3. Adopt a wardrobe strategy. Using the pieces you already own, plan out a mix and match scheme, or a one-color-for-all-bottoms scheme, or a monochromatic scheme. (See It's So You! plug plug) Once you have a method, the next steps will seem nothing less than logical.
4. Treat shopping like business. Schedule a time for it. Hire a babysitter. Be picky with what you see. Dress like you mean business!
5. Shop for quality rather than quantity. So what if you can get three tops at Walmart for the price of one at Snooty's. The Snooty's blouse might be worth the money because it will give you the performance you need...and deserve!
6. Having said that about Snooty's, be aware that there are indeed some things on which you shouldn't spend a hec of a lot of money. If the little cami at Snooty's feels like made-in-china-proletariat-knit-that'll probably pill by next season, pass it up. Save the money for shoes, a bag, or a jacket. (See the three must-haves.)
6. Try on the outfit. Check all sides of yourself in the mirror. Bend over to see what happens. Then, inspect seams for tight and consistent stitching, zippers for ease, buttons for snugness, patterns for alignment, and other basic rights of mankind-as-consumer.
7. Save that receipt! Place it in your wallet or a file made especially for the purpose.Keep the tags on the item until you actually wear it.
8. Return the item if it just doesn't suit your fancy after all. You've kept the tags on, so that'll be easy!
9. And those items you do decide to keep? Keep them well. Maintain each item according to the the label instructions and store according to the needs of the material. See www.fabriclink.org for more information.
10. Jot down experience notes when storing the clothing for a passing season. Record most reliable brands, failures, great fashion moments, needs for next year, and bright ideas. Store the notes with your clothing.
Top 10 Shopping Tips
1. Plan out what you need with the knowledge of what you own. Explore your closet for forgotten items and write out your needs.
2. Budget something for your fashion. Don't let it become just a side issue.
WINTER WONDERS!
As the weather whips into that all-to-familiar winter frenzy, we may sigh about the impending snow shoveling and whine about the ice.
But what about the clothes? Isn't this the best fashion season? Doesn't the clothing make up for this ill-timed frost?
Yes!
The season revisits the eighties in its bright colors, but (fortunately) stays far away from the harsh lines and extreme looks of that decade. Although colors such as purple, wine, cranberry, pink, Kelly green, red, orange, and cobalt are strong and even neon (in the Junior's Department) lines are still soft and feminine.
Ruffles, ruching, cowl necks, and pleats in interesting places are found in tops of all types, as the silhouette remains streamlined and very feminine.
The big news for the casual look is the persistance of the skinny jean ("skinny" being the operative word here: skinny on the ankes AND the hips.) Never is the high waisted look of the curren "Hollywood" pant and the tapered ankle of the bygone jean combined into a single garment. If it is, don't buy it!
Visit The Gap for a full survey of this season's looks.
See also Lane Bryant for ideas.
So, how to carry off the skinny jean look? Wear these only if you do not have a pear or heart shape, and be concerned about the shoes. The look is only successful with ballet flats, ankle or mid-calf rise boots (meduim to slighly high or flat), Wellingtons, and snow boots. Unless it's for a casual party or fashion event, high heels just scream high maintenance and a few other things when paired this very casual garment.
As you know, the decision for the bottom influences the decision for the top. Skinny jeans require just a bit of coverage of the hip area. Longer, fitted sweaters abound, and give an additional feeling of warmth while elongating your figure.
No fall season is complete without the sweater. This year, cardigans, v necks, and cowl necks add zest in rich gem tones, and beg to be layered over t's and shirts.
See Banana Republic for suggestions.
You may think that all the bags in the world are shiny right now, but there are many understated looks for those who see shine and bling as just a little too loud. The trick for updating is to choose alternative hues such as chocolate, wine, crimson, hunter green, or navy. The monster bags of the past few years are waning, but cavernous ones still dominate.
