Wardrobe Wisdom

Clothing and History

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 15:47:00 +0000

Image credit: NPR.org

I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR recently about the robe volante, a complete departure from what women had been wearing during pre-French Revolution Versailles. This dress was a revolution in itself: "Down with the corsets and cages! Up with the robe volante! Full and comfy, in fancy fabrics or simple cottons, everyone could wear it — and they did. The 'revolutionaries' were young women of the court, merchants and dressmakers; the robe became a social leveler." (NPR.org)

The historical fiction novel, Madame Tussaud, which provides deep insight into the French Revolution, is a terrific read. The writer describes what led to this monumental event and the meaningful role that clothing played.

He's the Man

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:11:00 +0000

Image credit: nordstrom.com

My husband needed a new blue blazer, and I found a very smart one at Nordstrom during its Anniversary Sale. He also needed some slacks for work, so I enlisted the help of Drake Johnson at the Santa Barbara store. Drake was immensely knowledgeable, helpful, and fashion savvy. He is the man to see! Contact him at 805.564.8770, ext. 1220 or at drake.p.johnson@nordstrom.com. Full disclosure: I receive no monetary payment or merchandise from Nordstrom or any other store when I recommend them.

The Perfect Shoe

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Sometimes I feel like a restaurant critic (my not-so-secret dream), reluctant to reveal a favorite store or item out of fear that its appeal will then decrease or others will disagree with my opinion. However, I feel compelled to pass on information about a fantastic shoe. It is one of those coveted, perfect combinations of comfort and style. A client of mine had these shoes, and after determining they went with nearly every outfit we created, I deemed them quite perfect.

So here they are, Petrina Lulu dark denim wedges by Clarks.
You're welcome!

"The human cost of shockingly cheap clothing"

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Photo credit: ecouterre.com

Jon Oliver covered the topic of sweatshops, fast fashion, and the world's unhealthy and deadly addiction to cheap clothing very well on his show "Last Week Tonight." Oliver's words from this video are the title of today's blog.

Obviously, I love clothing and like a bargain. Am I aware of how many clothing companies use child labor and allow people to work in inhumane, dangerous conditions to produce garments? Yes, but have I chosen to spend my money responsibly, and thoughtfully, by not supporting such unethical companies? Not always. Oliver's story put this issue on my radar again. It should be on all of our radars and we should shop or not shop accordingly. Go here to learn more about child labor.

BIG SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 16:32:00 +0000

Like many of you, I love shopping in consignment stores. There are bargains to be had on one of a kind garments and accessories, and I like the idea of recycling instead of always buying new.

Today there is a sale at a local haunt in Santa Barbara: Jessica Consignment. Maybe I will see you there!

How to Dress for Work

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 16:30:00 +0000

Photo credit: Associated Press

I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR's On Point about workplace dressing today. I've never had a job that required me to dress a certain way, so it is sometimes hard for me to relate to people's struggles over what to wear to work. However, I do understand there are complicated and often mixed messages people get from their employers about what is appropriate and what is not.

Go here to read an excellent New York Times article on this topic. Times are different from the 1970s, when women dressed like Mary Tyler Moore in her eponymous TV show (pictured above).

New Bras!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 16:30:00 +0000

Image credit (both): Simoneperele.com

I require a lot of lift from my bras. For this reason, finding just the right brassiere can be a challenge. So it was with the usual dread and excitement when I went bra shopping this week. Happily, I left Purrmission Lingerie, in Santa Barbara, with two new bras that fit great, are comfortable and give me plenty of lift.

No matter what you is shopping for, it is important to remember what your goals and preferences are. Even though I was offered a number of demi and balcony bras to try on, I stayed the course, asking the saleswoman to show me only full coverage, contour bras. Since Purrmission is known for its gorgeous lacy and fancy bras like the one below, the saleswoman could not resist bringing some stunningly beautiful ones as well. Sure, I tried them on. But in the end, I found two contour bras--one in black (above) and quite pretty, and one in nude, utilitarian.

I saw many, many lovely bra and panty sets, nightgowns, and slips at Purrmission. If you have not been, the trip is well worth it. I also picked up a bottle of Forever New, my favorite hand wash fabric soap.

Sunday Wardrobe Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Here are some fun facts from The One Hundred by Nina Garcia:

60% of Americans claim to have owned at least one pair of Converse in their lives.

Converse high-tops are also called Chuck Taylors, because in 1918, a high-school basketball star, Chuck Taylor, began wearing them. He later promoted and lent his name to the sneakers.

I think Converse sneakers are terrific. These days my favorite version is the white Jack Purcell (above). They go with jeans, shorts, summer dresses, and casual skirts. Love them!

Bill Cunningham

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 22:54:00 +0000

Photo credit: brockelpress.com

How sad it was to hear that Bill Cunningham, longtime "On the Street" fashion photographer for the New York Times, had died. Many, many tributes have been written about him, and more are to come. This one was especially touching to me. He was clearly a very special man, described by his colleagues this way: "Bill expressed his enthusiasm regularly and effusively."

