just doing my job...

yes...a good deal of my job is spent in client closets...and another big part is spent in departments stores, boutiques...malls...so it is important for me to know what is in stores...pretty frequently...and while i make a habit of perusing the stores...usually by myself...it is a whole lot funner when it is with a group of like-minded women...

the aici (association of image consultants) san francisco chapter will occasionally put together what we call a "walk-about"...where a different location is chosen each time...and we have a little guided tour set-up for us...this last week...we had such a walk-about in santana row - san jose...

and let me tell you...there are some nice perks that come along with this already fun day...many of the stores that choose to participate will offer up presentations for us...discounts...discounts for clients...and other fun goodie bags...

here is our group from last week...surrounded by...well...kate spade handbags...can you think of anything better?  it was a fun day to catch up...brainstorm...and of course...shop!

and when a boutique welcomes us with champagne & macaroons...well...i am pretty much all ears... =) as anne fontaine did for us...yes...i had a glass...and one macaroon...pistachio...

we ended the day at an outdoor mexican restaurant...chips & margaritas...more laughter...and lots of chit chat...all in all...a hard day's work...after all...i'm just doing my job...

exchanging bad habits for good habits...

truth be told...we all have a few bad habits...and we know that a habit is formed by doing something over and over...so think about your bad habits...the way to get rid of them...is to replace them with another habit...a good habit...

in my newsletter last month...i used it as a time to reflect on the new year...in with the new...out with the old...but these habits need to be monitored...as it is so easy to slip back into an old routine...so being that february is the month of love...and a great time to focus on YOU...start nourishing a loving attitude towards yourself...YOU deserve it!

here are some examples to get you started...and if you think of some others...please share them in the comments...we can all use some reminding...and encouragement...right?

old habit:  criticizing your body when trying on clothes that don't flatter your body type

new habit:  discovering clothes that naturally flatter your body type

old habit:  buying random pieces and feeling bad because you never wear them

new habit:  shopping with a purpose and a list

old habit:  throwing on the same old thing day after day

new habit:  taking time to create "new" outfits from your wardrobe and use more of what you already own

old habit:  adding new items to an already stuffed closet

new habit:  having a well-edited closet by eliminating clothes before adding new ones

old habit:  trying to dress younger that you are

new habit:  showcasing your personal best assets and looking great at any age

old habit:  running out the door without your makeup on

new habit:  scheduling enough time to put your best face forward

old habit:  being envious of what others are wearing

new habit:  studying well-dressed women and trying new styling techniques

old habit:  putting on clothes that you "sort-of" like

new habit"  enjoying how you feel in clothes and accessories

and last...but certainly not least...

get out of the habit of feeling stuck...

get into the habit of giving me a call to help you get unstuck

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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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fashion funnies: getting organized...

saw this comic strip in the sf chronicle a few weeks back...all about organizing...and how easy it is...

dad:  why is your room such a mess, luann?  i thought mom spent all day yesterday helping you get organized...

luann:  she did.  we sorted all my clothes by type - pants, shirts, dresses - then by season, then by color, hanging light on the left, dark on the right...

luann:  we put my undies in top drawers, tees midlevel and sweaters below...we hung my belts, scarves and jewelry on hooks, we lined up all my shoes from casual to dressy, we folded my - 

dad:  ok, i get it.  so why the mess?

luann:  'cuz getting organized is easy...staying organized is impossible...

luann by greg evans
sf chronicle

enjoy the weekend...

the 8 questions to ask yourself for a closet with endless possibilities...

do you dream of having a closet with endless possibilities?  while the pic below...is a close representation of what i would like my closet to look like...currently...my space does not allow it...but...no matter the size of your closet...YOU can still have a closet with endless possibilities...a closet full of "keepers"...

so...how does one achieve this?  it starts with answering some questions...truthfully... =)  while you may have some pieces in your closet that are fabulous...if you are not wearing them...how fabulous can they really be?  perhaps they were fabulous at one time...but your life style has changed...possibly you have changed...whatever the reason is...if you aren't currently wearing it...why is it in your closet?  so here are some questions to ask yourself...and remember...by telling the truth...you will be able to move past mistakes...has-beens...clutter...and end up with a closet that suits you...perfectly...

