Allie's Mailbag

As I have done before, I will take a few questions people have put in search engines that had them end up visiting my site, or women who have emailed me directly for advice. If one woman had this question, there is a good chance that several more of you have had the very same question. How to Wear Underwear and Not Have VPL? The dreaded Visible Panty Line. This is something I am asked over and over again so I decided to survey readers on my other blog for what they have found successful: For full bottoms: microfiber hipsters (found at Target and via the brand St. Eve) For curvy frames: thongs by Hanky Panky, thongs, lowrise hiphuggers and bikinis by Body By Victoria/Victoria’s Secret, Gillian and O’Malley lace hipster panties (from Target), Victoria’s Secret Angels Wide Side Bikini, cotton and lace bikinis from Lands End Athletic Build: Lowrise briefs, especially in microfiber fabric, tanga-style seamless panties, high-rise boy shorts, thongs from Frederick’s of Hollywood, microfiber panties from Gillian and O’Malley Slim lower half: Mesh briefs (found at Old Navy), Hanky Panky thongs Average build: high-rise boyshorts, microfiber lowrise briefs, briefs from Calvin Klein’s Almost Naked line, Hanky Panky thongs, Body Veil panties by Vera Wang, bikinis by Patagonia So it seems that boyshorts work best on athletic or average frames, bikinis and lowrise styles of briefs and hipsters for fuller bottoms, and thongs are great for all – the Hanky Panky brand (and supposedly a great alternative at Target) noted as by far the most comfortable thong. Microfiber undies seem to be the most invisible under garments. How Not to See Through a White Shirt? Wear a bra the color of your skin, not the color of the shirt Before you even try on the bra, put your hand under the shirt.Can you see your knuckle wrinkles?Your fingernails?If so, don’t even try on the shirt.It’s not worth your time. Consider white shirts with a hint of lycra.Not sure why, but this usually makes the white a bit more opaque. If you already own the shirt, consider one of those second-skin camisoles in a color near your body color.No one will see your bra, your belly button but it won’t be obvious that you are wearing a cami. What is a Good Wardrobe for a Salesperson? Well, one would probably want to narrow this down because your wardrobe is dictated by what you sell. I used to work at a construction firm, the salespeople wore lots of chinos and oxfords or polos with the company’s logo embroidered on the chest. In my current field (consulting), depending on what field our client is in, salespeople dress in conservative pantsuits, or chinos with embroidered oxfords. When I worked as a salesperson in a store, I found I received more respect and seemed to have more authority when I dressed up. Matte jersey, crepe and Ponte de Roma knit all wear well, hold their shape, wash well and don’t wrinkle. I had suits and dresses in all these fabrics and could look sophisticated, successful, and still be able to break down a shipment box in five seconds flat or scramble up a 12’ ladder to grab the last pair of size 6 jeans. Black is always a great color – you don’t take attention from the item you are selling, it works all seasons, it’s less obvious when you wear it repeatedly, and hides stains. I chose classic styles of pantsuits and jazzed them up with brooches, shoes and cosmetics. Remember, you are selling the product, not yourself. Your goal is to look confident, successful, comfortable and in charge. Nothing binding, too avant garde (unless you work for a very creative firm), easily wrinkled or overly trendy. Nothing is worse than having to replace your expensive suits every two months due to a change on the runways. It’s far cheaper to change the shoes, the lipcolor or the jewelery. I’m Petite, How Many Buttons Should Be on My Blazer? Well, it depends on the rest of your body. A one-button blazer nips in at the waist and adds curves to a straight figure. Two buttons don’t seem to be as common as they were in the past – this often is seen on a boxier style of jacket that is only good on a petite frame if it is a cropped style. Three buttons is usually a good number for everyone; if the jacket is cut petite, the first button should be around bust level, the last button around your lower stomach/hip bones. More buttons, and it may make your legs look very short. Where Can I Find Classy Brown Sandals? Isn’t it crazy that it’s so hard to find nice brown sandals? I do find that often they are overly embellished, overly strappy and a tad tartish, or else dowdy. I also find brown is sometimes too heavy of a color for a chunky sandal (yes, somehow it works better in black) and often opt for tan as that it dresses up more easily, is more graceful, and blends with black and other shades far better than a basic brown. Here’s a few I liked that I found when quickly surfing some of my favorite sites… These Nicole Jody sandals found on sale at Piperlime have lift without being too extreme (and is a good height for capris, skirts and pants), the tan color will go with a variety of colors and the woven detail is not too extreme but keeps the shoes from looking boring. Amazing how the color makes such a difference… a completely different shoe in the red option! These sandals from Aerosoles look chic and feel comfortable. A wedge heel is far more comfy than a traditional heel, the style with the white stitching is simple enough that they wills till be stylish next summer. Oh, and the sale price is VERY nice! I adore these heels from Cole Hahn and Ralph Lauren, and think they would look amazing with a flirty sundress or a pair of jeans. These simple slides by Etienne Aigner would look chic with everything from Bermudas to jeans to business casual attire. Where Can One Find High-Quality Knits? Oh, what a tough question. It used to be so simple, X company was known for their jeans, Y for their suits, Z for their knits. These days it seems that quality changes from season to season even with the more reputable brands. A few I have had success with: Lands End – Tees don’t fade or shrink, cashmere for less, cotton sweaters that keep their shape and all at wonderful prices. Be warned, they run large and they do not carry more trendy of styles. J. Crew – great cashmere and merino sweaters. Have found their merino to be thinner than years past (will need a base layer), and their cotton sweaters to stretch out easily, but their tees and tanks are the popular lighter weights, yet still maintain good shape, colorfastness and reasonable opacity. James Perse – seems to be the brand that celebs mention more than any other for great tees and knits. You can find his brand at Shopbop and Nordstrom. Petit Bateau – this brand has a cult following due to the great fit, construction and fabric quality. I found basic styles at Bare Necessities and Bluefly. Old Navy – you can beat the price, and I find the most durable ribbed tanks there every summer. This summer they had a heavier traditional tank, and then a thinner longer tank great for layering. Their tees come in a bevy of hip colors and have a nice feminine fit. Is the Shu Eumura Eyelash Curler Worth the Price? I myself had my doubts but decided to splurge and buy it as a gift to myself for my 30th birthday. Two and a half years later, it’s still a nice firm squeeze, gives a stronger curl than my old Revlon curler, the pad has held up beautifully (it’s black rubber and the curler does come with one replacement), and it’s fun to whip it out of the cosmetic bag. I think this is a curler I could still be using 30 years from now, unlike my drugstore curlers that lost their spring after a couple years and needed to be replaced. What Size Pashmina to Purchase? For me personally, I like the wrap size (at Nordstrom where I got mine they are 28” by 40” with a 4” fringe). This can work looped like a scarf, as a wrap for chilly evenings, and acts as a makeshift blanket on plane flights.

