Style Beyond Measure

Sorry for posting only once for the entire month of October. Last month had a life of its own - as I’m sure you all have experienced before - and the only thing to do was hunker down and hold on for the ride.

To that end, I am embarrassed to say that I let all thoughts of regular beauty upkeep flounder in the ocean of “let me just get by for one more week”. Only my one more week turned into a whole month! Sound familiar?

Anyway, all of this to say that I finally made it to the hair salon yesterday and am feeling fabulous!

Its hard to describe how having your hair cut after too long an absence makes you feel. I think that “totally pampered” comes close. The feel of lying back in the salon sink and having someone wash your hair for you. Lots and lots of frothy suds, and not one but two washings, followed by a long luxurious rinse and perhaps a dollop of conditioner.

Then the procession to the stylist’s chair, whereby someone is going to devote his or her complete attention to you for a full 45 minutes - their only purpose being to help you look your very best. How divine is that? Its probably the closest we come to experiencing our inherent “queenliness” on a somewhat regular basis (a facial, massage or pedicure comes to mind, too) .

And therein lies the truth of the matter. Keeping up your apprearance - your hair, your nails, your brows, whatever - is not only about maintainence and being well-groomed. The real importance lies in taking those few precious moments for yourself and allowing both the inner and outer you to be pampered, nourished and honored. You deserve those moments no matter how time-poor or cash-strapped you may feel at that particular moment. You deserve to feel your “queenliness” and that’s exactly what I did yesterday. My inner royalty was revived and I feel absolutely marvelous.

Isn’t it time for you to ascend the throne, too?

(Image: “Beehive” by Shari Warren at Allposters.com)

Speaking of someone whose looks or way of dressing catches your eye…

I hope it goes without saying that as “sisters” in beauty and style, we freely acknowledge that beauty.

Have you ever had a complete stranger come up and compliment you on something? Your hair? Your outfit? Your jewelry? Your shoes?

I’m sure you have, and what a delicious feeling that is - to be acknowledged and noticed as a person.

Acknowledgement is probably the very best gift we can give another person, even if we are strangers. Again, it goes back to the idea of acknowledging beauty - all kinds of beauty - and appreciating what it brings to us.

So please, in the spirit of sisterly “appreciation” - share the wealth. The next time you see a woman with a great haircut or pretty eyes or just beautifully put together, take a moment to stop and let her know how good she looks. You’ll be passing on a lovely gift and reaping the benefits from a deed well done.

More thoughts on “Effortless and Breezy” dressing from our summer wardrobe checklist from yesterday’s post…

* T- Shirts - You will probably want both casual and dressy versions this summer. By “dressy” I mean a t-shirt in a fabrication other than cotton…such as silk or micro-fiber, that is more fitted and looks more polished.

Take a good look at your t-shirts from last season. How have they fared? Give these your best critical eye because these items typically take the most abuse during the summer. And with t-shirts in plentiful supply in price, style and color range, you’ll probably do well to bring in new ones for this season.

* Shorts - again, use your critical eye…this time with particular attention to fit. Are they still fitting as well as last year? Any sewing issues that need to be addressed? If its a missing button or hook and eye, fine. Fix it. However, if you’ve got any frayed hems or stains that haven’t come out, go ahead and say good-bye. Shorts, like t-shirts, are in plentiful supply out there.

PS - think about including not only casual shorts in your wardrobe, but some dressier shorts as well. Dressier shorts would be the version you see out right now that are longer on the leg ( say, 7″ to 9″) and are more fitted through the thigh. They will also be in a dressier summer fabric like polished cotton. If you purchase them in a neutral color like khaki, black or white, you’ll get much more wardrobe “play” because they can be put with brights, pastels and print tops- more bang for your fashion buck!

*Cropped pants - a hundred varieties await you, all in different categories and price points. Here’s what you need to be aware of … your height; and, the shape / length of your leg.

The taller you are (no matter your weight) the better you are able to carry off a wider-leg cropped pant.

Petites will need to select a more fitted cropped pant - something more fitted through the seat, upper thigh and leg. That doesn’t necessarily mean go for a “tight” fit…it just means something that “fits” well and comfortably and not loose and oversized. Too loose and oversized will make you look like you are drowning in your clothes, as well as visually cutting your off your leg mid-calf making you appear even shorter than you really are! Something you don’t want to do.