does it fit, NOW?

tell the truth!  is this something that a little diet and exercise will do in a month or two...or have you been telling yourself for years...that you plan to get back into this item?  by the time you lose the weight...this item may not be in style...move out the things that don't fit...and free up space...

does it flatter my figure?

has your figure gone through some changes?  perhaps you have items in your closet that at one time...served their purpose...but now...are either too boxy...too long...too short...fill in the blanks...think of the new shapes and silhouettes that will flatter your figure today...

does it make me feel sexy, attractive or confident?

if the answer is yes...then this is a keeper...and better yet...make sure that it is put into a constant rotation of items to be worn...and if a piece makes you feel dull...dowdy or invisible...why why why is it still hanging in your closet?  get rid of it...stat!

does it bring out my favorite qualities?

clothes are an amazing thing...in that they can really shine on qualities that you possess...are you flirty and fun?  are you edgy?  classic?  bohemian and laid back?  whatever YOU are...your clothes should reflect those qualities...

was it made for me or someone else?

oh...this is a touchy one!  perhaps your friend or mom...(whoever) gave you a piece of clothing...whether it was a swap...a gift...doesn't matter...but if that piece of clothing describes more of the giver then the receiver...it is not a keeper...there is a big difference between...just okay...and just right!

is this the right piece for my current life style?

if you take a peak into your closet...and see clothes that fit a life style you no longer have...why why why are you keeping these items?  when i left corporate america...i had a closet full of suits...starting my business...and working from home...my life style didn't require suits any longer...while i kept a few...there was no reason to open up the doors to my closet and see it packed with suits...it was not my current life style...

has it lost its luster?

at one time...this piece may have been your favorite...but after a while...with cleanings...and wear...fabric does lose its pizazz...as much as you love it...time to replace...

would i buy it again?

this is a biggie!  let go of the guilt...of buying something that was a "great deal" or an impulse buy...if it is truly a piece that you would never even consider buying now-a-days...it shouldn't be in your closet...

after answering these questions honestly...and getting rid of what you know you need to get rid of...you are on your way to that closet of endless possibilities...and if this task seems a bit overwhelming...a wardrobe stylist may be just what you need...

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what do your clothes say about you?

have you ever given it any thought?  clothes speak volumes...whether we mean to or not...what we wear...displays a perception of a person...the question would then be...what do your clothes say about you?

clothing is one of the easiest ways to bring out a personality...a message...and even a sense of being approachable...or not...depending on your dress...and in some instances...for example...those who do public speaking...need to think about the colors they are wearing...because certain colors demand attention, authority...depending on your profession...your talk...what you are trying to convey...much of it will start with your dress...and the colors...

so...how about the basics...when you are standing in front of your closet...thinking...i need to do some cleaning...some purging...dare i say it...what goes through your mind as you look at each item...deciding their fate...

with my clients...we talk a lot about their style words...the words that best describe you they are...or possibly who they are trying to get to...and are using their clothes to get them started...it is a way to stay on focus...of where you are...or where you want to be...

so think about your daily life...your profession...your personality...and how you want to be portrayed...for example...let's say that you are in a profession where you don't want to stand out as feminine...and yet you look in your closet...and you have ruffled blouse after ruffled blouse...hanging...this look screams feminine...nothing wrong with that...if that is the image you want...and just as a ruffled blouse can bring out someone's feminine side...an  architecturally designed dress can say, “i’m edgy and modern...” if clothes in your closet represent an outdated image of you, they should go...period...

i dealt with this on my own...when after many many years of working in corporate america...and wearing suits every day of the week...i found myself...working from home...working at establishing my own business...and i knew that suits were no longer going to be a part of my attire...so i went through the exercise of removing them from my wardrobe...while i kept a few of my favorites...because honestly...there will be an occasion or two that will still require me to wear a suit...i knew in my heart of hearts...that i didn't need the number that hung in my closet...

