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
While I wholeheartedly embrace Thanksgiving for its lack of commercialism and focus on food, I do not embrace crazy shopping on the following day. At the same time, I encourage you to stop by and say "hi" to me at Renaissance Fine Consignment today if you happen to be downtown. It's a lovely store (at 1118 State Street) and I'd love to see you!
I have spent a great deal of time lamenting the dearth of nice, modest, and cute dresses for young girls and teens. There are dozens of extremely short and revealing dresses which require complicated undergarments to wear. I am frustrated and angry with designers for making such sexualized clothing for young girls, and I am exasperated and appalled with adults buying these frocks. (Yes, I realize I sound like an uptight prude, especially after I used the word "frocks.")
So imagine my sheer joy upon entering Gazillion Dresses on State Street in Santa Barbara. My 14-year old daughter had been there before with my mom, and I was surprised to learn that they both loved this store since their tastes are very different. Now I understood why: the dresses were stylish, unique, fun, well-made, and were for young girls, not Victoria's Secret models!
I fervently hope that stores like this will be successful, so if you are looking for a dress for a daughter, niece, friend, cousin. . . please check out Gazillion Dresses. And let me know what you think!
Subscribing to blogs has often baffled me. I don't have a firm grasp on what an RSS feed is, or if I want someone's blog to go to one of my email accounts or to Facebook, or . . . UGH! I wonder how many others share my bewilderment over the how-tos of subscribing to blogs. Finally, my blog is now easy to receive via email. Eureka! Simply enter your email address under "subscribe" in the upper right hand corner here, click subscribe, and you will receive regular doses of Wardrobe Wisdom. Hooray!
Image credit: dressforsuccess.org
I popped into Talbots today to order some red jeans; I've been on a quest for such pants for a few years now. While there, I learned about Talbots' "Dress for Success" event. On Saturday, March 7, at the La Cumbre Mall location in Santa Barbara, the store is asking for "nearly new," professional attire and monetary donations to benefit Dress for Success. This organization's mission is to "promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."
The event at Talbots starts at 9 am and includes light refreshments, a gift card drawing, and a display of the store's new arrivals. I hope you can attend this event and support this meaningful cause.
Image credit: makesmith.com
What follows isn't really an insider tip, since I received it from someone outside the apparel business. But this gem of a store does seem to be a bit of a secret: Make Smith Leather Company. You can read all about this wonderful, family-run spot on its website, but know that going there will give you a much fuller picture of Make Smith's fine products and attention to detail. I know of no other local store where you can have a belt custom made (and I have some ideas for more styles they can offer!). I am coveting the tote bag above and think a bespoke belt for my brother would be a lovely gift. Check it out at 117 W. De La Guerra Street, Unit C, in Santa Barbara.
Renaissance is located at 1118 State Street
I am finally getting my front and backyards beautified. It's taken me a long time to decide what I want to do, and my dad's been helping me by building lovely raised beds and digging holes for my new plants. On Saturday I headed to the nurseries and was reminded of a hidden treasure 5 minutes from my house: the gift shop within Terra Sol Garden Center.
Everywhere I turn in this space reveals something delightful. I find pretty cake stands for my friends who love to bake, bee motifs on pots and jars for my honey-loving daughter, tiny flowers and fairy-inspired decorations for my other daughter, napkin holders, trivets, cute hand towels, plates and trays. . . I could go on and on but will let the pictures here do the work.
So the next time you find yourself flummoxed, wondering what you can get for someone special, I suggest you head to Terra Sol.
Check out my column in this month's Coastal View News. It's on page 8!
Image Credit: Maliamills.com
"Oh, goody!" you are thinking, "It's time to shop for bathing suits again." Here are my suggestions: figure out what styles are most flattering for your figure by going here. Then set aside at least 2 hours to shop for a swimsuit. I highly recommend seeing Linda and her staff at the Bikini Factory in Summerland, going to Sears and trying on their Lands' End suits or visiting Lands' End online, and checking out the bathing suits at Nordstrom and Macy's. Malia Mills in Montecito also has terrific (and pricey) bathing suits. Do not dally; the selection is only going to get slimmer and the weather is only going to get warmer (save for SB's icky gray days in June).
A tall, personal hero of mine: Julia Child.
One of the things I enjoy about pubic speaking is the lively question and answer part of the session because I always learn something. After a recent talk at UCSB, I was asked where tall women can find clothing in town. Since I am 5' 4" this is not something I consider when shopping for myself. But I do have tall clients and know they are always looking for clothes that will fit them properly. They complain about pants and sleeves that are too short.