Want some real-life “available in-store now” examples of what we’ve talked about today? Then check back with me tomorrow and I’ll show you what I’ve found!

Happy First day of Summer! And this is just how I like to view summer - Simplicity, itself!
Remember the days when one sewing pattern could provide you with five different looks and your summer was pretty well taken care of clothing-wise? Well, it still can be that easy and you don’t have to be a seamstress either (although I am envious of those folks who are!!!).

Summer fashion is meant to be all about dressing with ease and comfort. Effortless style in breezy fabrics is what we aspire to in a perfect world. Doesn’t that sound grand?

So tell me, how does your closet measure up?

Have you made the jump into Summer, yet?

This week is a perfect time to take a peek behind those louvered doors to see what you have on hand and what you may need to add.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you determine your “effortless and breezy” rating on this first official day of Summer 2007. These are summer essentials that work well for most everyone. Are they in your closet? And, if so, what kind of shape are they in?

* T-Shirts…both casual and dressy

* Shorts…both casual and dressy (dressy shorts? Check back tomorrow and we’ll go into more detail)

* Cropped pants…casual and dressy

* Summer dresses…long and/or short, flowing or form-fitting

* Tank tops and/or halter tops…casual and dressy (make sure the “girls” are taken care of in some way…either with a built-in shelf-bra, or a special convertible halter bra)

* Long skirts…lightweight, flowing and colorful

* Cardigans…(restaurants can get c-c-c-cool in the summer!)

* Casual hoodie or zip-front jacket…

*Cotton Tunic Tops…wonderful selection out there this summer

*Bathing Suits…(yes, you need at least two!)

*Bathing Suit Cover-Up…(yes, you need one…wrapping up in a towel no longer counts.)

*Beach Hat…(yep!)

*Flat sandals…both casual and dressy

*Summer sneaker…(think hot asphalt at the amusement park)

*Sandals with a heel…can be a short kitten heel, a spike heel, or a wedge sandal

* Flip Flops (or Thongs)…something that can get wet and sandy

* Summer handbag…

That’s it…a quick, down and dirty checklist for summer. Got questions? Tomorrow, I’ll go into a little bit more detail about the list. But for now, go ahead and check out your closet. I’m sure you’re much closer to “effortless and breezy” than you think!

The other day I mentioned the idea of making clothing purchases with “legs” - i.e. that in an ideal world, whatever clothing that you buy have the ability to go with a variety of things you already own and also have the type of styling that will last more than one season. Part of this comes from the idea of owning basic wardrobe pieces - the backbone of your closet - but it also can mean owning some really unique clothing pieces that will stand the test of time.

Clothing with “legs” mean that the garments have a timeless quality about them - either through their ability to adapt endlessly (ie. black pants, a white men’s style dress shirt, a cardigan set in solid colors, or the eternal little black dress in all of its variations) - or that by their styling alone (the cut of the jacket, the luxuriousness of the fabric, the striking color) they make a dramatic statement on their own transcending time and current fashion.

Here’s a perfect example of an outfit with “legs”. It’s Jackie O leaving Claridges Hotel in London. Can you guess the year? It doesn’t really matter because she looked fabulous then; and, translated today, her outfit still looks fabulous and up to the minute. This outfit - white trench coat, white pants and black turtleneck - would work perfectly in today’s world, still turning heads and looking impossibly chic. And the really great thing is that you don’t have to be built like Jackie O to adopt this outfit. Keeping in mind jacket proportions, this look would work equally well in Women’s sizes and petites, too!

Pretty amazing for three little basic wardrobe pieces, don’t you think? Ahhhh…the power of “legs”!

(PS - It was 1970!)

It goes without saying that March is a great time to shop the abundance of sales going on right now in retail stores, catalogues and on the internet.

And if you decide to take advantage, by all means take these two pieces of advice along with you as you shop…buy what you need, buy what you love.

By that, I mean be a savvy shopper and look for items that will round out your “end of winter” wardrobe right now – i.e. anything that your wardrobe is lacking that you will still need to get through another month of chilly weather. Perhaps it’s more sweaters, a quilted vest, long sleeve tee shirts, or another pair of gloves?