Loving Yourself, AKA How to Spend Your Summer Vacation

This post is inspired by a woman who is a member of a message board I visit. She was mentioning that she is taking a trip this fall, and was hoping to be a certain size before the trip so she could pack differently. All too often we women hold off on situations, trips, life changes and yes wardrobes until we have the right conditions. “I can’t justify buying expensive jeans until I get down to a size 8.” “I told my friends I couldn’t find time to go to the pool with them, but really I don’t want to be seen in a swimsuit until I lose ten more pounds.” “I didn’t go to my high school reunion, I didn’t want people to see how much I have gained since I graduated, and anyway I am way past due for a highlights touchup.” “I figure I’ll wait on getting another haircut until my hair grows another 3-4”.” “I don’t want to go to Paris on vacation at this size and with these clothes… they will laugh at how fat and sloppy American I am.” “I am too pale to step foot on a beach, I’ll look like an idiot out there with all those bronze bodies.” Have you ever said anything similar to this, either out loud or in your head? Well you’re not alone. Too often we women sacrifice our enjoyment because we feel we don’t deserve it. We decide to not buy any new clothes until we drop a size, not go out to social situations because we are embarrassed about our figure, our wardrobe, our selves. Do men do this? Not nearly as often as women. They make do with their outfits, lightly joke about their expanding waistlines, and put nothing in front of having a good time. Stop and think about the last social situation you attended. Were you the heaviest woman there? The most unattractive? The worst dressed? I highly doubt it. Then also think about the women that stood out in a positive way. Was it because they had perfect bodies and faces? Elegant and expensive attire? Perfect hair and skin? Again, highly unlikely. The women who catch your eye are the women who are at home in their skin, have fun yet have class, who enjoy themselves, their life, and the world around them. The woman with the smile that lights up a room, the woman with the tinkling laugh, the woman who can cut a rug out on the dance floor. When you are comfortable in your skin, no one notices how old your dress is, if you are a size 6 or 16, if your shoes are Payless or Manolo Blahnik. People notice if your clothes are ill fitting, gaudy, in poor shape. They notice when you slouch, fidget, slump in your chair and avoid interacting with others. They notice the scowl, the sneer, the frown. If you look uncomfortable, then people notice your weight, your scar, your roots, your one thing that makes you uncomfortable in the first place. They notice when you repeatedly decline offers to go out, complain about your weight or your diet or your outfit. Think back to your college or high school days, your current church community or your daily office team. Think about the “popular girl.” Really think about her, not the possibly altered memory you have about her. Is she really the prettiest girl? The thinnest? The best dressed? I remember a girl I went to college with, her name was Charity. All the boys wanted to date her and all the girls wanted to be her. She had long blonde hair and a heart-shaped face and the biggest smile and the most infectious laugh. She was very short, a hair over 5’ and was not slim – probably a size 12 or 14. Her face was cute, but nothing overly striking. However, she was always friendly and welcoming, happy to see people. She wasn’t afraid to don a bathing suit at the pool or fail miserably (while giggling about it) at intramural softball. Thinking about her, I can’t recall how she dressed, just that she never seemed to stick out or look bad. I remember her pulling all of us on to the dance floor when her favorite song was played by the DJ, I remember her screaming at the top of her lungs and hopping up and down in the front row at a concert for her favorite band. I remember her being nervous for a class presentation, admitting her nervousness, but plowing through and finishing with applause from the whole class. And I remember her smiling and thanking the class for their support. She was not the best dressed, the best looking, the most enviable figure. She just was a great person to be around, who seemed to really like herself. Life is happening, whether you are participating or not. You are not getting any younger, and those situations you pass on because of your appearance just may not happen again. What makes you an amazing personality is not your dress, your figure, your shoes but YOU. Creative, intelligent, bubbly, goofy, quirky, giving, loving, thoughtful, unique you. When you let the world know who you are, your exterior is just that – the packaging, not the present. As with any gift, we want it to be dressed in a beautiful and appropriate way, but like any gift, the paper and bows are admired, but the present itself is what lasts in memory. Don’t wait until tomorrow, you may not end up having the second chance. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer in well-fitting swimsuits, sleeveless tops and sassy skirts. Take that trip to Paris – you are one person in a crowd and there is sure to be another American who is in the oversized tee and Crocs to receive the snickers in place of you. Go to that reunion knowing that yes you have gained a few pounds, but also a great education, family or life adventures. Get out on the dance floor if you love to dance, and enjoy yourself! Nothing is more chic, stylish or flattering than a woman who is happy in her own skin and life.