As with past seasons, looks are eclectic and the trick to pulling off a new idea is getting all the peices to harmonize: Jackets, sweaters, long sleeved blouses, belts, scarves Pashmina wraps, capes, trousers, opaque hosiery, bags, shoes, and boots. Check below for combination ideas:
Looking for a Sales Rep for any of the following companies?
I know these reps personally and - if you ask - I'll give you an honest opinion of each product line.
- Advocare
- Arbonne
- Avon
- Beauty Control
- Beijo
- Boden
- Cookie Lee
- Kokoon
- Lia Sophia
- Mary Kay
- Silpada
Good fashion starts on the inside. Help yourself to feel better by consulting a nutritionist. Mine specializes in weight management.
Beautiful Hair in Milwaukee
The following are hair stylists I recommend to Clients
Alex Goodman of New Options Salon in Whitefish Bay. Call 414.962.7450.
Maria Roberts at Neroli Salon in the Third Ward. Call 414.227.2888.
Francine Fiori at
Les Ciseaux on Kilbourn. Call
414.272.4340
For great advice on Face Shape, visit Jane Yocum at Symmetry in New Berlin. Call 262.860.0220.
Second Hand Fun
If you read my book It's So You! Fitting Fashion to Your Life, you know that I highly
recommend shopping at second hand venues. BUT there's a right way and a wrong way to do the "new to you" thing. Consider the following and visit www.howtoconsign.com for more details.
1. Work with a plan. Go in knowing what kinds of things you need to make your wardrobe wonderful and don't go nuts with a whole bunch of unplanned things. That's undoing the bargain..
2. Never compromise on quality. So what if you can talk the proprietor down a buck or two because of a stain or tear? You don't want that! Inspect any item up for consideration and don't buy anything sub-standard.
3. Never compromise on fit. If it doesn't fit correctly, don't' buy it.
4. Walk into a second hand store with flexibility. Be creative by imagining how an item (especially an accessory) will give zest to your wardrobe.
5. Visit your favorite second hand stores on a regular basis as stock is unpredictable and can be full of wonderful supervises.
...My favorite Second Hand Stores in the Milwaukee Area:
Elite Repeat - This place rocks! The owners are picky about what they sell so buyers really enjoy the benefits. Fashions are current and the place doesn't even feel "second hand." Details...
Nearly New- Well stocked and full of some wonderful surprises. Boutique-like atmosphere keeps you a calm shopper. Details...
Another Look - Cozy and friendly and in the middle of everything. Details..
Proper Attire - Beautiful surroundings and very friendly service. Right off I 43 on Port Washington Road. Details...
Lela - See below!
What National Retailers
do I Visit?
Here's My Lucky Seven:
1. T.J. Maxx, Marshalls -Aside from boutiques and consignment shopping, this is where I buy most of my clothing. Great bargains if you can stand the chaos and don't need any special sizes. HINT: Eyeball across racks for colors and hone in on only the winners.
2. Nordstrom - I have to go to Chicago or DC to shop here, but this is where I get my best coats and shoes. HINT: Go online if you don't live near one.
3. Dillards - Gosh do I wish the Upper Midwest had one! I like to find interesting dresses and tops when I do get there. HINT: Explore the entire floor before narrowing down choices.
4. Banana Republic -
I can usually find the best man-tailored shirts here. HINT: Take advantage of the help around the dressing room.
5.Ann Taylor -
I manage to find one or two special things a year here. HINT: Another great place to take advantage of help.
6.Kohls - This is where I go for underwear, including bras when I don't need help. HINT: Avoid buying serious professional wear here.
7. Macy's - Bags and Jewelry on sale HINT: Take advantage of coupons in circulars and newspapers.
I do not shop at Walmart.
Visit my
SHOP LOCAL!
Some of the complaints I hear from Milwaukeans about the lack of shopping options here stem from the absence of major high end retailers that Chicago might have. So what? We have a great Boutique Scene! The following is my directory for boutiques I have visited...and liked! If you have anything to add to this list, Contact Me.
I'm slowly visiting every boutique I possibly can, so please let me know about any oversights. However, very obvious omissions may be intentional. (If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all!) Ask me!
