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.
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
Image credit: modernoptical.com
I find perusing eBay and some cool second hand clothing sites such as thredUp to be a fun activity. In the search box, I enter my favorite brands and sometimes I strike gold. However, I have learned the hard (and pricey) way that not every label I love makes clothes that I end up loving and wearing.
For example, Joie is a label with feminine silk tops and pretty dresses which appeal to me. Whenever I am in a consignment store, I am thrilled to discover a Joie item. So naturally, Joie is a label I frequently look for on eBay. One time I was over the moon to find a beautiful red blouse there for only $30 since such blouses regularly retail for at least $180. Even though the $30 price was great, the fit is not and this is a top I rarely wear. Yes, I did not throw away $180, but I could have used the $30 on something that was perfect.
The moral of this post is to not let your brand crushes get in the way of making smart purchases. Learn what styles and cuts of certain labels suit and do not suit you to become a wiser, more discriminating shopper.
Photo credit: Allenedmonds.com
Being a curious people-watcher sure beats looking at my iPhone when I am idle. The other day my eyes settled on a dapper man whose shoes provoked me to comment, "Those are beautiful!" This led to a lovely little chat about footwear, and how happy he was to find shoes that were both great-looking, well-made and comfortable. He said while the shoes were pricey, he thinks of himself as an "apocalyptic shopper," explaining he makes thoughtful wardrobe purchases, as if each one is his last. Therefore, he insists on quality items. I made up the word "shopocalypse" on the spot, and he endorsed this term. Hooray for people-watching! And hooray for insisting on quality.
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.
Image credit: thepioneerwoman.com
My oldest daughter is a high school junior and so there is a lot of college talk around our house these days. We discuss the importance of knowing what she is looking for after graduation. What is equally important is knowing what she does not want in a college. The process of narrowing down a list of likes and dislikes will save us a lot of time visiting schools.
Are there some fabrics or colors you simply do not like? I've learned that I like collarless silk blouses best. So while I can appreciate different tops, I know I will not enjoy them in the long term so I don't waste time considering them or trying them on.
Make a list of things you love about your current clothes and what you don't. Get rid of clothing that matches up with the descriptions on your "don't" list, and use the other list to guide you to wiser shopping.
I found myself at Ulta Beauty in Goleta, California for several hours the other day. My youngest daughter is enamored with this store, and likes to go up and down the aisles, examining the merchandise, oohing and aahing over new discoveries. We are always impressed by the helpful, friendly, and non-pushy women who work there. One was especially patient when my daughter was looking for just the right shade of lipstick.
During the lipstick quest, I tried on an eyeliner a friend had suggested for me. The color was lovely and it went on smoothly. However, after the second hour of being in the store, I noticed that it had smudged and faded. Therefore, I did not make the purchase.
This led me to think about how we often shop. When it comes to shoes, I feel like most of us try them on in the store, walk around a bit, then wear them at home before committing. But when it comes to clothing, we just try it on briefly, then wear it out, and only later realize it isn't really "us" doesn't fit well, go with much, etc. I am not suggesting you wear an item around the store for two hours since no one has that kind of time and I am not sure the salespeople would approve. Yet I do suggest wearing the item around your home for a good period of time before you decide to keep it. And if you have some time, by all means wear it around the store for a bit. You may just save yourself from making unwise purchases.
Black top, H & M Navy tank, Cotton On
I've written before about my quest for the perfect white t-shirt, and how, when you find that perfect basic, buy more than one. I followed my own advice recently and walked away with 3 ideal tops for less than $50.00
My secret is the "basic" line at H & M. I adore their elbow-length sleeve scoop neck knit tops and have them in almost every color. They wash well and always look smart. A friend just discovered a similarly ideal knit top at Cotton On, whose price is under $20. So don't be snooty about tops that can be workhorses in your wardrobe. They don't need to be costly so seek them out in stores geared for young folks. Next stop, Forever 21 (as long as I wear earplugs!).
Image credit:eBay.com
I gleefully opened the package from eBay the other day, eager to see my purchase in person. Before trying on the lovely, red silk Joie blouse, I inspected it closely. There were no stains or imperfections; it looked like new. When I found that it fit me perfectly, I felt very smug in the knowledge that Joie blouses start at $150.00 retail. I paid less than $30.00!!!