Here are some links to my past blogs about Mr. Cunningham:

The Palate and the Eye

Good News

Intoxicated with Fashion

Sea Life

Crazy Shoes

Fashion Week

Booties

Hot Days and Men in Suits

I've Been Away

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 17:24:00 +0000

It has been a long time since I posted here. Sure, I spent a couple of weeks away from home, but my absence from Wardrobe Wisdom has been more about feeling uninspired. The clothes in magazines and stores had not thrilled me in awhile, and I could not seem to find wardrobe-related topics that fired me up.

However, now I have a short list of topics that I would like to cover, and I have some observations and suggestions to share. Today I am going bra shopping today which I am sure will lead to a blog post (or two!). I'm wearing an uncomfortable and ill-fitting bra in this photo from Emmett, Idaho. On the upside, the cherries were terrific.

Wardrobe Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 16 May 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Image Credit: pinterest.com

From the original "What Not to Wear" team, Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine:

"We incorrectly believe the notion of becoming stylish is a feat way beyond our grasp. Style isn't something you are born with, but something any one of you can learn."

So. . . enlist me for help with your wardrobe and closet woes;
use a free styling service at Nordstrom;
          shop with a friend whose fashion sense you admire who can help you find clothes to suit your taste and lifestyle;
          start weeding out clothes that don't make you feel good to make space for those which will
          Read: What Not to Wear by Woodall and Constantine and/or Kelly and London

Real Women in Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Wed, 11 May 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Photo credit: renttherunway.com

I recently described my anxiety-filled experience while shopping for my daughter's prom dress on the day of the dance. What I had tried (unsuccessfully) to do was urge her to begin looking for a gown a few weeks prior to prom. Deciding to ignore my advice, she did spend some time on Rent the Runway's site the night before the dance.

Something Rent the Runway does, which I think all shopping websites should mimic, is showing real women, instead of models, wearing the clothing. These photos were immensely helpful in demonstrating how the dresses really fit and how women with similar or different figures looked like in the dresses. I know that shoppers would be a lot more inclined to trust a site that showed how other customers wear the clothing and would be thrilled to possibly get some accessorizing ideas from them as well. Rent the Runway should also be applauded for the long, detailed reviews it features from its customers. Online retailers, take note!

Weekly Wardrobe Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 09 May 2016 04:06:00 +0000

Here are some wise words from "Visual Therapy" gurus Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo:

Editing your wardrobe is not about throwing things away needlessly, but "clarifying." It's about reading the clothing in your closet like tea leaves to find out what works, and establishing a life cycle for your wardrobe.

Don't Try This at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 16:00:00 +0000

My older daughter's prom was last weekend. Deciding not to heed her Wardrobe Wisdom mom's advice, she began her search for a dress a mere week prior to the event. Then, one day before prom, she told me she did not really like her dress and wanted to shop the next day. I tried to remain calm, knowing it was not the time for I-told-you-so even though I was thinking it!

This story does have a happy ending. We arrived at the Assistance League's Operation Prom shop when it opened at 10, and after trying on several dresses, one stood out. Not only did my daughter get to wear--at no charge!!!-- a gorgeous gown, she was given shoes to wear with it and offered jewelry and a bag as well. The lovely women at the Assistance League could not have been more helpful and gracious. Other girls were there, shopping for their proms which were coming up in a couple of weeks. The atmosphere was friendly and casual (my high blood pressure notwithstanding).

I am not suggesting that anyone wait until the last minute to purchase something for a special event. Ever! I do, however, strongly suggest you tell everyone you know about Operation Prom. Here is the scoop from the Assistance League's Facebook page:

Operation Prom Dress has begun! Calling all girls attending their High School Prom! Come BORROW a dress from our beautiful Prom Boutique, Choose from over 500 dresses in all sizes! School ID required. Saturdays 10-2 April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, and 21. Wednesdays 3-5, April 20, 27, Ma 4, 11, 18, 25. Assistance League of Santa Barbara, 1259 Veronica Springs Road, Santa Barbara (off Las Positas).The girls you see modeling the Prom Boutique Dresses at our March meeting are members of our wonderful Assistance Volunteers.

Speaking Engagement at UCSB

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Last week I was fortunate to speak at UCSB during a joint Latino Business Association and Sigma Lambda Gamma meeting. These groups had asked my husband and I to talk to them about appropriate professional attire since they will soon be launching their first careers after graduating from the university .

The students were curious, intelligent, serious, and delightful to talk to. I went over what the norms are for dressing in various business environments and suggested some basic wardrobe items to get them through a week of outfits. Few young people today have the resources to fill their closets with expensive clothing; I suggested where to find quality, inexpensive pieces at consignment stores in town as well as some thrift stores which carry nice clothing.

The groups were taking donations of gently used clothing for Job Smart, a terrific non-profit in Santa Barbara. Job Smart provides clothing for low-income people looking for work and "helps people learn to project a positive attitude, a professional image and a willingness to learn so they are more likely to succeed!"

