The end of 2010 is upon us and I find myself feeling nostalgic for the year in clothes. However, instead of wallowing in bygone threads, I am peeking into 2011 for inspiration and conspiring how I can keep my faves fresh a little bit longer...
Classic Black Boots
A pictorial guide for buying the classic staple you must have in your closet for Fall/Winter. Once you have these down you can venture into fun varietals, (cognac, ox-blood, greige, camel etc...).
This is specifically for those who have gotten sticker shock, (yes, good leather boots are an investment), and then worried whether or not they will still be stylish in three years. When buying for longevity you must try to avoid trends and stick to classic shapes in the heel and toe. Avoid a lot of overt details, busy seaming, extra buckles, rivets, studs or fringe. Be sure to re-sole regularly, and if you go pointy, ask your shoe-wiz to apply rubber tips underneath the points.
SB Crossroads: Retail Review
I visited the new Crossroads a while back when they opened, and experienced mild displeasure at the tired turnout. Yesterday I went in to actually sell some clothes/shoes, and to give them a second chance, figuring they have been open long enough to have brought in some interesting finds.
( I accept that Crossroads is like a thrift-store, hit or miss, and that's half the fun)
In case you don't know, the new store has a back entrance that would open into the parking lot off Figueroa, ( it's where Russ camera used to be on State), however, they have chosen to keep this door locked-at-all-times, forcing this Stylista to drag her suitcase full of duds all the way around the block vs. going about 15 feet straight in the back door. Well, clearly this is a major flaw, and I saw fit to Point It Out to the lovely girl who was doing the buying that day.
I told her this:
"I understand why the choice was made to keep that door locked, seeing as the dressing rooms back up into it and you are attempting to control thievery, however, I have to tell you that dragging multiple bags around the block is not going to appeal to any of the SoCal Selling Susies who can just as easily have their bags picked up curbside by your biggest competition located only two blocks away." (The Closet)
(HELLO?! Are they trying to fail so quickly ? Or are they really that oblivious? Crossroads Trading Co. has more than 25 stores in 9 different cities and they should know better....
My job is clearly never done.)
I went on:
"Please pass this on to your manager, and let her know that I think you all could easily work out some kind of system where people can call and get buzzed in by the dressing room monitor or something. This has really got to change."
At least I can say this, they hired some really sweet girls who greeted my suggestions with enthusiasm and sincerity.
And although the clothing selection was nothing to get excited about, (still), I did spy these beauties and would love it if someone with a size 7.5 foot would please go purchase them today so I can enjoy them my proxy. (Steal, $25)
The Ultimate
Your dedicated Pointer-Outer has found it for you: the most universally flattering swimsuit.Period.Worth every penny
Summer Blues...
Don't let stifling heat give you the blues-wear blue! The psychological effects of blue are said to be calming and cooling. Icy blues and deep indigo are purported to create feelings of serenity and lower blood pressure.
Before getting dressed in the morning, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and picture vast azure skies, and alluring aqua pools of water and allow yourself to be filled with feelings of tranquillity and light as you dive into dressing for you day.
I am often asked by clients what to wear in the heat of summer; SO here it is, my basic tip sheet for hot, hot, weather.
- Dress in looser, breathable pieces that do not cling to your body
- Look for natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and bamboo to allow your skin to breathe
- Wear a dress! It's just one simple piece: easy, effortless, and cool.
- If you wear a hat to protect your skin from the sun, ( and I recommend it if you plan to be outside for any length of time), look for one that is woven or cotton so your head can release the heat trapped by the hat
- Open toe shoes ! Sandals, mandals, flip-flops, slaps, slides: take your pick, and give your tootsies some air.
- Wear white and light blue to reflect sunlight and encourage your senses to be "cooled"
- SUNSCREEN!!!!!!!! EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!!! RE-APPLY!!!!!!!!!
Very Vert
Make Note: I am Pointing Out that the color for this Fall is Green.
Gorgeous, glorious, grand green.
I have heard many clients tell me that they simply cannot wear green. I've heard it all:"it makes me look ill" "it makes the shadows under my eyes darker".
Please put aside your doubts this year, and venture into a forest of options.
There will be a shade that suits your skin whether you dabble in deep emerald, layer in lime, or outfit in olivine.
Gorgeous, glorious, grand green.
I have heard many clients tell me that they simply cannot wear green. I've heard it all:"it makes me look ill" "it makes the shadows under my eyes darker".
Please put aside your doubts this year, and venture into a forest of options.
There will be a shade that suits your skin whether you dabble in deep emerald, layer in lime, or outfit in olivine.
Material (girl)?
I grew up with Madonna...or at least I grew up.
So I must put in my review of her new "Material Girl" clothing line for Macy's.
Disappointing.
Why is the supposed "marketing genius" going after the same (tween) audience as every other major marketer? What happened to innovation? Re-inventing herself? Listen, I know she hasn't exactly been embracing her age, or even doing anything especially innovative for about ten years, but apparently my youth created expectations that still demand to be met.
Worse, she seems to be gladly squeezing every last dollar out of every phase of her daughters youth, ( remember the children's books?). Maybe I'm being too harsh, maybe it's just a bad habit.Like hand washing.
Although it has been years since I worshipped at the material-altar, (or even paid much attention to her for that matter), there is always that six year old inside of me who cringes a little when her latest output fails to flatter.
One reviewer of "Material Girl" pointed out, that although Madge is technically in the Chico's age bracket, she chose to design a line for babes her daughter's age; and I thought to myself, now that would have been innovative, to see what a talented design team, ( and the oodles of money you know they had backing them) could have cooked up for the "Material Girl", age 51.
Pre-Pre-Sale Prizes
Shopped the Nordstrom pre-pre-sale yesterday-and thoroughly enjoyed! This year they offered exclusive access to pre-sale items during early morning hours before the selling floor opened to the public--and I loved it!
No crowds, no other shoppers hovering near the goods, or demanding the same size item you want, and best of all: being let in when the store was still dark fulfilled my locked-in-the-store-shopping-extravaganza fantasy.
Buy Now:
**Booties, Clogs, or any hybridlovechild of the two...
**Lace: get romantic...
**Still more skinny jeans... ( but I won't endorse those hideous "jeggings"...shudder)
**Jewelry! Pile it on...
Now & Later : Spring finds
Now is the time to make purchases that will last you through these chilly spring days, long summer nights, and all the way into the blustery days of fall.
There are tons of delicious and deceptively simple dresses in stores now that can become the work horses in your closet.
Look for light-weight knits in cashmere or wool-cotton blends in neutrals like grey, taupe, mushroom, ash, and cocoa.
My choice for this Spring is dove grey; it's simple, a neutral, and an absolute chameleon depending on what you chose accessorize it with.
Right now: Fun clogs, multi-layered necklace,little leather jacket
Summer: Strappy platform wedges or lux leather gladiator sandals, sunscreen
Fall: Booties!, tights, wool coat
There are tons of delicious and deceptively simple dresses in stores now that can become the work horses in your closet.
Look for light-weight knits in cashmere or wool-cotton blends in neutrals like grey, taupe, mushroom, ash, and cocoa.
My choice for this Spring is dove grey; it's simple, a neutral, and an absolute chameleon depending on what you chose accessorize it with.
Right now: Fun clogs, multi-layered necklace,little leather jacket
Summer: Strappy platform wedges or lux leather gladiator sandals, sunscreen
Fall: Booties!, tights, wool coat
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