Crazy Pants Update

If you have been on the edge of your seat, wondering what I decided to do about the colorful pants I spoke of in a recent blog post, I decided to return them.

It was with a heavy heart that I entered Anthropolgie to take back my fun, whimsical, disliked-by-my- daughters pants. But I listened to my own Wardrobe Wisdom and knew that I would not get much wear out of them. The pattern was too memorable to wear all the time and the style was not for everyday wear.

In place of the pricey pants, I purchased a bright cobalt blue maxi dress. I feel terrific in it and plan to wear it at least once a week over the next few months. I like the color, how comfortable it is, the fact that it has pockets, and that it does not wrinkle. (My girls like it too; sigh).

The moral of the story is to purchase clothing that you love and that you will wear a lot, especially if the item in question is pricey.

Time for Some Tailoring

Photo Credit: Gina DeNuccio


Today I headed to my favorite tailor, Kim at Kim's Tailoring on the Mesa. I had set aside a blouse that needed its sleeves enlarged. (Who decided the sleeves needed to end in super tight elastic?)  I also wanted Kim to tack the opening of a dress that was a bit low for everyday wear. Then I realized I had a few other items that I had been looking at, pulling out of my closet, and then not wearing, for quite awhile. This included two skirts that were just too big in the waist, and a  new (consignment store) skirt whose slit in the back was a bit torn.

So I took all of my items to Kim's--only to learn she was out of town until May 6. Darn it! Now that I had finally put together a number of garments to be altered by her talented hands, I felt impatient. I may wait for Kim, but others have referred me to the following tailors with high praise:

Joan Wilkin at Nordstrom: : (805) 564-8770 ext. 1820
JRA Designs: 3 West Carrillo, Suite 202
Lee's Tailoring: 967-2869

Tony The Tailor: 30 W Mission St. (805) 569-3967

Eli's Place: 1236 Coast Village Cir # Q (805) 969-5995




Once I get my clothing tailored, I will have some wonderful "new" things to wear. I cannot wait (really!). Look in your closet today. If you see garments you truly like but haven't worn because they need a little tweaking, now is the time to take them to a tailor. Or just get rid of them once and for all (I am talking to you, Sunny!).

How to Find Pants that Will Fit You

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. 

Shapes and Sizes

Go to page 8 in this week's Coastal View News to read some Wardrobe Wisdom regarding eyeglasses and handbags to complement your shape.

Shopping Preparedness

Image credit: www.girlscoutcsa.org

Before you hit the stores, make sure you have your updated shopping list and whatever you may need to try on clothes. This can include the shoes you are planning to wear with the pants, skirt, or dress you are looking for. How about undergarments? If you are looking for a special occasion outfit, bring along any Spanx or convertible bras or panties to wear with them. If you are looking for something to coordinate with a top or bottom part of an outfit, bring the part you have with you to make sure it will look great with the other half.  Snacks and water will keep you going while you shop since going from store to store can be exhausting. Do bring a friend who understands your budget and your taste, gives you honest and helpful feedback, and has a great sense of humor. Do not bring a friend who tires or bores easily, does not like to shop, or whose taste you do not understand or like.

The Long and Short of It

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!

Karma Times Two

When I was growing up, I offered a great deal of unsolicited fashion advice to my mom. I started Wardrobe Wisdom at a young age. My mom did not always appreciate my comments but she sure seems to remember them. Now she finds some delicious satisfaction when she sees my two daughters giving me fashion advice, whether I want it or not.

The pants pictured here are new to my wardrobe. I saw them on a salesperson at Anthropologie the other day and thought they were very cute. My friend Stacy thought the same and told me to try them on. I did and found them adorable and incredibly soft and comfortable. "Sure," I thought to myself, "they are a bit goofy and not my usual style, but they are fun and whimsical." I purchased them.

When I modeled them for my 14 and almost 12-year old daughters, I was met with laughter and embarrassment. Yes, they were embarrassed for me. I told them I did not care what they thought and would wear them with confidence and joy. At least I think I will. Before taking off the tags, I will try them on with various shoes and tops in my wardrobe and decide how I really feel in them. If I feel great, I will keep them and ignore my girls' snickers. But if I feel silly, they will be returned. Sometimes clothing needs to be tried on at home before a final purchasing decision is made.