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
- Cabi
- Cookie Lee
- Kokoon
- Lia Sophia
- Mary Kay
- Silpada
- Worth
Good fashion starts on the inside. Help yourself to feel better by consulting a nutritionist. Mine specializes in weight management.
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.
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.
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 surprises.
...My favorite Second Hand Stores in the Milwaukee Area:
Rethreads - A really exciting twist of vintage and consignment. A bit on the young side, but even an old fogey like me can find a hit every time. Details...
Boz's Clozet - This place is great fun. Friendly atmosphere and tons of great finds.
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!
SHOP LOCAL!
Milwaukee has a very exciting independent retail scene that must be explored by anyone seeking a unique and refreshing look.
Yes, the economy has been tough for retail, so this list must be continually updated - unfortunately. If you know of a great new place, let me know and I'll check it out!
email me. (Some ommisions are not intentional; I choose to list only those places I've shopped. I am still shopping my way through Milwaukee!)
Boutique B'Lou - Now on Oakland in Shorewood, this boutique has fresh looks for both career and casual setting. Contact...
BVEN (Boutique Vieux et Nouveau) - Definitely fashion for the hip woman, including some great vintage. Reasonable priced and conveniently located on Brady Street. 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...
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...
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...
Miss Groove - In the past this boutique has sold a little bit of everything, but now lingerie is its specialty. Fantastic customer service and an incredible selection will send women back for more. Especially great for bras. 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...
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...
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.
Fall Checklist:
- Trench coat
- Beautiful scarf to add color and interest
- Wellingtons
- Fresh weekend jeans
- Flattering cardigan
- Crisp bag
- Boots
Latest, hottest, totally-in-the-know fashion news you can use WWD.
ISYFashion SHOP MILWAUKEE
