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

More Ash...

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. ;)