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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