when you are going through these pieces...think about this...when you try an item on...does it look like it’s just right for you? some of your clothes may be better suited for your sister...cousin, or your best friend... recognize the distinction between “just right” and “just okay” and pass those items along...

and lastly...let go of the era that you (for whatever reason) thought you looked your best...yes...you may have gotten lots of compliments when you wore that dress in 1980...but that doesn't mean that same dress today...is giving you your best look...let go of that era...and work on the best you that you can be today...

let your clothes say wonderful things about you!

 

 

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saying good-bye to the "no" pieces...

i don't think i have ever stepped foot into a closet...where there weren't one...if not several pieces of clothing that hung...literally never worn...with the owner knowing full well that they weren't going to wear them...but yet...there they hung...in the closet...waiting for??  not quite sure...

now...before i get into this...let me just say...i have been guilty of this as well...but i have gotten really good at...well...basically...saying good-bye to the "no" pieces in my closet...

there is a difference between having things in your closet that you don't wear...not because you don't like them...but possibly because you just can't figure out how to wear it...in this case...it needs to become a priority...whether done by yourself...with a friend...or a wardrobe stylist...get that piece of clothing in an outfit or two...and into rotation of fabulous outfits that you wear...

but then...there are are those pieces...you know the ones...perhaps you try these items on...and then hang them back up...what is the reason?  it is either that you don't like the way it fits you...how it makes you feel...or you just plain don't like it...nothing wrong with that...but why keep it hanging in your closet...only to go through this lovely exercise...over and over...

perhaps you skip right over these items like something that has been in the freezer so long...you no longer want to eat it...

you've just said no...too many times...

it's time...just let these pieces go...say good-bye...and make room for the pieces you will love to wear...over and over again...

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april showers...taxes & your closet...

this is an excerpt from my april monthly newsletter...enjoy!

what do you think of when you think of april?

spring? april showers? taxes?

while we have had an abundance of april showers these last few weeks...actually more like storms =) i keep thinking about how good my yard is looking...and then i don't mind it so much...

a few weeks back i finally met with my tax guy...while this is usually not a thrilling exercise for me...it feels good when its done...and my tax guy loves how prepared i am...truth be told...the days when my life was consumed with accounting...and the world of finance...ends up helping my tax guy...because he loves how complete my spreadsheets are that i present to him...

while preparing these lovely spreadsheets...of income & expenses...of assets and liabilities...of hoping and praying that i am once again...not in the red...

makes me think about your closet...yes...there is a correlation...how is your closet looking...are there assets or liabilities hanging behind those doors...

read on...to find out the five checkpoints to assess YOUR fashion equity...

when it comes to assessing your "fashion" equity...the goal is to maximize your assets...and minimize your liabilities...let's face it...we all want a nice portfolio...or in this case...a nice wardrobe...one that will take us through every area of our life...whether we are at work...being the soccer mom...or on a date...

here is a five-point checklist...to get you started...

1. are you utilizing your assets? think about your most valuable assets...the thing that makes you...you...is it your curves? perhaps your long legs...a tiny waist...great cheekbones...once you know what your assets are...you are then able to make sound purchases that naturally highlight what your assets are...just remember...assets do change over time...so be sure you're focused on what's working for you now...rather than what has worked for you in the past...


2. is your inventory low? it is nearly impossible to be able to put great outfits together if your inventory is low. so before each season begins...whether it is spring/summer or fall/winter - do an inventory count. and be honest with yourself! do your clothes fit and flatter you? if the answer is no...then it is time to get rid of these items...and restock your inventory. set aside some time for a thorough edit and create of a list of what you need. and while you are at it...take a look at your basics...for example...tees only look good for so long...replenish them when needed...and if there is inventory in your closet that is not currently working for you...cut your losses...it is time to write them off
(on a side note: think about consigning these items to re-coop some of your loss...fabulous finds consignment boutique was started because i wanted to help clients get back some of the money they had spent on items that weren't right for them)

