Thursday, November 5, 2009
I've Moved!
Monday, November 2, 2009
SOON!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Does Designer Equal Quality?
I recently bought a David Meister dress through a consignor sale. I rarely find dresses that fit. I am somewhat boney and small through the chest and wider through the hips. But this, it fits so well! The construction is great and even though it is 2 or 3 seasons old, it is a pretty timeless style. Quality counts.
David Meister dress at MyPerfectSale.com
Now, I’m not saying it’s what I do all the time but when able, you bet I go for the designer piece. I try not to pay for the name unless absolutely necessary, meaning, not full price. Much of the full amount price is the name. But, a large part of the price should be, and usually is, about quality and fit. So, I check-out sales, clearance, on-line discount sites, and consignment stores. Bluefly.com, Zappos.com, pixiemarket.com, and Overstock.com are a few good sites to try.
Some designers are doing lines for chain stores like Vera Wang and Dana Buchman at Kohl’s. Target regularly has “guest” designers and just launched this season, H&M has Jimmy Choos. This may sound great and if you just want a piece with a name, fine. But, ultimately, I am a seamstress at heart and the way a dress or pair of pants is made matters to me. Especially if my hard earned pennies are buying it!
Dana Buchman shift dress at Kohls
So, when buying anything, look at seams and seam allowance, hems and hem allowance, buttonholes, lining (always a good thing), fabric content (some natural fiber mixed in is a plus), and fit. On shoes, check straps, buckles, stitching, insole, and make sure any embellishments are well attached.
Jimmy Choo merch at H&M
Hope this helps with your future purchases. Where do you find your quality pieces at great prices? I’d love to hear about them! P.S. I am still playing with formatting, font, etc. so please excuse messups!Friday, October 16, 2009
Businesswear 2009
I have decided there is a big discrepancy between what is shown in the magazines as office appropriate clothing and what is really worn in the office. Unless you are in a high end finance, attorney, or some other elite office setting, I think the atmosphere is fairly casual. Magazines and prime time courtroom shows appeal to the sexy, feminine side of all of us with spike heels, pencil skirts, and patterned hosiery.
**This suit is by Theory and available at Bloomingdales.
But, I believe the workplace is filled with more frenzied moms whose priority is kids' lunches, get the dog outside to do his business, brush your teeth and out the door with no time to spare. I know there are the few that really do have it all together and do have time to concentrate on themselves in the mornings and that's what I'd love for everyone to have. I imagine you would feel much more empowered and capable of dealing with issues and co-workers if you felt powerful and capable.
f course, in my line of work, this plays directly to your image and style. And clothing is a huge part of that. So, how to accomplish looking your best at work? Let's just start with the basics (this will be a two-parter post; too long and I lose readers!) First, look at everything you wear to work and evaluate how it fits, what shape it is in, whether it is too casual or inappropriate. Then gather a needle and thread, lint roller, stain remover, shoe polish, and iron/steamer. Fix any loose threads, loose buttons, and falling hems, then iron or steam the garment. Work on tough stains and launder. If it doesn't come out, don't wear it. Remove pet hair and dust creases from hangers. The shoe polish will work wonders on scuffs and lengthen the life of the shoe. Don't forget the back and the heel.
Then use a critical eye and look at the way a piece fits. Are the pants sagging in the rear or pulling too tight; do blouses pull too tight across the bust; are pant hems dragging the floor; do your skirts or pants pull too tight across your stomach; do your blouses or tops rise to show your middle? All of these issues require fixing or ditching. Tomorrow, I'll discuss pieces to build a wardrobe with. But be prepared, it may require getting rid of some old favorites.
p.s. My blog is undergoing some changes, so please be patient with "construction messes!"
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Deals, Steals, and Bargains!
Friday, October 2, 2009
These Boots Were Made For ?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Do You Remember?
On this post, I'd like to examine the picture I've attached of Natalie Portman. I love her outfit! There is nothing oustanding or spectacular but it is just so together, clean, and simple. Maybe it's my love of navy and white. I'd love to see what shoes she is wearing. Anyway, we'll start at the bottom. She is wearing jeans with a pretty good flare and a dark wash. Underneath the jacket is a Chole tunic. You could easily replace it with a longer tee that has a bit of flare or tunics are easy to find now off the rack. Try Gap or Old Navy. It doesn't have to be a designer top. The jacket and scarf make the look. The cut of the jacket is double breasted with a flared hem. It hits just at her waist and has 3/4 length flaredsleeves. I guess "flare" is the opperative word here! You may want less material or "flare" in your jacket and that's fine. Long sleeves would be fine too. The green scarf is a great shot of color. More options could be wine, magenta, or deep teal. Boots, peep-toe sandals, or maybe a suede pump would work with this outfit. Try gray, black, or brown. Just a word about the tunic. To keep the length appropriate to your heigth, the hem doesn't need to go farther than below your hipbone. If it dips in the front a bit longer that's probably ok. So, what do you think. Easy or hard to pull off? Cute or not? This look is good for a huge age range also. If you are fairly heavy, you will want a jacked with a little more structure.
I hope you enjoyed my venture into using pictures. I'll try and do it more often. My days are fast being booked. Call soon if you want some help this fall. Thanks......
Melinda