What I am Loving Right Now...

You can monogram your bikini bottom at J. Crew. Did you know that? I find this utterly adorable and do love the simple, we—made suits this company provides. Too cute! I want a bright green one with my monogram in orange. J. Crew has been doing monograms for a long time, but not until the most recent catalog did I realize your hip can carry your initials! That purple is popping up all over, and not the corny reddish hued Crayola shades of past. This purple is deep, royal and tinged with indigo. I will be wearing a ton of this; speaking of J. Crew they have gorgeous shades of purple in their merino and cashmere sweaters and a darling puff-sleeved tissue-weight tee shirt (unfortunately not available until the end of the summer). The cropped jacket has been modified to actually be flattering. Gone are the shrunken toppers that hardly cover your breasts, the new ones will show just a hint of your camisole underneath, are a feminine shape without being overly fitted, and come in a wonderful variety of fabrics so they hang nicely on most every shape of body. Hair has gone back to being carefree. Gone are the sharp wisps, the precise bangs, the iron-straight locks. Hair is again allowed to have movement, texture and a human element. Thank goodness the extreme highlights/lowlights/chunk colors are passé as well… haircolor is like cosmetics – it should either make a bold dramatic statement, or enhance natural beauty. Neither can create what nature has not provided, bad streaks in your hair are like bad streaks of blush on your cheeks – dated, aging and tacky. Sequins are hot in a subtle way and I couldn’t be happier. I think the only reason I stayed in dance classes for so long as a child was for the costumes at the annual recital. Sequins were fun and glittery and made me feel like a diva, even in first grade. This fall sequins may not be rainbow strips, or electric blue a la Feist’s video, but in pewter, chocolate and brass they add glamour and glitz to unexpected items. I personally am coveting this dress by Nanette Lepore. That one can find designer jeans at Last Call Neiman Marcus, the outlet store for this department store. Unfortunately they didn’t have any in my size, but I have heard from other women that they often do and they are at least 30% cheaper than in the regular stores. I shall return! That Victoria Beckham special that was on Monday (and another showing is tonight and you can see the episode on NBC.com). I don’t care what the critics say, the show made me stop thinking of Posh as a stupid robot and saw her as normal, goofy, funny, and working that job she has. And yes, I believe being a celebrity is a profession. Far too many It Girls don’t get this; you never saw the stars of the silver screen a few decades ago ever shoving their face full of fries, entering a truck stop rest room barefoot, or flashing the paparazzi when clumsily entering and exiting a car. Victoria may always be pouting, always have perfect hair, perfect tan and the most ridiculous shoes, but she has created and maintained a certain image, and really who can blame her for trying to maintain that out of respect for herself and her husband’s career? If you want to waste an hour giggling (and gawking at the hideousness of the plastic surgery gaudy queens of Beverly Hills) check this show out. You won’t gain IQ points, but you may have a good time. Pureology hair care products. Though my stylist kept telling me to buy this stuff, I kept putting it off because it was so expensive. Suave sent me a box of products to try out that I had yet to finish, I get 25% off everything at The Body Shop and well, $25 for a small bottle of shampoo seemed like highway robbery. I decided to go back to dark brown hair, and with the sun and surf and pools I wanted all the help I could get to maintain it so I succumbed. Boy I LOVE this stuff. My hair feels like it did before I ever dyed it, it’s manageable, it shines like it has never shone before, and the strong herbal scent is an awesome pick-me-up in the morning shower. I figure, the shampoo and conditioner is worth the price if it extends the times between visits to the colorist, right? Oh, and the shampoo is shimmery purple. How fun is that? Now you can show your status and mood on MySpace. I think the status is fun, for I always hated the “Jane is in your extended network.” I have been on that addictive site long enough to remember when the “extended network” meant something and the site would show how you are connected to the page you are looking at. But now with kazillions of people on MySpace, it was pointless. So now to make funnies or announce what I am working on is entertaining and it’s fun to see what my friends are up to. Okay, so I am 32 and still on MySpace but I don’t care… it’s utterly entertaining and it has helped me reunite with old friends and become friends with many of you readers. Girlfriend get togethers are awesome. Last night four of us met at a mall that is a halfway point for all of us. All I have seen in the past month, but they hadn’t necessarily seen one another that recently. Over some guacamole and margaritas (and plenty of Mug Root Beer for Kelly) we caught up, giggled, talked about our lives, our homes, our men, our recent shopping adventures. We hope to do this on a monthly basis; life gets so hectic you often lose track of good friends. I think if we scheduled it monthly like an appointment we will make time for one another and be happier people for it. Everyone needs time for friends! I love Gmail. I mean, I have five email accounts right now for various reasons, but Gmail is by far my favorite. I can do Google Talk with my friends, I can find EVERYTHING with the search feature, I can organize to my heart’s delight and never have to delete a single message. My two year relationship with Gmail has gotten more and more passionate as time has gone on for I find more and more feature to fall in love with. The admin in my department brings snacks every day and puts them outside of her cube for us all to enjoy. Cheese and crackers, brownies, cheese curls… it is dangerous to walk to the color printer because you can’t help but be drawn to the snack display. Well today it’s cut up veggies with a pesto dip. Instead of chips and French onion dip, I am munching on yellow peppers and zucchini. I can nosh and not feel so utterly guilty!