A tall (and very stylish) professor shared where she shops: Land's End and Talbots online, Banana Republic, and the Theory outlet in Camarillo. Theory is also available at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue in town. She also says she has had good luck at the Gap and at J. Crew online.
Thanks, Dr. Kim!
I saw this silk " Angel" kimono. Ethereal!
Somehow, whilst doing a little gift shopping for others last weekend, I found myself making a couple of purchases myself. Lingerie designer Samantha Chang was at Purrmission Lingerie that day, showing her exquisitely beautiful undergarments and loungewear. In this photo, she is holding one of her most popular items: a silky smooth slip which also comes in black and white. We talked about the importance of good undergarments and what a difference they make in the appearance of an outfit. I would consider this slip a wardrobe staple.
I appreciate the fine workmanship of her designs and how well they fit. I love the color combinations she used, such as burgundy and navy in a lovely lace camisole. Chang is a true entrepreneur with a fine talent for creating delicate, feminine, wearable pieces. I suggest you check out Chang's designs for yourself or someone special.
Photo Credit: Levi's website
I am a bit of a skeptic. When I see the young women at Victoria's Secret approaching me with measuring tape around their necks like stethoscopes, I question their ability to accurately measure me for a bra. Is it because the measuring tape seems so flimsy, tissue paper thin? In any event, except for my favorite tailor, Kim at ZipKleen, I don't put much stock in people's measuring skills.
What a welcome surprise it was then to have my skepticism challenged and obliterated at the Levi's store on State Street in Santa Barbara. I had been hearing about Levi's "Curve ID" jeans and noticed their ads throughout my fall fashion magazines. Growing up, Levi's had never fit me and I sort of gave up on trying to wear them. But this recent campaign piqued my interest in Levi's denim.
Upon entering the Levi's store, a young woman asked if I needed help. I told her I was interested in finding my Curve ID, and she asked another young woman to measure me. "Oh, boy", I thought, "Here comes the smoke and mirrors." Once I was measured, I was given two pairs of jeans to try on, the Slight and Demi Curve styles. The first pair seemed custom made--just for me! They (pictured above) were an absolute dream, hugging me where I wanted a closer fit and skimming over other parts of my legs. PERFECTION! The Demi style also fit well but could not compare to the Slight Curves.
I noted the style number and color, and then told the salesperson that my husband needed new jeans more than I did. I asked if they measured men and had the same system for determining what jeans would best suit them. No, they did not offer this service for men, but I was assured that my husband would be steered in the right direction. I am very eager to return to the Levi's store--for him and in the future, for me!
Photo Credit: Vices & Spices website
Today my husband and I took our laptops to a local coffee
shop and worked for 2 hours. It wasn’t the most romantic date, but we enjoyed our drinks and felt productive. Moreover, I walked away with a new wallet, thanks to
the carefully chosen gift items by the savvy buyer at Vices and Spices.
Sometimes I forget about this little gem, which as been in
Santa Barbara since 1975. It’s a fabulous place to buy tea and spices by the
ounce. The coconut pouchong tea is divine! It is also a terrific place to
purchase unique gifts. The jewelry is always handmade and pretty, there are
dainty English teacups and chunkier coffee mugs, shopping bags in different
materials and patterns, lovely vases, drinking glasses and serving bowls, cards,
and my latest discovery: fabulous wallets.
When I purchased a darling little purse in Paris, I began
using my teenage daughter’s small wallet. Although it fit nicely into my purse,
its design was not practical. Now I have a colorful, soft, and practical
leather wallet from mywalit. It is bright blue, navy, and dark
purple— eye-catching and beautiful. Other wallets come in aqua and dark blue, olive green and orange, and red and brown, to name a few.
Photo Credit: European Market and Deli website
Last week I attended a course on email marketing. Although the speaker was great and provided a great deal of useful information, I found myself getting restless. So I ducked out early and did some window shopping. What follows are some highlights.
American Eagle Outfitters: Sure, the loud techno music drove me nearly out of my mind. But the clothing was cute and the store carries some basics for women over 18, such as T-shirts, camisoles, and jeans.
Ooh La La: I wondered if Santa Barbara could support two French-themed consignment stores, on the same block! This store is tiny but I saw some great, well-priced tops and some cool evening wear as well. Like all consignment stores, you need to go often to have success.
