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!

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!"

Deals, Steals, and Bargains!

I think it's time we talked bargains. There are quite a few to be had if you know where to look. How about Jil Sander pants for like, $14.99? Deals like this are at one of my favorite stores, UAL. I've told ya'll about this place before. I saw this particular "steal" about 2 weeks ago. Now, Jil Sander at that price isn't the norm there but it's not far off. Lanvin, Prada, Oscar, Velvet, and many others are majorly discounted, 75 to 80% off! Then, there are the unknown European designer pieces from $9.99 and up. Some are sample pieces so be sure and try on. They also carry shoes, evening wear, some vintage furs, and great jewelry. One of my favorites though are the jeans at $9.99 and they fit like a glove! And the girls there are knowledgeable and helpful. I love that place. Another great place to check out is the cute little boutique by the Brentwood Target. Blush. They have some really cute pieces at extremely reasonable prices. The inventory is fairly low and kept to a minimum. They carry a range of somewhat edgy pieces mixed with more feminine things. There is a wall of shoes and limited jewelry. One of my favorite things there are the camis in a wide range of colors. Also look at the cute jackets and coats. They get shipments regularly so the merchandise changes frequently. The next place is an old standby but with a new designer on board, the looks are changing. Ann Taylor and AT Loft. AT is getting a makeover with more feminine, hipper styles. Not so cookie cutter business looking. AT Loft is more soft, casual, and fun and is doing its' own version of a tee shirt with chiffon, ribbony detailing. There are 3 or 4 styles that are on sale now for $19.50 I think. These are great layering pieces. The one above is an expample. I hope this helps you hold on to some more of your money but yet get some cute things. If you need help at any one of these places or any other area of your wardrobe, give me a call. Thanks for reading!

These Boots Were Made For ?

Frank Sinatra's daughter made that song popular.  If you are too young to remember it, pull it up on the internet and listen.  It'll get you in the mood to get one of fall's biggest "must haves".  Boots.  They are such fun to wear.  How many kinds of footwear are there that can look so many different ways?  A pump is a pump, a ballet flat, a flat, a slingback, a ....well, you get it.  But a boot, it can be tall, ankle, over the knee, flat, high heel, mid heel, wedge, dressy, slouchy,cowboy, riding, rain, and on it goes.  For some reason a boot makes you feel invincible.  You can walk through puddles, ride a horse, strut into a room, or as the song goes, walk over someone ( not very nice but necessary sometimes, maybe?).  I just bought 3 pair. One, a black ankle to wear with tights and skirts mainly but also will be great with pants and jeans.  Another, black suede with a buckle at the top, about 3 inches below the knee.  I will wear them dressy and casual.  The third pair are dressy black which I had no intention of getting until I saw the price.  $9.99!  They were at Marti and Liz (call me if you don't know this place!) and had the slightest repair stiching on the top seam.  They are AK leather!  Can you believe it?  Just an example of some deals to be had at that shoe store.  Anyway, my boot collection has now grown to, well, we'll just say I could use a little more room.   If you are just venturing into the boot world, (Cindy, there is therapy for foot claustrophobia I'm sure) I would start with a basic black boot.  Do you like high heels?  Then go for it and they'll work with skirts for work and jeans for casual.  A pair of flat boots will inherently have a more laid back vibe but still be appropriate for pant and jeans alike.  They'll also work with knee length skirts.  If you are more adventurous, try a motorcycle look in black or brown.  I love this look with skinny jeans tucked in.  And of course, to fully feel like a Nashvillian, a cowboy boot is totally appropriate.  If you have a bit  (chunk actually) of money burning a hole in your fun fall purse, go for a pair of Frye's.  They have taken the cowboy boot above and beyond.  Not your traditional pointy toe but they now have a hipper western look.  The boots shown are from Zappos and are Frye's and the black booties are Donald Pliner.  Both to die for.  Boots do not discriminate.  They are friends to all ages, body types, skin coloring, and sizes.  You can even find wide shafts (the leg part) for those with a wide calf, which I know can be a problem.   So, no excuses not to participate in this fun, fall fashion classic.  Yes, I am declaring the boot a classic, right up there with a trench coat and a LBD.  Aren't you excited?  Ready to find the right boot for you?   Call me, I know just the pair for you.  Talk to ya soon......

Do You Remember?

There is a broadway play in the works or already done about remembering an article of clothing or a particular outfit in a woman's past and what it meant to her or what emotions the memory of it brings.  I have 2 or 3 that come to mind immediately but I will tell you about one, the earliest.  For my 9th birthday my mother made me (she made almost all my clothes until I was in 6th or 7th grade) a gray short jumpsuit.  It had little yellow flowers all over it and was sleeveless.  I think I wore a longsleeve yellow t-shirt under it.  I wore it to my birthday party.  There is a picture of me wearing it on my swingset in the backyard.  I think of fall, my mother, and playing in my backyard when  I remember it.  Oddly  enough, another memory is of  jumpsuit, made of satin, not cotton print!  I'd love to hear if you have similar memories.  Most of mine that concern clothing are good! 
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

The Truth - Hurtful or Refreshing?