Great Deal – Lands Ends

Lands End almost never goes on sale. There are never promos for a percentage off if you spend a certain amount, there aren’t outlet stores in every strip mall across the country, they usually carry simple basics at standard, reasonable prices season after season. Well they are having a sale. Why am I telling you this? Lands End is boring polos and chinos, right? Well of course they carry safe standards, but they have some amazing staples that could honestly fit in the wardrobe of every woman, no matter their personal style. They have some of the best prices on good quality cashmere. On top of it, the prices are great and the quality is amazing. They also carry Petite, Tall and Plus sizes. If you aren’t satisfied, their return policy is liberal and simple. If you are looking for some deals on summer clothes, I encourage you to check out their website or latest catalog. Some of my favorites: Washable Linen Walking Shorts and 2-Button Jacket: A real shorts suit that is work appropriate! Both pieces would also look lovely on their own, and it doesn’t hurt that this is linen that can be laundered! Be careful, the shorts have slash front pockets so if you carry a tummy, you may want to either pass or have the pockets sewn shut once you receive them to maintain a clean line. White Eyelet Bikini: How utterly adorable and retro is this? At the price of Target, but the quality found at a higher-end department store. Owning Lands End bathing suits, I can attest to the fact that they fit well, they don’t stretch out, fade easily, wear well (have had one for five years of rough beach and pool usage). White is a surprisingly flattering bathing suit color, even on us fair-skinned maidens and this style is sexy without being too revealing. Denim Jacket: I love the feminine shape and all the details. This is the type of jacket you can throw over a ribbed tank or tee with a pair of pants and look pulled together. The chest pockets are high enough and small enough that they won’t add bulk to your breasts, and the dark color works in all seasons. Um, and the price? Gorgeous! A great jacket to have in the office, at the front door, at the ready for a slight breeze or an outfit pick-me-up. Mesh Eyelet Classic Non-padded Underwire Bra and Panties: How pretty is this? I never knew that Lands End carried such delicate and feminine undergarments! If the quality of these are anywhere as good as that of their clothing, this $19.99 bra is a STEAL! Montauk Floral Stand-up Collar Caftan: Why cover up in an old tee shirt when you can have such a glorious print for such a glorious price? This is long enough to be well covered and appropriate in boardwalk cafes and shops, yet the lightweight cotton poplin won’t stick to your damp skin. We often choose simple black and navy suits, this is a wonderful compliment to such a suit. I can see it with a big white tote, large black plastic sunglasses and flops, the wearer walking along the shore looking quite elegant and fun. Washable Linen Bias Dress: A beautiful and simple dress that is perfect for almost every summer occasion. Dress up with heels and pearls for a wedding, with sandals and a wooden bangle for a shower or church. Fine Irish linen and the white is fully lined... this is the type of dress that can be in your wardrobe for years to come. Candy Paisley V-Neck Tank Swimsuit: Why stick with boring black? With a suit this flattering and in such a variety of sizes (Long Torso, D-Cup, Sizes 6-18), and SPF 50 fabric to boot, why wouldn't you try it? Wrap/surplice styles are flattering on almost every shape, and the leg openings are conservative enough to feel comfortable, but not dowdy. The straps do not look adjustable, but look easy enough to trim and resew at the back. Long Sleeve Solid No Iron EasyStretch Shirt: $29.99 for a classic piece that truly is no-iron. I had one of these when I had a job that required me to wear a white button-down shirt. Throw it in the wash, toss it in the dryer, shove it in a suitcase, a quick blast of the hair dryer will remove any wrinkles and you look crisp all day. I do feel the shirt runs a bit roomier than my personal preference so if you are between sizes, I encourage you to go a size down. But this is true for most of Lands End garments. 3/4 Sleeve Pattern Poplin Pintuck Tunic Shirt: With white Bermuda shorts or wider-cut linen capris, with white bootcut jeans, with linen or poplin trousers... this shirt is easy, breezy, the pattern is crisp and elegant... this is an easy item to throw on with white and maybe silver hoops for an evening get together at a friend's house, or dress up with linen pants and a few skinny silver bangle bracelets for a day at work. I usually shy away from prints - they are hard to wear and often make you look larger. However in the summer, rules can often be broken and it jsut seems right. As long as the bottom is very simple and clean, it can be a lovely look on most people.

