Soul Searching Menswear

It was just a little visit to Chicago to shop for a groomsmen suit. We landed near the warehouse district in a 7 floor building known as the "Trunk Club" by Nordstrom, by appointment only.  Seven floors of everything new and vintage equipped with a personal shopper, a bar and several lounge/seating areas for customers to sit back and be taken care of. Everything was well designed, well thought out to make this a "must see"experience. 

After we landed on the floor of suits, we were greeted by our Personal Shopper and led to our lounge area and laid out several fabric swatch books. My favorite was the new line of suit fabrics that are waterproof against spillage (for all those clumsy guys out there). The PS was friendly and knowledgable about of every aspect of fitting the perfect suit to the needs of the groom. Each aspect of the suit, from using special sizing instruments for fit, to colors of thread stitching and lining fabrics, was carefully presented and discussed to fit the style of the Groom's look.  I can't wait for their "big day" and am sure the groom will look amazing. Photos to follow in the near future!

 

 

LEATHER ALERT: LEATHER WEATHER

Every time I travel to California, I get so excited about their perfect weather for fashion. Coming from the midwest, we experience cold winters and hot summers. Our "in-between" weather is very limited and sometimes non-existent. I love layering and wearing a jean jacket over a sundress  with an  ankle boot, for example. In the midwest, that kinda of fun fashion doesn't really get much of a chance to appear due to our climate. Wearing leather shorts with a lite weight turtleneck,and bare legs for another example, is so fun to me. 

Either way, we are now in our cool beginnings of the Spring season. A leather jacket is ALWAYS a go to standard. If you have lighter colored leather, even better. So when you can decide what to wear now, bring out the leather....you can always dress it up or dress it down. 

Now this is just plain cruel....

For many of us, this Winter season has extended into Spring. It is almost Mid April and as I write,  the temps are struggling to make it out of the 30 degrees range. Now this is just plain cruel to a stylist, who is excited to wear something  different other than wool, fleece and several layering pieces. Getting dressed for this cold weather is tiring and boring especially when there are so many fun trends to try out this spring,  like the little white boot,  belted tops, wide leg pants, and granny floral prints. So lets get started Mother Nature, time to pull out your spring wardrobe too!

Spring Cleaning!

This is my favorite time of year when we can get rid of what doesn't work for us to make room for   the things that do. And I am not talking about our personal lives, just wardrobe. Cleaning out your  closet and drawers of all things winter and going thru all things spring and summer can be so exhilarating. (Please note if you live in the midwest, keep your warmest parka handy, the cold seems to find its way back on occasion).  Imagining the days ahead when you can wear your favorite bathing suit or maxi dress or sandals can lift your spirits but should also be a good time to consider wardrobe pieces that you need to get rid of. Getting rid of things that you haven't worn from last year and the year before is most likely the indication you will not wear it again this season.  I usually have a one year limit but some people like to hold on for another year.  And when you donate those pieces you have not worn, it can bring a good feeling that you have lightened your load. 

Some things to to think about when purging: Make 2 piles....A Yes and a No pile. Then start going thru your closets keeping this in mind: 

Don't hold on a wardrobe piece you have not worn for its sentimental reason or good memory. Always look at the condition, if there is a lot of wear visible, get it out. Trendy styles don't last long. If it is a quality peice and you have the space, you may store it for when the trend comes back again to become a"vintage" peice....if not, put it in the donation pile. When keeping pieces...always consider the fit, try it on and be sure it is comfortable. If it feels tight in anyway, you won't wear it. 

Happy Spring! Happy Cleaning!

 

 

There are a million fish in the sea.... so be the Mermaid

We are living at a time with so many available resources at our fingertips to find almost anything without ever having to leave home. Shopping for personal wardrobe pieces is also changing with this advanced technology &  many "stores" don't offer much when it comes to sizes/inventory.  As a stylist, I am very visual and sizes, colors, fabrics need to be exact....and unless I know the designer, quality, fit and return policies of the wardrobe piece, shopping online can be difficult.  It is important for customers to be aware so as to learn size charts, return policies and website navigation like never before. Places like Zappos & Amazon Prime, have been the leading examples for easy returns when an item doesn't fit, or was not as you expected...but many online sites do not. I think it would be good to share our different online shopping websites and experiences....