3. are your liabilities handicapping you? sometimes we get into a buying rut...an end up purchasing items that are wrong for us...here are some helpful tips...
- shopping for a lifestyle that's no longer yours.
- giving up on shopping because there are too many choices and it's overwhelming.
- inaccurate or out-of-date self-image.
- getting all your fashion advice from an opinionated friend or family member but never finding your personal style.
- investing in high-end fashion without a wardrobe plan.
- using shopping to fill an emotional void and never feeling satisfied.
- buying too many novelty pieces that don't go with anything else you have.

4. is your fashion portfolio diverse enough? when you take a look at a smart investor...they have a nice diversified portfolio...smart dressers have clothes for every part of their life...what does a diverse fashion portfolio look like? it would include outfits that touch on every area of your life...the perfect dress for a party...informal social gatherings...work clothes...weekend clothes...exercise clothes...and great travel capsules...just to name a few off the top of my head...if your wardrobe is not meeting your needs...there is help available...

5. are your fashion choices accruing interest? your clothes should be a shining example of your personal style...they tell the story of who you are...and you should be getting results from investing time and money into your wardrobe. and...there should be results...whether it be a confidence boost...compliments...or just plain feeling good about yourself...it could also result in a promotion...a new job offer...new opportunities...that is the accrued interest you are looking for...

another way of looking at accruing interest...is what i call good ole fashioned "fashion accounting 101..."

so...what did the checklist reveal about your fashion equity? are you feeling like you are in a fashion fog? whether you need to maximize your assets...or minimize your liabilities...by taking note of those liabilities and taking responsibility for them...get out of your liability debt by getting help...making a plan...and breaking out of habits that aren't benefiting you...perhaps you need to diversify...or accrue more interest...hopefully the check-list will help discover where your strengths and weaknesses are...and if you fell short on any of the checkpoints...don't fret...they are easy fixes...and i am here to help...don't let any more time go by...call me for an appointment so that we could start working towards getting the most out of your fashion investment...

fabulous finds
elena daciuk
wardrobe stylist
fabulous.finds@yahoo.com
415.577.6133


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the land of schlumpy...

...in my own backyard...

so here is the deal...my friend who i spent many years working together with...in corporate america...called and asked if i would be available to help out with a huge conversion that her company is doing...something we are both very familiar with...

part time...and how exciting...i'm a commuter again...well...2 to 3 days a week...

but imagine my horror...yes horror...at what people are deeming appropriate attire for the work place...in san francisco!

i really need to pack my camera...i'd have a whole new blog topic to contribute...but alas...i currently just wonder how i can get these people to hire me...or for that matter...any wardrobe stylist will do...

what happened to corporate america? it has changed since the last time i ventured into it...


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shopping for that difficult item...

do you have that one thing (or two or three) that you absolutely hate shopping for? it's not that you hate the item...but the torture of going through the exercise of finding the right one...

for me...that item is jeans...i've always had a hard time finding jeans that fit right...so for this example...i will use "jeans" as the difficult item...

so whatever that item is...and if you are still on the hunt for it...devote a day to going from store to store and trying on every pair of jeans...just jeans...nothing else...you can look at dresses another day...or hunt for shoes at yet another time...

the key is to really focus in on this one item...and only that...and trying them on doesn't mean just slipping into a pair...looking over your shoulder at your tush...and saying they're fine...trying them on means standing...walking...and sitting in them...as well as looking at them from every possible angle...

a pattern of what looks best on you will eventually emerge...most important...which jeans make you feel good? which ones make you shudder in horror? (that would be low-rise for me) the ones that make you smile and feel just right are the ones to buy...

use this shopping trick for everything...dresses, tops, sweaters, pants and bras...if you stay focused on shopping for that one difficult item...you will be successful...

what is your difficult item to shop for?

client praise: why i love what i do...

so at the end of last year...my girlfriend was having a family dinner...i'm thinking it was thanksgiving...but not sure...her family during dinner...decided to go around the table and say something that they were wanting for the new year...when it got to her brother...he mentioned that he would like to start dating...