Attention Washington DC Area Women...

For this month, bring your gently used career wear to any nearby Zips Dry Cleaning location, and they will donate it to Suited to Succeed, a non-profit that assists women in transition from training programs and unemployment to self-sufficiency by providing free professional clothing and workshops. We all have some random suits and dresses in our closet that we hang on to but don't really need or wear; why not simplify your closet and help a fellow woman in the process? Goes pretty well with the recent closet-gutting project!

Remembering Lady Bird...

My sister forwarded me this article from The Washington Post. Yet another article by Robin Givhan that I love... wanted to share with all of you as well. A First Lady's Natural Beauty In Place of Dazzle, a Taste for the Simply Pleasing By Robin Givhan Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, July 13, 2007; C01 The fashion industry loves a good clothes hanger, someone who wears a dress well and makes a point of being interested in the ebb and flow of styles. So it makes sense that Seventh Avenue has always had special affection for Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan. Both women, during their years in the White House, knew how to make a statement with a frock. In the days before designers had so many interchangeable starlets on whom they could hang their wares, the impact a first lady could have on their business was significant. And even today, memories of Jackie Kennedy continue to inspire designers whenever they are trying to express a particularly American aesthetic of elegant informality. Lady Bird Johnson was not a favorite within the fashion industry, but she should have been. Not because of her style but for her philosophy. She had an appreciation for beauty and its potential to instill pride in people, to comfort them and to bring them joy. Her focus was not on the rarefied world of museums and symphonies, but beauty in a far more democratic form: nature. The fashion industry should have championed someone who saw grace, allure and power in places that others took for granted or considered unimportant. With her death Wednesday at 94, much has been said about her dogged determination to see tulips and daffodils brighten the Washington landscape and to coax wildflowers to bloom along the country's highways. Notice that she was entranced by wildflowers, not painstakingly cultivated antique roses or finicky orchids. She marveled at the kinds of flowers that often fade into the background. Designers should stand a little taller each time a dour Washington intersection turns Technicolor in the spring. Lady Bird made beauty -- the kind that is simple, familiar and accessible -- important. She was in the unenviable position of having to follow Kennedy as first lady, a woman 17 years her junior and one who had a solid reputation as a fashion icon. Not much has been said about Johnson's attire or about her sense of style, at least not much that has been particularly enthusiastic. Arnold Scaasi dressed first ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Laura Bush, but Johnson barely receives a full sentence in "Scaasi: A Cut Above," one of those splashy cocktail-table books about the designer's work in which much attention is paid to his glamorous clients. In her obituary in Women's Wear Daily, Johnson's White House style is described as stately and it is noted that she trimmed down to a size 10, learned to use flattering makeup, but never managed to keep her stockings from sagging at the ankles. But the fashion industry would do well to thank her for the way she looked at beauty. She might not have cut as stylishly iconic a figure as Kennedy or be remembered for the kind of James Galanos glamour that Reagan cultivated. But in a more general way, Johnson acknowledged that beauty comes in many forms and that everyone should have access to it. The fashion industry could not have asked for a better endorsement than that. The industry might also try to do more to advance Lady Bird's belief in inclusiveness by broadening its range of sizes, celebrating ethnic diversity and not forsaking women for girls. Instead of focusing on the hothouse flowers of Hollywood, the industry should try to beautify the populace. It's just as noble to strive for pretty clothes that any woman can wear as it is to aspire to creating a single exquisite gown that only Cameron Diaz can fit into. It's not surprising that the fashion industry didn't see the link between Lady Bird's "beautification" project and its own goals. Fashion designers often see what they do as more rarefied than it is -- more orchid than daisy. For them, success is frequently measured by which celebrity is wearing the clothes, how often and how well. In that regard, Lady Bird was of little help to the industry. But for fashion to thrive, it needs an environment in which simple pleasures are valued. Lady Bird Johnson cultivated such a climate. That was her gift to Seventh Avenue.

Did you Know?

