Spring Cleaning!

Spring has Sprung! Bright wild flowers, sunny days, and a closet full of piled up sweaters and coats.
This weekend was devoted to weeding out the bad and making room for the new. I spent several hours on my closet (dressers, armoire et al..) and so should YOU.
Now is the time for the following:
-Transfer heavy sweaters and layering pieces (long sleeves, wool tights etc..) into storage or back of closet depending on your set up.
-Get all winter coats cleaned (moths feed on dirt and particles left on your clothes--don't leave them something to snack on all for the next six months)
-Pull out last Springs wardrobe and TRY IT ALL ON. You must check that those favorite shorts from last year that you bought in three colors still,
A) Fit B)Look cute and not dramatically dated and C)Match you lifestyle
-REPEAT with an audience (of at least one trusted friend) because you may not be being honest with yourself about A,B or C
-If there are things you set aside a year ago because you LOVE them but have really only collected dust in that year. THEY MUST GO. But check it out, according to a recent study 79% of women won't let go of a T-shirt with sentimental value (I think it's probably more like 90%), you have options.
** Turn it into a Pillow case
**Give it to a loved little one (daughter, niece, chiwawa)
** Sew it into the lining of a purse/travel bag/laptop bag
**Donate or Sell it (these options can only be done like ripping off a band-aide: do it fast and in one swift motion)
I'm here to Point Out-it is time! Let it go!! Out with the old!In with the New!
Once you are done, I would say reward yourself with a shopping spree and stimulate our economy, but I know most of my clients are not thrilled about having to go out and refurbish the entire wardrobe.
So take heart, and take note; when you are cleaning out those old rags, check the label on the those old fave pieces and make a little list of the brands and stores where you have scored.
At the end of your clean out, you will have this list to guide you to where you should go first to shop for new duds. Oh! And notice if you keep buying things from a certain store, and never wearing them--avoid that store, obviously their marketing is more powerful than your eyesight.
And of course, if you feel overwhelmed, hopeless or confused, contact your favorite stylist and you know I will get you back on track on no time. ;)

A stylists dream site......

I have (probably belatedly) discovered the wonderful and terribly addictive site, Shopstyle.com
I can shop endlessly and put together looks pulled from real stores.
This serves me for fantasy shopping reasons,(no budget!) but also will be a helpful resource for YOU my clients! I can now easily offer you ideas and visuals for real options for you to wear and buy.
Check out my LookBook here

What to Buy Right Now

Dear Shopping Queen,
I'm trying to spend less money on clothes,and it seems like everything is on sale these days, what should I really focus on buying right now?
--Budgeting And Baffled Executive

Dear B.A.B.E.,
January and February are good months to shop,bad economy or not, sales are deep and widespread as stores are trying to clear out all Winter merch.to make room for Spring arrivals. The very best deals will be found on:

1. Boots! If you missed the boat during Fall, the last dregs of Winter boots are deeply discounted now and showing up in places like Nordstrom Rack, Loehmann's, Bluefly,and DSW.
For example, these HOT Cynthia Vincent's on sale for $219!!!! Excellent for the grey days ahead and will also be adorable with a pretty floral dress come spring.
2.Coats and Jackets
Even thought Winter season is over in the world of fashion-- in the real world there's still plenty of nose-numbing days left. Score a fabulous wool coat like this (under a $100!) NOW
3.Cashmere, cashmere, cashmere
Fine quality cashmere sweaters, gloves, scarves and lounge wear.Buy now, wear all year long for cozy, quality warmth.
4.Lingerie
Valentine's day offerings, whether you're coupled or not, frilly pink and red naughties lighten dark days ;)
5.Holiday DressesAll those dresses stocked for the holidays are on major discount now, so find a new LBD for dates, or grab pretty little number to store for upcoming Spring weddings.

A True Classic?

The term "classic" is highly overused in the world of fashion, but in my opinion,there are actually very few real classics.
My definition of a classic is something that has timeless appeal and appears stylish regardless of current trends. In theory, once you own a classic piece you will never have to buy it again! And truly, there are very few things like this.
1.Authentic, graduated, ivory pearl necklace.
2.Black cashmere cardigan
3.Small gold chain
4.Plain leather gloves
5.True red lipstick
In reality, sometimes things are classic in nature, but subject to the zeitgeist of the times. (Just try watching Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet now- look how seventies it is!- but a classic tale none the less...)
Which brings me to today's post,The Classic Leather Jacket.
You will need to re-buy this every decade or so, but stick to a simple shape that fits your body and you can wear it(almost)happily ever after.
The price range on LJ's varies hugely, but you can find a great one between $300-600 with out much struggle. Anything less and you are going to compromise either in fit, or quality of leather. If you aren't sure if your LJ still has that effortlessly cool edge send me a pic and I'll tell you the truth. ;)
I found these timeless beauties for a client this morning...

When More is More #1

I am often telling people (when facing a neglected closet or a scattered multi-personality wardrobe) Less Is More. This is a good rule to go by when weeding through your closet or putting on make-up or eating oreos.

However, there are times when More is actually More. This especially applies to items that women sometimes have a hard time coughing up the big bucks for. But let's apply the Victoria Secret Syndrome to the issue and see what happens.

The V.S.S. is when full grown women find themselves drawn into the scented doors of pink polyester paradise. V.S. sells sexy, hot, youth better than any other store out there. The allure of a secret new silky, or lacy, or pretty is often enough to draw in even the most mousy of gals. However, what we have all come to know is an uglier truth: V.S. rarely carries your size, and if they do, your beloved new push-up bra will only last as long as a reality TV show. Then it's all popped wires, bent cups, permanent creases and stretched straps sending you back for another hit. I mean bra!

Many dismayed women then venture out intent on finding a better quality option and then jump back in horror because they have been lulled by V.S. prices.

"A bra should only cost $34!", they insist.

Sure, as long is it was made by a nine year old in Sri Lanka and has a planned obsolescence of three months.

But think, if you have to buy those bras every few months , how much are you really spending? Not to mention the frustration of knowing you're buying crap and the abuse you are subjecting The Girls to while you try to get more wear out of a busted bra. (Reminder, gravity is never on vacation.)

And that is why Lingerie is the top of my More is More list. Buy quality lingerie and you will never go back. Truly, the more you have, the less you will wear each item out, and the more wear you will get out of it all in the long run. This method has also been known to help lessen the grieving process when parting with the old fave black bra...

Top Five More is More categories

1.Lingerie.

2. Shoes

3. Socks + hosiery

4. Scarves

5. Hair rubber bands

These are things I always buy if I find them at a great price, in my size, and in a style or brand I love. You can't have too many of any of the above category and they can enhance your wardrobe in infinite ways.

I find great deals on many awesome brands from regular visits to Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, and outlet stores. Once you know your size in a variety of brands I also recommend websites like Bluefly, Overstock and Figleaves for buying lingerie at amazing sale prices.

Welcome to My Blog

I have at long last given in and created a Blog, despite the ickyness of the word, and the ubiquitous nature of the genre.
My primary motivation is to offer a body of knowledge for my clients and friends to reference to find answers to the questions that seem to come up time and time again.
But of course, it is also an irresistible opportunity to Point Out to anyone in the blogosphere and if I happen to help some of the fashion forlorn, or the style challenged, all the better!
I have included links to many of my favorite sites: Useful Links are all sites that I refer to for in depth reading or specific categories such as Skincare or Small Bras. Favorite blogs are listed separately.
Please let me know if you have a blog or website you think I should add!
Enjoy!