what was in frida kahlo's closet?

i would so love to see this exhibit...but i don't see any plans of traveling to mexico city...my girlfriend sent me this article...and i found it absolutely fascinating...

It started when she died in 1954, as a distraught Diego Rivera, the famous Mexican muralist and Frida Kahlo's husband, locked the doors to her closet and never let anyone enter for fear that the contents would be mishandled and ruined.

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Frida Kahlo's Closet is opened after 58 years...

be sure to click on the link above to see a video clip from the curator of the exhibit:  "appearances can be deceiving - the dresses of frida kahlo"...and to read more indepth of who kept the closet locked after frida kahlo's husbands death...

the story is pretty unbelievable...and opens up a closed vault...so to speak...of a woman who loved color...and was a bit of a girlie girl...

100 years of fashion in 100 seconds...

i absolutely cannot get tired of this fabulous video...100 years of fashion...so many i want.right.now...thank you to my dear friend who sent it to me...you were right when you said i would love it...enjoy the fashion through the ages...

do i need one in every color?

let's face it...i've been in a lot of closets...been through many drawers...and one thing that happens more than i'd like to admit...is the need to buy an item in 15 different colors...whether it be a sweater...a t shirt...maybe even a certain pair of shoes...i get that the fit was too perfect to pass up...but when i see a perfect fitting sweater in 15 colors...do you really need one in every color?

while that is an easy way to shop...it is also a very easy way to get bored with your daily attire...although the color is changing...most will think you are required to wear this "uniform"...and who wants to be wearing a uniform...when they don't need to?

now the other way that i see a culmination of the same item...is when new ones are bought...and old ones are not thrown out...when you replace your dingy white t shirts...or your worn out _______ (fill in the item)...the right thing to do is to take the old...and get rid of it..."replace" is new in place of the old...

when drawers are barely closing...and closets are jam packed...this is one of the easiest things to fix...look through and see what can be removed...do you need one in every color?  i think not...

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gearing up for a weekend of learning...

every year...i attend our aici (association of image consultants international) san francisco chapter education conference...lucky for me...they are fairly close to home...and so...easy to get to...i really look forward to this time...not only to talk to colleagues of mine...or learn new marketing ideas, networking...etc...but i get an extensive three days full of educational classes...in many subjects...so for the next three days...i will be taking lots of notes!

and then bringing it on back to you...

take for example my hair stylist...i love that she is always educating herself on the latest and greatest techniques on hair cutting, coloring and all...because then she passes on that knowledge to me...when she is working on me...

let's face it...we are always calling on professionals for help...and whatever professional we are looking for...a plumber, a hair stylist, a therapist, a wardrobe stylist...we want to feel that they are always improving their own skills...aren't we?

so i am gearing up for a weekend of learning...taking lots of notes...and educating myself on many subjects...such as...bridging the cultural gap...looking your best on camera...liberating your use of color...to name a few...and with that...i will be able to come back to my clients...and you...my dear readers...and share tidbits of what i have learned...

so stay tuned...and have yourself a fabulous weekend!

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the little dictionary of fashion...

i first heard about this book from a colleague...and since then...have not only gotten it for myself...but for several friends and clients...written by christian dior..."the little dictionary of fashion" is a guide to dress sense for every woman...a great little book to pick up...full of lovely fashion tips...but what i wanted to share from this lovely book...is the introduction that is written in the book...

it basically sums up what i believe...quite simply...no matter what income status you are at...it is not about how much you spend on your clothing...it is about fit...and knowing what works for you...and what doesn't...

here it is...by christian dior...

"much has been written about fashion, in all its aspects, but i do not think any couturier has ever before attempted to compile a dictionary on the subject.

of course, it would take volumes to cover the entire field of fashion, but i have compiled a book that i think is neither too long, so that it becomes tedious, nor too short so that is seems insufficient, and i have called it my little dictionary of fashion.

i think it should be of great practical use to the women of today.

many people dismiss haute couture as being something that is only for those who are very wealthy.

but it is possible for a woman to be elegant without spending very much money on her clothes, if she follows the basic rules of fashion and is careful to choose the clothes that suit her personality.

simplicity, good taste, and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.

first, you must study yourself.  learn to know what suits you and what does not.  and study your own needs.  find the colors that flatter you and emphasize your looks.  avoid the colors that do nothing for you.

choose clothes that are simple in line and pay great attention to their fit.

and above all - care for your clothes.  you cannot be well groomed if your clothes are not well cared for."

well said...mr dior...well said...

fashion funnies: natural beauty...

a good friend sent me this a while back...makes me smile every time i look at it...

i remember wearing those curlers...way back when...

enjoy your weekend! 

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men's corner: shine them shoes...

it happened again the other day...not the first time...and unfortunately...i'm sure it won't be the last time...there i was...in the elevator...the door opened up...and this man walks in...impeccably dressed...i mean...perfection...that is...until i looked at his shoes...they were dull......unpolished...and scuffed...

this is travesty!  ok...maybe a slight exaggeration there...but seriously...shoes can make or break the outfit...and although this is directed to the men today...it applies to all of us...women included...one of the easiest things to do...have your shoes polished...you may think they are on the bottom...covered by your pant leg...but believe me...people notice...and when they notice...they forget how the rest of you is impeccably dressed...