Did you know that most stores have at least a two-week grace period for price adjustments? If something goes on sale within two weeks of you purchasing it, you only need to take in your receipt (not the purchase) and get back the difference. Did you know most of your favorite online retailers will take returns in their “brick and mortar” stores? Save on shipping those not-quite-right garments! Did you know that nicer department stores like Nordstrom do free alterations? My 5’2” friend had her Citizen of Humanity jeans shortened about a foot and no one would be the wiser – they replace the original hem so you have that great finish and no one is the wiser. Did you know that Nordstrom and many other higher-end stores will also reheel and resole shoes you bought there for free? The same petite friend of mine takes her beloved knee-high brown boots there every fall for a tune-up and has done this for about five years without a single problem. Did you also know that if a garment or accessory doesn’t live up to its promises (shrinks in the wash, fades though you followed the care instructions, loses beading, seam busts with normal wear, broken zipper) you can return it, even if it has been several weeks or months? Read your receipt – it will often say it won’t take back worn clothes unless it is defective. The above lists things that deem an item defective. We recently return seasons-old shoes of my husband’s because the whole toebox separated from the sole. That isn’t normal wear and tear; even without the receipt we were able to exchange them for an equivalent pair. Did you know that most items on a sale rack are returns? Find that perfect jacket and there is only one in your size? Very well could have been worn by someone else a few times before you took it to the fitting room. Same with full-priced merchandise. When I worked retail, we had solvents to remove spots, steamer closets to get rid of creases and wrinkles and sprays to banish perfume and body odor. I knew of a person who bought a new jacket, got it home to find in the pocket a matchbook, a condom and a ponytail elastic with hair still attached. Check your item carefully before purchase. If an item is damaged or stained beyond repair, it will be sent back to corporate or to an outlet store. Did you know you can occasionally haggle price? If it is the last item in the store and it is missing a button, has a stain or a snag, you can ask a manager if they will give you a percentage off the price. Sometimes they do not have the ability to due to corporate rules and often this will make the garment a Final Sale, but it’s at least worth asking (of course with a smile!). Did you know if you Google (or Goodsearch) your online retailer’s name and “promo” or something similar, you will find out of there are any deals going on for your purchase? This is a great way to find out about free shipping, 15% off $100 or more, and similar deals. Do this before every purchase… the minute or two will usually pay off. Did you know you can buy off the mannequin? Retailers hate to do this because then they have to steam and pin and redress the form, but if you want a certain item and the only one left in your size is in the front window, you are more than welcome to ask a salesperson to remove it for you. The point of the display is to bring in customers and make sales. If it is creased and has pin holes from being on the mannequin, you can also ask them to steam it for you. Did you know you can have the hanger? Many stores have fancy wood or lacquer hangers with their company name or logo on them, but most dresses and jackets are shipped on clear or black plastic hangers – just like the ones they sell in stores. Ask for the hanger, either by having your garments hung in a bag, or hung in a garment bag and then folded into a shopper, or just tossed in with your purchase! I am still using all the black plastic hangers I got from my years at Express – they have rubber grippers and nooks for straps and little holes at the neck so one can “monkey hang” easily in the closet. Far better for the clothes than the cheap plastic tubular ones at Target. Did you know that with many stores, there really is more in the back? If it is a current item in the front of the store, there is a good chance they have more… though they may still be wrapped in plastic and in boxes. If you are a good customer and you are super nice to the salesperson, they very well may dig through unprocessed shipment to find your size. If they say that’s all they have, don’t push the issue for it very well may be true, but again it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Unexpected "Staples" for a Summer (and beyond) Wardrobe

