My friend Katherine is so clever. I was whining to her about how worn my wallet looked, how they don't make leather goods like they used to, how the outlet mall did not have one wallet I liked. . .
She walked into her garage and returned to the room carrying a little jar of Murphy Oil Soap. Katherine told me that Murphy is magic, and that she used it for her tack when she was riding horses years ago. She also told me that she uses it all the time to bring out the best in her wood furniture.
Before I knew it, she had a damp rag and was dipping it in the viscous stuff. She then rubbed it on my wallet and, before my eyes, smoothed out the cracks in the leather and made the wallet look loved, not trashed.
When I mentioned Murphy to my dad, he said, "Of course I have that. I use it all the time." He is Mr. Resourceful: He shines his shoes, repairs anything around the house before tossing it out, and goes to great lengths to fix cherished items. I have a popcorn popper that he and my mom received as a wedding gift-- 50 years ago! Sure the handle is no longer metal but is fashioned out of a broom handle. But it still works!
Tonight I borrowed my dad's Murphy Oil Soap and treated my boots and leather shoes to a good washing. They look fantastic! All women and men who are tightening their belts right now should also be using Murphy on those belts, their wallets, purses, shoes and boots. Being frugal means taking care of your stuff and making it last.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Joy Work Club
A terrific women's conference will be taking place on April 24 in Santa Maria. One of my colleagues, Sara Caputo, will be speaking on creating work/life balance through communication. I will be speaking on a marketing panel as the expert on projecting a professional image.
I feel confident that this event will be very worthwhile and hope that it will be held every year. For information, go to the link: The Joy Work Club Women's Conference.
I feel confident that this event will be very worthwhile and hope that it will be held every year. For information, go to the link: The Joy Work Club Women's Conference.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Soul-Sapping Outlet Shopping
Shopping at outlet malls is one of my least favorite pastimes. These places are always crowded with people who look tired and harried, and it seems like quantity wins over the selection available. Great deals can be had, but at the expense of a heck of a lot of time. So, given all the incredible sales going on everywhere right now, why on earth would I go to an outlet mall?
We were on our way to a romantic weekend in the desert and it seemed like a good idea at the time. And my heart does race when I see a J. Crew store in any form. But at the Cabazon Premium Outlet Mall, my beloved store had only a few t-shirts, bright yellow sweaters--yes, they do look great on Michelle Obama-- and a few belts. Oh, it was sad there, and it was grim in the other trillion stores as well. Some things were discounted quite a bit, but the deal were no better than the ones at my local mall.
What made the detour worthwhile was this: a long-coveted item is no longer on my list. For three years I have been stalking a long black St. John sweater. It never goes on sale and is priced around $1475--a bit beyond my budget. In Cabazon, I tried on the sweater. It was only $750!!! And guess what? I no longer loved it nor could I imagine it hanging in my closet. Whew!
My advice is this: Only buy something at an outlet if you truly love it. The clothing is largely made just for those outlet stores, so quality varies. You are not always getting last season's clothing or overstock from the "real" stores.
We were on our way to a romantic weekend in the desert and it seemed like a good idea at the time. And my heart does race when I see a J. Crew store in any form. But at the Cabazon Premium Outlet Mall, my beloved store had only a few t-shirts, bright yellow sweaters--yes, they do look great on Michelle Obama-- and a few belts. Oh, it was sad there, and it was grim in the other trillion stores as well. Some things were discounted quite a bit, but the deal were no better than the ones at my local mall.
What made the detour worthwhile was this: a long-coveted item is no longer on my list. For three years I have been stalking a long black St. John sweater. It never goes on sale and is priced around $1475--a bit beyond my budget. In Cabazon, I tried on the sweater. It was only $750!!! And guess what? I no longer loved it nor could I imagine it hanging in my closet. Whew!
My advice is this: Only buy something at an outlet if you truly love it. The clothing is largely made just for those outlet stores, so quality varies. You are not always getting last season's clothing or overstock from the "real" stores.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
In the Newspaper
Call me old-fashioned, but I love to read the newspaper the classic way: by holding it in my hands. In the Los Angeles Times' Image section last Sunday, there was a terrific article titled "20 Ways to Upgrade Your Style."
Some highlights include a paragraph on the new book by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, "Life in Color." So many people would have a much firmer grasp on their wardrobe and a much easier time finding clothing they like if they learn what colors look best on them. Black is not everyone's friend!
Several pieces of advice have to do with common (or not common enough!) etiquette. This means reminders about being on time, behaving like a gentleman, lady, or well-mannered child, and the importance of a timely R.S.V.P.
I particularly like the tips regarding ways to update one's wardrobe and their use of the term "wardrobe wisdom." This entire article is well worth the read, even if you do it online.
Some highlights include a paragraph on the new book by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, "Life in Color." So many people would have a much firmer grasp on their wardrobe and a much easier time finding clothing they like if they learn what colors look best on them. Black is not everyone's friend!
Several pieces of advice have to do with common (or not common enough!) etiquette. This means reminders about being on time, behaving like a gentleman, lady, or well-mannered child, and the importance of a timely R.S.V.P.
