'maree's in Newport Beach last week. This store is renown for its designer and couture clothing, gorgeous and unusual jewelry, and jaw dropping shoes and handbags. Still, I had gone to school with the owners and Denise (on left) had always been friendly when I had come into her store. After all, the website invites you to "Come as you are. Have a cookie. Hug the dogs...and leave feeling like a million bucks."
Go here to watch a video about the store's new location which is breathtaking, inside and out. My younger daughter and I spent a long time gazing at the spectacular collection of clothing and accessories, and had a nice chat with Denise. If you love and appreciate exquisite garments and other adornments, A'maree's is a very worthwhile visit.
Photo Credit: Christina House for the Los Angeles Times
When I first read the headline in Wednesday's Los Angeles Times, I thought it was a joke. Then I was delighted to learn that there is a real day at Disneyland, Dapper Day, devoted to dressing well. For a day, this truly was the happiest place on Earth (for folks like me!). Go here to read the entire article.
"Many saw themselves as tastefully appointed insurgents rebelling against a world in which jeans and golf shirts are acceptable at the office, celebrities have to be reminded to cover themselves when appearing on the red carpet and the attire in airport terminals looks better suited to a track meet than to air travel."
A great number of the dapper dressers were in vintage, and they mentioned that they like dressing that way all the time. For a lot of the women, "It's just as comfortable coming in a dress as jeans and a T-shirt." This reminds me of the day I cruised around Universal Studios with my family for hours in a knit dress and sandals. I felt cool and at ease all day.
Credit: Bodenusa.com
I cannot get enough of Tim Gunn and his wardrobe wisdom. Reading The Fashion Bible was an educational experience, and I have been going over the notes I took while I read.
Clients and friends often ask me what they can wear instead of sweat suits on casual, errand running days. I like Gunn's definition of grocery shopping as a "public activity." Isn't this really what most of our activities are? He asks, "If you are not moved by respect and enthusiasm for your fellow humans, imagine running into someone you want to impress. Won't you feel better in that scenario if you aren't completely rumpled?"
He understands that women want to be comfortable and insists this does not have to mean wearing pajamas or sweat suits all day. Instead, he suggests a "soft dress. . . [which] is one piece instead of two, and all you have to do is throw it over your head rather than step into legs." Gunn also suggests items with some stretch, such as a knit top or T-shirt (that fits well!), and jeans. Having a cardigan or jacket handy pulls your outfit together and allows for a change in weather.
Like, Gunn, I find it depressing to see women (and men) dressed sloppily. I support his desire for people to "invest in comfortable, attractive, all-American sportswear, and leave the sports-wear to the world of sports."
There have been some pretty big stories in the news this week so you may missed the one concerning the game Monopoly. The iron playing piece has been retired and a little cat is its replacement. To read or listen to this story, go here. It seems that this iron icon and the act of ironing are becoming unpopular, at least in the United States. Though I love cats, I feel a bit sad about the iron.
I liked the Monopoly iron for it represented a time in which people pressed their clothing regularly, making it look like they cared about their appearance. My mom was very big on ironing when my brother and I were growing up. She would say we looked "slovenly" if we put on wrinkled clothing. More than once I had to come back inside the house to have her press a garment I had hastily donned. When my girls were very small, they had a number of astonishingly adorable dresses, tops, and skirts. My mom did not like to see these clothes in a wrinkled state and used to iron them for me since ironing was not really in the cards during those busy days.
Over the years I have become quite lax about ironing, but this does not mean I do not appreciate a well pressed garment. It is just that I have chosen not to purchase much clothing that requires ironing. When I do iron, I try to do everything at once. My husband regularly irons his own shirts and pants and will iron a skirt or top for me if I ask. He likes to watch TV shows or movies while he irons.
If you know you do not like to iron, follow my lead and stay away from clothing that requires it. And by requires I mean that the clothing looks its best--the way the designer wanted it to look--ironed. Men can find shirts and pants that are "wrinkle free," and there are shirts for women like this as well. The chemicals they treat such items with causes me some alarm, but you can decide for yourself whether or not to wear them.
Photo Credit: GQ
Bill Cunningham from the New York Times is always insightful. I love his take on how men are dressing these days. He thinks the trend is to dress up more, and I am thrilled. Of course Santa Barbara men may never dress the way these New York City men do, but I can dream, right?
 During a lovely afternoon spent in the Champagne region, we chatted with Laurence's mom's friend, Edith, and her dashing son, Renaud. Once he heard about Wardrobe Wisdom, he rushed to tell me all about the bespoke shirts he loves from Alsace. My cousin, Gina, had remarked on the interesting double collared shirt he wore, which led him to show me a number of other shirts by the same maker. Ooh la la--what I do in the name of research. By the way, it is always challenging to try and explain my work to Europeans. They cannot imagine paying someone to do something they do naturally--dress and shop--with panache. Once I tell them about the struggles women and men face when trying to navigate stores and trends in the U.S., they seem to understand, sort of.