so my girlfriend...being the lovely sister that she is...decided to gift my services to him...to help assess his wardrobe and help in any way i can...

her brother is an extremely smart young man...and the reason i bring that up...is the fact that he has aspergers...and i have such respect for people that fight the odds...the obstacles...and make a wonderful life for themselves...he is successful in every area of his life...graduated from a very prominent university...holds a great job that allows him to travel outside of the country...

the only thing missing was a fun dating life...and i...was so excited to be part in helping him with his wardrobe...

so i went over and met with him for the first time...he was shy...but so excited for this new adventure...i did several shopping trips for him and was ready to show him what i had come up with...and once we picked out the pieces that would work...created his very own look book...and he was set to go...

fast forward about three months...and his sister tells me that he now has a girlfriend...i cannot tell you how this warmed my heart...let's be honest...clothes aren't the whole piece to a puzzle...but when one is dressed right...meaning clothes that fit...and clothes that are put together...there is a confidence in that...and confidence is a pretty powerful force...at least i think so...

creating a look book...

let's face it..how can one remember all the fabulous outfits that we have thought of putting together...or put together...and then forgot how fabulous we felt...looked...and got complimented on?

one of the services that i offer my clients...once we have gone through the closets...poured over each item...decided on what works...and what doesn't...and what might...with a few tweaks...done the shopping...and created outfits...is to present them with their very own look book...

but if you don't have a stylist...for whatever reasons...you too can create your very own look book...what will one need? a digital camera...a beautiful photo album...and time...

a digital camera just makes it easy...you can look through the pictures as you are taking them to make sure that the items are coming out clear...

a beautiful photo album...treat yourself...make it personal...whether you buy an actual photo album or use a binder...personalize it and make it your own...

and time...you need to get into the mindset of looking at your items of clothing and creatively thinking outside the box...items can easily be mixed and matched to create wonderful new outfits...

and this is key...you photograph the whole outfit...meaning...clothes...shoes & accessories...

once your look book is done...i guarantee you will save yourself standing in front of the closet wondering what to wear...instead...you can quickly flip through your look book and get re-inspired from outfits you may have forgotten about...

make it fun...spend a weekend afternoon trying on and mixing and matching clothes...and take photographs of yourself in each one...put together tons and tons of outfits from casual to workday to evening...

and if this seems overwhelming to try on your own...invite over a stylish friend...or better yet...hire a stylist to come on in your closet...and give your clothing new life...

what not to wear to court...

i have to admit...you know those walmart emails that go around? with all the lovely outfits people are caught wearing at walmart? yeah...i cringe...the thing is...whether these individuals were photographed at walmart...or home depot...or the grocery store...the point is...they were obviously wearing the items they were photographed in...and my question would be...do you own a mirror?

today i had the lovely duty pleasure of going to the court house for jury duty...i almost thought i was off the hook...as i was on stand-by for 2 times...but alas...the third time i called in...i was summoned to come on in...

i really don't mind the whole jury process...i mean...it needs to be done...and i have to say...there was one time...i really wanted to be chosen...for a "hire for murder" trial...but i wasn't...and i was bummed...yes...bummed...

but that was then...and this is now...and as the jury selection continues...i will be back in tomorrow morning...

but...that is not what this post is about...it is about what not to wear to court...do you need to don a suit? of course not...although both female lawyers looked quite put togther in their suits...

i'm a people watcher...i enjoy looking to see how people put together outfits...different personal styles...etc...today...i wish i had my camera...although i'm wondering if i would have been able to take pics...

the thing is...when the judge...along with his statements about all the "law" stuff we need to pay attention to...also has to go in detail of what not to wear to court...i really begin to wonder what people are thinking...

today we had...one who came in her slippers...matching beautifully to her pajama bottoms...you guessed it...i cringed...

we had an individual who showed enough cleavage to take the focus off other matters...and looking like she mis-read the jury duty summons to mean...dance club...

and last but certainly not least...we had a nice young man...who managed to show off his lovely patterned boxer short...and his pants somehow hanging on to dear life...about half way down his buttocks...i still wonder how he walks without his pants falling down...

the judge addressed proper attire...and i'm left to wonder...is it really hard to figure out what would be appropiate to wear to a court of law? somthing that i think is common sense...is it?

what are your thoughts?