I was telling a group of women the other day (thanks for having me Allstate) that women often fall into 2 groups; dressing too young for their body type or age, or dressing too old. The ones that dress too old and frumpy are always a joy to work with. It is great to see a smile come to their face when they are told, and then realize themselves, that they really will look good in a shorter skirt. Or the cute jeans they like will be perfect on them. I am not sure why or when women begin seeing themselves older or needing to dress more boring or covered up, but it frequently happens. I think sometimes an extreme sense of modesty or I am sure certain birthdays can make you feel that way. My feeling is, no matter how old you are or modest, you can be stylish and still be age appropriate with your clothing. You see them in the mall, the older women that never got the feeling or were told "it's time to were the ugly black shoes and stop fixing your hair." They wear attractive clothing that suits them, colors, jewelry, and take time with their hair and make-up. These are women of all shapes and sizes. Then there are the ones that by age 30 have already thrown in the towel. Unfortunately, these women probably have a negative view of their shape and decided early on that pants, jeans, cute shoes, skirts, or whatever! don't fit them. Did someone tell them this or were they just too critical themselves when looking in the mirror? Whatever the case, I love to help them find that style that brings their self-image up. The other end of the spectrum and one that has to be handled with some delicacy at times, are ladies that have trouble leaving the teen years behind or are very swayed by their daughter's clothing or magazines. They will focus on the size and wish they were what they used to be, when they need to focus on the fit. These ladies have confidence which is terrific, but they need to understand what their clothing choices are saying about them. When women do this, it says to me, "my best years are gone and I'm trying to reclaim them". They portray a sense that they can't grow and mature. It can be hurtful to be told that skirts are too tight and buttons popping open isn't attractive. Again though, if they can try on a wonderful sheath dress and pumps, or an appropriate fitting jean and cute top, it begins to sink in that looking attractive and age appropriate isn't just for 20 year -olds. Harsh make-up, the wrong hairstyle, and color will age a person instead of taking years off. I told the group the other day that dressing too young very often isn't the style of clothing, it is wearing it the wrong way or the wearing the wrong size. An example might be a nice halter top for a night out. Younger girls can get by wearing a tighter style and have on a really snug pair of jeans. A more mature women can still wear that style top, but tone down the bottoms. A beautiful pair of black pants or a dark wash trouser jean. These will have a higher waist and a full leg. It's not so hard. So, is it time to take an objective look at your clothing choices? Do you fall into one of these categories? We probably all do from time to time, the point is to realize it and try to do better. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great weekend. As always, please call if I can be of any help! Thanks......

PICKY, PICKY, PICKY

From 1st grade through almost all Sr. high school, I took the same homemade lunch to school everyday. Three peanut butter saltine crackers, two chocolate chip cookies, and probably some chips of some kind, I don't remember. I also would only eat one kind of peanut butter, Peter Pan. I had a glass of chocolate milk for breakfast, everyday. The words stubborn and picky come to mind. Unfortunately, that behavior has progressed to my sense of style as well. I have been looking for a new pair of black boots since late last winter. The right look, price, fit, heel height, etc. I am also on the look out for a new pair of regular, 5 pocket, blue jeans, since last winter. The right wash, rise, length, and fit. The words stubborn and picky come to mind, again. Is this unending search for the perfect item really necessary????? Of course not. So, recently, I have been taking my own good advice and not dismissing things at a first glance. Some restrictions will always apply; I am 5'9 so no skyscraper heels; I am 5'9 so unless it's an ankle length, the hem has to be long enough; and always price. But as far as look goes, I'm open to trying different washes, the details on denim and boots, and the height of boot shaft (the leg part). And fit, maybe a jean that looks a little tighter or a skinnier leg will work, maybe it won't, but I'm going to try. It's what I encourage my clients to do and many times with good outcomes. I'll let you know what I find.

September is here and surprisingly, some cool weather to go with it. Summer washed yellows and whites and ocean shades of blue and green give way to fall hues. Chocolate browns, the oranges and reds of maple leaves, and midnight blue to black are stocking the stores now. Are you ready? Here are some tips to refer to until autumn really hits. While we are still transitioning, use the above colors in cottons and light-weight wool or silk blends. As the days go on, wardrobe wise, your clothing choices should slowly start changing, in general, to fall shades and heavier pieces. Boots are good, some will say all year, but certainly now, with dresses and skirts for a cute, breezy fall look. If scarves have been stored for the summer heat, bring them out for cool rainy days and night time. Go with a darker nail polish to really make a statement, try deep purple or navy for a change. While summer is a time for shedding layers, opening up, and slowing down, it is inevitable that with autumn on the way, we start to close up and hurry up in several ways. Front doors will close and the firewood will come in, gardens will die down to wait for spring, and we begin to pull out the comfortable, warm clothes. Long evening walks will stop and leisurely trips to the mailbox or to walk the dog become sprints. I'm always a little sad when this begins but, like clockwork, I start to remember the joys of fall and events only experienced in the cold weather. And, on a more shallow note, if I'm going to a football game to see people I haven't seen in months, or years, then I'm going to look good while I'm there! When the invite to a bonfire at a friend's farm comes, I plan to have a great new pair of cords to wear. Take these last weeks of summer and start taking stock of fall pieces needed or desired and make a list. Then, call me and let's get to it! No, it's not all about clothes but they sure make the seasons changing more enjoyable. Thanks for reading....