I came across this small business in downtown LA recently. I like how straightforward and specific it is. Why isn't there a shop designed precisely for me? Something like, cute, fashionable but not too trendy skirts, perfect white T-shirts, great-fitting jeans, and flattering dresses for woman 5'4". I don't think I am asking too much. What kind of clothing shop would be just right for you?
 Hmm. I wonder if she has enough shoes?
When I am going through a closet during a Wardrobe Wisdom consultation, I get asked about numbers a lot. How many shoes do I really need? How many suits should I have? How many black pants do I need to have? Without exception, every woman has had more in her closet than she needs, and a lot more than she actually wears.
It is difficult for me to give numbers when so much depends on a person's lifestyle and budget. The experts who wrote Harper's Bazaar's book, Great Style, did come up with a list that I think is pretty good. Here it is:
4 sweaters (2 work-worthy and 2 for weekends)
7 tees (short and long sleeves, tanks, and turtlenecks)
4 coats and jackets (1 elegant coat, 1 sporty outerwear jacket, 1 classic trench, and 1 day-to-night jacket)
2 tops for every skirt and pant (1 dressed-up and 1 casual style)
4 pants, 4 skirts (2 office and evening appropriate and 2 informal)
1 suit (for every season, that you can wear together or separately)
5 dresses (2 for day, 1 short for cocktails, 1 long for formal, and 1 special knock-'em-dead frock)
4 jeans (1 slim cut for a cleaner look, 1 relaxed fit for laid-back days, 1 ankle length for flats, and 1 longer pair for higher heels)
What do you think of this list? So much depends on what your regular activities and work requirements are. I don't think everyone needs 5 dresses. What if you don't like dresses? Still, I think this list is okay as a starting point to think about what you really need.
 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is known for his commitment to organic farming and now his passion for sustainability has spread into fashion. In a recent edition of Vogue magazine, the Prince himself (supposedly) wrote "I believe fashion has a role to play in helping to confront some of the environmental challenges we face." Prince Charles is placing an emphasis on what can be done to use less or re-purpose materials instead of restating what "we should not be doing." Promoting wool is one facet of the Prince's efforts. He wants to "persuade people that this natural fiber is infinitely more 'sustainable' than artificial fibers made from oil derivatives." I think is is terrific that he has started a project, Start, to push designers and consumers to be more mindful of what they create and buy to cover their bodies. My hat is off to you, Prince Charles! Yes, of course I realize the featured photo is of Prince William. He is just so darn cute that I couldn't resist.
When I was in my teens, my mom took me to the Fashion Academy in Santa Ana, where I spent the day having my colors done and received tips on makeup and hair. I have thanked my mom many times for this experience as it has saved my countless dollars since I know what colors work on me and skip buying those that don't. Most importantly, my clothes coordinate beautifully which cuts down a lot on time spent getting dressed.
There are several websites that offer color consulting services, and I always take their tests to see if their analysis matches what I know (I am a winter which means I look best in cool, blue-undertone colors). A new site, jillkirshcolor.com, intrigues me and I encourage you to try it out. Her method for color analysis relies exclusively on hair color. The site I find to be the most accurate in determining what colors suit different people is Color Me Beautiful as it takes both eye and hair color into consideration.
Most people know what colors they feel best in and what colors flatter them. But it gets hard to stay on track when designers choose new hip colors twice a year and then inundate the stores with those shades. Of course there are women who don't give a hoot about what colors work for them, and wear whatever color suits their mood or matches a piece of clothing they love. While I do notice (I can't help it) that they would look better in teal than bright red, they look happy and confident, and in no need of a Wardrobe Wisdom intervention!
I imagine everyone in Santa Barbara knows by now that Patty Montana in Goleta is closing its doors forever. This Tuesday week was the start of the big sale. In 1995 I was driving down Calle Real and saw the Patty Montana sign. Having been familiar with the original PM on Canon Perdido, I could hardly contain my excitement. Within months I was working there a few days a week while working at SBCC. What a great place to work! I was surrounded by beautiful clothing--all the things I loved such as simple t-shirts, jeans, and skirts made out of cotton and linen. I also adored the silver jewelry. When my manager, and good friend, went on maternity leave at Patty, I took over. This meant I had to order some things, request return authorizations for others, make bank deposits, and handle customer concerns. Being in charge was enjoyable since the shop was small and the responsibilities were manageable. I worked at Patty before, during, and after my two girls were born. Sometimes I would underestimate the size of my expanding belly and would bump into shelves. On the dead slow, rainy days, during the center's renovation period, I knit my soon-to-be-born daughter's first afghan. I remember when Jeannine's Bakery was briefly on the corner and I would go there for treats twice a day. Good times. Once the shop was sold, the new owner brought in more merchandise and had a more eclectic aesthetic. Still, I enjoyed chatting with wonderful customers and helping them find clothing and accessories that made them feel good. In all, I worked in the store for 15 years. I'll miss the shop and the special people who worked there as well as the loyal customers. I wish another charming women's boutique would come to Goleta.
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