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fashion funnies: the constant dilemma...

have you uttered these words? "i don't have anything to wear..."



hope you are enjoying the first weekend in december...

would love to give photo credit where photo credit is due...but alas...i do not know from where this came...if you do...please let me know!

the keep pile...

about a month ago...i was going through the closet of one of my new clients...once we were done...she told me that she was surprised at some of the items that i told her to hold on to...

i don't know if it is the whole "what not to wear" fear...that a wardrobe stylist will come in and get rid of every stitch of clothing one owns...or just not understanding the difference between style & trends...but most importantly...fit...

i do talk alot in this blog about cleaning out the closets...purging...getting rid of the items that don't serve a purpose anymore...but there are definately pieces that i will tell my clients to hold on to...

so...what, when you are weeding through your closet...should you absolutely...positively save...even if you haven't worn it recently? here are some definates...

- the item that makes you look ten pounds thinner...even if it's out of style...say for example...you have that skirt (insert whatever the item may be)...a supremely flattering item is always a keeper...even if it looks strange or dowdy for a season or two...you never know...fashions do change...and then again...so may your body...the key here..is the fit of that item...

- classic evening wear...silk pants...an embroidered kimono...a charmeuse tunic...anything that still fits and is in good shape...even if you had a baby two years ago and haven't been out after midnite since...the next time you have to attend a once-every-five-years formal event (and believe me...they do come up when you least expect it) you may not have to buy new clothes...

- high quality classics in good condition...what i'm thinking of are things like tweed blazers and cashmere sweaters...that one year may fit a little too tight for the style...or may have a cowl neckline when everyone's wearing turtlenecks...or may have collars that are a little too wide or too narrow...for a short time...these so-called classics may look out of place to you...but if they're in good shape...hang on to them...because the style standing of these sorts of details always changes...and they'll look good again someday...

- the skirt or pants that fit last year...but now are a little too snug...or a little too big...some of my clients...whenever they gain or lose ten pounds...tend to think this is it forever...and out with everything that reminds them of their former shape...but if your weight fluctuation is recent...and if you tend to go up or down a size consistently over time...it's smart to keep items that fit in your normal range...even if they don't fit right now...

and sometimes...items that are in your closet are kept but changed...perhaps a skirt is shortened...or the sleeves are changed on an item...a good tailor truly can perform miracles on items that don't serve their purpose in the current state...but tiny tweaks...can make an old un-used item...a new improved item...



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leopard & floral...

i've kind of been on a mixing of patterns kick...inspired by so many gorgeous editorials...i've posted some along the way...for me...it is a great way to "funk" up an outfit...and really make it unique...

so...of course...the best place to start is always always always in your own closet...i truly believe...as in decorating...when you buy pieces you love...they will work together...

so...i started with this cotton shirt that i haven't worn in forever...truth be told...i hadn't worn it for a while...cause i had gotten a little bored with it...as i write that...i'm thinking...me...get bored with leopard? say it isn't so...

...uh yeah...that'll never happen...i was just bored with the shirt worn as a basic shirt...



so i ventured into my closet...and knew i needed something to keep me warm...as the nippy fall air has arrived...perused my blazers...but nothing was jumping out at me...and then i saw it...my floral sweater...how perfect!



and while i know this for some is a little out there...but for me...just a perfect combo of mixing patterns...and here is the end result...



is this something you would try? let us know your perfect combination of pattern & color...

working from home...what to wear?

it is your first day at work...not in the office...that was your old life...but at home or in the studio or in your own business...the only rules governing what you wear are the ones you make yourself...no one will be seeing you...and if someone does...it won't be someone who's judging your clothes by what's proper or powerful in the corporate world...