Next I headed toward Goleta and went to the following places:
Folio: This place does a lot more than print cards and stationery. It carries some wonderful, locally made items such as beautiful silk clutches. Whenever I need a gift for someone, Folio is one of the first places I go.
European Deli and Market: Okay, this is not a clothing or accessories store, but shopping here was the high point of my day. I got a kick of wandering the aisles, discovering unusual jarred vegetables, spices, breads, sauces, yogurts. . . the inventory is endless. If you find yourself in this area one day, hungry, be sure to have a sandwich, rolled up into lavosh. Delicious! And if you want to bring some out of the ordinary appetizers to a party, get some Eastern European salami, cheese, and condiments here.
My daughter Camille and I spent a lovely day in Solvang with Rachel Kett, of Hammered Hoops, and her two sweet daughters. We had a great time catching up on each other's lives, and then I asked to see her latest creations. So many beautiful pieces! I am hoping to have a jewelry party featuring her unique and special necklaces, earrings, and bracelets this fall. The pretty abalone earrings here are an example of what she is currently working on. You can find Rachel's jewelry at the following locations:
Ladybug Boutique -- Santa Ynez www.ladybugboutique.com
Wendy Foster State Street -- Santa Barbara www.wendyfoster.com
Wendy Foster Sportswear -- Montecito
Angel -- Montecito
K. Frank -- Santa Barbara www.kfrankstyle.com
El Capitan Canyon -- Goleta www.elcapitancanyon .com
Ambiance Clothing -- San Luis Opispo
Kalyra Winery -- SantaYnez -- www.kalyrawinery.com
Indian Summer -- Summerland
Lola Boutique -- Santa Barbara
Hummingbird Boutique -- Carpinteria
Sometimes a new piece of jewelry is just the accessory you need to liven up your wardrobe. I know a certain pair of Rachel's earrings will do just that for mine!
I ran a number of errands today, including consigning some baby clothes for a client and donating some clothing to the Assistance League, off Las Positas. Little did I know that it was Dollar Day, which meant that most of the items in the store were dramatically discounted and some cost only a dollar. Boy, was it bustling there.
After dropping of my client's items and collecting a donation tax form for her, I cruised into the "finer" women's clothing section of the Assistance League Shop. Soon I was trying on two darling skirts in brand new condition. They did not fit, but this experience reminded me that stopping in at thrift and consignment stores once in awhile (I try to do this at least once a week), can yield some great deals on pretty terrific things. I keep a running list of clothing and accessories that I truly need in order not to fall prey to bargains I may encounter.
This week I spent some time in Montecito, checking out a couple of places I had been meaning to investigate for awhile. My first stop was Matti & Me, a consignment shop selling high end, luxury brand clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and hats. I met the friendly owner, Matti Bourgault, who reminded me that, "A portion of the store's profit is donated to select humanitarian non-profits of the customer's choice." Nice.
The inventory was pretty darn fabulous--from Manolo Blahnik shoes to a Valentino blazer. The pricing was not so fabulous; it seemed a big steep for consignment.
I popped into the highly touted Malia Mills and was surprised to find not only bathing suits and coverups, but terrifically chic sandals and clothing as well. Let me get this out of the way first: The bathings suits are expensive, starting at $150. But they are also original, super stylish, and the fit is incomparable. Major kudos to this company's for embracing women of all shapes and sizes. The website and photos in the store feature normal looking, non-skeletal models. Thank you!
Image from Malia Mills website
 Photo from Getty Images--the Commons
Here is what the saleswoman told me when I was at Saks last week, trying to get a pricey pair of fairly new sunglasses fixed, "Oh, we don't do that here. Go to Occhiali, down the street."
The very kind man at Occhiali fixed the sunglasses and would not let me pay him.
Hmm. Where do I want to spend my money the next time I need sunglasses?
Let me start by saying that I love animals. I grew up surrounded by wonderful pets that I dearly loved. However, when I head downtown to do some high end shopping for clients, I do not expect to encounter animals in the stores.
Today I learned that Saks Fifth Avenue is an animal friendly store. Just look at this HUGE dog, wandering around Saks without a leash, its owner several feet away. Not one employee suggested that perhaps the dog stay outside whilst the owner shopped.
I would not think of letting my cat run amok at Saks and at Nordstrom, another department store which seems to welcome animals. Last week I witnessed a helpless saleswoman in Nordstrom's handbags section being mauled by an enormous hound while its owner commented, "Oh, she likes you." Come on, people! Show some manners, please.
(By the way, the selection of Joie clothing at Saks is incredible right now. Such lovely, chic pieces!)
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