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fashion resolutions 2013...

while i say it every year...this year has really shown it...people don't like the word "resolutions"...of maybe...not sure what it is...although i do know that there are swarms of people all around us...looking to better themselves...to create a more simple way of doing things...however you say it...whatever 'word' is used...it all boils down to claiming a change...and then taking the steps to make it happen...and for everyone...that "thing" may be different...

for example...this year...i decided to go sugar free...not forever...just for a good two months...and here we are on day 16 of 2013...and i'm pretty happy with it...although the first week was...um...let's just say...i'm glad it is over...because between going cold turkey on it...quadrupled with the massive headache that came and stayed for pretty much  a week...it was hard...but i was determined...

but my version of sugar free may be different from someone else...but i chose what i wanted to give up...and what i wanted to keep...and so it is with fashion resolutions...it is deciding what change YOU want to make...and what that version looks like...and take the appropriate steps to make it happen...

so - since i didn't seem to have a lot of participants on my twitter or facebook pages...or on this blog...i took it to the streets...and asked random strangers...and what fun that was...here is the list i compiled of fashion resolutions for 2013...who knows...it may spark a change in you...

terry - i am going to have my first ever "real" bra fitting

the fashion, the stylist and the wardrobe - only buy clothes that suit my lifestyle and body shape...and that i absolutely LOVE and not just because they are on sale!

gerda - for all of my home...including closets - not to keep anything that is not useful or beautiful...if i haven't worn it in a year and can't see a definite time to wear it next year - out it goes!

rosalinda - buy cuter pj's

tom - wear more of my dress shirts - just as easy to put them on as my t-shirt

elaine - to organize my closet my color - easier for me to coordinate outfits this way

jackie - to get rid of all the suits i haven't worn for over 10 years - it is time...

peter - to get rid of the boring socks i wear and add some with color & pattern

jeff - recently lost 30 lbs - clothes don't reflect the change...time to invest in myself more

anna - add more color - starting with some new cashmere sweaters in jewel tone colors

danielle - to buy myself a classic purse - smaller then what i normally wear - my back is killing me with the "stuff" i carry in it - just because i have the room

cathy - hire a company to come in and create shelves and double hanging space in my non-functional closet

olivia - simplify simplify simplify!

hannah - as you preach in your blog - get rid of my old t-shirts and sweaters that have outlived their life span - and invest in some nice new ones

reina - to beef up my work out wear

lisa - to add some new color to my wardrobe and not always wear black

patty - add more color

stacy - determined to get a pair of leopard print shoes

andrea - sift through my closet and gt rid of stuff that just hangs there

lisa - add some of the colored jeans that i see everywhere into my wardrobe

what fabulous resolutions - and all are doable!  starting small - especially when it comes to the closets - break it down into segments if the project as a whole seems too big to handle...bring in a friend if that helps...or hire a consultant (like me!) 

r.i.p. vivian brown...

one of san francisco's iconic brown twins has passed away...the lovely vivian brown...i always loved seeing them around town...in their leopard print outfits & bright colored outfits...

born in michigan...they came out to san francisco in the 1970's...and for four decades they graced our streets with their sparkly personality...and larger then life spirits...not to mention...fashion statements extraordinaire...

my heart goes out to her twin sister marian...who will be turning 86 on january 26th...they were pretty much inseparable...r.i.p. sweet vivian...

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printed jeans...

while fancy pants have been "in" for a while...i have to say...i love that this whole idea is transforming into the jeans as well...as j crew's description of their toothpick jeans states..."no offense to indigo...but we're absolutely obsessed with our new printed jean..." 

as they should be...what a fun way to wear jeans...whether you go for geometric...stripes...polka dots or floral...what a fun way to show your own personal style...

toothpick jean in geometric print
j crew

toothpick jean in polka dot
j crew

toothpick jean in emma and georgina floral
j crew

toothpick jean in stripe
j crew

but it's such a great price...

i recently went shopping with a girlfriend of mine...she wanted me to help her as she is updating her wardrobe...on a limited budget...so all the sales felt as it would be a great time to shop...

while this is a great time of year for sales...sales does not always equal "great price..."

this is how our conversation went...

friend: what a great price!

me: yes...but is this something you would wear?

friend: but look at the price!

me:  i'm looking...but where would you wear that?

a few moments later...new item

friend:  oh my god...what a deal!  and it is a suit!

me: you don't wear suits

friend:  true...but it is such a great deal!

me:  $54.98 is a great price for this suit...but it is $54.98 too much for you to spend on a suit that you won't wear

are you getting the picture?

les sigh...it is so easy to be hooked in by the great sales...but keep in mind...if it is something that you won't be wearing...it doesn't matter what the price is...the price is too high!  and you have just spent money on an item that will now sit in your closet - the item that you can lovingly look at...and think...what a great price...is an item that you paid too much for...

now on the other hand...if you can find items on the sale rack...that are missing pieces in your wardrobe...or possibly replenishing old items...then i say...you've struck gold!