Image Credit: unityshoppe.org

Wardrobe Wisdom from Lloyd Boston

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 15:00:00 +0000

"Make sure you look good coming and going."

Image Credit: amazon.com

Wise Words to Start Your Week

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 01:33:00 +0000

From Style Evolution by Kendall Farr:

"The pleasure you feel in wearing certain colors, fabrics, textures, and shapes should guide, to some degree, your choice of new clothes."

My daughter, pictured above, found great pleasure in her spring outfit.

Rachel Roy

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Photo Credit: wsj.com

I appreciate what fashion designer Rachel Roy (above) had to say recently in a Los Angeles Times article: "You just have to be aware of what makes you happy, and it's the same for clothes. . . if I want to feel a certain way, I will start with what to put on my body, and it helps get me there. And I think that's the great thing about fashion, that it can elevate your mood and then your confidence and then hopefully your intelligence."

I also applaud Roy's designs for plus-size women (below) instead of ignoring this demographic like most of the fashion world. Her Rachel Roy Curvy line debuted this spring at Macy's.

Photo Credit: wwd.com

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Image Credit: davidlebovitz.com

David Lebovitz' blog is one of my very favorites; I look to him for guidance on food and travel in France and beyond. His recent newsletter contained this solid, all-around advice:

"Craziness prevails in the world, but the good news is that we can turn off the television, and go for a walk to a market or wine (or cocktail) bar, and take a break from it all. In doing so, it's easier to see the good in the world that's around us. If you go into your local shop, café, or restaurant, you'll see how nice most people are in everyday situations, and you realize why human interaction is so important."

I couldn't have said it better. Thank you, David Lebovitz.

Perfection

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Photo credit: Renaud's Patisserie and Bistro

When I eat something I like, I am the happiest person around. I savor each bite, insist others try it, smile contentedly, like the Cheshire Cat, and talk rapturously about it for days. This happened the other night when my friend, Will, brought an exquisite chocolate cake from Renaud's for dessert at my house. It was absolutely perfect in every way: rich, yet light chocolate mousse sandwiched between layers of light chocolate sponge cake, enrobed in ganache. PERFECT.

How many things in your closet are perfect? Do your clothes fit just right? Do they go coordinate with other garments you own? Do they make you feel confident and comfortable? Understandably, it is too much to expect everything you own to be perfect, but you should not settle for things which are just okay. You don't need many clothes if each one works beautifully for you. I have a pair of gray sandals that are flawless: They are comfortable, are in a color that goes with most everything, and are in a simple style that looks great with dresses, skirts, jeans, and shorts. Such items become workhorses and are worth investing in.

Wardrobe Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 20:30:00 +0000

More words of wisdom from Tim Gunn:

"With very few exceptions, I dress to meet and greet and engage without feeling underdressed or overdressed for the occasion. We engage with someone when we pay for something, so merely leaving your home is a set-up for engagement."

Just the Right Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 15:30:00 +0000

Image credit: en.wikipedia.org

You know that feeling you get when you find just the right tool for the job? Your daily routines become easier, more streamlined, and you wonder what you did without that special tool.

After complaining for more than a couple of years to all who would listen (including my clearly disinterested cats), I purchased a new hair dryer. What a difference its made. I dry my hair in half the time and it never turns out frizzy. What on earth took me so long to get this dryer?

Is there an item of clothing or an accessory that would make getting ready a more efficient process for you? Think of a belt, a pair of shoes, or a versatile top that would make your outfits complete. When you get dressed, what are you missing? Make a list, and then look for what you need when you are out and about.

Shopping vs. Buying

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:59:00 +0000

Image Credit: saveamericascinemas .org

From Isaac Mizrahi's book How to Have Style:

"Go to stores and look, but don't look at price tags and don't buy a thing. Go to a store's or designer's website and look at photos. Pick up a fashion magazine or two and clip photos and ads that speak to you. Spread your images out and study them while shopping in your closet."

Mizrahi says that by shopping, looking, evaluating, and giving your own closet a critical once over, you will discover what you truly want, need, and will wear most often without spending a penny. Then you can make a list of what you need and shop, little by little, to complete your wardrobe. Good advice!

"The Seams"

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:30:00 +0000

Photo Credit: theseams.org http://www.theseams.org

Listening to NPR's "The Seams" podcast is one of my favorite pastimes. In this episode, I learned about current Irish fashion labels as well as Ireland's notable history in weaving wool into beautiful sweaters and tweeds fabrics. Margaret O'Leary is a well-known designer who started out knitting sweaters and now has a complete line of women's clothing and several boutiques. I remember coveting her lovely, unique sweaters when I worked at Patty Montana in Santa Barbara many years ago. I hope you will give "The Seams" a listen; you will not be disappointed!

Wardrobe Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Lori Cooper) — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 15:00:00 +0000

From the brilliant, kind, classy, and wise Tim Gunn:

"Fit is the most neglected aspect of how we dress; that is, most people wear clothes that are too big, too small, or a combination of both."

Clothing should not pinch, bunch up, pucker, gap, or droop anywhere. If it does, consult a tailor or get rid of it!