the only problem is...what do you wear?

can clothes make you feel more successful...even when no one's looking?

you work at home...alone...theoretically you could get up...have your coffee and work all day in your pajamas...or you could pull on the clothes you left in a heap after the girlfriends came over for casual potluck last nite...or you could go halfway...wear "nice" casual clothes...a little makeup...perhaps some earrings...or you could get dressed as if you were going to any office...except that yours just happens to be down the hall from your bathroom...

the question is...since you're not leaving the house...since you won't have to see anyone...does it make any difference at all what you wear?

well...yes...it makes a difference...but only to the extent that your clothes can affect how you feel about yourself...which can affect how you feel about your work...and the clothes that make women feel more successful...or more creative or more motivated...when no one's watching...are determined by personal idiosyncracies rather than standard business-dressing rules...

at home alone...a feeling of success is as likely to emanate from wearing lipstick or a favorite t-shirt as it is from wearing a business suit...

of course...self-image is the bottom line since...when you work alone...that's the only image that counts...i will say...that when i've been home...and in my pj's (yes...i've had those days)...after a while i'd start to feel non-productive...and not very creative...kind of like a non-entity...not only about my work...but about myself...so for me...it helps to put a little effort in what i'm wearing...although my suits have been nicely stored away...

calling all entrepreneurs...fess up...what do you wear when working at home?

photo source

one blouse...three ways...

one thing i really try and teach my clients...is to look at their pieces in the closet...individually...and then create at least three different outfits...this is sometimes easier with some pieces...and harder with others...but with practice...it becomes a natural way to look at your wardrobe...

so many of my readers have been asking for more examples...as in pictures...so i went back to my binder...and found this great example...using one blouse...a weekend look...to the office...and then a fabulous evening look...

it doesn't necessarily always need to be to different functions...meaning casual versus dressy...sometimes...it is about creating three different casual outfits out of one piece...

but another thing to notice...in the following pics...i pulled these from lucky magazine september issue 2009...2 years ago...and yet...these looks can still work today...which is the other rule i like to follow...when you buy classic and good pieces...they will definately last you several seasons...and years...






photos scanned by moi - lucky mag september 09 issue

shopping 101...

ahhh...shopping...some love it...and some don't...whatever category you fall under...if you find yourself brnging home clothes you never wear...here are a few pointers...

- shop for who you are now...not who you will be five to ten pounds from now...

- buy something because it looks great on you...not because it looks great on a fashion model in a glossy spread...

- let your own legs (and body type) determine how long or how short your hem should be...

- sizes are relative...buy what size you are...not what size you thought you were...or what size you hope to be...(refer back to point one)

- before you buy...check yourself in the mirror in as many positions as you can...especially sitting down...

- put things on hold if you need more time...if you're going to a series of stores...maybe you'll come across something later that works better...thinking things over reduces the chances that you'll buy on impulse...

- beware of sales if you're prone to impulse buying...before you go out...reassess what you have and make a list of what you need...then try to stick to it...

- avoid pushy salespeople...and beware of those who flatter you too much...when you find a salesperson who speaks your language...stick with him or her...

and if all this just seems a bit overwhelming...seriously consider a wardrobe stylist...it just may save you alot of money...

photo source

below the waist...

is there that one or two colors that you love...but feel you can't wear? perhaps it makes you look pale...washes you out...a bit too bright for around the face...if it is a color that you love...there are ways of incorporating it into your wardrobe...just work below the waist...

whether you find that favorite color in a skirt...pants...shoes...or even a belt or handbag...a color that you love can be worked in the wardrobe...even when it doesn't work close to the face...

speaking of color...i was shopping for a client at nordstrom today...and saw the most fabulous rack of pencil skirts...by halogen...i seriously think i need to pick up one or two...which color to choose though...they are all so fabulous! click on the link below to see all ten colors...it may be one of those "you can't have just one" moments...

halogen seamed pencil skirt
nordstrom.com