Aala Reed - Men and women's clothing. Unique styles and very nice accessories. Details...
Faye's 1 - One of a few places which sells "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" brand, gorgeous suits, and one of a kind pieces. Definitely a place to visit after you've saved up a little. Mequon and Brookfield. Contact...
Fred - If the fun clothing doesn't win you over, Clai just might. He enjoys helping to make women feel beautiful. Shorewood - now called Lucy
and Downtown. Details...
Goldi's - A Shorewood Institution that offers a fantastic range of shoes, a good number of bags, and all manner of apparel. Roomy store and lots of on-site help. Details...
Goody Two Shooz - Excellent (and tasteful) choices for shoes and boots. Diane Gawronski will cheerfully assist you. Mequon. Details...
(The) Last Detail - The first place to visit for one-of-a-kind fun. Every kind of accessory you can dream up is sold here. 1515 W. Mequon Road, Mequon.
Lela - Wow! New and consignment all under one roof! Fun and highly fashionable clothing that's accessible - and the service is first class. Details...
Lorain's - High quality clothing in classic cuts. Utterly tasteful. Kay Newell knows her stuff. 1515 Mequon Road, Mequon.
Luscious -a store which caters to "the curvaceous figured woman." The prices are surprisingly reasonable and the styles are a divergence from what's found at the mall. Details...
Ma Jolie - A great reason to hit Bayshore Mall! I personally always find something there. Fashions are young and fresh and the shoes are endless. Not cheap, but items are distinctive enought to give you a bang for your buck. Details...
M.E. Lou - A little bit of fashion heaven right in the middle of Brookfield. Spectacular jewelry and handbags amidst highly fashion forward styles. Details...
Patricia Shoppe - Small and cozy but every item is a winner. Best for tops and dresses, although I've found earrings there twice! Whitefish Bay Details...
P Sue - This is the best place for maternity apparel around here. All the great brands, including high-performance nursing bras and other undergarments. Excellent assistance. Mequon. Details...
Shop - Sophisticated and nicely organized. The clothing is beautiful and always tasteful. Shorewood. Details...
Shoo - Hard to find styles and brands in a bright and airy setting. Pat and Kate Blake know their stuff too. Third Ward. Details...
Trendy Girlz Boutique - Kind of a traveling boutique that makes bag and accessory selection easier than ever. Robin Buzzell and Katie Hartzheim have a knack for picking chic pieces for any wardrobe. Details...
Zita - A place for "investment" pieces, but some sales may offer affordable surprises. Specializes in special occasion and bridal and the service is world class - just like the clothes! Whitefish Bay. Details...
Milwaukee Homegrown Talent
There are some amazing artists around here. I've met
incredible people and I'd like to share them with you.
Silk n More
Ritika Bhatia imports shawls in
breathtaking textures, patterns, and colors.
Lake Moni Creations
Charlene Lake and Moni DeWalt have
charming creations which they will customize
according to your taste and size.
One Bead At A Time
Margie Edwards has a beautiful line of her own creations
and specializes in Bali silver.
Mari Paz Amor
Gorgeous, one of a kind jewelry!
(h(om)e)
unique bags and wallets (the items I recommend on this site) which make serious fashion statements. (For the expressive fashion personality.) All recycled material.
marysheehanwarren.com
There are some new boutiques in Town!
In Shorewood, there's Luscious, a store which caters to "the curvaceous figured woman." The prices are surprisingly reasonable and the styles are a divergence from what's found at the mall.
On the East Side, near UWM, is Enigma's Closet which serves both men and women with funky, original looks from many local designers. See www.enigmaCSboutique.com
Rules for Coats:
1. Must be warm
2. Shape should
flatter.
3. Bust out of black
(Unless black makes
you happy.)
Dream styles in tops for all body types...
Boot cut or "flare" leg styles are still anyone's best bet.
Yes, really...and not too expensive either..
It's So You!
Fitting Fashion to Your Life!
Planning. Shopping. Musing.