If you loved a particular turtleneck you purchased from a catalogue this past fall, chances are really good that you can pick up another one (or two!) at a reduced price now. Buy one in the color you currently have (as a ready-to-go replacement for next Winter) and then splurge on the yummy color you passed up two months ago in consideration of your wallet. See? Good things do come to those who wait!

This strategy is the “buying what you need” part and is a smart way to continue to build upon your basic wardrobe without having to start from scratch each season. Remember, if you loved the way this season’s turtleneck looked and fit you; then you’ll be glad to have another one for next winter and not have to start the search all over again.

The second strategy is “buying what you love” and it means just that…buying what you really LOVE. If there was a pair of outrageously gorgeous shoes that you drooled over in October, but they had an outrageous price tag to go along with it, then in the name of true love and soul fulfillment, re-visit the scene and see if by chance (“Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope” with eyes squeezed shut!) they have been marked down and they still have your size. This is especially do-able for catalogues and Internet sites.

Who knows? True love may rule the day and you’ll find those shoes are still there waiting for you in the perfect size and perfect price! Bottom line: it’s always worth another try if you loved it and missed it the first time around.

The one thing you don’t want to take along on your sale-shopping expedition is the “It’ll Do” mindset. (If you’ve forgotten or aren’t familiar with “It’ll Do”, check it out in my “Pages” section of this blog…“The Curse of It’ll Do”).

“It’ll Do” is particularly insidious during sale periods. All those lovely markdown racks are enticing you to spend, spend, and spend on stuff that you don’t really want or need. Succumbing to their siren’s call will only deplete your cash and begin to clog up your closet with clothing that doesn’t inspire or excite you.

It’s a much better strategy for your wallet and your peace of mind to save your money for that really wonderful item you know is just ahead on the horizon that will beckon you with a true soul calling - something that you will LOVE to wear, will look great on you and garner lots of great compliments.

Remember – buying what you need and what you love is one of the best ways to begin to create the “Closet of your “Dreams”.

In the meantime, just keep chanting this mantra as you walk through the maze of this month’s sale racks, “If I didn’t need it and/or love it three months ago, why do I need it now?”

By adhering to these strategies, chances are good you will move through this potentially threatening territory relatively unscathed and feeling a little richer, and a little more fashion savvy going into 2007.

I love the idea of “wearing your intentions”! (See the previous post, if you missed this discussion).

A little like wearing your heart on your sleeve only less vulnerable, “wearing” your intentions is a wonderful way to begin to manifest your dreams and your goals into reality for the new year (or actually any time of year!).

Let’s see how this might work…
Maybe your intention is to invigorate your present career. It certainly is easy enough to begin dressing for the part! If you want a promotion or a new and better job, then start dressing for it. As you dress for it, you begin to “see” yourself in your new position (literally!). And guess what? Others do, too! Even though we may not like to think it… people do notice everything from a new haircut to a new way of dressing. And a little “trading up” here can go a long way to getting you acknowledged by the right decision makers - those who can get you the promotion or new job that you seek.

It might be as simple as weaving in some smart jacket and pant combinations this month. Maybe put on heels and a skirt a couple of days a week, rather than your usual flats and casual pants. You’ll know best what your particular office culture looks like and what will work. You’ll also know what is a comfortable style for you personally.

What you don’t want to do is to change your look so drastically that you don’t recognize yourself or, worse yet, feel like your dressing a lie. The changes (or shall we say “additions”) you are making should be subtle and an extension of who you are naturally. After all, we are nurturing a part of ourselves that is on a journey - a journey that only we as individuals can take.
Any dressing for the part should still come from a deep soul place…a place that reflects who you are authentically and honestly. Not a pantsuit kind of girl? Can’t do towering stilettos? No problem. Just do what comes naturally and step it up a notch.
Perhaps the change could be as subtle as updating your cosmetics…something a bit more polished and pulled together than just clear gloss and mascara. Or a new haircut or subtle hair color change.

Take baby steps by all means! Gently weaving in these new intentions into your life is the best and easiest way to make them stick. Slow and steady is the way to see how these intentions actually feel when you begin to apply them. Do they feel good heading towards great? Then by all means, keep the change and begin adding a couple of more. If they make you feel bad, or false in any way, first check with your gut to make sure you’re not just feeling the effects of being out of your normal comfort zone. Remember, any forward motion will feel like a bit of a stretch.