Have I always been an eBay shopper? Decidedly, no. It was only when I began working with an eBay devotee that I began visiting the site regularly. In the past couple of years, I have purchased shoes, running attire for my daughter, and clothing for myself. Only one item did not work out, and I was able to send it back and receive a full refund. But without my co-worker's guidance and tips, I would have floundered.
Here is how to shop like a pro on eBay for clothing and accessories:
1. Search for items using specific words. For example, include the brand name, the style, the size, and the color you are looking for. When I wanted a Joie blouse, I searched under "Joie, blouse, silk, XS." The more specific you are, the better chance of learning whether it exists on eBay.
2. Check the seller's return policy. Make sure that you can return the item for a full refund if it does not fit you well or if it is not the item described by the seller. Some sellers are happy to provide refunds; others are not.
3. If you are serious about bidding on an item, you must check on it often. I am not always diligent and have lost out on certain garments. I like to "watch" items I am interested in but am not ready to bid on. I've also done well simply deciding to "Buy it Now" when the item is something I've really wanted but did not want to play the bidding game for.
4. The old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is" holds true on eBay. If you notice someone is selling a designer handbag you have been coveting forever, and the price is significantly lower than one you have ever seen, it is most likely a counterfeit. I'm not a huge fan of designer labels so don't spend a lot of time looking for them on eBay. What I do know is that there are many tell-tale signs when something is a fake. Go here to learn about them, and shop wisely with this information.
5. Shop often. I have written before about consignment store shopping and the importance of going often. The same is true for eBay. If someone is not selling something you want today, someone may be next week.
Image Credit: AnnTaylor.com
Must-have clothing lists are something I come across often, but I don't always agree with their contents. However, the following list from Apartment Therapy seems quite reasonable. My comments are in italics.
1. A pencil skirt. Pencil skirts are like the subway tile of clothes: they never really go out of style. They're elegant, feminine, a little bit badass. Wear one to an interview (with a sensible top). Wear one to a wedding (with a flirty top). Find one you like, get it tailored to fit you just right, and you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again. A good fit is critical: The skirt should skim gracefully over your figure and hit at or just above your knee.2. Black pumps. Everyone should own at least one pair of really beautiful black pumps. Buy a classic shape and you'll keep them forever. Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, 9 West, and Michael Kors tend to have good black pumps year after year. 3. Jeans that make your butt look awesome. Look for a dark rinse, so you can dress them up or down. If you find a pair that fits and you can afford it, purchase two pairs. 4. A big slouchy-luxe bag you can carry every day. Your purse is pretty much the only thing in your wardrobe that you 'wear' every single day, so it's worth splurging on a little. I look for a bag that's high-quality but doesn't scream 'fancy' (for versatility) and one that has a little slouch to it (so I can stuff a few extra things in my purse without it looking like it's going to explode). Hmm. I find a big bag looks out of proportion on petite women and they can be really heavy. However, I'm all for splurging on a high-quality bag in a color and style you love since it will be with you every day. 5. Sunglasses. Sunglasses are the only accessory you wear on your face, and they are kind of important. They're one of the first things other people will see, and a nice pair of sunglasses will instantly elevate any outfit. Look for a pair that's not too trendy and that complements your face shape. And don't leave them on the seat of your car and then sit on them, like I do. Eh. Some people cannot live without sunglasses (me!), and others rarely wear them. So this item doesn't seem like a must-have for all. 6. A white button-up shirt. The ultimate wardrobe staple. Goes with basically everything. Another thing that's worth getting tailored, because you will keep it forever. What if you don't look wonderful in white? Then get off-white? Not a button-up shirt kind of woman? Then how about a white or cream silky blouse with or without buttons? Joie makes gorgeous (and pricey) ones, and Ive seen reasonably priced blouses at H & M and Forever 21.7. A white tank top. White tank top? I hear you saying, skeptically. Trust me: if you can find the right white tank top, you will wear it all the time. The trick is to get one in an upscale fabric, like silk, so the shape says casual but the execution looks like a million bucks. You can wear said tank top to get beers with your friends at the ice house (it's a tank top!) or to that fancy new restaurant everyone's been wanting to try (it's made of silk!). Also looks great under a blazer. I love a great white tank top and have found them at Old Navy and Michael Stars. Ones by Crown Jewel are quite perfect (and are sold at Indian Summers in Summerland).8. The right black pants. Perfect for any occasion where you don't want to wear a skirt, but jeans just won't quite do. Or navy, or dark brown. Look for non-pleated ones that have no pockets or pockets with slits that lay flat in front. A wide leg is flattering on most but make sure it is not too wide if you are petite. 9. A little black dress. But of course. Or navy or cream or even red. 10. A statement-y necklace that goes with everything. I know a necklace might seem like a not-so-basic thing, but hear me out: jewelry makes any ensemble look more finished. It says: "I do not just get dressed. I wear Outfits." If you can find a necklace that you love to wear, and that goes with everything, that one piece can give your whole wardrobe about 15% more oomph. Worth it. Yes!What are the wardrobe staples you can't live without?
