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. ;)

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.