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the wardrobe folder...

while we all keep folders or binders of recipes that we have found...that we might want to try one day...or possibly a picture of a room that we hope to somehow create ourselves...these pictures of inspiration are all helpful to us to remember...first what it looks like...to see what pieces are necessary...etc...

the same exercise should be used for your clothing inspiration...whether you find a fabulous outfit in a magazine...rip it out and save it...or maybe it is a color combination...does not even need to be an actual outfit...perhaps it is a picture of scenery...or decor...the combination of color resonates with you...no reason why you couldn't incorporate that into an outfit...

items...pictures...scenery...all these things speak to us...and stir up some type of good feeling...so why not wear that feeling?  i have a client who saves pictures for me...and then we work at creating these outfits for her...sometimes...the pieces are all already in her closet...other times...we are just missing one key piece...and that is what we shop for...

when i go to my hair stylist...when i am ready for a new look...i bring in pictures of what i like...and then she sits with me and explains why something will work with my hair texture...and if it won't - how we can get a similar look - that suits my hair...in the same way...there may be outfits that don't work exactly as the picture shows...but ways of tweaking an outfit...to get the same feel and look...but that fits with your particular body type...

the key is...focus on the things that speak to you...and grab that photo...or snap it with your camera or phone...to remember it by...start that wardrobe folder...i for one...get a kick when i look through the folder and am able to create these fabulous outfits...that all started from a picture...many for a lot less...

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quick and easy steps to spruce up the casual attire...

while many focus on work clothing...and/or special occasions when forking out the wardrobe allowance...the casual wear is left somewhere at the end...or sometimes...it is just left...while it is very easy to just put on "whatever" for a quick run to the post office...or errands...or a movie...whatever your "casual" consists of...there are ways of stepping up that casual look...to look like some thought went into your outfit...after all...we know about first impressions right?  and we've all bumped into that one person (potential new prospect...the ex...client...old friend) and possibly thought...i wish i looked a little bit more presentable...

here are some quick and easy steps for stepping up the casual attire...

color your casual with new hues - perhaps you are not to keen about wearing bright colors to the office...there is no reason that you couldn't play up your casual wear with a burst of color...try mixing it up a bit...with new color combinations...turquoise and yellow; pewter and tangerine; purple and royal blue...or how about mixing color in with the neutrals already in your closet?  pink and charcoal grey; violet and chocolate brown; fuchsia and khaki...

a great pair of jeans - if you haven't purchased a new pair of jeans in a while...it is time to invest in a good updated pair...one that fits and flatters you while being current and in style will make outfits easier to put together...whether you go super casual with rolling up the jeans to your ankles...add a nice t-shirt and a great scarf...a fabulous pair of boots, flats (whatever you are most comfortable in) add the baubles...and you are set...the key is...a great pair of jeans that fits you right!

add easy to wear outerwear - while it is just as easy to add some fabulous blazers from your work attire to update any casual look...you may be feeling like you are tired of wearing the work jackets...consider a great trench...or a jean jacket...or a sweater wrap...add more kick by choosing color or a fun pattern...these outwear pieces should be able to go well with your jeans, skirts and dresses...

slip into a stylish shoe - give your work shoes a rest...depending on the season...add a metallic sandal with skinny jeans...add a loosely woven sweater knit...and you are ready for the farmers market...in colder weather...add your riding boots - with your jeans tucked in them...ad a nice cozy sweater...and a day at the movies you are ready for......add a fun colorful pump to jeans...a fun top...and you are set for meeting girlfriends for late afternoon cocktails...

finish it up with accessories - while your classic work accessories can take a rest...this is the time to pull out your bold and playful pieces...layer on the necklaces or bracelets...if your outfit is colorful and full of patterns...opt for some simple long necklaces in your favorite metallic...put away the work handbag...reach for one that is softly structured...crossbody bags are great for weekend activities...

hopefully these steps will help you towards sprucing up the casual attire...no reason to look dull and boring during your non-work hours...after all...you never know who you might bump into...

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what are your fashion resolutions for 2013?

while i normally do this post in december...not quite sure what happened...except that i just plain forgot...but...better late then never...right?  so...any new fashion resolutions for this new year?

many shy away from the whole "resolutions" bit...i just think any time is the right time to make a change...when you decide that the change is needed...and while circumstances change...a new job...a new home...a new significant other...whatever the "new" is...may just prompt you to need to re-assess your current wardrobe...

or perhaps...nothing is new...and you are feeling like it is the "same ole thing..." sometimes...a change...whether big or small can prompt a new attitude...a new way of looking at things...

i believe change is good...it keeps us on our toes...keeps us from falling into the same old routine...so...what is that one or two things you've been meaning to change?  maybe it is to revamp your whole wardrobe...perhaps it is to wear more color...or to wear less color...to pump up the volume in your outfits...share your fashion resolutions...and possibly help spark something in someone else...

it truly can be addicting...i will compile all the responses i get via this blog...twitter...facebook...email...and random conversations...let's see what everyone is wanting to change...or better yet...to enhance this year...

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