Go here to read my column on page 25 in this month's Carpinteria Coastal View News. It's kind of a greatest hits of my Wardrobe Wisdom tips. The column also features, as usual, drawing by my younger daughter.
Last week I gave a talk to a group of women at Renaissance Fine Consignment Store in Santa Barbara. I let them in on my consignment store shopping secrets, and along with the shop's expert staff and super owner, Joann Younger, offered advice and guidance. I purchased a chic coat at a fraction of its original price. We all had a great evening.
Here's the scoop on an upcoming sale at the store, located at 1118 State Street in Santa Barbara, near the art museum.
Image Credit: blogs.cornell.edu
I'm a big believer in lists, whether they for tasks at home or at work, or for things that I need to pick up at Trader Joe's. I also have a list of voids in my closet that I would like to fill. These are not clothing, shoes or accessories which I need immediately; rather, they are a few timeless items I want to choose carefully with the intention of wearing them for many years. This list is not very short so most of it remains in my head. In this way, I can be on the lookout for the items any time I shop.
My list served me well when I was checking out a store I had not ventured into for many years. Remember my black blazer ordeal? Well, I had not really giving up on finding this particular garment, and was super happy to find a rather perfect one a couple of weeks ago. If I had not kept that item on my ongoing list, I would not have looked for it that day. Do you have such a list? If not, look in your closet, think of some basic items that would help you create complete outfits, and write them down. Then have this list with you when you shop.
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.
Photo Credit: Sandcastle Time's website
I've enjoyed exploring the shops in Carpinteria, Summerland, and Santa Barbara to write this month's Coastal View News column. Go here and then to page eight to read about gift giving ideas for the women in your life.
This week I challenge you to do the following: Take 5 items that you truly love out of your closet. Look at them critically and write down what you like about them. For example, one of my favorite things is my gray and white striped maxi dress. I love its fit (how it just skims over me), how I can wear it by itself or with a sweater or jacket; that is works from spring through fall, and that it is super comfortable. I wore when I volunteered at last year's Bread and Roses event for the Fund for Santa Barbara. My husband Don and our good friends Don and Kathleen Scott are in the photo.
Once you have your list and reasons for liking those clothes (or shoes and/or accessories), refer to it before you set foot in a store. This list can serve as a reminder of what you like and why and can help prevent you from buying clothing that is destined to sit unworn in your closet.
Image Credit: J.Crew
I was looking through a past issue of InStyle magazine and came across information not many women think about: the rise on trousers. This is the distance between the crotch and the waistband. The shorter this length, the lower the pants will sit on your waist. Depending on your shape, you may need a short, long, or medium rise to achieve perfect fitting pants. See ; it is not you! Those ten pairs of jeans you tried on during a miserable shopping session did not look good because they had rises that were not appropriate for your body.
To determine what kind of waist you have, stand upright and hold your arms out at a ninety degree angle, as if you are holding a tray. If your elbows hit above your waist, you are long waisted; if they hit below your waist, you are short waisted. If they hit your natural waist, you can seek medium rise pants. Go here to a nifty guide from Real Simple which offers detailed information on how to find pants that fit.
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