I particularly like the tips regarding ways to update one's wardrobe and their use of the term "wardrobe wisdom." This entire article is well worth the read, even if you do it online.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Worth the Investment
Ten years ago I splurged and bought my husband an expensive Ghurka wallet for our anniversary. It was a beauty: black, in a classic design, and soft as a petal. He adored this wallet but could not get over its price. He does not always understand my Wardrobe Wisdom: spend more money on something you will use the most; and buy a classic, fantastically made piece since it is an investment that will last for years.
Last year my husband gave this wallet to my brother when he decided to follow the advice of a time management person (not a wardrobe expert!) and bought an (unattractive) money clip-style wallet. I am still not sure how this has made his daily life more efficient, but I do know this: the Ghurka still looks great and continues to serve its purpose. My brother, who does appreciate quality and style, carries it every day.
The moral of the story is, again, buy quality when you can. It is worth it!
Last year my husband gave this wallet to my brother when he decided to follow the advice of a time management person (not a wardrobe expert!) and bought an (unattractive) money clip-style wallet. I am still not sure how this has made his daily life more efficient, but I do know this: the Ghurka still looks great and continues to serve its purpose. My brother, who does appreciate quality and style, carries it every day.
The moral of the story is, again, buy quality when you can. It is worth it!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Calling all Designers!
When the Boden catalog lands in my mailbox, I get very excited. Since I want to make its perusal something special, I wait until I can drool over every page in peace. This means waiting until my girls are in bed.
As usual the new catalog has been pored over and I have already faux ordered several items. Though the models are younger than me--except for one who is a regular in More magazine--the styles are spot on for women my age. Why can't more designers figure out that what women in their 40s and 50s want are fashionable clothes that bring out their best assets and downplay the others? Is this so hard? Must I spend all of my money at Boden every season?
Here is my open letter to designers:
Please make dresses that have sleeves, sweaters that nip in at the waist a bit, and cool, stylish coats that can be worn over everything from skirts to jeans. Please design clothing with color in mind and make some pretty pieces in printed fabrics as well. We want to look fashionable but not silly, beautiful but not fussy, and polished but not stuffy.
Making the sort of clothing that will reflect the above wishes will win you are hearts, loyalty, and a hefty portion of our earnings.
As usual the new catalog has been pored over and I have already faux ordered several items. Though the models are younger than me--except for one who is a regular in More magazine--the styles are spot on for women my age. Why can't more designers figure out that what women in their 40s and 50s want are fashionable clothes that bring out their best assets and downplay the others? Is this so hard? Must I spend all of my money at Boden every season?
Here is my open letter to designers:
Please make dresses that have sleeves, sweaters that nip in at the waist a bit, and cool, stylish coats that can be worn over everything from skirts to jeans. Please design clothing with color in mind and make some pretty pieces in printed fabrics as well. We want to look fashionable but not silly, beautiful but not fussy, and polished but not stuffy.
Making the sort of clothing that will reflect the above wishes will win you are hearts, loyalty, and a hefty portion of our earnings.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Peddler
My husband seems to believe that a charming little peddler will arrive at our doorstep, bringing with him a rack full of great suits, in his size, and with a fantastic tailor in tow. At least three times a year he sighs, looks upward and states, "Oh, I just really need a gray suit. Now how can I get one?" His wife is a wardrobe consultant, and he asks this question!
He is not alone in this fantasy of hoping that someone will magically appear at the door with that dreamed-of clothing item, whether it is comfortable, chic black pumps, terrific, flattering jeans, or the ideal white blouse. I have friends and clients who share this fantasy.
The reality is this: A person must shop--whether online or in stores--if he or she wants something. The dream peddler will not be knocking on the door any time soon. So here are some simple guidelines for shopping: First, figure out just what you need by going through your closet and determining what gaps there are in your wardrobe. Then decide what in particular you are looking for in each item. For example, if you want a pair of black pants, decide if you want them with a straight leg or with some flare, high or low-waisted, wool or rayon. . . Think about the stores that may carry the item you want and call first to see if they do indeed carry it.
Finally, go to the stores and try on the pants, not settling for anything but the ones that match your criteria. If you go the online route, try talking to their customer service person before making your purchase to get more details about the fit and quality of the item in question.
Of course you can also call me, and I will search tirelessly for what you want. You can just hand me your list, and soon I will be handing you a bag full of clothing. I'm even better than the peddler!
He is not alone in this fantasy of hoping that someone will magically appear at the door with that dreamed-of clothing item, whether it is comfortable, chic black pumps, terrific, flattering jeans, or the ideal white blouse. I have friends and clients who share this fantasy.
The reality is this: A person must shop--whether online or in stores--if he or she wants something. The dream peddler will not be knocking on the door any time soon. So here are some simple guidelines for shopping: First, figure out just what you need by going through your closet and determining what gaps there are in your wardrobe. Then decide what in particular you are looking for in each item. For example, if you want a pair of black pants, decide if you want them with a straight leg or with some flare, high or low-waisted, wool or rayon. . . Think about the stores that may carry the item you want and call first to see if they do indeed carry it.
Finally, go to the stores and try on the pants, not settling for anything but the ones that match your criteria. If you go the online route, try talking to their customer service person before making your purchase to get more details about the fit and quality of the item in question.
Of course you can also call me, and I will search tirelessly for what you want. You can just hand me your list, and soon I will be handing you a bag full of clothing. I'm even better than the peddler!
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