Turn to page 145 of April 2009's In Style Magazine for down-to-earth style advice from Micheal Kors: "Secrets of Style for Right Now." I especially appreciated his advice to "slow down" and not treat shopping like a sport.
When your toiletry shopping is limited to Target or Walgreens for reasons related to, uh, let's just say multitasking, then a great beauty find is a treasure indeed. I found Tom's of Maine Body Wash met the needs of my whole family and worked beyond my expectations. Use it to prepare your feet and legs for Summer.
Try a huge time saver: Rather than maintaining long nails in bright colors, try cutting them shorter and polishing with more subtle colors. Try out the new Sally Hansen's Color Quick Nail Pen. See for yourself: SallyHansen.com.
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.
SPRING AT LAST!
The tiny buds and sweet hues of the landscape inspire us in ways that defy the greater economic reality. It's okay. Go with your inspirations. And, if you follow the perennial advice of It's So You! you'll not only have recession-proof fashion, but you'll look beautiful as well.
So what's out there in the spring landscape of fashion?- Silhouettes are soft and found with volume at either the top or the bottom. See Neiman Marcus...for ideas. ISY Tip: Don't take volume for granted. Choose your silhouette purposely by deciding if you want it at the top (for pear shape body types) or at the bottom (for heart shape body types).
- Colors range from purples, violets, pinks and soft greens to khaki and chocolate. Yellow is not the it color of the season, but white returns to its traditional places (trousers, Capri's, blouses, and bags). See Bluefly.com and Pantone Fashion Color Report. ISY Tip: Explore fun colors for bags, skirts, and casual shoes, but wear your best colors around your face.
- Blouses ebb and flow with subtle ruffles, ruching, and creative folds and pleats. View Banana Republic. ISY Tip: Buy these romantic styles only if you feel confident in them. Then, check the fit of any blouse you consider buying.
- Dresses dot the fashion landscape in honor of our desire to revisit that refreshing, womanly standard. Only this season's crop goes beyond the standard and appears in natural waistlines, and in sheaths and comfortable shifts. See Ann Taylor. ISY Tip: Pair with a cardigan or structured blazer and wear the dress to work. In this way, you'll get double duty for the price.
- Bottoms such cropped trousers and Capri continue as staples, but for a more distinctive look, full linen trousers and flowy skirts are easy to find. See Gap and Soft Surroundings. ISY Tip: Don't take for granted that what fit and looked divine last year will be the same way this time around. Check out your pieces at the start of the season.
- Alas, it is not true that the better the economy, the more embellished the shoe! Shoes are fussy and funky this season. (Are things better then we think or are we reaping the efforts of cheap labor in China?) See Nordstrom. ISY Tip: Decide the shape and heel of your shoe according to the occasion and function and DO NOT splurge on gladiator anything.
Happy Hunting!
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...
Fran Hill - An assortment of great styles in a range of sizes which takes into account real women from Milwaukee. Fran will put to rest your fashion fears. East Side. Details...
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...
Hers - Refreshing atmosphere is the perfect spot for crisp and sophisticated fashion. One more great reason to visit the Third Ward. 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.
Lucy - See Fred'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. 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
It's So You!
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
Fitting Fashion to Your Life!
Planning. Shopping. Musing.