Yes, there are the staples. But everyone needs to add to their wardrobe to fit their lifestyle, personality and climate. Below are a few tried and true additions that seem to work with many women I have met and interacted with across the country, no matter their age or figure: 1. White jeans. White jeans are a whole other beast from traditional jeans. Though they are as easy to slip on and feel the same, adding white dresses up and polishes the simplest tops and tees in the summer. White jeans are dressier than denim, and are perfect for those in-between social situations like evening outdoor parties, concert in the park, going to a restaurant or bar for happy hour. White jeans look smashing with black, but also add pop to red, turquoise, cobalt, emerald, yellow and many other brights and sorbet shades. Try switching out your jeans or khakis for white jeans and you’ll see it adds newness to your traditional pieces. Make sure they are of heavy denim that holds up nicely, doesn’t show through and has simple pockets so they can double for pants. Winter white and off-white jeans can look smashing come winter as well – try pairing them with a black turtleneck or a chunky tan sweater and boots. 2. Animal-print shoes. Animal print is the unexpected neutral. Black turtleneck and jeans is suddenly chic with leopard-print ballet flats. You have a dress in an odd color and don’t know what color shoe to pair it with? How about a cheetah-print pump? A simple black suit goes from conservative to creative with zebra-print pony hair mules. Styles come and go, but animal prints seem to stay in style if they are subtle. Currently I have a pair of cheetah peep toe heels that get more wear than any of the black, brown or tan shoes in my closet. Since they are in a classic shape, they can fit in my wardrobe for years to come. 3. A Casual Dress. Especially in the warmer months, nothing is easier than slipping on a dress to be about town. This is the season to get them, because cute casual dresses are showing up at every department store, boutique and big box retailer in the states at every price range and size. Feel like bumming it today? You can still be as comfy as you were in your nightgown, but look polished in a great cotton or knit dress. In summer, pair with ballet flats or sandals; come winter slip on some tall boots with your dress for ease and style. This summer I am loving the tee shirt dress, but wrap styles are always a sure-fire way to show off your feminine shape and be comfortable as well. A dress with cap or short sleeves can easily transition in to the cooler months, a shift style in a sturdy fabric can often be paired with a button-down shirt or turtleneck to make it winter-worthy. Solids will be more versatile from season to season as well as from day to evening, they are usually more flattering. Find a fabric that has a nice drape, doesn’t cling and doesn’t show everything underneath. A dress right to the knees is a good length on most every frame. 4. A large Square Silk Scarf. I have tried over the years to be the chic woman with a scarf. I am not the type who can knot it so casually at the throat or toss over a sweater. However, I have a scarf or two that get tons of action in my wardrobe. A few years ago, my sister traveled to London and brought me back a scarf from Liberty – it’s a pomegranate color with oval dots in ivory, gray and candy pink. I was immediately in love with the pattern and the colors, but wondered if I could really get use out of it as that I am more an artsy/funky style of dresser and not the chic elegant scarf-type. Boy was I wrong! I take that scarf on every vacation, and wear it at least once a month. I tie my hair back with it like a headband, I have worn it tied in a knot over a low ponytail, and even like a bandanna in the summertime. I have tied it around my neck with a collared shirt, worn it as a belt, and have knotted it off a belt loop or purse strap for a bit of flair. The bigger the square the more versatile (if it’s big enough it can double as a halter top on warm days or made into a triangle and tied at the waist to accent a simple dress or over trousers or jeans). This weekend at the beach, I wore a simple black tank and jeans, but made the pieces an outfit by knotting my Liberty scarf at a belt loop, having that bit of color and my personality jazz up the ensemble. You will be amazed how often you grab this item to add color and pizzazz to a simple outfit. Make sure it fits your personality and has colors that compliment your current wardrobe. 5. A Great Tote Bag. Be it a traditional L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, a simple black leather item, or a hand-made number you picked up on a world travel, a tote will be a welcome addition to your bag arsenal. When I say tote, I am not meaning the free faux Boat and Tote you received at a conference, the one you got for making a donation to public television, the one you bought for 50 cents at the grocery, or one of those canvas one from Michael’s that can be decorated with a puffy paint pen or a bedazzler. This tote has structure, substance, style. It fits comfortably over your shoulder, and doesn’t hang to your knees. It has a zipper or flap on top to keep your items safe. It’s clean and is in a style and color that compliments your current personal style. It has a sturdy bottom so water bottles and the such can sit up, and everything doesn’t drop to the center, ruining the shape of the bag. It’s not so big that you can put a weekend’s worth of clothing in it, but it’s big enough for a small water bottle, a book, a cardigan or shawl, a camera and your usually purse necessities. This tote is in place of your purse (not in conjunction) for sightseeing, field trips, long days away from home. In conjunction with your purse, it’s your plane carryon. It works as your bag for the pool or beach (if you don’t stuff your towel in it) and holds small purchases and kids snacks and toys on day trips. Nothing is more unsightly than a stained and overstuffed bag, a tote will ensure you don’t end up using your purse like… well like a tote. I replace my purse (taking my wallet and purse contents with me, the smaller items in a cosmetic bag to keep them organized) for days at the outlets, on sightseeing, to the pool, the park. Anyplace where I will need more than my traditional purse contents, I make the switch. When not in use, the tote is empty and at the ready. For a flight, I put in it reading material, a pashmina, even my slim laptop. Too often we collect bags yet never have the right one for the right occasion. Consider donating those random free totes and investing in one good one that will withstand a beating and time and look as chic as the rest of your wardrobe. Consider a style that is a darker color to not show stains, and one of a sturdy fabric that can deal with being stuffed under airplane seats and tossed in the back of SUVs. Scarf and toe from Nordstrom, jeans by Joe's Jeans, shoes by J. Crew, dress by J. Jill