If, on the other hand, it just doesn’t feel “true” or authentic then just know that either you might have taken a bigger step than feels comfortable for you at the current moment (and adjust accordingly); or, re-examine your intention and see if its really where you want to go.

Either way, you’ve just dipped your toes in the “waters” of your intention. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done! And if you decide that you want to continue to immerse yourself further in the adventure; or, to enjoy the sights on shore for just awhile longer, either way you’re experiencing your intention in a very real way…Enjoy!

Early January is such a great time for looking ahead.

I don’t know whether its the cold, brisk January air or the act of cracking open a brand new calendar, but I always feel a sense of excitement in the early weeks of the new year.

The saving grace of a “do-over”. One more year to get it right (whatever right is!).

What does “right” look like for you this year? What would you most like to see happen in 2007?

For me, my “right” is looking like adventure and authenticity - hopefully viewing each day in a more open adventurous way…allowing for experience rather than clamping down and trying to control a certain outcome. Also, approaching things more authentically - coming from a place of self-truth, more of who I really am on the inside, rather than a more “pleasing” facade (i.e. saying goodbye to the old habit of saying “yes”, when a “no” would do my soul much more good!).

One place that I’m going to experiment with adventure and authenticity is in my wardrobe. Odd as it may sound, I do think its possible to let your overall intentions for what you want in life trickle down into your wardrobe. It can be a wonderfully easy and concrete way to start living your intentions. Something that shows up in the “real” world…announcing in subtle ways to yourself and others where you’re heading this year.

How would that work…the “wearing” of your intentions?

That’s what we’ll explore in the next few weeks. In the meantime, go ahead and think about your intentions for this year. What do you want to do? Who do you want to be? What do you want more of in your life?

Take some quiet time and meditate on these questions. Be gentle and listen for the answers. If they don’t come right away, don’t worry. Just leave the questions open in your mind and, no doubt, just the right response will bubble up in a day or two. When they do, write your responses down and “try them on” for a few days. Mull them over. Live with them and see if they are a good “fit”. If so, great!

Bring them with you the next time you visit here, and we’ll explore how you can infuse your wardrobe with your intentions - just one more delightful and creative way to manifest your desires in 2007!

“…then plugging in the electric iron, she spread a cloth over the kitchen table, and set to work. A black marocain crepe dress, that had been overworked for both evening and afternoon wear, was attacked with the iron and diluted ammonia. Water mixed with glycerine was dabbed on to elbows and hips that were threatening to turn shiny. A navy-blue tailor-made, whose four little pockets were covered with dull blue and red sequins, received the same careful treatment, and Julie was busy soaping a blouse, two pairs of camiknickers, and some silk stockings when she was disturbed by three rings on the bell.” - Excerpt from Julie de Carneilhan, by Colette.

The above is a short excerpt from favorite short story of mine, Julie de Carneilhan, by Colette. Set in pre-war France, it follows the relationship between beautiful, aristocratic, and now, down on her luck, Julie and Comte d’Espivant, her former husband, now married to a wealthy widow.

The story exquisitely illustrates the complexities of love and, at the same time, provides an intimate portrait of how beauty and a sense of one’s self permeates a woman’s soul no matter her age or circumstance.

How many times have each of us, when money may have been tight, dusted off that old black dress and made it look new again with different jewelry, or an evening shawl?Or perhaps brought lunch from home for a couple of weeks to cover the cost of a hair color treatment at the salon?

Far from being indulgent, beauty is a gift with give ourselves. It raises our self-esteem, nutures us, and often gives us that much needed “armor” against a sometimes cruel world.

Our beauty is the “face” we present to the world. And, as we all know (hopefully on a deep intuitive level), beauty comes in many packages - classical, charming, quirky, honest - and should be honored in all its lovely presentations.

Let’s promise not to undermine or underestimate the deep value that comes from “indulging” in our beauty, fashion and personal style. No matter how tight our budget is, no matter how time-challenged we become, no matter how “unimportant” small acts of beauty may seem in the larger scheme of things; let us remember the soul-filling satisfaction to be had from honoring ourselves in all ways - from large gestures, to small daily rituals. We deserve it.

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Note: Julie de Carneilhan can be found in the book, Gigi, Julie de Carneilhan, and Chance Aquaintances: Three Short Novels by Colette.