July Wardrobing Assignment

I started doing this assignment last week, and it has really opened up my eyes regarding what is actually in my wardrobe vs. what I wear vs. what I believe I need. When trying to lose weight, one is often told to keep a food journal. Often we do not see how much we actually eat until it is on paper. We forgot about the two bite-sized Snickers that we snagged from the candy jar at the front desk of our office, the bagels brought in for lunch with big dollops of cream cheese, the second martini at happy hour, the chips we nibbled on while preparing dinner. The same can be said for our wardrobe. Often that we wear most often comes to the forefront of the closet, and the other garments become forgotten, collecting dust. I know that many of my friends as well as myself have done an end of season wardrobe overhaul to put clothes in the attic, come to find two or three similar garments hidden in the closet. Even worse is buying for the new season prior to pulling out your seasonal clothing, finding out you just bought new white jeans and lo and behold you had a pair in the attic or cedar chest. This assignment can be done on regular paper, but I am finding it works best for me on the computer so it’s easy to edit, keep it tidy looking and useable. I made categories for my clothing: TROUSERS JEANS SKIRTS SHORTS/CASUAL BOTTOMS TEES/CASUAL TOPS GOING OUT TOPS SWEATERS WORK/NICER TOPS DRESSES BLAZERS/JACKETS Then under each category I write what I own, be it if I like it, love it, hate it. I give it a good description so it’s easy to distinguish from other garments: TROUSERS: Ann Taylor Loft ivory wool blend trousers Caslon white stretch poplin trousers Express tan “Editor” bootcut stretch pants etc... I add everything that I have out in my drawers and in my closet. Then after adding all of them, I rank them with the best/most flattering items at the top. Those that I am unsure of (be they a bit too tight, a weird color, bored with them, wrong season) I but into italics. Those that need repairs to be wearable (needs button, lining torn, needs to be hemmed) I put in red. Those that are just plain awful (too big, too small, dated, unflattering, in bad condition) I put in gray: TROUSERS Caslon white stretch poplin trousers Caslon tan stretch poplin trousers Caslon black stretch poplin trousers Limited black “Drew” suiting trousers Ann Taylor Loft ivory wool blend trousers Ann Taylor Loft black wool blend trousers Limited gray “Drew” suiting trousers Express tan “Editor” bootcut stretch pants Express gray ‘Editor” bootcut stretch pants Express black “Editor” bootcut stretch pants Gap black stretch twill pants So I see my pant drawer overflowing with items, but in truth I have three pairs that I really find flattering, one pair that needs something other than safety pins to hold up the hems, three pairs that are not quite right now (one is 5 pounds from perfect, two are more appropriate for cooler months) three that need me to lose another ten pounds at least to look great, and one pair that catches lint and wrinkles so badly, I look a mess by noon. The Gap pants are pointless. By having them accessible, they will be worn. I already have two pairs of black pants, the third pair isn’t doing me any benefit. I decide to donate the linty Gap trousers. As for the three pairs of pants from Express, they go up into the attic. Yes, the fabric is perfect for this season, but keeping too-tight pants in my drawer only complicates the getting-ready tine in the morning. Also having them around is not going to make me lose weight any faster. I carefully store them because they are nice pants that will look great when I get back to that size. I also store the Ann Taylor and the gray Limited pants with them; they are too heavy or wrong for this season and just wasting valuable real estate in the bureau. I am going on a girl’s getaway this weekend and as soon as I started thinking about it, I started panicking that I had nothing to wear. I looked back at this list I had made, and realized that I had about six tops that would be perfect for our events planned, and three bottoms. By having everything on paper, admitting that which I wouldn’t wear and that which is wrong, it made wardrobing far easier. This list, once 100% complete will be hung up in my closet, and updated regularly according to the season and the status of garments (need to go to the tailor, back from the tailor, ruined and had to be disposed of, lost weight, gained weight). Many people keep cards or lists of outfits to wear. I remember my mom having a file box of outfits on cards – she would write the date and situation on the back to ensure she didn’t wear the same exact thing twice to a similar event. If you work better with uniforms, this is a great tool in addition to the list. I personally love the creativity every morning of making my outfit from my collection, and work best just knowing what I have to choose from. Style and versatility comes not from a large assortment of garments, but a carefully chosen collection. If what you own fits well, is in colors that flatter and make you happy, are made well… then you need less. Simple pieces are less likely to go out of style and more likely to coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe. For my girl’s weekend I am taking a camisole I bought five years ago that still looks festive and fun today because it’s a cherry color, well-made out of a fabric with good drape, and has minimal adornments. Five years ago it may have been worn with colorful beaded chandelier earrings; now it may be worn with a simple bracelet to make it contemporary. As you write down your list, be honest with yourself. Include the tee shirt collection, the five pairs of black yoga pants, the designer blazer that has never fit quite right but you can’t let go of, the rainy day jeans and the flannel shirts you have owned since your Grunge stage. If you feel guilty about something enough to not write it down, there is a problem just as if you lied in your food journal when trying to lose weight. You do not need to share this list with anyone but yourself. No one else needs to know how large or how small, how stylish or how damaged your collection may be. This assignment is for you to get real with your closet and take a step towards having a better and more honest relationship with it (and to gut out all those awful things you purposely forget). If a category seems to have a very short list, think about your lifestyle before you see a reason to hit the mall. Do you REALLY need another pair of pants? I work in an office atmosphere and wear pants often outside of work, yet realize that I can live on 3-4 pairs of pants without issues. Often when you have more, you still resort to the same 1-2 items. When it comes to simple style, less is almost always more. Try a week or two on a shrunken wardrobe before you feel the need to replace or add to your collection. You may be surprised that by removing the gray and the italicized items and repairing those in red, you may have more choice each AM when you get ready.